Pastor Kent Krumwiede

Phone #’s

Church (507) 426-7540

Cell (507) 380-8284

pastorkentkrumwiede@gmail.com

CHURCH E-MAIL

fxluth@gmail.com

Church website:

Www.fairfaxlutheranparish.com

Our Savior’s Lutheran

Worship/Sunday School

Sunday’s: 9:00 am

Central Lutheran

Worship

Sunday’s 10:30am

The Messenger is a monthly

publication of the

Fairfax Lutheran Parish

Central & Our Savior’s

Lutheran Churches,

Franklin & Fairfax, MN

ANNUAL MEETING!

Our Savior’s Annual Meeting is scheduled for February 2, 2020, after 10:30 am worship. Potluck dinner following the meeting (Alternate date is February 9, 2019).

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FEBRUARY WORSHIP SCHEDULE February 2: 9:00 am Worship @ Central 10:30 am Worship/Annual Meeting @ Our Savior’s (times for February 2nd is switched for O.S. Annual Meeting) Saturday Worship: Fairfax United Methodist, 5:00 pm Sunday Worship: Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 9:00 am Central Lutheran Church, 10:30 am Ash Wednesday: Joint Worship Service at Our Savior’s, February 26, 2020, 7:00 pm Community Meal prior to service: 5-6:30 pm

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Pastoral Sharings February 2020

Having a Kind Word Goes a Long Way “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” ~Proverbs 16:24 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” ~Proverbs 18:4

The book of Proverbs is a collection of essays, poems, and sayings expressing the wisdom of ancient Israel. The book of Proverbs is a manual for conducting one's everyday affairs in a manner that is happy and successful in worldly matters and responsible before God. Proverbs lends itself to being read a chapter a day, match-ing the number of the day of the month (there are 31 chapters). The short sayings should be taken individually, like a variety of expensive chocolates in a gift box. Some may be enjoyed and savored; others can be swallowed quickly or even skipped over.

Some of the verses are set up as opposing statements, e.g. “Those who trust in their riches will wither, but the righteous will flourish like green leaves,” Proverb 11:28. Others, like the two verses above, are complementary lines. The second part of the verse re-emphasizes the first or gives additional meaning.

These two verses offer us a way in which to relate or respond to people who have or are going through psychological struggles which may or may not lead them to consider taking their own life.

LET’S MAKE IT CLEAR FROM THE START THAT I AM NOT CONDEMNING OR MAKING ANY SOCIAL STATEMENT ABOUT THE ACTS OF THESE INDIVIDUALS. WE LEAVE JUDGMENT TO GOD AND GOD ALONE. WHAT WE NEED TO FACE UP TO AND EMBRACE IS THE FACT THAT OUR NATION IS SEEING GREATER NUMBERS IN THE PAST YEARS.

In 2017, there were 47,173 recorded suicides according to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The victims are across the grid, there is no one group most prone. Age and gender and location make no difference. The victims are college students, military personnel, LGBTQ, those suffering chronic pain and catastrophic illness, among others. Most recently there has been special attention within the rural churches and communities setting paid to farmers.

Intervention is important. However, we are not always aware of when things are awry in people’s lives. Sometimes we aren’t aware until there is an attempt, when people succumb to the illness of depression. What can we do then?

#1, don’t avoid them like they have a communicable disease. Continue to love them as you did before. Have compassion for them. Pray for them. Be honest with them if they privilege you with the confidentiality. Listen.

#2, if you are in a relational position of confidentiality, Dr. Jerome Motto (d. 2015), found that caring words can help these individuals adjust to life and give them hope for new life.

While serving overseas in WWII, he was placed in a truck regiment, responsi-ble for the safety of 39 other men. Talk about pressure in his life. However, he re-ceived greatest solace came in the form of letters from a woman he barely knew. Motto: “She just wrote of commonplace things—what she did during the day, and how cold it was getting, and what tunes were on the hit parade, + hello to Jim, and all that stuff,” Those letters made a difference.

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Years later as a psychologists, the effect of those letters provided an idea of how to connect and care for suicide victims after leaving the treat-ment facilities. Letters of caring. It was a radical concept in a time when “the act of killing oneself was considered to be more of a sin than a tragedy. Obituaries whitewashed suicide deaths as accidents. Catholics wouldn’t allow suicide victims to be buried in consecrated ground. In some states, attempt-ing suicide was a criminal act. Medical schools tended to ignore the subject entirely, and many doctors considered it a “success in their practice” if they avoided suicidal patients,” Motto saw suicidal patients being made to feel alone. Excluded from their communities.

Those letters from the woman back in 1943 returned to his mind. He wondered if the simple act of showing people that he was there for them—and expected nothing in return—would make suicidal patients feel less iso-lated, less in conflict with themselves.

With help from articles by German psychoanalyst named Hellmuth Kai-ser, Motto was encouraged. Kaiser argued that the most disturbed patients could be helped if they felt a sense of connection, even on a subconscious level.

Cutting to the chase, he tested his theory and his research proved it had an effect. Not on all, but by 2016, the method of caring letters saw 80% reduction in repeated suicide in those Motto’s letters reached.

Motto’s instructions for the letters: “It ought to convey a genuine sense of kinship—‘simply what one might say to a friend.’”

Motto’s son remarked: “The act of listening was sacred to [Motto]. It was what made Motto feel most alive—to ask: ‘Tell me more.’”

So what do we do with this? Simply this! We can do much to save and include others on the margin

by simply inquiring “How’s it going?” And mean it. Letting people know they count for something in our lives.

It may not be a caring letter, but a caring phone call, a caring inquiry at church or on the street. How are things going? Especially if we know someone is going through a tough time.

Showing we care, that we value our relationship with them, makes them feel less marginalized and more a part of a community.

The church can say it cares, but it is individuals in a one-on-one rela-tionship is how it is proved.

I want you to know that I do care about you not only as a congrega-tion, but also as individuals created by God in God’s image. You have value to God and value to me. You are part of my community and family.

Remember “Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body, a person’s words can be life-giving water..”

God bless you and I and US!

Pastor Kent

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If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. You can also text HOME to 741-741 for free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line. Outside of the U.S., please visit the International Association for Suicide

Prevention for a database of resources.

Mondays @ Church Bible Study [MAC] We are studying the Gospel text around the Gospel reading for the following Sunday

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES?!

What are some things we can do to be about the good works we are called to do for the sake of God’s world?

WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Worship Schedule for February 2020

Fairfax UMC, Saturdays, 5 PM Central LC, Sundays, 10:30 AM

Our Savior’s LC, Sundays, 9 AM

NOTE: Worship on Sunday, February 2, 2020: Central w ill be at 9:00 am and Our Savior’s will be at 10;30 am. Our Savior’s will be holding their annual meeting following worship on February 2, 2020. Remaining Sunday’s in February will follow the written schedule.

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ONE LAST SONG

Lent is only two months away. Ash Wednesday is February 26th, 2020. I am looking at a theme for Lent under the title of “Last Thoughts at the Table.” On the first three Wednesday evenings of Lent, we will hear from a hos-

pice nurse, a funeral director and a financial planner. Week five will pull every-thing together.

Week four is where I need your help: If you were to have the opportunity to sing one last song/hymn before

death, what would it be? There will be a collection box in the entry with recipe cards for you to submit your song/hymn. On Week four, our gathering will be a hymn sing using these songs/hymns that you submit. Thank you in advance.

Lenten Schedule [as of 1/24/2020] Ash Wednesday, February 26th, OSLC Lenten 1 March 4th OSLC Lenten 2 March 11th FUMC Lenten 3 March 18th CLC Lenten 4 March 25th FUMC Lenten 5 April 1st OSLC Seder Meal April 8th OSLC Fellowship Hall The Triduum: Maundy Thurs., April 9, CLC; Good Fri., April 10, OSLC; Vigil Sat., April 11 OSLC Fellowship Hall Easter Sunday is April 12th [Schedule TBD]

WORSHIP READINGS & HYMNS FOR FEBRUARY 2020 Hymns are subject to change

Feb 1st/2nd – 4th Week after Epiphany Readings: Lamentation 3:22-33; Psalm 131; Mark 5:21-43

Communion Saturday Hymns @ FUMC (5 PM): Fill My Cup, Lord – Jesus,

Savior, Pilot Me – Amazing Grace – What a Friend We Have in Jesus

OSLC & CLC FLIP TIMES THIS WEEK ONLY

FOR OSLC’S ANNUAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

Communion Sunday Hymns @ CLC (9 AM): There is a Balm in Gilead –

Blessed Assurance – The Church of Christ, in Every Age – O Lord, Now Let Your

Servant

Communion Sunday Hymns @ OSLC (10:30 AM): There is a Balm in Gil-

ead – Blessed Assurance – The Church of Christ, in Every Age – O Lord, Now

Let Your Servant

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Feb 8th/9h – 5th Week after Epiphany Readings: Ezekiel 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Mark 6:1-29 Saturday Hymns @ FUMC (5 PM): Trust and Obey – Eternal Father, Strong to Save – Take My Life, and Let It Be – I Want to Be a Christian Sunday Hymns @ OSLC (9 AM): Gather Us In – Halle, Halle, Hallelujah – Eternal Father, Strong to Save – Rise, Shine, You People Sunday Hymns @ CLC 10:30 AM: Gather Us In – Halle, Halle, Hallelujah – Eternal Father, Strong to Save – Rise, Shine, You People

Feb 15th/16th – 6th Week after Epiphany Readings: Song of Solomon 2:8-13; Psalm 51:1-3, 6-7; Mark 7:1-23 Saturday Hymns @ FUMC (5 PM): Nothing but the Blood – Change My Heart, O God – I’ve Got Peace Like a River – They’ll Know We are Christians by Our Love Sunday Hymns @ OSLC (9 AM): O God of Mercy, God of Light – Halle-lujah! We Sing Your Praises – Will You Let Me Be your Servant? – Lead Me, Guide Me Sunday Hymns CLC (10:30 AM): ): O God of Mercy, God of Light – Hallelujah! We Sing Your Praises – Will You Let Me Be your Servant? – Lead Me, Guide Me

Feb 22nd /23rd – Transfiguration /Last Week of Epiphany Readings: 2 Kings 2:1-12; Psalm 27:1-4; Mark 8:27-9-8

Saturday Hymns @ FUMC (5 PM): Shine, Jesus, Shine – I Want to Walk

as a Child of the Light – Fairest Lord Jesus – Are Ye Able? Sunday Hymns @ OSLC (9 AM) & FUMC (10:30 AM): Arise, Your Light has Come – How Good, Lord, to Be Here – Beautiful Savior – In Thee is Gladness Sunday Hymns @ CLC (10:30 AM) & FUMC (10:30 AM): Arise, Your Light has Come – How Good, Lord, to Be Here – Beautiful Savior – In Thee is Gladness

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FEBRUARY 26 – ASH WEDNESDAY

JOINT SERVICE @ Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 7 PM Ash Wednesday Readings: Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 Theme: Fast, Faith and Restoration Hymns: Out of the Depths I Cry to You – Thy Holy Wings – Change my Heart, O God– Chief of Sinners Though I Be – Lord Jesus, think on me

NOTE MONTHLY CHANGE WILL HAPPEN THIS WEEKEND

Feb 29th /Mar 1st – 1st Week in Lent Readings: Amos 5:6-7, 10-15; Psalm 19:7-10; Mark 10:17-31 Saturday Hymns @ OSLC (5 PM): The Glory of These Forty Days – Change My Heart, O God – Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult – Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service Sunday Hymns @ CLC (9 AM): The Glory of These Forty Days – Change My Heart, O God – Jesus Calls Us; o’er the Tumult – Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service Sunday Hymns @ FUMC (10:30 AM): Jesus Calls Us o ’er the Tumult –Lord Who Throughout These Forty Days – Thy Word is a Lamp unto My Feet –Lord, Whose Love in Humble Service

Let us remember the following in our prayers:

Dan Berntson, Dianne Burmeister, Corinne Danielson, Alpha Evenson, Mark Isaacson, Phyllis Iverson, Kevin and Deb Johnson, Cindy LaFrambroise, Don Lee, Dwayne Lee, Geneva Loverude, Duane Nesburg, Earl Peterson, Ellsworth Sather, Mike Palmer and family, Maria Cuff, Henry Albers; David Worth.

Lord hold them in Your loving hands.

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Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes - January 13, 2020

Members present: Deb Nelson, Ruth Benedict, Ryan Lee, Har lan Helgren, Tom Runck, Ir is Runck, Diane Dreier, Carol Johnson and Pastor Kent. Members absent: Dolly Albrecht, Jane Steinbach President Ryan Lee called the meeting to order . Secretary’s Report – Motion made by Ruth and seconded by Tom to accept the report as printed. Treasurer’s report – Line of credit is paid off at the bank as of end of year 2019. Motion was made to also pay back the building fund $4,200. Motion made by Tom and seconded by Deb Nelson to accept the treasurer’s report as printed. Motions passed. Pastor’s Report: Pastor repor ted on his schedule that he has had 4 to 5 funerals from Nov. to De-cember, along with Sunday School Program and Christmas services have kept him very busy. Old Business Budget – Harlan Helgren put together a proposed budget for the 2020 year. Motion made by Harlan

and seconded by Ruth to adapt the proposed budget as printed. Motion passed. Council Vacancies: Paul Weikle will serve on the worship committee. Chr is Lee would be

willing to serve as trustee. Names were brought forth to fill vacancies, Pastor may do some calling as well as other council members. Carol will send out an updated list in one week, so we can try to fill the roster, prior to the annual meeting on Sunday, February 2, 2020.

Sound System –The equipment we tested out was a huge improvement in sound quality. Rhapsody

music will give a quote to purchase the equipment. Memorial monies have been designated to pay for the new sound system. Ryan will follow up with Rhapsody to complete the installation.

New Business Annual Meeting – final vote adopting the updated constitution will be held at the annual meeting on

February 2020. O.S will have the 10:30 service and Central the 9:00 am service to accommodate the annual meeting schedule.

Meal on Wheels– currently relying on the sign up sheet being passed around on Sunday for drivers

to sign up, we are still looking for someone to coordinate the program. Equipping Congregations will be held the end of February in Willmar . Final schedule is not

yet out at this time. We can send up to 10 people for the cost of $90. Next meeting – February 10, 2020 at 7:00 pm Motion made to adjourn the meeting by Harlan Helgren and seconded by Ruth Benedict. Motion passed. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Minutes submitted, Iris Runck, Council Secretary

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Central Lutheran Church Council Meeting January 22, 2020 Minutes

Members present: Angela Evenson, Lar ry Hanson, Jaime Case, Carol Case, Dave Distad, Paul Bengston, Rick Nesburg, Russel Danielson, Pat Hanson, Pastor Kent Members absent: none Meeting was called to order by Angela Hanson Secretary’s Report – Report reviewed Treasurer’s Report – Report reviewed. Pastor’s Report – Pastor reported that he has had 4 to 5 funerals from November to De-cember; Christmas services kept him very busy. OLD BUSINESS: Constitution: Council reviewed the changes from last meeting; it was agreed to have the first congregational vote on the new constitution at the annual meeting. Budget: The proposed Budget for 2020 with final figures was reviewed, and it was voted to adopt the proposed as printed and to present to the congregation at the An-nual Meeting. Thermostats: The thermostats were sent back.

NEW BUSINESS: Heat & Sidewalk: Rick will take care of heat and sidewalks January 26 thru

February 8th; the Case family will take February 9 thru 23, 2020. Council Vacant Seats: Pat Hanson has agreed to fill the position of Vice Presi-

dent; and Kevin Kokesch has agreed to fill the vacancy on the Parsonage Committee. Council is still looking for volunteers for delegates to the Synod Assembly in June 2020.

UPCOMING EVENTS Annual Meeting January 18, 2020, 4:00 pm; alternate day is January 25, 2020, 4:00

pm in the event of inclimate weather. Equipment Congregation Day, February 29, 2020, at Willmar

Next meeting will be held on Sunday, February 16, 2020 following worship and Potluck dinner. There being no further business, motion made and seconded to adjourn. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer Submitted by Jaime Case

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Our Savior’s

Communion Servers: February 2: Val Rieke February 16: Ruth Benedict February 26 (Ash Wednesday): March 1: TBD March 15: TBD

Ushers: February: Wally Runck* Wes Strain Family Chance & Thea Knoll Alternate: Jed Lutgen Family Counter: Jane Steinbach March: Leo Murphy* Jodie Coleman & Gage Coleman Gary & Marcia Lee Alternate: Nancy Blumhoefer Counter: Tom Runck (* denotes Head Usher) If you are unable to serve, please ask someone to fill in for you.

Central Communion Servers: February: Carol Case March: Dave Distad Ushers: February: Harvey Hagen* March: Rick Nesburg* Donna Grewe Carl Buboltz (* denotes Head Usher)

14th Gordon & Angela Lee 19th Scot & Sharylyn Pioske 25th Leo & Joanne Murphy

1st Truden Speath

2nd Kevin Jaus

3rd Gordon Lee, JR

Randy Lee

Jenny Hazelton

4th Dianne Burmeister

Trent Pfeffer

Bella Flores

Lilyana Jaus

5th Betsy Price

7th Eve Bleick

Sara Lee

9th Brynn Lutgen

10th Ruben Valdez, Jr.

11th Janis Weikle

12th Sharylyn Pioske

14th Kari Weikle

Paul Weikle

Tamara Hanson

Kim Schroeder

17th Sakura Price

Hunter Case

21st Clyde Bratlie

23rd

Nathaniel Distad

24th Gwen Nesburg

Paul Bengtson

Olivia Lee

25th Cassidy Albrecht Martin

26th Clay Kokesch

28th Taryn Bratvold

Morgan Pioske-Kokesch

FEBRUARY IS OUR SAVIOR’S MONTH TO DELIVER MEALS ON WHEELS.

We are still looking for a volunteer to coordinate drivers. A volunteer sign-up will being passed around during worship. Any and all help is greatly appreciated.

COMMUNITY MEAL

February 26, 2020, 5-6:30 PM

SIGN UP TO BRING FOOD, HELP SERVE

AND/OR CLEAN UP!

The meal is free to all that come. A free will offering will be accepted, with those monies going to future community meals. ASH WEDNESDAY WORSHIP SERVICE WILL FOLLOW COMMUITY MEAL, AT 7:00 PM

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Fairfax Lutheran Parish PO Box 595 Fairfax, MN 55332 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED