“Bringing the hope we share in Christ to others.”
From Pastor Rob Nelson, Interim
July 2016
Dear Co-workers in God's Work:
What's up? How are things going? How are you doing? We often hear these questions as
we gather around the kitchen table, as we sit down for a cup of coffee with friends and co-workers, as
we run into new or old acquaintances, or as we gather for Sunday worship and coffee fellowship at
First Lutheran. I have heard those questions since spending time with you.
As your Interim Pastor, I care about you and I will often ask these same questions when I see
you. I deem it a privilege of knowing you and what you are feeling or thinking. I am never to busy to
listen.
In this time of transition at First Lutheran, it is often tempting to turn inward by focusing on our
own survival and future. Yet, that future is not just ours, it is God's promise and gift. So, let us receive
God's preferred future in confident hope, a hope centered on Jesus Christ and the good news.
What an exciting and promise-filled time to be the church in this time and place, to boldly proclaim God's love and grace. We have good reason to be hopeful! God has graced you with gifts and
abilities needed to be engaged in this time of pastoral transition and God's mission.
We may never have all the answers to discovering new ways of doing and being the church,
but let us at least ask the right questions:
+Who are we as the people of God?
+What is God calling us to do as His people?
+What will it look like to engage in God's mission?
As together we seek answers to these questions, it will require creativity, flexibility, change and
trust is God to reveal new connections in our midst.
Enjoy the summer, worship when and where you can, I appreciate receiving worship bulletins
from your travels. I hold you in my prayers.
Your Servant In Christ,
Pastor Rob
Interim
Meeting Minutes
June 14, 2016
Church Council:
Patty Johnson,
Chairman
Kathy Neese,
Vice-Chair/
Worship & Music
Sharon Bjork,
Secretary
Wally Fegert,
Treasurer
Anne Cline,
Web Site
Jill Damrau,
Youth Rep.
Andrea Everts,
Education
Members Present: , Kathy Neese, Lynn Johnson, Wally Fegert, Sharon Bjork, Andrea Everts, Jill Damrua,
Gordon Rockswold, Kim Peterson, John Peterson, Wm Taylor and Barry Nelson
Minutes of Previous Meeting: M/Jill, M/S Andrea M/C to approve minutes of March minutes
Financial Report:
Unpaid Bills M/M Andrea, M/S Barry M/C to approve payment of unpaid Bills
Approved Report- M/M Andrea, M/S Wally, M/C
Pastor’s Report –Written report reviewed.
Budget Reviewed
Committee Reports.
Property–John and Lynn: Lawn mowing going good .Been a request for better Signage. Outer yard needs to
be cleaned. Otter Tail Power here and done an assessment of the lighting. It was suggested that we install
LED lights for a savings. John will find cost of builds and where we can get them.
Worship & Music-Kathy -Request been made to keep time of Church Services at 9 AM all year. Tabled
Education- Andrea: Andrea has been cleaning closets and arranging costumes. Ann Severson is in charge of
VBS. Amor and Eagle Lake students will join our students this year. VBS will be for 1-6 grades.
Outreach-Barry—1.Planning a pig roast for 7/17- from 11AM to 2 PM during Battle Lake’s 125th Anniv. 2. Updated the church brochure
Youth-Jill: 1. Youth continue to do fund raisers, upcoming activity is CIA program on Wed. 6/15 at Henning
Lynn Johnson,
Property
Barry Nelson,
Outreach
Health Cabinet-Wm N/R
Mutual Ministry-Gordon The team met with Pastor Rob Nelson, interim pastor.
Web Site: Anne—NR
Kim Peterson
John Peterson,
Property
Gordon Rockswold,
Mutual Ministry
William Taylor
Health Cabinet
Old Business:
None discussed
New Business:
Call Committee: Met with Ann Rasmussen and Holly Johnson of the nominating committee to discuss procedure and gave them a list of names as possible persons to be on the Call Committee as they are responsible
to present a list of names for the congregation to vote on at a special meeting
Fitness Group Storage: They will be asked to store all of their equipment in the storage box that they were
allowed to bring into the church.
