First Edition November 2017

“We are called by God to grow in faith together, sharing Christ’s love with each other and our community”

What can’t you do without? For me it would be hard to be without coffee. Especially in the am! What can you do without? For me, it would be some TV shows. What would be on your list?

Of course there are many things that we can and cannot live without. The one item/thing/impossible/Creator we cannot live without, on the top of our list, is God of course and his Son Jesus Christ. How do we show that in our lives to our church, others, family and God?

We have a place to worship our God in a beautiful sanctuary. We have a place to come and pray and study God’s word. And we have a place to come and be the hands and feet of Christ. And it is First Lutheran Church. And it turns out; it is all good for our health, physically and mentally.

Pastor Peter Haas says this in his book, Pharisectomy, that frequent church attendance dramatically increases your life expectancy. Epidemiologists have routinely documented a striking difference and significant health improvement for those who devoutly participate in God-centered social groups versus those who don’t.

We need God and we cannot do without him. And that means all that goes along with the love he gives us in his Son Jesus Christ. Grace, love, forgiveness and grace is what we need each and every day. And we do that in our Worship of God and we do that in our studies, our work and in our relaxation. We can’t do without a God that we can pray to and go to when we are happy or sad. We do not go through it alone, God is there for each of us and we are here for each other in our community.

And we can’t do it without each other.

This month brings about our time of being thankful and grateful. Our Thanksgiving Service this year will be a Thankful Dinner Church which will begin at 5 pm, with dinner, worship and Holy Communion. Worship will not be traditional at 7 pm this evening. Please join us.

So, beings we can’t be without our God and each other, we gather in this important time of worship at God’s church at First Lutheran.

In Thanksgiving and Praise,

Pastor Brenda Wicklund

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth! Worship the Lord with gladness. Come before him, singing with joy. Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his

courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. Psalm 100:1-2, 4

11/1 Tom Swaim 11/9 Jodi Storlie 11/18 Ron Jensen11/3 Donna Martin 11/10 Brice Mitchell Jay Kreger

Joanne Richards Dalton Davis 11/19 Jonathan BonnKathy Thompson 11/12 David Blair Lee Guilliams

11/4 Alaina Hartl Shirley Allen 11/21 Dana Marks11/5 Mariah Haugen 11/14 Bridget Reamer 11/23 Jill White11/6 Jaxon Thom Rylie Kreger Krista Matson11/8 Elaine Clinton 11/15 Diane Maser 11/29 Kyle Nicholson

Nicole Thompson 11/17 Dave Kuusisto Pat McCarthy Peggy Cahoon Rick Bicking 11/30 Shane Koski

Adam AlexanderOctogenarians

Please let us know if there are any corrections or additions. Thank You!

Prayer Concerns~ Nancy Lytle, Ardis Gotschall (Deanna Gorsegner’s mother), Adam Nelson, Marlene Peterson (Candi Nelson’s mother), Charlie Scott (brother of Mindy Johnson), Ed LaVictoire, Peter Kromm, Mary Clark, Julie Lundquist, Jean Bergun, Esther and James Stephenson (parents of Kevin Stephenson), Leigha Ness (niece of Pastor Brenda Wicklund), Michael Smith (son of Ron and Judy Smith), John Shober Sr., Bill Loomis, Dave Kuusisto, Arnold Sandin (Wendy Reamer’s father), Barbara Ekberg (Loretta Sprado’s sister), Rhonda Kirchmeier, Lynette (Bohn) Simertz, Jeanette Schaefer, Ethel Shober , Lynn Maslonkowski, and Vi Saffell (Joe Cappuccino’s sister.)

For our members in care facilities ~ Ed LaVictoire, John Shober, Max Tatting and Luella Willert.

For firefighters, EMT’s, those who serve to protect Policemen and women and military.For world peace.

For our Companion Synods: Ingria Evangelical Lutheran Church in Russia; Iglesia Christiana Luterana de Honduras; and South Andhra

Lutheran Church India.For our missionaries Jacqueline and Patrick Bencke.

