PRAYERS FOR MEMBERS OF OUR CONGREGATION Pray for blessings, health, safety and general wellbeing of these members of Atonement. Give thanks for all who are working with us in the mission we share. July 2 Al, Mary & Trent McLees; Charmaine Meador; Curtis, Sara, Erik, Jacob and Jessica Meeker; Duane Meirs; Kelly & Linda Michaelis. July 9 Kenny, Barbie, Blayze, Jayde, Bryce, Ty (Thirud), Brayden, and Kyler Mikkelson; Dale & Sharlene Molyneaux; John, Molly, James and Abrahm Moore; Robert, Michelle, Aidan and Kaylee Morgan; Butch & Penny Morse. July 16 Del & Di Moser; Paul & Shirley Mueller; John Myers & Peggy Gibson; Michael, Kathy and Lindsey Nafts; Cale, Mysti and Kimber Nafts. July 23 Bruce & Susan Nelson; Dennis & Donna Newell; Tracy Newton; Stan & Phyllis Newton; Vern & Rose Nibbe. July 30 Dale, Jessica, Lilyan and Max Nibbe; Anthony, Jaime and Harrison Nicastro; Joyce Nitschke; Doris Noland; Michael & Lynn Noland.

July 2017 Volume 61, Issue 7

ATONEMENT LUTHERAN CHURCH 2017 COUNCIL MEMBERS

Butch Morse,

President 534-4036

Michel Poodry,

Vice President 855-8446

Teague Westrope,

Secretary 860-7864

Marilyn Franklin,

Treasurer 373-2224

Eddy Baker

245-6809

Jason Beckwith

701-595-1932

Jay Berry 839-1632

Shellie Ehrmantraut

606-0463

Kim Mangels 256-2029

Walt Marten

245-6162

Linda Michaelis 259-1836

Colin Rubich

647-4483

Dixie Roseleip (Alternate) 252-2546

Erika Severson

(Youth Rep) 252-6038

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Preschool . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Habitat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 FPYV Golf . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Pastor’s Page . . . . . . . . . . 3 Heavenly Harps . . . . . . . . 3 Youth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Thank You . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Adult Education . . . . . . . .6 Finance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Pedals for Peas. . . . . . . . . 7 VBS 2017. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Servant Schedule . . . . 9/10 July Calendar . . . . . . . . . 11 Summer Concert . . . . . ..12

Commentator

EAGER TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE?

What kind of impact would you like to be able to make on our community on “God’s work. Our hands” Sunday?

What needs have you seen in our community that you’d like to see met on “God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday?

What can we do to be sure that all of our congregation can take part?

The possibilities are endless and we want to hear from YOU!

This year we observe the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran Reformation. The ELCA’s anniversary theme, “Freed and Renewed in Christ,” reminds us of the gospel’s promise that we are freed in Christ to love and serve our neighbors. This is work that you do every day – serving your community in ways that share the love of God with all of God’s people. We are a church that rolls up our sleeves and gets to work. These service activities offer an opportunity for us to explore one of our most basic convictions as Lutherans: that all of life in Jesus Christ – every act of service, in every daily calling, in every corner of life – flows freely from a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Let’s put our faith into action by engaging in a service activity in our neighborhood, surrounding community or designated area. While service opportunities are endless, the idea is to deepen our experience in our community and offer a way for Atonement to play a critical part in addressing community needs.

So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation; everything old has passed away; see everything has become new! – 2 Corinthians 5:17

Sunday, September 10, 2017 following the 8:00AM Worship Service.

2

Monday, Wednesday, Friday

9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

ENROLL TODAY!

ATONEMENT

PRESCHOOL

Enrollment for children

ages 3-5 years

JOY BIBLE STUDY

Join us Wednesdays at 6:30 a.m. at Montana Jacks 520 Hansen Lane. For information, contact Tina Williams at 690-1200.

Experienced Babysitter Need a reliable, CPR

certified, fun babysitter? I am

experienced with all ages of

children and have a driver’s

license. Please contact Erika

Severson at 406-855-4882!

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY OPPORTUNITIES

This summer and early fall, members of Atonement have opportunities to assist with building two different homes at the Habitat for Humanity sites off Dorothy Lane.

Opportunity 1: H4H Mid-Yellowstone Valley was approved for a 2017 Thrivent Builds Grant- the only Grant in Montana for 2017. We have no financial commitment but volunteers are being solicited to partner with Habitat for pounding nails, providing a lunch, keeping the job site clean and safe, attending the wall Raising and/or Dedication events, and other duties. They would like to find as many Thrivent members as possible to help on this project. Please contact the Habitat office directly if you would like to help at 652-0960. Please watch for bulletin announcements and a possible Atonement Day.

Opportunity 2: H4H Apostle’s Build will also be taking place late summer and early fall. Atonement has committed $2000 to this project, as well as made a verbal commitment to provide a work group of at least 10 volunteers to build on at least one Saturday (and providing lunch on that day). Again watch for bulletin announcements as the opportunities arise or when a workday is planned.

“Drive out Homelessness” 3rd Annual Golf Tournament

July 14, 2017 12:00pm-5:30pm

Call 406-294-7432 to register

Flag Prize In Every Hole | Putting Contest From 12:00-1:00 Scramble Format | Each Golfer Must Have Two Drives

$500 per Team | Space Is Limited! | Four Person Teams

Summer greetings from Atonement Lutheran Preschool! We are enrolling new students for the 2017-2018 school year and we still have openings for our classes. Our best advertisement is word of mouth so if you know of any preschool age students, send them our way!

It is so much fun getting ready for the next school year. We will be setting up the different rooms we have class in and cleaning all our toys and manipulatives we use. We plan to have a cleaning day on Tuesday, August 1

st, if you would like to help, join us at 10:30 AM.

Thank you for your numerous donations of supplies and talents, as well as monetary. Atonement Lutheran Preschool is blessed to be a part of Atonement’s ministry! Blessings!

Sara Westrope - Atonement Lutheran Preschool Director

ATONEMENT LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL

3

PASTOR’S PAGE

Cradle to grave ministry. That’s one articulation of our work at Atonement Lutheran. This vision led our congregation to a new location with room enough for people of all ages to grow. Our building (nearly 4 years old – so can we call it “new” anymore?) has been designed to not only accommodate our current ministries, but expand for growth. We have a healthy Preschool that is responding to the needs of our neighborhood. For our education ministry, we are planting the seeds of faith in classrooms which allow room for more. For worship, we have a flexible space where we can not only assemble to hear the hope that we share in Christ boldly proclaimed – but be transformed into functional gathering space as we engage in service and fellowship. This past month, no more clearly did we see that in action than with Vacation Bible School as our whole building transformed into a “workshop” where the foundation of faith was laid and built upon with 82 children of our congregation and community. Perhaps the more courageous embodiment of that goal on this campus is the presence of WyndStone. Vision, determination and cooperation resulted in a living community “of hope, dignity and love” for our aging population. This past March, our congregation, in partnership with WyndStone, applied for a Hetzel Foundation grant – which states as its mission “to provide financial assistance to agencies and institutions providing care for the elderly ("old folks"), and for the health, education, religious training and recreation of children and young people through the Montana Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.” The two emphases of children/young people and the elderly matched well with our cradle to grave ministry.

The grant request was to help with a connectivity pathway to integrate the campus which will aid our shared ministries: Preschool visits to WyndStone, senior volunteers (quilting, Preschool, office help and more), a combined Bible study in the Little White Church, youth group visits for service and fellowship nights with the senior residents, ease of access for worship on Sunday mornings and special occasions, and more. Note: the overall campus plan to integrate our two entities will be completed in phases as resources and funds are available. The first stage will connect the Atonement lower parking lot to the WyndStone community with an estimated cost of $20,500.

We were happy to share last month that we were awarded a Hetzel Foundation grant of $8,375 towards this project – exciting news! Now, our Campus Planning Team, along with WyndStone leadership, will resume its work to allocate and secure the remaining (approximately) $12,000, identify project management, and determine our timeline. It is our hope to commence yet this summer with a groundbreaking celebration – that just may include A&W (Atonement and WyndStone) Root Beer Floats!

Cradle to grave ministry. It’s what we’re about here. While structures and sidewalks and monies are important, our priority is building a community of people – from birth to death – in Jesus’ name. Wherever you are on this timeline, we are making room for you to engage in a ministry centered in God’s Word, grounded in love, and bringing the hope we share in Christ to all.

Peace in Christ,

Pastor Darren

Simply Giving

A special message for summer travelers.

Would you find it helpful

to have your offerings debited directly from your bank account as you probably do with

other obligations? Atonement Lutheran

offers electronic giving for those of you who

wish to have contributions transferred

electronically to the church’s account. If you have plans to travel this

summer, electronic giving gives you a

convenient way to keep up with your intended

offerings. Simply complete and return an

electronic giving authorization form to get started today. Forms are

always available in the Commons near the TV. For more information

please contact the church office at

254-7004.

In Concert Sunday, July 2, 2017

at 7:00PM Atonement Lutheran

Church Join Us!

4

YOUTH Denver Learning and Serving Pilgrimage (LASP) A group of youth will be in Denver between Sunday, July 9th-16th. There they will be serving at a day camp with St. Mark’s Lutheran Church and have different learning experiences via tours and speakers throughout the city of Denver. Please continue to pray for them as they embark on an experience away from Billings. Yet, also thank you for supporting the youth ministries at Atonement Lutheran Church which make these experiences possible. Youth Group Due to the Denver LASP, there is no youth group on Wednesday, July 12th. Otherwise, we will continue to meet weekly from 6:30-8:30pm every Wednesday evening! Triple-T Thursday, July 20th 10am-4pm Triple-T is a day of service and fellowship on the third Thursdays of the summer months. July 20th we will begin with service projects in the Heights and end with bowling! Sign up for July’s Triple-T through the Youth Page on the church website.

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY E-Newsletter and Texts Just a friendly heads up that the Youth and Family Ministry E-Newsletter will be shared every other Monday at 4pm. If you are not receiving these E-Newsletters sign up through the Youth Page through the church website. It is the second best way to stay connected with the happenings of the ministry. If you would like to begin receiving texts, text “ALC” to 84576. If you have any questions or need help with setting anything up, please contact Jon!

EDUCATION Confirmation 2017-18 Information For students beginning 7th-8th in the 2017-18 academic school year. More information on these upcoming dates will be in your mailbox in the month of July.

SAVE THE DATES Confirmation Orientation Sunday, August 27th at 6:00pm Confirmation Retreat at Christikon Bible Camp Friday, October 13th - Sunday, October 16th Jon Bates - Director of Youth, Family and Education Ministries Facebook.com/atonementyouthministry @atonementyouthministry Text “ALC” to 84576

Open to youth grades 7-12

Wednesdays @ 6:30 p.m.

To contact Jon Bates

Director of Youth,

Family, and Education

Ministries

By Mail: Atonement Lutheran

Church 1290 Sierra Granda Blvd

Billings, MT 59105 By Email:

doyfam@atonementbillings.org By Phone:

Work: 406-245-7004

5

Dear Atonement Lutheran - Thank you very much for the use of your beautiful church. Your facility works perfectly for my piano recitals. Gratefully!

Ramie Streeter A huge shout out to Ellery Bolte and Jerry Tulimaiau for clearing weeds from the church flower beads and parking lots during VBS!

Your Atonement Family

Thank you for the support, many cards and prayers. Losing my brother Gordon, was hard. Your support has helped me through this difficult time. In Christ.

Clara Baker

Christikon Clips July 2017 We are grateful for all the hard work that our Work Weekend crew accomplished!

Great group! Thank you!

Remember to pray for the staff and campers.

It’s not too late to register for camp this summer! Space remains in most youth sessions and in those for families and adults. You can register online at www.christikon.org , or use the forms distributed with the youth and family/adult brochures in your congregation. Or call us at the camp office for

further information.

Christikon covers the full costs for each at-risk kid participating in Sojourners Camp. (We expect to have 24 this summer) We invite individuals, congregations and their auxiliaries to consider special

giving for camp scholarships this summer.

Christikon has registered many newcomers to Christikon and we would appreciate gifts towards scholarships if you are able! Wonderful problem to have!

Special guest speakers become part of the Christikon life this summer during sessions for adults and families. During Mountain Weekend 1 (July 8-10) we feature Steve Schmidt, pastor of Hope Lutheran

Church in Bozeman. Continuing Education Retreat (Jul 31-Aug 3) and Mountain Weekend 2 aka Atonement Family Camp weekend (Aug. 4-6) speakers are Reverend Karyn Wiseman and Johnny

Hermanson. Come spend a few days of relaxation, learning, and faith growth with us.

It is the mission of Christikon to awaken and nurture faith in Christ — exploring God’s creation and the adventure of life together.

CHRISTIKON ● 1108 24

th Street West ● Billings, MT 59102 406 656-1969

FRIENDSHIP CLUB will meet July 12th at noon for our monthly meeting and potluck. Hope to see you all there. Contact Sandi Gonzalez 348-3707 details.

OUTDOOR MINISTRY will meet July 13th and 27th at 6PM to shoot archery. Contact Gene Arneson 671-1552 for more information.

6

Financial Report

ADULT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

Wednesday Adult Bible Study 10:00AM at the Little White Church

ROMANS: Paul’s letter to the Romans is quite different than any of his other letters: it is a grand treatise about the nature of sin, the promise of salvation and the call to mission. Luther’s Christian identity was powerfully transformed through the study of this epistle. Join us as we explore how God may be calling us anew in this study.

July 5 – What Does God Want From Us? Romans 12:1-21 (Series End)

EPHESIANS: This epistle (letter) was written to a church that needed divine guidance in their mission and ministry. It challenged – and still challenges – the church which experiences transition and difficulties to discover new ways of re-building its ministry. Ephesians is filled with imagery used in construction: plan, foundation, walls, cornerstone, joinery, dwelling, ownership – and more. With people as the building material (akin to Luther’s “priesthood of all believers”), we’ll hear the message of Ephesians which is dedicated to helping the church grow God’s way – yesterday, today and tomorrow!

July 12 – Are We Building In Love? Ephesians 1:3-14

July 19 – No Study

July 26 – Are We Building Without Walls? Ephesians 2:11-22

Study’s led by Pastor Darren

General Fund May 2017

Income: $36,211.89

Expense: $55,291.66

Net Income: ($19,09.77)

Net Income YTD: ($7,258.37)

Budget Expense: $56,735.91

Building Fund May 2017

Income: $6,062.00

Expense: $8,150.00

Net Income: ($2,088.00)*

Net Income YTD: ($8,468.40)*

Budget Expense: $8,150.00

Building Fund Mortgage Savings

05/30/17: $73,556.52

04/30/17: $75,620.43

03/31/17: $77,235.06

* Reminder: The negative amounts indicate the amount we are drawing down on the surplus in our Building Fund. Donations to the building fund exceeded our needs in the prior year.

THRIVENTBUILDS

Greetings from Habitat for Humanity Mid-Yellowstone Valley. We are excited to share with you that we have been approved for a 2017 ThriventBuilds Grant. All volunteers are appreciated. We are asking, especially, for any Thrivent Member to help on those project in some small…..or large…..way. There will be volunteer opportunities ranging from small administrative tasks to helping with lunches to pounding nails on the actual build. We anticipate starting construction sometime in early June. PLEASE CONTACT us if you are a Thrivent Member, or any volunteer, who would be willing to help. Jim Woolyhand, Executive Director 406-652-0960

7

Pedal for Peas 2017

Thank you for your gifts of support of Pedal for Peas!

We had a successful ride and look forward to future rides.

The $5,292.50 raised through Pedal for Peas for ELCA World Hunger will be able to do great good in the

world. $5,000 will provide two wells or spring boxes which will each provide up to 500 families with clean,

safe drinking water. Or, at $40 each, our gifts may be used to provide 132 girls with school fees, a uniform

and access to education to raise her family out of poverty. Or, at $10 for 10 chicks, our gifts will provide

5,292 chicks which can provide needed protein and an income to a family. Incredible!

Your contributions toward the success of Pedal for Peas will have lasting impact in the Montana Synod as well:

Every year a portion of the dollars raised for ELCA World Hunger return to the Montana Synod through Domestic Hunger Grants. Our partnership with ELCA World Hunger is one to which we contribute and one from which

we benefit.

Noah Paulson (top row center) raised $312.50 from folks at Atonement. Thank you again for your generous gift!

NEW! WYNDSTONE WELLNESS CLASS—Beginner Mat Yoga with Stephanie Robinson, Thursdays 8:30-9:30am at the Little White Church. Begins Thursday, July 20

th through Thursday, August 24

th Cost: $20 for

the six classes. This 6-week free-flowing yoga class includes postures and stretches to increase strength and flexibility. All levels are welcome, as individuals are encouraged to work at their own pace. Some of the many benefits of yoga include improved body alignment, increased breathing control and awareness, and stress relief. Participants are encouraged to bring their own mat and water bottle. For more information or to register, please call Whitney Buechler at 325-8605.

8

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL 2017

Last month from June 12-16th we had about 80 kids between preschool and 5th grade participating in VBS! This year we had more than 50 volunteers that helped make the week possible from bringing in items for snack, leading a station, hanging out with a crews of kids, and through prayer. Thank you to all who made the week a success! Watch out on the church’s Facebook page for a photo album of the week.

Last day photo!

Glimpse of the Bible Discovery Station led by Jane Hansen

9

9:15AM

July 2 Ian La Ve`

July 9 Lauren Rodacker

July 16 Isabella Garcia

July 23 Madisen Carter

July 30 Daylon Rinebarger

MARVELOUS MONDAY WONDERFUL

WEDNESDAY MEALS

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

Pasta/Mac-n-Cheese

Canned Tuna

Chili/Ravioli

Shirley Jennings

HOSPITAL

VISITATION

LOVE OFFERING

Freedom In Christ Prison Ministries

WORSHIP ASSISANT

LECTOR

Wednesday, 7/12

Bull Mountain Grille

Monday, 7/24

Montana Jack’s

Join us at 6:00 p.m.

For details contact

Julie Amundson

ALTAR GUILD

ACOLYTE

9:15AM

July 2 Terri Porisch

July 9 Kelly & Linda Michaelis

July 16 Becky Lujan/Debbie Heyd

July 23 Gary Dunmeyer/Eddy Baker

July 30 Becky Lujan

CANTOR

9:15AM

July 2 Betty Jo Furstenberg

July 9 Doug Harper

July 16 Kim Mangels

July 23 Noah Paulson

July 30 Colin Rubich

9:15AM

July 2 Gene Arneson

July 9 Trudi Paulson

July 16 Mark Halvorson

July 23 Bruce/Jackie Hill

July 30 Janie Fitch-Danielsen

Kathy Cypher

Jeanne Heine

Judy Belden

10

July 2 Open

July 9 Open

July 16 Open

July 23 Open

July 30 Open

July 10 Property Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee Meeting 7:00 p.m. July 11 Finance Committee Meeting 6:00 p.m. Evangelism Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m. July 12 Friendship Club 12:00 p.m. July 13 Outdoor Ministry 6:00p.m. July 18 Church Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. July 27 Outdoor Ministry 6:00p.m. .

July 2 Craig Canfield

July 9 Paul Mueller

July 16 Leno’s

July 23 Kyle Johnston

July 30 Todd Koepp

Drivers

Leno’s 248-5359 Kyle Johnston 325-1235 Todd Koepp 256-1569

Craig Canfield 245-6557 Paul Mueller 259-3565

July 2 Jay & Janelle Berry

July 9 Trudi Paulson

July 16 Kathy Cypher

July 23 Bill & Judy Belden

July 30 Tammy Johnston

Judy Belden

COFFEE HOUR

COMMUNION BREAD

COMMUNION PREPARERS

SANCTUARY FLOWERS

MONTHLY MEETINGS

TRANSPORTATION

WELCA

July 2 Linda Kern; Vicki Leatherberry, Craig & June Canfield July 9 Jesse & Sandi Gonzalez: Dale Molyneaux, John Olsen July 16 Ed & Rita Reeve; Cindy Dunmeyer, Betty Jo Furstenberg July 23 Glenn & Jane Hansen; Mike & Janet Rubich July 30 Colin & Kelsie Rubich; Amy Severson, Doreen Shewmaker

Bold Names indicate Head Usher(s)

USHER/GREETERS 9:15 AM

11

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

1

2 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship 7:00 p.m. Heavenly Harps Concert

3 4:15 p.m. Staff 7:00 p.m. Property

Independence Day 4 Office Closed

5 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @LWC 6:30 p.m. Youth Group

6

7

8

9 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship **Event Team Meeting

10 4:15 p.m. Staff 7:00 p.m. Worship Committee

11 1:00 p.m. Quilters 6:00 p.m. Finance 6:30 p.m. Evangelism

12 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @ LWC 12:00 p.m. Friendship Club 6:00 p.m. Wonderful Wed. Meal

13 6:00 p.m. Outdoor Ministry - Archery

14

Commentator Due 15

16 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship

17 4:15 p.m. Staff

18 1:00 p.m. Quilters 7:00 p.m. Council

19 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @ LWC 6:30 p.m. Youth Group

20 10:00 a.m. Triple-T

21

22

23 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship

24 4:15 p.m. Staff 6:00 p.m. Marvelous Monday Meal

25 1:00 p.m. Quilters

26 6:30 a.m. Joy Circle 10:00 a.m. Bible Study @ LWC 6:30 p.m. Youth Group

27 6:00 p.m. Outdoor Ministry - Archery

28 29

30 8:45 a.m. Cantor 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:15 a.m. Fellowship

31 4:15 p.m. Staff

July Holiday’s & Observances - At A Glance: Canada Day (Canada), July 1, 2017

Independence Day, July 4, 2017 First Manned Moon Landing 1969, July 20, 2017

World War I Began, 1914, July 28, 2017

WE BRING THE HOPE WE SHARE IN CHRIST TO ALL !

Outdoor Ministry Camp Out 07/21-23

Youth Mission Opportunity to Denver, CO 7/9 –7/16

12

STAFF EMAIL Darren Paulson

pastor@atonementbillings.org Jon Bates

doyfam@atonementbillings.org Kristin La Ve`

worship@atonementbillings.org Sara Westrope

preschool@atonementbillings.org Nancy Rupe

office@atonementbillings.org

Atonement Lutheran Church

1290 Sierra Granda Blvd

Billings, MT 59105

Phone: 406-245-7004

www.atonementbillings.org

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID

Billings, MT Permit # 904

Return Service Requested

Atonement’s Summer

Outdoor Concert Saturday, August 12 @ 6pm

*Event Team Meeting - Sunday, July 9th following the morning worship service.