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FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCHEvangelical Lutheran Church in America
Charles ‘Jake’ Dyrhaug, Pastor
June 2019, Newsletter May 20, 2023
Looking for a way to put your faith into action? Have some free time this summer? Here are some opportunities to consider: Give a donation to ELCA World Hunger, or Morrison County Food
Shelf or consider volunteering. People are hungry year-round. Watch for ways to be involved in the next Habitat for Humanity home to
be constructed in the county. Deliver meals to homebound people in the community. Lutheran Social
Services Senior Nutrition Program delivers about 35 meals per day from the Little Falls Senior Center. To volunteer call Terri Weyer at 320-492-4276.
Volunteer or give a gift in support of outdoor ministry at Luther Crest Bible Camp. Contact Dave at 320-292-9241 or Jody 320-846-2431.
Walk or support a walker in the Relay for Life, a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, on Friday, July 12, 5:00-10:00 p.m. at Little Falls Community High School track.
Bring a friend and come to share fellowship over a nutritious meal at Share A Meal, served each Thursday at 6:00 p.m. at First Lutheran. Watch for First’s next time to provide and serve the meal or volunteer to plan and coordinate a meal.
Support one of the many ELCA missions with a financial gift or the gift of your time. Contact the church office.
Share your gifts with kids at VBS, August 5-9, 9:00 a.m. to noon. Tie a fleece blanket or sew a quilt for Lutheran World Relief. Provide a caring meal to someone who is facing a struggle with health or
other issues. Contact Parish Nurse Tracy Moe. Visit with or read to a resident at a care center or a shut-in. Knit or crochet a prayer shawl for someone who can use a
comforting hug. Save your aluminum cans (and other items!) for recycling. Cans can be
placed in a securely tied bag and left by the garage. Save the earth! Provide prayer or financial support to First Lutheran youth participating
in summer camps.Thank you for all the ways that you show the love of Christ in our community and world!
FIRST 2100 Riverview DriveLittle Falls, MN 56345
(320) 632-6667(320) 632-1050 Fax
“Servants of All”
Pastor Jake’s Notes
see page 2Health Newssee page 4
Mission Opportunities
see page 5
Youth Opportunities
see page 6
Vacation Bible School
see page 8
“Children First” Preschool
Newssee page 9
Notes from Pastor Jake “Warmed by Summer and the Son”“You set the boundaries of the earth, and you made both summer and winter.” Psalm 74:17
Yes, summer is coming. Despite the constant rain and the cooler temperatures, we trust that the season with its warmer temperatures will arrive. Seems like days the sun has shined are few and far between lately in Minnesota, but we get an occasional warm ray through the clouds.A physics professor called on one of his students to list some characteristics of cold and heat. “Things contract in cold and expand in heat,” answered the student. “Give an example,” the instructor requested. “In winter,” answered the student, “the days are short and in the summer the days are long.” In Minnesota, people really appreciate summer, when the days “expand.” I remember in a science class learning that it’s really not a matter of the earth being closer in orbit to the sun that makes summer warmer and summer days longer for us. It’s a matter of the tilt of
the earth in the orbit. When our side of the earth is tilted more to “catch the rays”, the planet is actually farther out on the line of the orbit. Faith is kind of like that. God may be close to us at all times, as promised in scripture. In fact, God may be closer to us in some of the darkest times, and we do not know it. And yet we may not be at a receptive angle to sense his love and grace. And so we stay cold when we could be warmed by the “Son.”As we head into glorious summer here in the “Land of Lakes,” turn your face to Jesus and let him warm your soul!
Your Servant in Christ,
Pastor Jake Dyrhaug
Special Pentecost Offering The church council has approved a special offering on Pentecost Sunday, June 9. This year the offering is designated for the purpose of replacing several windows in the church building. As an important part of faithful stewardship of our congregational home, we want to maintain the property to the best of our ability. Windows will be replaced in order of priority as we have funds available. Please write “Celebration Offering” in the memo line of your check. Please note: In past years we have celebrated Pentecost Sunday by receiving a special offering dedicated to mortgage principal reduction. As of April 30, the mortgage principal amount owed is $427,826. Thank you for your faithful stewardship!
Council Highlights Accepted with regret the resignation of Rachel
Flogstad-Heise as Office Administrative As-sistant as of May 30. We will thank Rachel for her time of serving on Sunday, May 26.
Approved offering the position of part-time Office Administrative Assistant to Gail Hittesdorf effective June 1. Gail has accepted this offer of employment. Thank you!
Reminded the congregation of the Special Celebration offering to be received on Pentecost Sunday, June 9. This year, these gifts are designated for replacement of windows in the building.
Page 2
Report from 32nd Annual Northeastern Minnesota Synod AssemblyThe 2019 Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly was held May 3-5 at Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center (DECC) with First Lutheran members Ruth Jeremiason-Jensen and Steve Jones attending as First Lutheran voting members. Pastor Jake Dyrhaug also attended. The theme was, “Just Peace, Accompaniment: Doing God’s Mission Together.” The synod welcomed the ELCA Glocal musicians and educators, and guests from the South Andhra Lutheran Church in India and other guests. In addition to hearing reports from the year from around the synod, assembly business included, elections, approval of the 2020 synod budget, and approval of 2020 compensation guidelines. The following resolutions were approved: #19-1 Migrants at the United States-Mexican Border: that a letter be drafted to encourage policies that welcome migrants: #19-2 Companion Synod Support: that beginning in 2021 the NE MN Synod budget commit to long-term funding assistance to our global partners; #19-3 Opposing Conversion Therapy: that the NE MN Synod condemn the practice known as “conversion therapy” and support measures to prohibit its practice; #19-4 A Commitment toward Gender Justice: Call to Repentance: that the NE MN Synod call upon our bishop to issue a public statement repenting of the harm done to the LGBTQ community by the teaching of the Christian Church on the subject of human gender identity and orientation. A total of $14,192 was given for the work of ELCA World Hunger through the Quilt Auction and Marketplace. Thank you to the First Lutheran quilters for the beautiful quilt given to the quilt auction.The Synod Assembly provided an opportunity to worship, learn about the many ways our synod is at work in the world, pray, and grow in our discipleship and mission to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Questions, concerns, or comments? Please contact those who attended or check the Synod webpage found at nemnsynod.org. Next year’s assembly is again in Duluth at the DECC May 1-3, 2020.
Notes from voting member Steve Jones: First Lutheran council member and voting
member to the assembly Steve Jones shared a report with the church council. The following are edited highlights from his report. Thanks, Steve!
I hope that this written report can provide a brief view of the positive energy that was evident during the three days of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod Assembly. There are many things I could share but I focus on a few pieces of the days that most impacted me. Bishop Tom Aitken: This is the eleventh year of the twelve-year tenure of the Bishop, so there was transparent work preparing for the nomination process for the Bishop’s successor. One begins to realize what a daunting and inclusive task the Bishop nomination process is. The bishop’s message throughout the three days was one of reminding us that our lives are not our own but are the possession of Christ. This message resonated and became the mantra of the event.The focus on diversity within the ELCA was encouraging and a driver of the conference. From
a very eclectic musical group to the various staff reports which focused on the work within the ELCA itself and the churches in the synod, it was thrilling for me to hear and see the commitment that our ELCA and churches have towards “all” people. Sometimes these words are mouthed but are not backed up with action; I can unequivocally tell you that I am intensely proud to be a member of the ELCA and a member of First Lutheran because we “walk the walk” and not just “talk the talk.”The focus on “all” people really came through during the conversation surrounding the resolutions put forth. (see the list in article above) The resolutions really deal with, in my view, “Human Dignity through Christ.” I am filled with pride, wonder and awe in the people who were so committed to others to openly discuss and support the people who these resolutions personally impacted. The resolution process was long, but intensely rewarding and humbling. I gained such respect for those who told “their story.” Thank you for the opportunity to attend this event as one of the congregation’s voting members!
Page 3
Parish Nurse News Tracy Moe RN
The Central MN Council on Aging, Senior Housing & Services Guide is now available! This publication contains current housing opportunities for those 55 years and older in Benton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Kanabec, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Pine, Sherburne, Stearns, Todd, Wadena, and Wright counties. It also includes a helpful directory of services available in the 14-county region, as well as several informational articles. It is a valuable resource for individuals, family members, caregivers, and professional providers. See Tracy Moe, Parish Nurse for a copy.
Thank you! Thank you to the Sunday School station
leaders and shepherds and all who made Sunday School a priority this year.
Thank you to all who graciously assisted with yard cleanup here on the church grounds.
Thank you to all who donated items and/or helped to assemble the 100+ Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief.
Thank you to those who volunteered to assist with Roadside Cleanup of our section of Hwy 238. God’s work. Our hands.
Thank you to all who faithfully tend to the week-in, week-out needs of ministry in this place. You are appreciated!
Do you have Concerns about Falling?
Matter of Balance WorkshopWe offer this workshop every Monday and Thursday, beginning July 8 and 11, 9:30-11:30 a.m. for four weeks, ending Thursday, August 1. If you are age 60+ and have concerns about falling or are interested in improving your balance, flexibility and strength, plan to attend these classes/workshop offered at no charge by Catholic Charities here at First Lutheran. Limit 12 attendees. Freewill donations welcome. Contact the church office to sign up. For more information, contact Parish Nurse, Tracy Moe.
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Mission Opportunities What Should I Save?
There are many ways that you can be involved in mission right from your own home. We can all be good stewards of the earth and help others at the same time by saving a variety of things. Here is a list of ways that you can help. If you know of other projects, you may contact the church office with this information for future publication. Sign up online for Coborn’s More School
Rewards for “Children First” Christian Preschool to receive dollars from points earned from your regular shopping.
Cotton fabric (large enough for 7 inch squares) for the First Lutheran quilters. Bring to the church office.
Cancelled stamps for Sons of Norway. Give to Marlene Williams or the church office.
Aluminum cans for the First Lutheran youth program. You can leave bags of cans by the church garage. Please close bags securely. Volunteers to take cans to the recycler are also welcome.
Building materials, new and used, and other items may be donated to the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The ReStore generally accepts: building materials, furniture, cabinets, appliances, plumbing, electrical and much more! If you have an item to donate call the ReStore to see if it’s something they can accept at 218-828-8517.
Donate items, or better yet, volunteer at the local New to You store. Proceeds support the Boys and Girls Club.
Recycle—at home and at church. Your assistance with recycling is appreciated. We
can recycle office paper, newspaper, glass, plastic, cans, cardboard, and more. Recycling containers for glass, plastic, and cans are located in the kitchen. Paper can be recycled in the church office. Please observe the directions for preparation of items. Thank you!
We are looking for a place to donate clean, new fiberfill scraps. If you know someone who creates stuffed toys or other items that could use these pieces, please contact the church office.
The church recycles spent batteries (such as 9volt, AAA, etc.). Please do not throw in trash.
Light bulbs and electronic equipment are collected and carefully recycled here. These items are disposed of for a fee.
We have now sourced a communion cup that is biodegradable. We are experimenting with the best way to manage their use.
Consider other ways you can reduce your plastic use: bring reusable bags to the store and recycle the plastic bags you do use, use a reusable water bottle, eliminate plastic straws, use beeswax wrap instead of plastic wrap, there are many more options too!
Re-use: save those items that you no longer need or use and donate them—the LSS Rummage Sale, a cooperative event of Bethel and First Lutheran is one place to donate. Your donation provides funds for Lutheran Social Service group homes.
Thanks Thanks Thanks!First Lutheran and Bethel Lutheran hosted another successful rummage sale! Sale proceeds of over $1,500 supports Lutheran Social Service group homes in the area. Thanks to all who donated items, worked or helped in any way. Start saving now for the next sale in May 2020! Thank you! Karen Haaland
Page 5
Youth Room Project Fundraiser
The Youth Ministry Team has undertaken a project to do some upgrades/remodeling in the youth room. In order to accomplish this project we will be working to raise funds. The first fundraiser is a traveling toilet (yes!) that will move from yard to yard, transported by our youth and families that volunteer. If the ‘throne’ appears in your yard, you can have the toilet removed from your yard for the low, low, price of $15. If you would like another person to enjoy the ‘throne’ you can send it to their yard for a $20 donation. Finally, for $25, the best deal of all, you can buy “toilet insurance” and flush away any fears of getting the toilet in your yard to begin with (yes, this means you will be guaranteed to NEVER get the toilet in your yard)! We plan to conclude this event with an outdoor movie night. Watch for more information and/or purchase your ‘insurance’ today!
Walk/Run/Ride to BowlusSunday, June 23
3:00-6:00 p.m.Bowlus Park
The Congregational Life Ministry Team invites you to an afternoon of fun, games, fellowship, food at the Bowlus Park on the Soo Line Trail in Bowlus. You can access the Soo Line Trail to bike, run, or walk at the trailhead on Hwy 10, or on either side of Blanchard Dam. Or you can drive and meet at the park. We will serve hot dog supper at the park. For more information, contact Cassie Neumann, 218-831-0554.
Page 6
Summer Bible CampIt’s not too late to register for an awesome week at summer Bible camp! First Lutheran supports the ministry of Luther Crest Bible Camp in Alexandria with mission plan dollars and with time and prayer. Children of all ages (adults too!) will learn how God chooses us, provides for us, forgives all, and sends us out to love as we explore the summer theme. If you or someone you know is interested in Bible Camp, please ask in the church office.
Advent Craft Sale and LuncheonSaturday, December 7
We know it’s barely summer, but the time will fly so now’s the time to work on items for the Craft Sale – so be creative! Be sure you have this date on your calendar. If you or someone you know is interested in assisting with this annual event, please contact the church office.
Sunday School NewsSunday School is taking a summer break. Planning is in the works for an exciting 2019/20 Sunday School year. If you or someone you know would like to be part of planning/organizing/leading a team of children and youth or a rotation station, please contact the church office or any of the members of the Education Ministry Team.Thank you to all who shared their faith and developed relationships with children and youth over the past year. Thank you to those who committed to the full year of Sunday School ministry. You are a blessing! The God-given gifts of all are greatly appreciated!
18th Annual Golf Scrambleto benefit the ministry at Luther Crest Bible Camp
Monday, August 5 at Lake Miltona Golf Club
Why not get a foursome together and spend a fun day playing this “Best Ball” tournament on the course. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m.; “shotgun start” tee time is at 1:00 p.m. Supper will be served at 5:00 p.m. You can play this scramble for $100 per golfer. The fee per golfer covers green fees, cart rental, golf balls, driving range, sack lunch and supper. You are encouraged to give a gift in support of Luther Crest at this event. Last year’s tournament made a significant impact on the camp’s ministry. To register, call the church office, 632-6667 or register online at www.luthercrest.org
Book ClubWe meet Tuesday, June 25, at 7:00 p.m. for dis-cussion. The selection for June is The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg. Readers please secure your own copy of the book. For more information, contact Tifanii Dahl, 632-8207.
Seeking members willing to share their spiritual journey!
Do you remember last year’s Advent journey of hope? Members of First Lutheran wrote devotions, shared their faith journey and where they experienced hope in their lives. In sharing their journey, we all were blessed. With this blessing, we are seeking individuals, couples, and families
Confirmation MinistrySixth Grade: Looking ahead – Class on Prayer during VBS week, August 5-9. Watch your mailbox for a letter with more details.
Eighth Grade: Summer will fly by quickly, remember to keep working on mentor activities!
who would be willing to share their faith journey by writing a short devotion for either Advent, Lent, or both. More information will be coming,
but if interested please contact Mary Pfohl at [email protected] or (320) 632-4760.
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Vacation Bible SchoolAugust 5-9, 9:00-noon
“Roar!”Life is Wild—God is Good
Youth and adults will explore the Bible and learn that: When life is unfair, when life is scary, when life changes, when life is sad, when life is good!…God is Good! Vacation Bible School is Monday, August 5 through Friday, August 9, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. VBS is for youth age 3 (by September 1, 2018) through fifth grade. Sixth grade students will have a confirmation class on prayer during this great week. Kids will have fun as they start each day at Sing and Play Roar and play at Stampede Sports, enjoy a movie at Kidvid Cinema, have a Wild Bible Adventure, make a project at the Imagination Station and have a snack at Hungry Herd Café. We will wrap up each day at Safari Celebration!Registration is underway. To register a child, children, or yourself as a volunteer, go online to https://vbspro.events/p/events/3fb5c6. Please share this information with others interested! If you are unable to register online, please contact the church office. Early registration makes planning easier. VBS is a collaboration of First Lutheran and First United congregations.
We will meet Irving Carter, the gamekeeper at the wildlife preserve. He wants everyone to know that seventh grade through adult volunteer participation is encouraged. You can sign up to become a station leader, leader, preschool leader or a helper. Please prayerfully consider how you can share your time and talents during this fun week.
Whether you are a seasoned VBS volunteer or you haven’t helped with this fun event yet, please consider spending some time at VBS to be held Monday-Friday, August 5-9. We will use Group Publishing’s program “Roar!” to help youth and adults learn that when Life is Wild—God is Good! There are many ways to help with this week, both behind the scenes and before the week begins and/or hands on activity during the week. Watch for the signup board in the gathering space for more details about the week.
For more information, contact, Diana Kempenich or the church office, 632-6667.
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“Children First” Christian Preschool Update
Greetings from the “Children First” Christian Preschool!
Another Preschool year has come and gone! It is a bittersweet time for us as we say goodbye to Preschoolers headed to Kindergarten. We have enjoyed our time with them and hope they continue to grow in God’s love. We are excited to see new families, returning families and Preschoolers registering for Fall classes and are already planning exciting themes and activities for next year.
Registration for 2019-2020 Preschool year is underway. “Children First” Christian Preschool registers children continuously throughout the year beginning at age 33 months.
Class offerings are:
Noah’s Animals (33 mos-3-year-olds) Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday
Noah’s Animals (33 mos-3-year-olds) 4-day morning class, Monday Thursday
Jesus’ Gems (4-5-year-olds) Monday and Wednesday, or Tuesday and Thursday
Jesus’ Gems (4-5-year-olds) 4-day morning class, Monday-Thursday
Friday Friends (33 mos-5-year-olds) meets Friday, for those families wanting a three-day or five-day experience for their preschooler.
Morning classes meet 8:30-11:30 a.m. Please ask for information about childcare before/after school hours.
Registration/activity fee is $50.00 and is non-refundable. Brochures and registration forms are available in the First Lutheran Church office, the church gathering space, online at
www.flclittlefalls.org or by contacting Gail. All class offerings are based on enrollment. Your early enrollment assists us in planning.
If you or someone you know has a little person of preschool age, consider enrolling them in this quality, Christian early childhood program.
Watch for “Children First” over the summer at community events. We enjoy being part of the community and seeing your children out and about.
Thank you to all who keep “Children First” in prayer and support us in so many ways. Thank you to all who volunteered and visited our classrooms
this past year. Thank you for another awesome Preschool year – God’s blessings to all!
Happy Summer!
Yours in Christ’s Service,Gail Hittesdorf, Director320-632-6667, 320-291-4698Email: [email protected]
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News of the Family+
Amelia Marie Andres, daughter of Eric and Stephanie Andres was baptized on Sunday,
May 12. Welcome to the kingdom!
+
Items for the July NEWSLETTER are due on June 20, 2019!
Congratulations! On June 1 First Lutheran celebrates 30 years of being smoke-free.
Sunday Worship Schedule8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship using a
variety of liturgical settings
9:35 a.m. Coffee Fellowship Hour
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship led by a Praise Band
Holy Communion is served at all services.
Come and See!