Baptized at our font on Saturday, September 23rd wasColton James and Mason Lee Thompson, sons of Shanon and

Nicole Thompson. Sponsor for Colton was Amber and sponsor for Mason was Deb House. Congregational sponsor for Colton was Paige Denton and congregational sponsor for Mason was

Ashley Thompson.Also baptized at our font on Sunday, October 1st was Alec Aloys Leibel,

son of Travis and Holly Leibel. Alec’s sponsors were Samantha Sauter and Mathew Bialka.

We welcome Colton, Mason and Alec into our family of God at First Lutheran.

 

  Remember if you cannot serve, to please find your own substitute. Thank You!November Lector Assistant Acolyte Element

PresentersCoffeeServers

Wed. 1(white)

Youth Youth Paige Denton

5 Sun.(white)

Diane Ausmus Ann Mans Ean ChoseHallie Rootkie

Sharol HuggettChristie Dunkley

Kathryn and Gerald Souer

8 Wed.(green)

Youth Youth Holly Hadlock

12 Sun.(green)

Linda Libra Deanna Gorsegner

Audrey StorlieMaclane Storlie

Elaine GaraghtyPatty Sweeny

Nancy and Kevin Stephenson

15 Wed.(green)

Youth Youth Daniel Bonn

19 Sun.(green)

Patty Sweeny Christie Dunkley Kenna JohnsonBrady Johnson

Elsie DieterEllie Nelson

Peggy Smith

22 Wed.(green )

Youth Youth Caitlyn Jindra

26 Sun.(white)

Christie Dunkley Wendy Reamer Jacob GriceTori Williams

Gayle and Gary Hoxmeier

Patty SweenyGracie Edin

29 Wed.(white)

Youth Youth Aaron Mulder

Altar Guild

Kathryn SouerLana Jensen

Counters

Rick KroschelDirk Nelson

Greeters

November 5-Sarah Nicholson

November 12-Elaine Garaghty

November 19-Patty Sweeny

November 26-Christie Dunkley

All Board Meeting

Devotions/Refreshments

Evangelism

Dirk Nelson

Kon Bergum

Out to Lunch BunchNovember 16th

11:30 amTBD

Tuesday, November 14th

Congratulations to Jeff and Allison Mans on the birth of their daughter, Kennedy Lee Mans, born on

October 5th. God has blessed you!

 

Did you know that EVERY woman in our church belongs to WELCA (Women of the Lutheran Evangelical Church of America?)

All women of the church are automatically a member of WELCA (Women of the Lutheran Church of America.) We also provide these services: serve coffee Sunday morning, serve at funerals, provides greeters, kitchen cleaning committee, prayer chain, and bible study.Did you know where WELCA’s funding comes from or what they pay for?

WELCA’s only income is your free will donation for Sunday morning coffee which is provided and served by members of 1st Lutheran Church. These proceeds are for the following:1. Kitchen supplies: coffee, creamer, napkins, soap, etc.2. Pays for cleaning service for door mats.3. $ 25 towards each graduation quilt made.4. Supplies for funerals; paper plates, napkins, coffee, lemonade, etc.5. Soap and sanitizer for dishwasher.6. Having kitchen floor cleaned semi annually.7. Replaces kitchen equipment such as coffee pots, roasters, dishes, silverware, etc.

Thank you to everyone who is willing to serve and contributes to make all this possible.

“God’s Work, Our Hands.”

Out to Lunch BunchNovember 16th

11:30 amTBD

Tuesday, November 14th

Women’s Bible Study’s on-going Mission Project.

We ask members to join us and bring washcloths during the month of November for homeless packets. Please put them in the basket marked “Homeless Packets” in the

cabinet in Narthex. Thank You.

Thank you to Candi and Adam Nelson for donating 60 diapers for Women on a Mission! We were able to

finish our goal of 50 Baby care kits with the help of the Faith in Action kids.

