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March 2015
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2
Fellow Welcomers,
There’s nothing quite like feeling welcomed, is there?
Two years ago, on our sabbatical in Scandinavia we were welcomed again and again into people’s homes and lives. It was truly enriching and we made fast friends with relatives we had never met before and grew deeper in our already established friendships. Yet, one welcome stands out.
We had made e-mail plans to visit the farm in south-central Sweden which was the home of Emily’s paternal great-great grandmother. It was one of the places that connected Emily to her roots.
It took a while to find this particular farm for it was at the end of a dead end road deep in the Swedish countryside. We were not even sure we had found it, until a man stepped out of the front door and greeted Emily, by name!
After showing us around the farm, they invited us in for “fika” which is Swedish for Coffee an’. The mother of the family had baked two cakes for our visit, cooked up coffee, and prepared a fruit drink for the boys. We sat down around their table and got to know one another. We did not share anything particularly deep or earth-shaking, but we did create the start of a relationship because of their welcoming ways.
Now, what makes this welcome stand out for me is that these people were not family to Emily. They had no obligation to fete the returning
Americans like everyone else we met did. Yet, they made a “big deal” of our visit. They took the time to get to know us in conversation and around food. They truly welcomed us!
As you can see from the scripture that I shared at the beginning, hospitality, the welcoming of another person is truly a foundation of not only Christian community, but the Christian way of life.
Christine Pohl writes about the Christian practice of hospitality in different communities and churches. She writes, “…the practice of hospital-ity involves common meals and conversation between hosts, guests, and strangers around a table. In this context, food, shelter, attention, and respect are shared. Hosts make room for those with no place, sharing themselves and their lives…”
When reading this I immediately saw in my mind’s eye our time of fellowship between worship services. I saw people sitting around tables together, drinking coffee, eating treats, and talking. It is the very picture of what Christine Pohl is writing about, yet it is not complete.
For I also know, too often visitors and especially strangers not known are left to sit on their own at a table. They may be greeted, but are they welcomed? Does anyone go and sit down with a cup of coffee and introduce themselves? Does anyone take the time to find out who they are?
Sometimes, yes, and too often, no.
I know, I know, coffee an’ and refreshment hour is when we catch up with our friends or sometimes even our family, but Jesus calls us to think differently. Maybe you need to plan some more intentional time with those friends and family, if this is the only time you see each other (just a half humorous thought!)
Christine Pohl adds this thought, “(Christian communities) also offer welcome as a way of responding to the gospel, and especially to the witness of Jesus and the Scriptures to the
Pastor Joel’s message continued…
Pastor Joel’s message continued…
centrality of hospitality. Additionally, hosts offer welcome because of its importance to their own lives; as one commented, ‘without hospitality, our souls would wither.’”
In other words, we welcome others not simply for the sake of making them feel “welcomed” and to begin new relationships, but also because Jesus calls us to welcome others. In welcoming we are building up the community of Christ and feeding our souls!
I invite you to take the time to introduce yourself to someone you do not know, and especially to those sitting by themselves and carry your coffee along so as to take the time to find out who they are!
Welcome others, as you would want to be welcomed.
In Christ’s love and welcome, Pastor Joel
Winter Worship Schedule
8:45 A.M. Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Refreshments served 9:45 A.M. Sunday school classes 10:00 A.M. Adult study 10:45 A.M. Nontraditional Worship
with Holy Communion
United in Christ Lutheran
LEADERSHIPHave a question, concern, comment, or anything else you would like to discuss about United in Christ Lutheran congregation? Just send an email off to any of the Congregation Council members or staff listed below. Or you can call them at the phone number next to their name.
Heath Boe, president, [email protected]
Marge Bartovich, [email protected]
David R. Hamalainen, [email protected]
Cindy Hultman, [email protected]
Ken Lahti, [email protected]
Danielle Larson, [email protected]
Laurie Oates, vice-president, [email protected]
Brianne Pellinen, [email protected]
David Tollefson, secretary, [email protected]
Pastor Emily Rova-Hegener, [email protected]
Pastor Joel Rova-Hegener, 744-2694 [email protected]
Sonja Simonson, office manager, [email protected]
The Congregation Council thanks everyone who submitted comments, ideas, or suggestions in response to our "Mission Table" book discussion questions. The council has reviewed all the submissions and will continue working on this project throughout the coming year. As always, please feel free to contact any of the church council members with your comments, ideas, or suggestions at any time.
Thanks,Danielle LarsonCongregation Council Member
HAVE YOU PREPARED WISELY?
Have you chosen a power of attorney? Do you have a will? Do you have a Health Care Directive? Do you have plans for your estate upon death? Do you have
questions about making plans for your finances in the coming years?
Thrivent Financial is hosting a women only pie and coffee informational meeting on Thursday, afternoon, March 5, at 3:00 p.m. at the church. It is open to all women, and you do not have to be a Thrivent member. Please RSVP to the church office by Sunday, March 1. (We need to have enough pie!) If you have any questions, please talk to Pastor Joel or Sonja at 744-2694. You are welcome to invite a friend, also, for pie.
LENTEN MEALSLENT is here and everyone is invited as we continue Wednesday evening meals and worship. Each week the meal will start at 5:30 p.m., and worship at 6:30 p.m. Elisa Boe and Nancy Roseen have volunteered and are organizing the meals with your help. Two delicious meals have been served, and more are on the way. There are sign-up sheets on the table in the narthex for ingredients that are needed and help needed.Can you help with setup, serving, or clean up?March 4 (will be a potato bar)March 11 (Senior Choir serving stir fry)March 18 (Boy Scouts serving pancakes)March 25 (still in planning stage, hosts needed)See the table at the back of the church (narthex) for more details. Or talk to Elisa Boe at 744-1140 or Nancy Roseen at 744-2941. Volunteers are needed each week for various food items and various dining room/kitchen duties.
NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING
Adults and Youth MeetWed. March 18, at 7:15 p.m.
All youth who will be attending the National Youth Gathering in
July and a parent(s) will meet on Wednesday, March 18, at 7:15 p.m. This will be a fundraiser planning meeting and preparation for filling out forms for the Synod Journey as well as packing lists, etc. Please be present with your youth! If you have questions, call Pastor Joel at 744-2694.
MARCH HUNGER AND FOODSHELF AWARENESS MONTH
During the month of March, Quad Cities Food Shelf is able to get $4 worth of food for every dollar they spend! Please consider giving a donation to the local Food Shelf that is located in Gilbert. It serves the whole Quad Cities area.
SOUPER BOWL OF CARINGThank you for the generosity shown by members on “Souper Bowl Sunday. With your donations of $254.88, which went into the soup kettle, we will help fight hunger locally and internationally
MESSAGE FROM
THE HEALTH
MINISTRY
COMMITTEE Reprinted from WebMD
How’s Your Foundation?You walk. You run. You wear shoes that don’t fit, but sure look great. Your feet are exhausted at the end of the
day, but you figure that’s normal. Our poor feet–we expect them to get us from Point A to Point B, but we rarely consider the beating they take from carrying us around.
Enabling Your MovementOur feet are complex structures that contain over 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments. One-fourth of your body’s bones, 52 in total, are contained in your two feet! Paying attention to how they’re feeling and taking proper care of them is vital to your health. Serious health complications can develop by ignoring your feet and not giving them the care they deserve.
Preventing Future ProblemsFoot health is about much more than the pain they might be feeling. Conditions such as plantar fasciitis and stress fractures can develop if you neglect the structure of your feet. So, what can you do?
Wear comfortable shoes Stand or walk on softer surfaces (e.g. grass
or dirt rather than concrete or stone) Schedule an appointment to talk to your
doctor about your feetImprovements to your footwear can include wearing orthotics or other arch support. These may better absorb the shock your feet take and stabilize your foot’s structure.
Are Your Feet to Blame?Similar to the cracks in the wall or windows that don’t open and close easily due to a settling house’s foundation, many of your spinal
problems may get their start from a poor found-ation (feet). If you have having problems with your feet, talk to your doctor at your next visit or schedule an appointment soon.
This month we are blessed to help the following members and friends of our congre-gation celebrate special birthdays. Blessings and congratulations in March to:
David Trach March 4Irene Fisher March 19Dorothy Luukkonen March 26Ralph Nikunen March 29Lillian Harju March 31
St. Patrick's Day trivia
You may know that St. Patrick used shamrocks to teach about the Trinity, but did you know these other facts about him?
• St. Patrick wasn’t Irish. (His parents were Roman citizens living in either Scotland or Wales.) • He was kidnapped and sold as a slave at age 16. After escaping six years later, he joined a monastery in England. • March 17 is the date of St. Patrick’s death, not his birth. He died in 461 A.D. • The color originally associated with St. Patrick is blue, not green. • The harp, not the shamrock, is the national symbol of Ireland.
W omen of theE vangelicalL utheranC hurch inA merica
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and great works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12 NASB
“Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God.” This was in my daily devotional book; what a neat thought.
Thank you to each person who helped with the Valentine concert dinner. It was a success! A check in the amount of $850 was given to the youth and adults who will be going to the National Youth Gathering in July. It was so great to see the youth working very hard on this dinner. The baskets for the silent auction were grand as well.
Each month a special recipe will be shared in the newsletter. If you wish to submit one, leave it in the WELCA file in the office or email it to me:[email protected]; We are starting this letter out with a Best Ever Fudge Sauce. A recipe, that was from the late Joanne Raduenz: According to Pat Moore, “It is to die for!”
Best Ever Fudge Sauce6 oz. package chocolate chips½ cup butter (must use butter)1 tsp. vanilla2 cups powdered sugar1 1/3 cups evaporated milkMelt chocolate and butter. Remove from heat; add sugar and milk, blend and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 8 minutes, and add vanilla. Serve warm over ice cream. This sauce can be stored in covered container in fridge for a very long while.
So send me your favorite recipe!
The Spring Gathering will be held on Saturday, April 11, at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Aurora. Anyone interested in attending, call Elaine at 744-9933 and we will carpool from church. Also the In-Kind Offering is designated for Global Health Ministries.
Items from the following list are needed.White sheets for bandages. Wash cloths-tThose in bundles are fine.Bath towels- new or gently used, 20”x52” approximately, light weight. (You can buy at Walmart for $1.97)Bars of soap-4 oz. or larger, not too perfumey, Ivory soap is goodVaseline jar-7.5 oz.Finger nail clippers Band aids-3”x3/4”Pick combsGloves, rubber kitchen gloves, size medium.Diaper pinsDiapers-“new” fabric Baby shirts that are preemie or newborn sizeReceiving blanketsT-shirts, clean, not stained; printing on them is okay.Flannel fabric or flannel sheets 2 ½ gallon bags- Ziploc or Ziploc likeThere is always in need of yarn, baby sport, 3 or 4 ply; or cotton for blankets (crocheted or knit)Global Health Ministries will sew shirts, receiving blankets out of the flannel which can be all colors and designs.
We are searching for a scholarship candidate to attend the NE MN Synodical Women’s Convention at the University of MN Duluth on June 12 and 13. The scholarship program is a wonderful way for a woman ages 18-45 years old to discover what the Women of the ELCA is all about. These candidates will spend two days learning about the programs and activities of the Women of the ELCA and how they can become involved in our organization. There are only ten spots available and we have to have the application to them by May 1. Call Stancy at 744-2639 if you want further info. Be a bold woman and give it a try.
Women of the ELCA continued…
Women of the ELCA continued…
The executive board of Women of the ELCA board met recently. A lot of important dates, times, and places were mentioned. So, please mark your calendar.
Some dates to put on your calendar:Monday, March 23, at 11:30 a.m. the executive board of WELCA meeting at church. Any info. you want discussed contact Stancy at 744-2639.
Saturday, April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. will be the Spring Gathering in Aurora. Call with your reservation to Elaine at 744-9933.
Monday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m. all women of the congregation are invited to a general meeting at the church. Each circle will provide a dessert.
May 1 and 2 a pasty sale will take place. Two people are being sought to co-chair this project. More information will follow, but we can always use volunteers. When called, please say “yes”!
Tuesday, May 12, a ladies banquet will begin at 6:00 p.m. with a catered meal, and Shannon Gunderson will entertain us later. Don’t forget to bring a friend.
June 12 and13 the NEMN Synodical Women’s Convention will be at UMD Kirby Center.
Your Sisters in Christ,
Stancy Walters Co-chair (1)Elaine Edwardson Co-chair (2)
CARDS AND NAPKINS
FOR SALENew designs of cards and napkins have been added to the card rack in the social hall at United in Christ Lutheran Church. If you are interested in purchasing either, just slip your money into the envelope which is located at the top of the rack. The price of each item is marked on the back. They are a great buy at $3.50 for napkins and boxes of cards vary from $5.00 to $7.00.You can leave the envelope with your payment in the office, or slip it under the door into the
office, or put the envelope in the offering plate. However you choose, it will get to the right place.
Listed below are the readings that will be used during the next few weeks. A text study on Wednesdays at 11:30 a.m. is open to the public.
Second Sunday of Lent March 1, 2015The Lesson Matthew 20:1-16
Third Sunday of Lent March 8, 2105The Lesson Matthew 22:1-14
Fourth Sunday of Lent March 15, 2015The Lesson Matthew 25:1-13
Fifth Sunday of Lent March 22, 2015The Lesson Matthew 25:31-46
Sunday of the Passion March 29, 2015The Lesson Matthew 21:1-13
Sunday of the Resurrection April 5 , 2015The Lesson Matthew 28:1-10
Thank you to each person and/or family who has honored a loved one recently with a gift in honor of or
in memory of them. We praise God for those who are dear to our hearts.
IN MEMORY OF:John and Patti Filetti from
Rich and Shari ErchulBoots Cerar from
Pat JarvelaWanda KlaboeCheri MichaelsHolly HaugenTim and Julie Cerar Family
Bernie Sarkela fromCurt and Ann BiondichLaVaun HeikkinenHolly HeikkinenDana Simonson and Jon Lahti
Gary Waseleski, son of June, fromFay SvobodaCheri Michaels
Verina Nelson, mother of Roger, fromRoger and Cindy Nelson FamilyBrian and Elana PfeiferDan and Sonja Simonson
IN HONOR OF:Deb Hendrickson on the occasion of her 50th birthday from
Curt and Ann BiondichRay and Wanda Johnson
Winter Worship Schedule 8:45 A.M. Traditional Worship with Holy Communion 9:45 - 10:30 a.m. Refreshments served 9:45 A.M. Sunday School classes 10:45 A.M. Nontraditional Worship
with Holy Communion
Plans are being made to decorate our sanctuary in Easter lilies and tulips for the celebration of the
Resurrection of Our Lord on April 5. If you wish to purchase a plant to be used that day, please respond now.
Please have your plant ordered by Sunday, March 22. The cost is $15 each.
Name (from)
_______________________________________
In memory of:
_______________________________________
In honor of:
$______ enclosed ___ Lily ___ Tulip
____ I will purchase a flower elsewhere
____ Please have my flower, that I paid for,
delivered to a shut in from our congregation
____ I will pick up my plant after Easter
SACRAMENT CELEBRATION All 5th Graders and their parents are invited to celebrate and learn about the sacraments of baptism and Holy Communion. Even if you have been taking communion for a long time, this is a milestone celebration! During our first session on Sunday, March 8, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., we will bake bread, read God’s Word, reflect on God’s gifts of baptism and com-munion, and share a dinner together. Each 5th Grader will create a banner that will reflect their faith around the sacraments. On March 29 from 3:00 to 3:30 p.m. we will be presenting our banners to the other 5th graders and parents.
Please call the church office and RSVP to let us know if you will or will not be able to attend. Also, we are asking for $3 from each person as we serve a simple meal of pizza, salad, veggies, and dessert on March 8. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Emily at 744-2694 or [email protected]. Thank you!
In Christ,Pastor Emily
SUNDAY SCHOOL UPDATE
We had a great month of Sunday School and learned about the important parts of worship. The pre-school through 3rd Graders learned about God’s Story and song, communion, and prayer. The 4th through 6th graders learned about all the stories that went with the bible story that we followed each week in worship. They made great crafts and learned how important each one of them is to God and this community!
In the month of March, the preschoolers and Kindergarteners will be learning the stories of Jesus’ teaching and healing. The 4th-6th graders will be learning the bible story that matches our worship, so when they come to worship follow-ing Sunday School, they will know it and get more out of it!
We still have a few spots to fill for teaching Sunday School. So if you can help with that, please let me know via phone, e-mail, or Facebook. We need to put together a Lenten Family Activity for March 22, and I would love to get a few people to help me plan that. If you are interested in helping me with this activity, please let me know.
Also, I have only received five permission slips back from parents giving me permission to post pictures on Facebook or our church’s website. I still do not feel comfortable with posting things when I do not have the permission. Please let me know as soon as possible. Again, you can let me know via e-mail, FB, or turn in the postcard I sent a few weeks back. Thank you.
We are now in the season of Lent. If you haven’t had a chance to attend one of our mid-week Lenten services, we would like to extend the invitation for you to come for dinner at 5:30 and worship at 6:30 p.m. (It is a short worship, only 30 minutes!)Teaching your kids why it is important not only to come to Sunday School, but also to engage in our congregational worship life is how we raise kids in faith their whole life long. Your presence is important. Thanks so much for being a partner in ministry with all of us here at United in Christ!
