NOVEMBER 2015
Worship Schedule
Saturdays, 5:00 pm and Sundays, 8:00 & 10:00 am
All are welcome! Invite your friends and neighbors.
Spirit of Grace
Lutheran Church
15820 W. Clearview Blvd.
Surprise, AZ 85374
In the
of Sun City Grand
Phone: 623/977-6000
Fax: 623/544-3550
Web site: www.spiritofgrace.com
Mission Statement
“Bringing the Spirit of Grace to all
people”
Worship Hours
Saturday at 5:00 pm
Sunday at 8:00 & 10:00 am
Education Hour
Wednesday Bible Study, 10:00 am
Office Hours
8:30 to 4:00 Mon—Thurs
8:30—12:00 Fri
Staff
Rev. Vern Anderson, Sr. Pastor
[email protected]
Linda Stratman
Winter Worship times change
November 1 to
Saturday, 5:00 pm
Sunday, 8:00 and 10:00 am
*
*
*
Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service
Wednesday, November 25th, 6:00 pm
Pie & coffee served after the Service
Director of Parish Life
[email protected]
Gerry White
Director of Finance & Admin.
[email protected]
Gil Korito, Bookkeeper
[email protected]
Sheila Marlow
Secretary/Receptionist
[email protected]
Fred Bornhoeft
Director of Music
Elaine Indahl
Accompanist
Ken Carnes
Asst. Choir Director
Thursday, December 17
2:00 pm
Call the office to register
Fred Schreiber & Jerry Huston
Facilities Managers
2
WHOSE HANDS ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
A Thanksgiving Day editorial in the newspaper told
of a school teacher who asked her first graders to
draw a picture of something they were thankful
for. She thought of how little these children from
poor neighborhoods actually had to be thankful for.
But she knew that most of them would draw
pictures of turkeys on tables with food. The
teacher was taken aback with the picture Douglas
handed in...a simple childishly drawn hand.
But whose hand? The class was captivated by the abstract image. “I think it must be
the hand of God that brings us food,” said one child. “A farmer,” said another,
“because he grows the turkeys.” Finally when the others were back at work the
teacher bent over Douglas's desk and asked whose hand it was. “It's your hand,
Teacher,” he mumbled.
She recalled that frequently at recess she had taken Douglas, a scrubby forlorn child,
by the hand. She often did that with the children. But it meant so much to Douglas.
“Perhaps this is everyone's Thanksgiving, not for the material things given to us, but
for the chance, in whatever small way, to give to others,” she thought.
God has blessed us in so many ways, the greatest blessing was when His Son, Jesus,
died on the cross and rose victorious for us over sin and death. His nail-pierced hands
are a reminder to us of his love. November is a month that we remember and give
thanks to God for all His blessings. It is also a time to think about what God can do
through us to make a difference in other people’s lives. We are God’s hands and feet
and voices in the world today. We are his representatives to this world of His love,
grace, forgiveness, and concern for one another.
This month you will hear about projects that Gifts of Hope is spearheading that really
make a difference in people’s lives. The Advent Giving Tree provides for those who
can’t provide for themselves. The Fellowship Hall wall of ministries offers many opportunities for everyone to be involved in a ministry that is “hands on” and make a real
difference to real people. All of these are wonderful ways we can be about God’s work
in our world today.
Continued on page 4
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Continued from page 3
I wish each of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I also challenge you to
not only be thankful, but to be God’s hands, feet, and voice.
Thanks in advance for all you have done and will continue to do in Jesus’ name!
Pastor Vern
The Call Committee is considering several candidates who
have been provided by the Synod Office. We are also considering individuals that have inquired on their own concerning
our opening for an Assistant Pastor. Our process calls for
Pastor Vern to make initial contact and conduct one-on-one
interviews. Those discussions continue and hopefully will
result in one or more individuals that would be a good fit for
Spirit of Grace at this time. The Call Committee will then
interview candidates, select a single candidate, and present that name to the
Congregation.
We are hopeful that one of the present candidates will be a good fit, however; should
that not be the case, we will move on and consider other candidates once they are
provided to us by the Synod Office.
As always, keep this important activity in your prayers. We know that God hears our
prayers and will lead us.
Phil Nelson, Chairman
Jan Hylen
Noelle Nothelfer
Rich Frusciano
Sue Stromquist
Pastor Vern
We grieve with our members Darlene & Ron at the loss of
Allyn Boday who passed away in mid-September, son of
Darlene Boday
Carrol Mjelde who passed away October 19, brother of Ron
Mjelde
4
THE NUMBERLESS GIFTS OF GOD’S MERCIES
“The numberless gifts of God’s mercies, my tongue cannot fathom or tell. Like
dew that appears in the morning, they come to us shining and full. I’ll never count all
of God’s mercies, but oh, I can give God my praise.”
This hymn from the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book could be a daily prayer,
but is especially appropriate during the season of Thanksgiving. It is a wonderful
reminder that we are to share the love and gifts God has given us to bring the Good
News of Jesus Christ to all people. We do that by using our time, talents and
treasures to support the multiple ministries at Spirit of Grace, which in turn spreads
the Good News of Christ to others locally, regionally, and internationally.
I encourage you to take time to review the many ministry banners on the wall
in the Fellowship Hall, which include statements and photos of each particular
ministry emphasis. You may find something particularly well suited to your own gifts
and interests.
In addition, we wish to say Thank You—again—to the good and faithful
stewards attending Spirit of Grace. Your generous sharing of your treasures is indeed
helping us to grow and further spread the Good News of Jesus Christ! Thank you!
Dave Sitzman
Stewardship Committee
FINANCIAL REPORT
Income 5 months to the end of September 2015
$240,072
Expenses 5 months to the end of September 2015
$235,091
Fixed Asset purchases 5 months to end of September
$ 47,979
Mortgage balance as at the end of September 2015
$1,140,376
5
OUR ANNUAL HARVEST HOMECOMING TO WELCOME BACK
OUR WINTER VISITORS
Sunday, November 8 — 5:30 pm
Doors open at 5:15
Catered Dinner followed by a twoact play, “A Bad Year for Tomatoes”
performed by the On the Road seven member troupe. The madcap
comedy tells of a famous actress
who is in search of privacy to write
her memoir, and in order to get
that privacy, invents her homicidal
sister who is locked in an upstairs
bedroom. When no one actually
meets the sister, the actress appears to have murdered her, and
mayhem ensues.
Tickets are $10 per person and are
available after the worship services
and in the office until November 3.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Activities continue on page 7
6
Barleens Arizona Opry Dinner Theatre
Wednesday, December 9
Fun Fellowship Outing
The motor coach will arrive in the parking lot at 4:00 pm and we will begin loading the
bus. We anticipate leaving the Spirit of Grace parking lot at approximately 4:15 pm
and returning about 11:15 pm that evening.
Barleen’s Arizona Opry Dinner Theatre
Holiday Christmas Show
Cost of the event is $ 50.00 per person
Your $ 50.00 per person price includes round trip motor coach transportation, a great
dinner with tender slow-cooked roast beef, chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy,
vegetable medley, baked apples, whole wheat roll, and “Opry Chocolate Cake,” along
with coffee or lemonade. Also included in the price of the ticket are the show, tax, and
all gratuities for wait staff and bus driver. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are available at
an additional cost. Ice Cream sundaes and root beer floats are available for purchase
during intermission.
After dinner you will experience “Arizona’s wholesome family entertainment. Enjoy
music …….comedy and more!
Tickets will be available for purchase following church services beginning October 31
and going thru November 22 or until sold out. Tickets will also be available at the
church office Monday thru Friday beginning November 2nd.
Continued on page 8
Page 7
JUST FOR YOU - It’s time for Rally in the
Valley 2016 and the theme is “Go into the
World.” It all begins Monday morning, February 15, 2016 and continues until Tuesday
afternoon February 16 at Prince of Peace
Lutheran Church in Phoenix. Rev. Elizabeth
Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA will be a
keynote speaker and worship preacher.
Amb. Daniel Speckhard, President and CEO
of Lutheran World Relief, will also be a keynoter. Fr. Greg Adolf, Pastor of St. Andrew
The Apostle Catholic Church in Sierra Vista, AZ will present the Bible Studies. Tom Witt
and Mary Preus will be our musicians. Bishop Steve Talmage will preside at closing
worship. The major presentations, Interest Sessions, and Bible Studies will explore
the Go into the World theme. We are inviting seniors to bring their Bibles and be prepared to engage in conversation, prayer, worship, and discernment. Registration begins
on November 1; registration forms are available in the church office. A discounted rate
of $60 per person which includes continental breakfast both days, two lunches, and
Monday’s dinner, is available for groups of eight or more—a savings of $15. Last year
10 people from SOG participated and had a wonderful time. Pick up your registration
form in the office and return it along with your check made payable to Spirit of Grace
to Linda.
Here’s what some of our participants from last year said about Rally:
Imagine 500 senior Lutherans gathering on one campus for two days of
joyful singing of hymns, seminars and workshops on age related issues,
biblical presentations, socializing over delicious meals and coffee breaks,
listening to thought provoking Lutheran guest speakers, participating in the
Holden Evening Prayer service, visiting unique displays by vendors and
sharing your experiences with other senior Lutherans. That describes Rally
in the Valley!—Carlita & Ron Beltz
Excellent keynote speaker; Big picture of our church here in USA and
around the world; Chance to meet other senior Lutherans and learn what
is happening in their parishes; Uplifting, joyful experience—Margaret
Yurecko
Everything was geared to the issues we seniors want to talk and hear about,
and while we were learning new things we were having so much fun!—Linda
Stratman
8
The Spirit of Grace Choir is busy preparing to
sing an Advent/Christmas cantata. As the choir
rehearses and becomes more familiar with the
music some very positive remarks are being made:
“I love this music.” “The music is so joyful.”
“Have I told you, I love this?”
Those of us who are preparing know that the congregation will love the music as well. The schedule
for the performances has some variables in it, so
paying attention to the schedule will be necessary:
 Sunday, November 29, the choir anthem will
be the first song of the cantata: “The Coming of
the Lord”
 Sunday, December 6, the choir anthem will be
the second song of the cantata: “Waiting”
 Sunday, December 13, the choir anthem will
be the third song of the cantata: “Angels Are Making Their Rounds”

Saturday, December 19, the entire cantata will be performed at the 5:00 pm
service.

Sunday, December 20, the last 5 songs of the cantata will be performed at both
the 8:00 and 10:00 services.
Again, as a group, the choir is putting in additional rehearsal time toward this special
event. We look forward to sharing “Night of the Father’s Love” with all of you.
Kenneth Carnes, Director
BIOFEEDBACK — Our very own Dr. Joe Dramise had
such an enthusiastic response to the “What is Biofeedback?” presentation, the Counseling Ministry will present
Biofeedback – Part II. He will explain more in depth the
benefits of learning how to breathe properly to help calm
anxiety, lower blood pressure, assist sleep, and numerous
other health issues that can be controlled by you! So
please join Dr. Joe in the Fellowship Hall on Wednesday,
November 18th at 10:00 am for a very fascinating topic
and discussion. See you there!
9
It is great to see so many of you returning to
Arizona after spending the summer away. The
parking lot is again full and there aren’t many
empty seats in the sanctuary. That means it is
time to go to two services on Sunday which
will begin on November 1st. Worship services
will be at 8:00 and 10:00 am. The Saturday
service remains at 5:00 pm.
November is a month of giving thanks and we have so much to be thankful for at
Spirit of Grace. Our members are so generous with their time, talent, and treasure.
This generosity allows us to support the many ministries at Spirit of Grace, but also
provides us the opportunity to provide financial support to non-profit organizations in
our area. The Council recently voted to give $1,000 to each of the following organizations: Bennevilla; West Side Tremble Clefs, supporting those with Parkinson’s disease;
Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation Cruise Mobile and Homeless Youth Connection,
both providing services to homeless youth; and Honor House, helping veterans cope
with mental and physical injuries as they return to civilian life. We are thankful that we
are in a position to be able to assist these worthy organizations.
Each Council member acts as a liaison to three or more of our many ministries at Spirit
of Grace. At the October meeting, members reported on the status of their assigned
ministries. The recurring theme was that more volunteers are needed. Some of those
ministries needing more help are the Welcome Table, Café Grace, Ushers and
Greeters, and the Post-worship Prayer group. If you are a nurse, please think about
giving some of your time to assist with blood pressure checks which are important to
so many of our members. LindaLu Miller is looking for an assistant in the library. If you
have computer skills and are able to spend some time in our wonderful library, please
stop by to visit with LindaLu. These are just a few of the many ministries at Spirit of
Grace that depend on volunteers to make this church such a vibrant place. Please
check the Ministry Wall posters in the Fellowship Hall to see if there is a ministry where
you can share your individual time and talent.
We were pleased to honor Pastor Vern on October 11, which was Pastor Appreciation
Day. Although this was a surprise to him, we enjoyed having an opportunity to show
our appreciation for his hard work and celebrated with cake after the Sunday Service.
Our traditional Thanksgiving Eve service will be held on November 25th, at 6:00 pm.
The Council will host pie and coffee in the Fellowship Hall following the service and we
hope you will join us.
Our choir will be performing the cantata, “Night of the Father’s Love,” during Advent
beginning on November 29th. For the full schedule, see page 9 .This would be a
perfect time to invite your friends to join us for this special Advent series. Word has it
that this musical celebration is going to be really outstanding!
Continued on page 10
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Continued from page 9
On behalf of your Council, I wish all of you a special season of Thanksgiving as we
reflect on God’s blessings in our lives.
Sue Kopcha, President
Dave Sitzman, Vice President
Brenda Parker, Secretary
Judy Albright
Bruce Belanger
Les Bonde
Dorothy Carnes
Bruce Champlin
Tom Liston
Spirit of Grace men will gather for the next Men’s
Breakfast on Tuesday, November 17. Gathering for
coffee and fellowship starts at 8:00 am and the
breakfast meal is usually served at about 8:20 am.
One thing that attendees can be sure of is that they
will not go away hungry. Following breakfast the
devotional discussion will take its focus from Psalm
42:1-5 and Philippians 4:4.
It is necessary for the men planning to attend the next
Men’s Breakfast to sign up so that the caterer will know
how much food to prepare. Sign-up instructions will be
available in the “Upcoming” section of the bulletins the two weekends prior to the
breakfast. The cost of this catered breakfast will be $7.00. For questions or additional
information, contact Bernie Ryan at 623-214-5777.
DAN REED AND HIS 6-PIECE MUSICAL GROUP
Dan Reed’s Music—”Keeping It Fun”
Coming to Spirit of Grace on January 31
Playing a selection of gospel/jazz—
Old standards with new twists
See next month’s Grace Notes for more information
11
This symbol - with the cross, water and a white lily - identifies the women
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America as children of God: baptized,
forgiven, adopted into God's family, full of grace and hope in eternal life. It
is a reminder of the growth, beauty and vitality that rise out of that lifegiving baptismal water. The symbol also reminds us of the mission of the
Church to "Go, therefore, make disciples of all nations; baptize them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." Matthew 28:19
WOMEN OF SPIRIT OF GRACE—NOVEMBER 2015
Women of Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church
Fall General Meeting and Thankoffering Luncheon
We invite all women to join in a day of Celebration
and Thanksgiving!
Thursday, November 5th. At 11:00 am
Fellowship Hall, Tickets are $8.00
Tickets will be available after worship on Saturday, October 24th,
Sunday, October 25th and October 31st, November 1st.
Tickets are also available during the week in the Church Office.
Guest Speaker: Pastor Kim Sterner,
Associate Pastor, Lord of Life Lutheran Church
Bring your friends for a delicious lunch and a talk on Discipleship
and what it means for our lives today!
Continued on page 14
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Continued from page 12
Our Fall Bible Study is SLOW FAITH written by Liv Larson Andrews, Pastor of Salem
Lutheran, Spokane, Washington
November Session Three: TEMPO GIUSTO
Theme verse: “But as for that in the good soil, these are the
ones who, when they hear the word, hold it fast in an honest
and good heart and bear fruit with patient endurance.” Luke
8:15
Bible Study Over View: “To work to increase our love for God and for our fellow human (and the two must go hand in hand), this is a lifetime job. We are never finished.”
- Dorothy Day, By Little and By Little
Circle Bible Study

Deborah:
Thursday, November 12th at 8:30 am
Bible Study Leader: Janet Steinwand
Home of Betty Bolt, 15510 W. Camino Real Way, 605-310-7288

Elizabeth:
Thursday, November 12th at 1:00 pm at church
Bible Study Leader: Carole Junge

Martha:
Monday, November 9th at 9:30 am at church
Bible Study Leader: Linda Besonday, Hostess: Judy Schmidtke

Mary:
Monday, November 9th at 2:00 pm at church
Bible Study Leader: Noelle Nothelfer

Rachel:
Tuesday, November 10th at 9:00 am at church
Bible Study Leader: Noelle Nothelfer
Continued on page 14
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Continued from page 13
Upcoming Events:
November 5th: Fall WELCA Thankoffering Luncheon: 11:00 am, Church
November 18th: Board Meeting 1:00 Conference Room
March 12th, 2016: Cactus Conference, Spirit of Grace Lutheran Church
Reflect: “But now, dear lady, I ask you, not as though I were writing you a new
commandment, but one we have had from the beginning, let us love one another. “
2 John 1:5
Lyla Dramise, President
This mission of the Prayer Chain Ministry is to pray for all people in need, including
our church family, our personal family and our friends. James 5:13-17 says “Are you
among the suffering? They should pray…pray for one another so that you may be
healed… the prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective”.
Please prayerfully consider joining us in this important ministry. If you are interested,
email us at [email protected] or contact Linda Cinnamond 928-252-6700
or Debbie Lange 828-335-0300.
14
Wednesday, November 25th
6:00 pm
Pie & Coffee served after the
Worship Service
When our parking lot is full,
we may park across the street
at the golf course lot. Thanks
Granite Falls Golf Club!
So many children, so many
families, and not enough to eat.
This Thanksgiving season, as we
focus on our many blessings,
others face a food shortage. Did
you know, 1 in 4 children in
Arizona struggle with hunger? We
can make a difference for them.
FOOD INGATHERING
Always the first full weekend of the month
November 7-8
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GIFTS OF HOPE
November brings crisp cool air, beautiful sunshine, and GIFTS OF HOPE!
The weekend of November 21-22, 2015 has been designated as
the Kick-Off for the 2015 Gifts of Hope Campaign. As Spirit of
Grace has been fortunate to receive a good number of new people into
our congregation over the past year and many of us who have been
around for a while could use refreshing, it seems important to share a little about this
Ministry and its impact.
Gifts of Hope started in 2003 as part of a 5-year project by the ELCA to “Stand With
Africa” to encourage and assist African families to build a better life. Retired Pastor Dan
Olson and a number of others were an integral part in developing and highlighting an
answer to this call. Since that year, the effort has continued and flourished with a
generous response from the Spirit of Grace Congregation. Last year, SOG raised
$46,468 for mosquito nets, motorbikes, Plaster House, and others.
This year, we have added a new emphasis—Empowering Coffee
Farmers in Kenya—to our list of projects. Many farmers in Kenya
already grow coffee as a cash crop but lack the training and equipment
to lift them from poverty. Through Lutheran World Relief (LWR), we can
support and empower these farmers to grow better quality coffee more
efficiently. LWR has similar projects in place in Kenya and Uganda so
they will be able to capitalize on lessons learned and successes
established. As with all our Gifts of Hope projects, our goal is to
give a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out.
We will also be continuing to support Plaster House, an arm of the Arusha
Lutheran Medical Center in Tanzania. Since 2010, SOG has provided funding for
surgeries and aftercare for children who have been burned in fires, need corrective
surgery for cleft lip, or have deformities in limbs from
naturally occurring overabundance of fluoride in the
water in some areas. It has been especially satisfying
for us to see the difference our contributions have
made when the Plaster House moved to a new facility.
SOG helped furnish beds, a new water well, and a
converter for back-up power for the solar pump.
Sharon Berg, a friend of our congregation who lives in
Sun City Grand, has made two trips to Plaster House—in 2013 and 2015—and has seen
first-hand how these items have vastly improved and expanded the care and number of
children being served.
Continued on page 17
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GIFTS OF HOPE
Continued from page 16
What better witness can we have to see that the money we send is used for the work
we intend!
This year our emphasis at Plaster House will be to
help provide continuing aftercare for Justin, a
child who was burned in a fire over 80% of his body.
He has been there for two years and has had 27
surgeries with many more to go.
We also want to help Plaster House enlarge and
enrich their vegetable garden as part of their plan
to be self-sufficient. Their needs include training for
their two gardeners, tools, development of the site
(they have their own land), construction of a green
house and compost area, and the purchase of
seeds, plants, and fertilizer.
We are fortunate in that both Sharon Berg and Rev. Michael Johnson from Lutheran
World Relief will be joining us on Nov. 21/22 to share their observations and give
additional information about these projects. It is important to remember and be
grateful that 100% of the money given goes directly to the projects designated and the
mission staff assigned to them as administrative costs are funded through LWR, ELCA,
and Global Mission.
We also welcome Ray Poole as our new Chair and encourage your support and participation for this exciting Spirit of Grace Ministry.
--Cosette Swalheim
PUNS FOR EDUCATED MINDS...
The fattest knight at King Arthurs round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size
from too much pi.
I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical
Aleutian.
A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class, because it was a weapon of
math disruption.
No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
17
GORDON & LOUISE KELLN – are both Canadians by birth but moved
to the United States when Gordon’s company transferred him when
they were in their twenties. They
subsequently became American
citizens and made several moves in
the U.S., and most recently came
from North Canton, Ohio. Gordon was
a chief financial officer and VP of
finance; Louise was a stay-at-home
mom to their four children. The Kellns
came to Spirit of Grace through their
friends Bob & Cindy Mooney. Because
of his finance background, Gordon enjoys studying and making investments in
retirement. Louise likes sewing, quilting, reading, playing cards, and they both
enjoy golf. They have a motor home and travel to visit their children spread out
over the country.
KEN SHARP & ROSEMARY YOUNGSHARP – Ken is originally from North
Dakota and Rosemary is from Hawaii. In
Hawaii Rosemary was a realtor and after
moving to the mainland, she worked in the
office of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s
Office. Prior to his retirement, Ken was in
heavy equipment sales. They spend time in
Minnesota each year where Ken is an avid
fisherman; Rosemary likes to travel, quilt, and read.
Contributed by
Novelle Ballard
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ACTION TEAM AT THE GOOD SAMARITAN SOCIETY
PEORIA GOOD SHEPHERD CHURCH
Peoria Good Shepherd was planning
community service projects and activities to
commemorate Founder’s Day. Founder’s
Day celebrates the day the Good Samaritan
Society was founded 93 years ago by four
Lutheran Ministers from North Dakota.
Sherylea Downes, Director of Resource
Development at Peoria Good Shepherd,
created a Thrivent Action Team to buy
supplies to build personal care packages for
homeless seniors at the Justa Center in
downtown Phoenix. Volunteers gathered to put together over 100 personal care kits
which included detergent, deodorant, a pair of socks, shampoo/body wash, and
personal pillboxes.
Want to do something positive to strengthen your community? Think you can organize
a team to help bring it to life? A Thrivent Action Team can assist you! Every Thrivent
member is eligible to apply for two action teams per year. Each action team receives
$250. Need more information, or help with applying on-line? Contact Denise Funk
928/814-9676, and she and her computer will come to your aid!
Not a Thrivent Member? Our mission is to help strengthen Christian communities by
helping members be wise with money and live generously. Check us out at
www.whythrivent.com or contact Mark Funk, Thrivent Financial Representative,
623/377-0117.
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REFLECTIONS AND RECOLLECTIONS
by Dan Olson, author of
“African Sand in My Sandals”
+ + +
A GREAT HUNTER?
Many of my friends grew up with tales of hunting prowess. I did not. Some people
grew up in a home where hunting was a regular part of life and conversation. I did
not. Some people have weapons for hunting in their homes. I do not—with two
exceptions:
1. I had an historically-themed black powder muzzleloader that we made from a
kit.
2. I had a powerful bow and arrow. The archery range was a 30-foot section of
the basement of the parsonage with a hay bale for a target.
With these disclaimers, I will share two hunting stories.
In our little town, two guys, Erling, the grocer, and Stanley, the postmaster, had a
small slaughterhouse where they worked with local farmers in dressing out animals
and storing the meat in the freezer-locker in the grocery store. Erling convinced me to
fill up our locker with venison—a good and generous offer. “However,” he said with a
sly grin, “you’ll have to bring a deer down with your bow and arrow. I have confidence
you and your brother-in-law can do it.”
Erling arranged for some local kids to walk the ravine
and drive the corn-eating deer ahead of them to a spot
were the two of us were perched ready to take one down.
A simple plan. “Nobody misses.” The signal was given.
“There’s two deer heading toward you. You have 10
minutes to get set.”
In our haste to clear away the brush, my “partner” slashed
quickly at the brush with his machete. TWANG—The bowstring was cut. Our hunting party was now down to one. The deer did come down the
ravine on schedule. I pulled the string and let the arrow fly . . . right between the
deer’s legs.
I was glad I missed. I WATCHED HIM JOYFULLY RUN. Someone else provided some
venison for our table.
Continued on page 21
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A GREAT HUNTER?
Continued from page 20
In another place and another time, a group of guys considered themselves as great
outdoorsmen—fishers and hunters. Weekly they gathered with muzzleloaders in the
local gravel pit for target practice. The word spread that this year’s trip would be in a
houseboat—hunting moose in the Canadian waters. The houseboat was fitted out like
a large floating RV. Months before the trip, the planning was filled with laughter and
camaraderie. One said, “Why don’t we invite Padre?” They all agreed, and I accepted
the chance to join the seven “armed hunters.” It sounded like fun!
The adventure went well and after our time and our supplies
diminished, we made our way back to the base and reflected on a
great adventure of hunting moose. No one, of course, expected to
shoot a moose or even to see one. And that expectation was
met. The only wild life we saw was a few ducks, some walleyes,
and a few of the hunters. The Great Muzzleloader Moose Hunt
joined the Great Archery Deer Hunt as two events where the
“targets” were never in danger.
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