Happy Birthday Adam! You are a blessing to others!Women on a Mission

Check out what’s new in the Library.New Books1. Falling Into Heaven-A skydiver’s gripping

account of heaven, healing and miracles. 2. Our Christian Symbols. DVD’sAdult: Walk By FaithChildren: First Dog

Youth Mission Trip and Women on a Mission

Soup/Sandwich/Craft/Bake Sale

Saturday, November 4th

9 am – 1:30 pmProceeds go toward Youth Mission Trip

and Women on a MissionThis year’s Soup/Sandwich-Craft and Bake Sale is being sponsored by the

Youth and Women on a Mission. If you would like to make a financial donation, you may do so by checking the WELCA box and circle Craft/Soup

on the back of your offering envelope or turn in cash donations (marked Craft/Soup) by Nov. 1st.

Please help us make our day a successful one.

If you would like to help, please contact Mindy.

The Church Council has designated our Thanksgiving and Christmas offering to

the General Fund.

Do you like working with wood?We are looking for a few people (men or

women) whowould like to help make and assembly Faith

chests.These are made for all youth who are baptized

here at church.

If interested please let Pastor Brenda know or contact the church office.

Church Office will be closed

Friday, November 24th

for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Thanksgiving Dinner ChurchJoin Us! All Ages, All People,

All Are Welcome!Join us at 5 pm for Thanksgiving Dinner Church, November 22nd! We will gather together for a meal and fellowship that will include Worship and Holy Communion. Participate in this new worship and

dinner as we give thanks to God for all our blessings and give thanks and prayers.

NO 7 PM WORSHIP SERVICE

Community Thanksgiving

Dinner

Come join with others in the community.(Call for pick up or delivery)

COMPLETE HOMEMADE TURKEY DINNERThursday, November 23, 2017

12:00 – 2:00 P.M.St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

Reservations Appreciated by November 22ndCall Robin Hendrix – 320-279-0961 Or Lois Kunze- 320-384-6399

This is a community event!  Everyone is Welcome!

We will need volunteers to help on Tues., Nov. 21st at 6 pm at the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church to help prepare food, set-up tables, etc. We will also need workers on Thurs., Nov. 23rd to help serve, clean up, etc. Sign-up sheets will be on the table in Narthex.

Please help us decorate the church for ADVENT 9 a.m. on

Saturday, December 2nd.

Sunday, December 3rd

“A Christmas Celebration”

Join us this season of Advent for a special dinner and musical

entertainment for your enjoyment.5 pm dinner

6:15 pm Musical Entertainment

 Donation is a freewill Offering withProceeds going to PV for Phoebe.

               

 

“Jesus said; Let the children come to me”

Faith in Action:Reminder that Faith in Action will be every Wednesday night from 5:00-7:00 pm. It is still not too late to join or volunteer. YOUTH GROUP will be from 7:30 -8:30 for 9th – 12th graders will follow the same schedule as FiA.

Soup and Sandwich Fundraiser will go to Youth Mission trip and Women on A Mission service projects this year. Please sign up to donate or serve and help support the youth on their trip to Galveston and Houston Texas for the National Youth Gathering.

Wreath Fundraiser – please get your wreath from the youth this year! Wreaths will be $15 or 2 for $25. First Wreath making night will be Tuesday Nov 2nd from 3-8 pm and we will need extra hands, so please join us if you would like. We are also in need of decorations so if you have bulbs, bows, ribbons, and pine cones or any other Christmas supplies you would like to donate the youth would appreciate it.

Middle School Gathering: Nov.17th – 18th for 6th – 9th grades. We will leave on Fri., Nov.17 at 3:30 pm and return Sat., Nov. 18th at 2:30 pm all info on youth bulletin board. You may still sign up with extra $10 late fee (total $40.) Theme: Lord’s Prayer.

Casting Crowns and For King and Country Christmas Concert – December 9th

Tickets $25 , sign up on youth bulletin board.

Christmas youth service project retreat info will be out soon. Youth will work at Feed My Starving Children, pass out Jesus loves you bags and ring bells for Salvation Army.

South Silent Auction and raffle – youth will be putting out various items that will be for silent auction or raffle (example, gift baskets, yard work, babysitting etc…) it will run from November –1st – November 8th. Money raised goes towards youth mission trips. Thanks

Operation Christmas Child: Please see information letter .