Minster when Interim Pastor not available: Cindy Wallace will fill in on June 19 th
M/M Wm M/S Gordon to adjourn the meeting M/C
Next meeting: July 12,2016 @6:30 pm Devotions: Jill
Lord’s Prayer
Submitted by SKBjork
Fun Facts about July 4th
1. On the 4th of July, 1776, the Declaration of Independence was approved by the Continental Congress.
2. Independence Day honors the birthday of the United States of America and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
3. The Declaration of Independence was actually a letter to King George that had been written on July 2 by Thomas
Jefferson. It was a formal explanation of why the Continental Congress voted to declare independence from Great
Britain. It was meant to justify a revolt against the British, with a list of charges against the British king.
4. The Declaration of Independence was signed by 56 men representing the 13 colonies. The moment the declaration
was signed it marked the beginning of all-out war against the British.
5. The first signature on the Declaration of Independence was John Hancock’s. The myth is that he wrote his name
large so that Kind George would be able to read it without his glasses.
6. Three U.S. presidents actually died on July 4. Two of them passed away within hours of each other on July 4, 1826:
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. These two men had been political rivals and then friends later in life. The other
President was James Monroe, who died July 4, 1831. One US President, Calvin Coolidge, was born on July 4.
7. In 1870 the Congress made the 4th of July an unpaid holiday for federal employees. In 1941, Congress declared 4th
of July a paid federal holiday.
8. The first public Fourth of July event at the White House occurred in 1804. The first Independence Day celebration
west of the Mississippi occurred at Independence Creek and was celebrated by Lewis and Clark in 1805.
9. Today, the 4th of July is a day of picnics and patriotic parades, a night of concerts and fireworks, and a reason to fly
the American flag.
https://kidskonnect.com/holidays-seasons/fourth-july/
Church Camp at Faith Haven July 10-14th for youth going
into 5-10th grade, cost is $120, offers crafts, activities &
games/ fun on the water with Maui Matts, water slide,
rafts and paddle boards, a Wednesday Night concert; contact Lisa or Scott at Faith Haven camp 218-864-5303 or
email [email protected] to signed up
OTC-LYO Summer Schedule
July
July 10-16 Local Camp at Faith Haven
July 13-Outdoor concert at Faith Haven
July 17—Starlight Screening hosted by Eagle Lake
July 21-Luther Crest Glow Run 5k
July 27-Mini Golf & Go Kart Night in Alexandria
July 30 to August 5 Mission Trip to Denver
August
August 10-CIA Night (Christ In Action)
August 14-Tubing down the Ottertail
August 18 Starlight Screening hosted by Zion Amor
Every Wednesday at Luther Crest—WITS (Worship It’s That Simple) starting at 6:45 p.m.
From Troy’s Laptop . . .
Summer is
here and that
means folks
are running
every which
way, and
that’s true in the OTC-LYO. In June we had our first
of two CIA Nights (Christ In Action), as well as our annual trip to Valley Fair in the Luther Crest Bus, with
Pastor Jim behind the wheel.
Up next in July, we have Faith Haven Local
Camp from July 10-14th, with the theme “I’ve had
Enough!” followed by an outdoor movie night at Eagle
Lake on July 17th. Then toward the end of the month,
there is a Community Worship Service in Battle Lake
on July 24th as part of Battle Lake’s 125th Anniversary, with our Annual Mini Golf and Go Kart Night on
the 27th in Alexandria. And last but not least, on July
30th, over 40 youth and adults will head to Denver for
the Summer Mission Trip through Luther Crest.
We hope that you’ll continue to spread the
word on everything going on, and to keep the youth in
your prayers during this busy summer!
Troy Olson
Men’s Fellowship MinutesJUNE 2, 2016, 8:30 AM, LAKE AVENUE CAFÉ
The meeting was called to order by Les Jimmerson at 8:35 a.m. Les welcomed Pastor Rob Nelson to the
group. Thanks go out to Les for leading the meeting while our leader Tom is touring Alaska.
Gerry Nelson gave the devotions he prepared while taking his shower this morning—focusing on living a life
of contentment through God. Due to the amount of Prednisone Gerry was on, and the “high” he was experiencing, Gerry’s devotions were limited to a couple of hours.
Good Old Bob have the Treasurer’s Report. The current balance is $1312.68. We will likely need to pay out
$1,500.00 in scholarships in December or January so fundraising will be very important. He has decided to
not look for the $ .47.
Barry reported the can cage at Beach Bums was full and that he was playing golf so he decided John should
take the cans to Wadena ASAP.
Les reported the Men’s Fellowship Scholarships were recently presented to Tori Hull, Olivia Hull and Klarissa
Walvatne. Actual payments will be made around Christmas time--contingent on their grades and continuing
their education.
Following discussion about the possibility of a food booth of some kind at the Battle Lake 125 th celebration,
the topic was tabled. Most believed it might be too much to handle along with the other planned activities.
A French Toast Breakfast will likely be planned for some date in September.
The Art in the Park brat stand will be staffed by the Men’s Fellowship on August 13. We were reminded the
stand will need to stay open until 4 p.m. so two work shifts will be organized.
Members were asked to think about recruiting more members.
Following the Lord’s Prayer, the meeting was adjourned.
John Peterson
Listening and Learning Opportunities
Coffee & Questions with Interim Pastor Rob Nelson
Tuesday, June 7th . . . Fellowship Hall
9:30 a.m. or 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Guided conversation to capture your perspective (hopes and
dreams) for First Lutheran Church.
+ What is making God smile about First Lutheran
Church?
+ What is breaking God’s heart about First Lutheran
Church?
+ How do you understand what it means to be church?
+ What are some new opportunities that God seems to
be placing before First Lutheran Church?
+ Where is God at work and how is First Lutheran
Church being called to join in that work?
You will have the opportunity to also ask Pastor Rob
your questions.
Refreshments will be served.
“Bringing the hope we share in Christ to others.”
The WELCA board met on June 6 with 8 members present.
Barb led in devotions.
Secretary and treasurer reports were given. There has
been a good response to the “No Bake Sale”.
Winnie has completed the church display boards.
We need delegates to Luther Crest and to the NW MN
Synodical convention.
THANK YOU
On behave of the WELCA Board, I
would like to thank you for your No Bake Sale
contributions. We greatly appreciate your
gesture to help us with our mission to use these funds to give
back to our community. If you have not given to this, but would
like to, you may drop off a check to Treas. Lorraine Underhill's
church mailbox, made out to 1st Lutheran's WELCA, or mail it
to First Lutheran indicating for the No Bake Sale.
The introduction to our new Bible study will be at the general meeting on September 8.
Thank you again, Winnie Collins, WELCA President
The fall festival is October 8.
Jan Smith will speak at the general meeting on November
16. Note the change of date.
We discussed having the joint circle Christmas potluck
again.
We decided to pay $50 for the transportation to Wadena of
Lutheran World Relief items.
Circle chairpersons are asked to let Doris @864-5796 any
change of Bible study leaders. Doris calls each month to
remind leaders of the meeting with the pastor.
Our next meeting is August 1 at 1:00 pm.
We closed by praying the Lord’s prayer.
Secretary, Janis
WELCA BOARD
Our Next meeting is Monday, August 1st at 1:00 p.m.
Circle members, be sure to watch the bulletin board
for announcements.
CIRCLE MEETINGS FOR JULY
Lydia will not meet in July or August
Mary Circle will not meet in July
Dorcas Circle will meet July 14
Naomi Circle will not meet in July
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH 3 FOLD DISPLAY PANELS
As you know Battle Lake is celebrating its 125
year anniversary. There will be a Walk Through History
exhibit at the Battle Lake School from Friday July 22nd 16 p.m., Saturday July 23rd from 10a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday
July 24th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. First Lutheran's Display
Panel has been updated and can be viewed in the Secretary's office. The anniversary committee is asking that
someone from 1st Lutheran be on hand during the exhibit
to talk about the church's history. As you can see many
congregations, through the years, have made up what is
now 1st Lutheran Church. I need people to sign up for
possibly two hour shifts to man the display and talk about
the church to interested visitors. If you are able to help
out during some of the time during the weekend, please
let Winnie Collins know at 218-864-5925 or
email at [email protected]
Keep Saving!
Summer is here and we need to keep saving for
the start of school in the fall .

Box Tops for Education (from General Mills
and Betty Crocker)
 UPC Campbell points on Campbell soup labels
 Larry’s Supermarket receipts
There is a coupon box in the Narthex for all the above items. By saving
now, we will have a jump-start come September.
Thank you!
The WELCA Committee
August Share and Care group will meet on Sunday, July 10th after the 9 a.m. worship service. If
you cannot attend, please let the Coordinators
know when you can help with worship services in
August. Thank you.
Notes from the
Share & Care # 8

Jason & Amy Severson
826-6200
Lorraine Lykken
Richard & Wanda Oftedahl
Tom & Cheri Zosel
Mike & Kristina Fielding Family
Sharon Salvog
Jeff Morton
* Sharon Bjork 218-841-4398
Alma Sheppard
Carl & Sandy Tegtmeier
Scott & Roxanne Malmstrom
Family
Dan Hanson
Dan & Linda Erickson & David
Mary Jane & Henry Peterson
If you have prayer requests for our
prayer chain, please contact Deloris
Lind at 864-8696.
To Carole Charest, on the
death of her sister Lou Ellen Randall
on May 19, 2016.
I just wanted to extend a
heartfelt Thank You for letting me rent
the church for dance class! It is a perfect spot and we are so blessed to have
your cooperation.
Karrie Carlson, Director
Just For Kix Battle Lake
Dear First Lutheran
Church/FLYO,
In the light of current events, several books on
Islam are displayed on the library desk. More, including a copy of the Koran are on the shelves (#297).
New and donated items:
Why Can’t We be Good by Jacob Neesleman
a professor of philosophy, asking the ultimate question of human nature: “Why do we repeatedly violate
our most deeply held values and beliefs”?
The Spirit of Happiness by T. Byran Karasu
M.D. presenting the Bible as the ultimate “self help”
book. Through it’s wisdom we can learn to understand
and identify with God’s Holy Purpose.
O Lord, Teach Me to Pray by Richard F.
Bansemer is a book of prayers based on Luther’s
Small Catechism, including the Ten Commandments,
Apostles’ Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Holy Baptism, Communion and Exhortation to Confession.
Three “family friendly” DVD’s have been donated– Stand By Me, Miracle Dogs, and Believe in
Me– probably most interesting to children. For adults,
we have the VHS tape Peter and Paul, used by a
study group in the past—some of you may remember
it.
Blessings,
Harriet Lundquist
Thank you for supporting Helpful Hints from Corrine . . .
me on the New York/Carnegie
A safe way to kill weeds in sidewalk cracks, without
Hall Trip. Thank you so much.
Sincerely, Garrett Sagerhorn
All NEWSLETTER articles are due by
Monday, July 18th.
Thank you!
leaving dangerous chemical residue for pets, is to mix
a small amount of rock salt with warm water, place in
a squirt bottle and apply to cracks. The weeds will die
in three to five days.
Protect tomatoes from aphids by surrounding plants
with aluminum foil, shiny side up. As a bonus, the radiant heat will speed ripening of the fruits by about
two weeks.
First Lutheran Church
505 Holdt St. West
PO Box 268
Battle Lake MN 56515
218-864-5686
Non-Profit Org
U.S. Postage Paid
Battle Lake, MN
Permit No 23
www.blfirstlutheran.org
Address Service Requested
Calling all Musicians and Vocalists!!!!!
A friendly invitation
from the FLBL Praise
Team: If you have musical
talent and would like to
share your musical gifts as
part of the Praise Team, we
would love for you to be part
of this ministry program. The team is eager to strengthen and expand our praise of Jesus Christ through song/
music, but we need more musicians and vocalists
to realize our potential. You may contact anyone
on the Praise Team to express your interest or
get your questions answered. We practice Wed.
evenings at 6:30 weekly.
Who: K– 6th grade
What: Bible School
When: July 25 –28
Where: First Lutheran
First Lutheran Church’s
Pig Roast
Sunday, July 17th
From 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.