Thank you to everyone who volunteers, donates to, and prays for our Youth and Family Program

“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young. Set an example for the believers in what you say, how you live,

how you love and what you believe” Timothy 4: 12

Faith in Action will be Packing shoe boxes

Wed., November 8th.

Please help support this project by bringing in suggested gifts, wrapping paper, or shoe boxes or please join us and help package up the gifts.

“Wow” ItemDelight a kid! Start with a medium to large item that will capture the child’s attention the instant he or she opens the box.

Doll, stuffed animal, soccer ball with pump, backpack, outfit of clothing, harmonica, woodwind recorder, and toy truck or boat.

Ideas: toys: cars, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra batteries), etc.School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.Non-liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.Accessories: T-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries), etc.Crafts: Make your own items such as hair bows, finger puppets, and friendship bracelet.

Do Not Include: Candy; toothpaste; used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures; chocolate or food; seeds; fruit rolls or other fruit snacks; drink mixes (powdered or liquid); liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.

NEEDED! We are trying to update our household information with cell phone numbers and email addresses. We are finding it difficult to reach all of our church family as many households no longer have a land line phone. Can you please get your updated information to the church office as soon as possible? If you wish you can put information in the offering plate on Sunday, drop off at the church office or if you have email, just send it to me as an email: firstlcsecretary@scicable.comwith your updates. Thank You.

First Evangelical Lutheran Church CouncilMission Statement:

We are called by God to grow in faith together sharing Christ’s love with each other and our

community.

Church Council Meeting Minutes- Wed., August 23, 2017

Present: Wendy Reamer, Dirk Nelson, Scott Jensen, Ron Jensen, Dennis Volden, Rick Kroschel, Sarah Nicholson, Youth Representative Kyle Nicholson. Also present Pastor Brenda Wicklund and Mindy JohnsonAbsent: Kelle O'Donnell, Troy Tvedt

Call to Order: Meeting was called to order by our Chair, Scott JensenOpening Devotions: Was completed by Pastor Brenda with an opening prayer. Next month will be Kyle Nicholson

Officer Reports: Secretary: July Council Minutes were approved. Motion made by Sarah Nicholson and 2nd by Ron Jensen.

Treasurer: A huge THANK YOU to Kathy and Donna who continue to do their best to do the Treasurer Report yet they continue to struggle with making some changes to the accounts. Balanced the check book and paying the bills. There was a question on pg 6 of the balance sheet under fund 3310 Women on a Mission Fund as is January they had $821.08 and now down to 0.00 for July? Scott and Pastor will ask some questions for next meeting. Rick Kroschel made a motion to approve the Treasurer Report. 2nd by Kyle Nicholson. Counters September: Scott Jensen and Kelle O’Donnell. Board Reports: See Attached except Cemetery, Endowment and Memorial. Sarah had a question from the Janitors as when the carpets are to be professionally cleaned again as there is a stain. Wondering if they should spot treat or are they ready to be cleaned? Discussions on the cost to have them professionally cleaned verse rent a commercial rug cleaner. Property will discuss and Jim Ausmus will talk with Janitors. Cemetery will have work for Sunday Gods work Our Hands. Road needs to be redone- cement and pavement so it will look patchy?? Purchased new lawn mower, which was previously approved from council. Personnel received 3 resumes’ for the treasurer position. They will meet and interview candidates then send out an email with whom they wish to hire to the council for approval. Dawn Golly will be willing to work with and train them on the software. $10.50 an hour and 6 hours a week. Sarah will work with Personnel and Kevin S to get a list of computers and what programs each has on them and make a recommendation back to council on what is needed on what computers. Old Business: A. Treasure report from July does this need to be approved or are we ok with just accepting this? Did anyone every follow up with other facilities to see if Jill’s name was removed from their list to charge items? B. Reformation Day – Still working on all the details. Making progress. October 29 will be the dinner. No further mention/discussion regarding offering going to Seminary Josh Blair. In bulletin stated that all proceeds will go towards Seminarian Josh Blair. C. Cemetery Update – Recommendation from Church Council for Cemetery Committee to purchase a laptop. Motion made by Dennis Volden, 2nd by Ron Jensen. No update on this recommendation. Disc can not be read. D. Gods work our Hands – there is a meeting on Monday of everyone who signed up to help to get organized for the service projects. E. Vanco – Still Pending - Offering: giving online web page - Seems like a good option to look into so Kathy Thompson will look into this. The startup fee is $100.00. Suggestions that maybe the Stewardship board should assist with this process. Mindy will check with other churches who are using this to see how they do it. F. Greeters and Coffee Servers – Terry McConnell doing Greeters and no concerns. Need someone to take Becky’s place. Sarah Nicholson will create a sign-up sheet and make an announcement during church service looking for volunteers to do coffee and treats for the remainder of the year. She will check with Donna to find out what days we need help. This is taken care of. Done. G. Old Hymnals – No update. Diane was going to check with Cloverdale and Kroschel churches. Done as we have exhausted all our efforts H. Expense Reporting and Documentation – A draft of an expense policy along with an expense sheet was provided in the packet for review and discussion. Many questions were raised and since everyone was on asking questions Scott Jensen said we need to form a committee to review and come up with a recommendation policy to bring to next meeting. Scott Jensen, Ron Jensen and Wendy Reamer will be on the group. Sarah Nicholson said it would be good to ask Deb Volk to be on this as well as she was part of the auditing committee. Everyone agreed. Scott Jensen will contact her and get a meeting set up. Group met and created a rough draft. Additional discussion was done and Scott said the group needs to meet again. Concerns about Garage sales as they do not get a receipt and if they are not going to get reimbursed then they will just stop buying things. You can always ask for a written receipt or when they fill out the form they need to itemize the items bought. There are options we just need to discuss them as they come up. I. 2018 Mission Trip/Expenses – see attached cost break down sheet – Is this the right trip for First Lutheran Church was a question asked. Kyle Nicholson said he would rather go to the Synod Journey than any other mission trip. The last one he was on was life changing for him and he stated his reasons why. Other council members said if it is a life changing event we need to make efforts for them to go. The kids just need to realize the church will not cover their way, they will need to work in order to go as the cost is $1250 per person. Mindy stated they need to be committed to going if they are going to go. Decision was to go. Meeting set up and well on their way to starting fund raising and getting applications completed. J. Other – Synod Statement of Contribution for Benevolence – Scott Jensen brought this up as we stated we would give $6,000 and we have only given $1,500 so we are behind. Recommendation to see if Endowment would help us get caught up. Dennis will call John Bassett from Endowment to see if they will help us with $4,500.00 then we would be done for the year. Rick Kroschel made a motion. 2nd by Sarah Nicholson. Dennis has not heard back from the Endowment committee as he did ask them about it. New Business:

A. Personnel report – See above B. Employee evaluation’s – these are completed annually – what time of the year? Personnel will be working on this. C. Bibles for Confirmands - $25.00 for each Bible there are 14-16 new confirmands and there is a new program Pastor will be working with of which they will have to purchase their own workbook. D. Other – Snowplowing insurance – Brian Hendrix does not have his own insurance and due to our policy we need the contractors to have their own insurance. Looking for someone to plow. Wendy was going to check with Mike Johnson. Director of Youth and Family Ministries Report – See attached report. There will be no Sunday School and looking for other options. Not enough volunteers

Pastor’s Report – See attached report.

Adjournment and Closing Prayer – Motion made by Kyle Nicholson and 2nd by Dennis Volden with prayer lead by Pastor Brenda.

Respectfully submitted by Wendy Reamer

Help Me Thanksgiving PrayerO God, when I have food,

help me to remember the hungry;When I have work,

help me to remember the jobless;When I have a home,

help me to remember those who have no home at all;When I am without pain,

help me to remember those who suffer,And remembering,

help me to destroy my complacency;bestir my compassion,

and be concerned enough to help;By word and deed,

those who cry out for what we take for granted.Amen.

First Lutheran Church Non-Profit Organization301 Lawler Avenue South U. S. PostageP.O. Box 459 PAIDHinckley, MN 55037 Hinckley, MN 55037 Permit No. 37RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED