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Salem Lutheran Church 21276 Archibald Road PO Box 100 Deerwood MN 56444

Pastor: Michael Briggs Phone: 218-534-3309 Email: office@salemdwd.org Website: www.salemdwd.org

“I pray that you may have the power to comprehend, with all the saints, what

is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ

that surpasses knowledge,…” - Ephesians 3:18-19a

Years ago, my bishop, Lowell Erdahl, wrote an article in the synod newsletter encouraging St. Paul Area Synod pastors and leaders to ponder the basics of

their faith during Lent. Even though it’s kind of wonkish and dry, I kept it, and I find myself returning to it year after year because it helps me remember who I am and what I am to be about in this strange business called ministry. He wrote (quoting his book “Preaching for the People”): “For us as Lutherans getting back to the basics involves a review of the distinction between the gospel and the law… Concerning the Gospel

1. The preaching of the Gospel does not demand a response of faith. It creates a response of faith. 2. The Gospel does not demand anything. It is not a demand, but an offer. 3. The preaching of the Gospel does not command me to be active for God. It invites me to be passive toward

God and to let God act. 4. The Gospel does not tell me that God will love me if I repent and have faith. It tells me I can repent and

have faith because God loves me. 5. The Gospel does not tell me what to do to get God to love me. It tells me there is nothing I can do to get

God to stop loving me. Concerning the Law

1. The law does not impose morality upon me. It exposes the immorality and mortality within me. 2. The law does not strengthen my defenses. It breaks them down and exposes my need of grace. 3. The law does not show me the way to God. It declares that there is no way from me to God. 4. The law does not contradict the Gospel. We preach the law in the context of the Gospel. 5. The law is not just for the pagan non-Christian. It is also for the non-Christian pagan within all Christians. 6. The preaching of the law is not to condemn, but to convict and correct. Persons in Christ are free from

the condemnation of the law but no one is free from the law’s conviction and correction. God bless you on your Lenten pilgrimage! Let me know what you think as you ponder and pray over the meaning of gospel and law. Do you agree or disagree? Would you state some of his theses differently? May grace abound among us as we live with and explore “the breadth and length and height and depth” of the good news this Lent and Easter season!

- Pastor Mike

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USHERS 3/4 8:15 Ed & Sherri Godfrey, John & Margo Wojciak 10:00 John & Marlys Orr, Ken Schultz, Glenn

Suess 3/11 8:15 Randy Holmvig, Helen Ryan, Herb & Barb Schoon 10:00 Ernie & Mary Erickson, Dean & Pat Sylvester 3/18 8:15 Nory & Peggy Hunze, Chuck Lubowitz, Karla Peterson 10:00 David Anderson, Lisa Slepica, Jay & Sue Stromberg 3/25 8:15 Ron & Sandy Kretlow, Clark & Joyce Marshall 10:00 Renee Gilmer, Roger & Marlene Prill, Pat & Laura Guimont

Wednesday 6:30 p.m. Worship Ushers

FINK Students & Mentors Feb 28 Whitney Cragun, Anna Coughlin, Randy Holmvig, Becki Zender March 7 Kris Schmidt, Barb Schoon, Herb Schoon, Connor Zender March 14 Chuck Lubowitz, Karla Peterson, Alex Schmidt, Jasmine Siliznoff March 21 Madison, Bordwell, Taylor Bordwell, Pat & Laura Guimont March 29 Abbe Chileen, Roger & Marlene Prill, Shelly Skeim March 30 Sherri Godfrey, Noelle Jones, Richard & Eileen Leino

SPECIAL THANKS to ALL those who usher for worship, funerals and special services at Salem

throughout the year. Your front line hospitality is essential in showing the love of Christ to all people

at Salem.

READERS March 4 8:15 Gary Guida 10:00 Jasmine Siliznoff March 11 8:15 Nory Hunze 10:00 Myrna Nelson March 18 8:15 Tina Royer 10:00 Glenn Suess March 25 8:15 Nancy Meyer 10:00 Laura Guimont

COMMUNION 3/4 8:15 Becky Guida, Randy & Lori Holmvig 10:00 Elsa Ray, Al & Barb Schiffler

3/11 8:15 Nory & Peggy Hunze, Margo Wojciak 10:00 Debbie MacKay, Jay & Sue Stromberg 3/18 8:15 Karla Peterson, Rad & Tina Royer 10:00 Diane Meyer, Shelly Skeim, Glenn Suess 3/25 8:15 Jessica Jones, Ron & Nancy Meyer 10:00 Lisa Slepica, Dean & Pat Sylvester

MARCH BIRTHDAYS

1 Alice Neibergs, John Vukelich 2 Leilani Stirewalt 3 Craig Henningson 4 Annette Olson 6 Les Chileen, Brett Midthun 7 Mary Lobitz, Louie Smilich 9 Shirley Harker 10 Sue Stromberg 12 Randy Holmvig, Rad Royer, Les Taylor 13 Gene Cordie, John Frahm 15 Renee Gilmer, Ken Stebbins 16 Rod Ogard, Al Schiffler 18 Jim Bendorf, Natalie Gavin, Marlene Prill, LeRoy Ryan, Lisa Slepica 19 Mike Danger 20 Cory Brix 21 Erik Christenson, Barb Schiffler 23 Emily Davis 24 Rocky Shafer 29 Scott Bundy 30 Dick Bordwell, Dick Hicks 31 Sandy Grivna, Pam Magnuson, Nancy Pelant MARCH WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES 3 Wayne & Joyce Kohnen (1962) 4 Mark & Debbi Carlson (1977) 13 Mike & Jan Danger (1965) 20 Clark & Joyce Marshall (1971) 30 Maurice & Lisa Slepica (2002)

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Worship Attendance

January 28 127 February 4 117 February 11 137 February 14 (Ash Wed) 91 February 18 151 February 21 (Wed) 57

EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you have questions about any of the following, please feel free to call the Salem office. We will do our best to answer your questions or find someone who can. Please refer to the calendar printed in this issue for a complete schedule of events.

PIECEMAKERS quilt group meets each Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall to make quilts for Lutheran World Relief, missions and people in need in our community. QUILTING AT HEARTWOOD – Thursday, March 1st, 6:30 p.m.

IN STITCHES meets in the fellowship hall on Tuesday afternoons at 1:00 p.m. to knit or crochet prayer shawls or other items to be given in times of sickness or grief. DIAPER MINISTRY will gather to cut diapers on March 14th at 9am. SALEM WOMEN’S CIRCLE will meet on March 8th at 9:30 a.m. All women are welcome. FINK (Faith Inkubators) Confirmation for students in grades 7, 8 & 9 will not be held during Lent. Students will instead be worshipping with their Faith Mentors on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY SUPPERS during Lent are hosted by Salem Youth from 5:00-6:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall. All funds will be used for Youth events throughout the year. Suppers will be held March 7, 14 & 21. VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED to prepare meals for the remaining Wednesdays in Lent. Please contact Dee Dee Frahm if you will help, 218-772-0202.

WEDNESDAY WORSHIP IN LENT: 6:30 p.m.

HOLY WEEK WORSHIP

Maundy Thursday, March 29 – 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday, March 30 – 6:30 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY, April 1 – 8:15 & 10:00 a.m. MEALS ON WHEELS – The next date Salem will serve is on Thursday, March 1st at 11:15 a.m.

KOFFEE KLATCH at Heartwood, Friday, March 9th

at 11:00 a.m. Come for devotions and fellowship

with Pastor Mike and friends.

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour before

bed on March 10th.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES Wednesdays, 6:30 a.m. in the library Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. in the conference room

MEN’S BIBLE STUDY – All men are welcome Friday

morning at 8:00 a.m. in the conference room.

LESSONS FOR LIFE Bible Study – Tuesdays at 6:00

p.m. Everyone is welcome!

LEGO CLUB – for children in grades K-6.

Wednesdays, 5:15-6:00 p.m.

MEN’S FISHING RETREAT July 16-19, 2018 at Kec’s

Kove on Lake Kabetogama. Registration forms and

more information in the lobby kiosk.

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In an effort to be more efficient, we are asking that, whenever possible, the following deadlines are met:

Wednesdays at Noon: For both Emails and Bulletin Announcements. The Email announcements will be sent out once each week, either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday morning.

The 20th of each month: For the Salem Connection. For instance: March 20th is the date all articles and announcements are due for the April issue of the Salem Connection.

All “thank you” messages will be included in the Salem Connection.

Prayer Requests are welcome anytime throughout the week! Prayer requests received via the Sunday response inserts will be sent out on Monday, or the first work day of each week.

WEDNESDAY NOON DEVOTIONS & SOUP

LUNCH SCHEDULE

The Cuyuna Lakes Ministerial Association will again

be hosting NOON Worship and Soup Lunch

fellowship on Wednesdays during Lent this year.

We will be using the themes found in Adam

Hamilton’s Book and small group study – 24 Hours

That Changed the World (Abingdon Press).

February 28 – at SALEM The Garden of Gethsemane

March 7 – St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Crosby)–

Trial Before the Council / Condemned by the

Righteous

March 14 – Heartwood Senior Living & Lifespring

Church (at Heartwood) – Jesus and Pilate and

Barabbas

March 21 – Crosby Assembly of God – Suffering,

Humiliation, and Torture of the King

EcoFaith Summit: March 17, 2018 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

St. Andrews Lutheran Church Grand Rapids

Renewing Energy: People, Planet, and Promise

The EcoFaith Network NE MN Synod/ELCA is hosting

a one-day Summit exploring our role as individuals

and congregations in promoting the use of

renewable energy, its value to the health of our

planet, and how God’s faithful promise of

redemption of all creation has the power to inspire

and renew our purpose as stewards of the

earth. The Summit keynote speaker is J. Drake

Hamilton, Science Policy Director for Fresh Energy.

She is a recognized national expert in climate and

energy policy and engaging speaker. Attend the

Summit and also learn how Synod congregations are

using renewable energy resources and energy

efficiency programs to save energy and money. For

more information & registration, see:

https://nemn-ecofaithsummit2018.eventbrite.com

SHARING BREAD SOUP KITCHEN

Salem is responsible for cooking and serving at the

Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen in Brainerd on the

second Tuesday of each month. Volunteers are

needed for Tuesday, May 8, 2018 and September

11, 2018. If you are interested and/or have

questions about this ministry, please call Kay

Cooper, 218.534.3155.

The Salem Lutheran Church council has approved

the internal posting of a position for a

children/youth faith formation coordinator. This

will be an interim position and the approved

candidate will participate in existing youth activities

while helping to develop and vision the future needs

and direction of youth programs at Salem. Please

submit a resume to the church office by March 2,

2018 if you are interested.

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VOYAGEURS LUTHERAN

MINISTRY

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry delegates Raye Cragun and Tina Royer attended the Annual Meeting and Celebration of Ministry on February 3rd, at United Lutheran Church in Proctor. It was great to see the familiar faces of staff and volunteers who make this wonderful ministry happen year after year. You can view the details of the Annual Report on VLM's website. Here are the latest happenings, upcoming events at camp, and dates to mark on your calendar! Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry is busy preparing for another summer of fun and adventure in God's Great Northwoods! Year-Round staff have been making their rounds to Universities across Minnesota to recruit summer staff, getting Boundary Waters permits, and training in new year-round staff members. If you know a young person who might like to work at VLM for the summer, send them over to www.VLMcamps.org or check out VLM's Facebook page for more information www.Facebook.com/VLMcamps. In the event that your kiddos can't wait until summer to be back at Camp, or if you're wanting to see if a week at camp this summer just might be a good fit, check out VLM's Elementary Camper Rejuves scheduled in March! It's a one night stay at camp full of games, friends, learning, campfire and more! Kids in grades 3-6th can attend at Camp Hiawatha on March 2-3rd, or Camp Vermilion on March 16-17th, and it's not too late to sign up! Cost is $50 per camper, registration begins at 7:00pm on Friday and ends following supper on Saturday. The Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion work days will be Saturday, April 28th at Hiawatha, and Saturday, May 19th at Vermilion. Get in touch with Raye or Tina if you have an interest in representing Salem, and getting your hands dirty helping prepare our Camps for summer! No experience at Camp is necessary. There are all kinds of jobs to be done on work day, from chopping wood, to cleaning out dusty windows and preparing food for the volunteers.

Don't forget-- The Early Bird discount for summer registration ends on APRIL 10th, so register today at www.VLMcamps.org!

ATTENTION THRIVENT MEMBERS

Exciting news! Based on member

recommendations, Salem Lutheran Church received

$2,541 in charitable outreach funding in 2017

through Thrivent Choice Dollars.

Note that eligible Thrivent Financial members who

have available Choice Dollars have until March 31,

2018, to direct them. Don’t miss this opportunity to

recommend that Thrivent Financial provide funding

to Salem Lutheran Church. Go to

Thrivent.com/thriventchoice to learn more. Or call

800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the

prompt

Please call Sherie Falink,

651-675-6628 with

questions about the

following…

Salem Lutheran is excited to

participate in the fundraiser set up to buy and

distribute shoes to the Children in Honduras. It is

very easy to pay for the shoes that span several

sizes. Shoes cost 15.00 and there will be a sample

shoe on display soon. Write a check to Salem

Lutheran indicate it is for Honduras Shoe Fund and

drop it off in the church office—or—give cash to

Greg Meyer, Sherie Falink, Bruce Falink. Go online

to the link below and donate on a page that is set up

for our fundraiser. You will get a paper receipt or if

you pay on line, a receipt in your e-mail. Sherie will

supply paper receipts for cash and checks.

Link: https://fundraise.becauseinternational.org/fu

ndraiser/1295976 Everyone, Please post this link on

your Facebook and send to your friends, tell people

you know about our fundraiser.

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THANK YOU

Dear Salem, I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, get well cards and well wishes at the time of my surgery and during this time of recovery. These have meant a lot to me. Salem is the Best!!

In Christ, Linda Stebbins

Dear Salem, Thank you so much for the lovely Valentine flowers. I am really enjoying them and appreciate you thinking of me. Shelby Olson Dear Friends,

Thank you so much for your donation to Lakes Area

Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $10,000 for the

Peterson home. Your gift helps provide families in need

with simple, decent homes throughout the Lakes Area.

(This home is being built on the former Salem WEST

property that was donated to Habitat in 2017)

LIBRARY NEWS There are Lenten and Easter books on the desk for check-out or reading and contemplation in the library. On March 8th, the ELCA celebrates International Women's Day recognizing women who are missionaries and church leaders. Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the ELCA encourages us to join with the Episcopal Church to #PrayFastAct in support of federal programs that are vital to hungry people struggling with poverty. The 21st day of each month is the day chosen for this initiative because many people run out of food on this day of the month. This means that many suffer severe hunger the last 10 days of the month. We are asked to pray with American Indians and Alaska Natives to promote healing and wholeness within themselves, the church, society and the Earth. On the 21st of each month, we may fast from food, technology, media or whatever will allow us to focus on the needs of Native Americans and Alaska Natives. For more information, go to Advocacy.ELCA.org

March is also Food Share Month. Those who choose to fast from food, may want to donate food or $ to a Food Shelf, Soup Kitchen, or Feeding Program. Next Library Team Meeting - March 20th at 3PM.

ADOPT-A-MILE YOUTH

FUNDRAISER

Salem Youth are preparing to go to Houston for the 2018 National Youth Gathering in Houston this summer. The “Adopt a Mile” donation board is located in the hallway between the sanctuary and the fellowship hall. You may sponsor the trip--$1/mile—by picking up an envelope, placing the amount written on the envelope inside and dropping it in the “Donations” folder on the big bulletin board. Thank you for your support!

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COUNCIL PRESIDENT Ken Stebbins

This past Saturday the Salem Church Council held its annual retreat as well as its regularly scheduled February Council meeting. These retreats are always a productive time to look at issues outside the normal business and worship activities of Salem, learn a bit more about our fellow council members, and enjoy a day of fellowship. And of course, the food is always enjoyable as well.

As I have mentioned in earlier writings, our study effort for this year is related to what it means to be a “missional congregation.” We all agree that Salem has a wonderful and well recognized mission through its varied social outreach programs. Most notably that would include Salem West and The Mustard Seed…truly remarkable programs. And there are many others as well, serving many people in the greater community.

But being a “missional congregation” goes beyond serving others in the ways we are known for. We are learning that our “mission” must go beyond that. Our efforts must include reaching out to and be accepting of those that are different than us, the unchurched, those of different faiths, strangers, coworkers, immigrants and in general, all children of God. Many times this will mean getting out of our comfort zones but the rewards can be well worth the effort. Salem’s “mission” is to be welcoming to all. In that regard we all need to learn to do our part.

On a completely different topic, I would like to say how encouraged I have been regarding the young people of this nation as I have followed the news this week. And I will include the young people of our community even though no specific activities have taken place here that I am aware of. The passion, wisdom, and commitment to social change is inspiring. They have been articulate, intelligent, thoughtful, and respectful as they seek to make the changes they are advocating. I pray that God continues to lead them in their faiths as well. They are the new generation that can make our country stronger and our lives better in the future.

FAITH FORMATION TEAM

We could use your help!!!

It’s time to PUT THESE VBS Mission Project DATES on your calendar!

Vacation Bible School at Salem will be June 11—16, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon, volunteers will be needed, to serve as crew leaders, helping to create unique scenery, providing or preparing snacks, assisting with registration or attendance, helping with set-up or cleanup or with an abundance of preparation leading up to this fun-filled week. The Faith Formation Team is beginning to recruit people to form a framework of much needed helpers. So, if you have helped with VBS in the past and/or would be willing to help this year, please call the church office or Marlene Prill, 218-764-3383.

News from The Mustard Seed

Easter and Spring items have arrived at The Mustard Seed. Stop by and check them out. Sales have picked up since the warmer temperatures and believe it or not we will be seeing some of our snowbirds arriving back. That is Good News. The cause of the month for March is Minnesota Food Share. Check out the new jewelry corner as we have redone it and it looks awesome.

Blessings, Deb

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Salem Lutheran Church Operating Fund

Financial Results for Jan

Adopted Annual Budget

Jan Actual 2018

Jan Prior Year

2017

Income $424,354 $ 40,869 $ 36,187

Expense $431,636 $ 33,649 $ 36,280

Net ($ 7,282 ) $ 7,220 ($ 93)

Overview of Mortgage & Building Fund

Salem Lutheran Church

January 2018

Mortgage

Original Mortgage Amount $2,379,965.00

Principal Balance $1,593,225.54

Monthly Mortgage Payment (Principal & Interest)

$ 10,844.00

Additional Principal Payment $ 4,564.00

Building Fund

Beginning Balance 01/01/18 $273,318.46

Income Jan 2018

Gifts $ 11,849.00

Interest $76.50

Choice Dollars $0.00

Expense Jan 2018

Mortgage Payment ($10,844.00)

Additional Principal ($ 4,564.00)

Ending Balance 01/31/18 $269,835.96

(The ending building balance is what we have in savings

accounts dedicated to the building fund. $80,200 of this

is in a special account which is set aside for any

unexpected large building expense or need)

Note that complete financials are available by contacting

Sandy Beyer at the church office. Any questions can be

directed to either Council Treasurer Sherri Godfrey or

Financial Manager Sandy Beyer.

The Church Council decided at the

January meeting that offerings given

during Lent, and including Maundy

Thursday and Good Friday, will be

divided: 50% to missionary support

and 50% to the local food shelf.

March is MINNESOTA FOODSHARE month.

All $$ gifts will be given to the Cuyuna Range

Food Shelf. Our money goes much further

than food donations. You may make checks

payable to Salem Lutheran Church, noting

“food shelf” on the memo line of your check.

Minnesota FoodShare began its work in 1982 with a

campaign advanced by congregations to restock

food shelves in the 7-county Twin Cities

Metropolitan Area. The effort was so successful and

the need so evident, the March Campaign became a

statewide program just one year later.

The largest grassroots food and fund drive in the

state, the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign

brings together various community organizations,

businesses, and faith communities to help stock

nearly 300 food shelves statewide. In 2017, over $8

million dollars and 4-7 million pounds of food were

raised by Minnesota food shelves and Minnesota

FoodShare.

Minnesota FoodShare envisions a Minnesota where

all residents have access to healthy food and no one

struggles with food insecurity. The March Campaign

addresses these issues directly and we invite you to

join our efforts and advocate for long-term solutions

to food insecurity and poverty in our communities.

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Pastor Linda Johnson Seyenkulo is the ELCA missionary that Salem is currently helping to support.

February, 2018

Greetings from Liberia----where on January 22, there was the first peaceful transition of power since 1947. We

pray for peace and hope for the best for this country with so much potential and so many needs.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first woman president on the continent of Africa, finished her second six-year

term. On January 22, George Weah, an internationally known football (soccer) star was inaugurated, along with

Jewel Howard Taylor, his Vice President.

The presidential race was a field of over 20 candidates who wanted to lead the country. George Weah and Joe

Boakai, the current Vice President were the top two contenders. They competed in a run-off election on December

26, with Weah winning with a comfortable majority.

The overwhelming call from the media, the religious leaders, and the top two candidates has been for the whole

country to remember the lessons of the past and work together for peace and a bright future for Liberia.

Statistics show that 75 percent of Liberia’s population is under 30. That makes for a country ripe for development

and also offers challenges of education and job possibilities after education. It is with that reality in mind that I

share pictures and experiences with the young people of the Lutheran Church in Liberia.

It is in this context, that this past December we celebrated Christmas with children from the neighboring

communities on our farm near Totota. Over 300 children from the two communities by the farm were fed and

gifted, as we gathered to sing and hear the story of Jesus. I’ve attached a few pictures to show the faces of some

of Liberia’s children who are the country’s biggest resource and also the biggest challenge. One of the main

challenges is literacy and education. Almost all of the candidates for President held up these challenges during

the election season.

It is in this context, that I was privileged to preach and preside over the Baptism of 9 young people between the

ages of 4 and 20, and the Confirmation service of 11 young people at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. They

stepped forward in front of the congregation to in some cases, express their desire to become part of the Christian

community and in other cases, to move into their roles as adult members of the Lutheran Church in Liberia, and

we hope as responsible and interested citizens of Liberia.

It is in this context, that I welcomed the New Year with Watch Night Service, attended by people of all ages at

St. Andrew’s. For those of you who may not know the Watch Night tradition, it is a service that begins in the old

year and goes into the New Year. Some churches pray and sing and testify all night long. At St. Andrew’s we

did all those things from 9 p.m. to 12 midnight. The singing of the Dialect Choir (indigenous language choir) and

the English Choir (almost all young people), coupled with the sermon by colleague newly ordained Deacon Amos

Voker and the testimony of members of the congregation made the hope for peace and hope for Liberia an

important way for us as Lutheran Christians to come together to celebrate what has been and move ahead into

what will be.

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It is 2018 and as I write this, we are in the middle of the Level I Evangelist Training here at LTBLLMTC. This

is the main residential program here. We are beginning on Thursday with classes in Old Testament, Lutheran

Confessional Documents, Early Church History, Family Life, New Testament, and Church Life. We are

expecting 25 students from all over Liberia, and, this year, 4 students from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

Sierra Leone. This international component is very exciting for us here in Liberia, and Bishop Momoh from

Sierra Leone, who was here this past weekend, shared the excitement and hope of the evangelists from Sierra

Leone and the church in that country. This year we have 21 students and 1/3 of them are women.

In addition to the classes I just listed, we are planning to do some workshops and emphases on the Thursday in

Black movement (check out http://www.thursdaysinblack.co.za/.) This is a world-wide movement and one the

Bishop of the Lutheran Church in Liberia is promoting across the country. Last year at LTBLLMTC, we started

this movement and by the end of the school year, 100 percent of the students were participating both in dressing

in black and in discussions during class about domestic and sexual violence.

I am loving the teaching. The students are so excited about learning. It is wonderful to watch them make

connections for themselves and me as to how the Gospel interacts with their lives and culture.

Thanks so much for sharing in a bit of what we are “hoping” for here in Liberia. May God’s spirit of peace and

hope fill your hearts and lives wherever you are and whatever God is calling you to do.

God’s blessings

Linda Johnson Seyenkulo

Curriculum Developer/Trainer Louis T Bowers Lay Leaders and Ministers Training Center

Associate Pastor, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Monrovia

NEW MEMBERS AT SALEM – Welcome! (you may place this information in the back of your Salem Directory)

Paul & Pam Magnuson Randy & Cindy Sykes

30141 Oriole Ave 212 Morton Ave Aitkin MN 56431 Elk River MN 55330

612-867-5056 612-532-7484 612-390-2712

The Salem Lutheran Church Council has approved the internal posting of a position for a Children/Youth

Faith Formation Coordinator. This will be an interim position and the approved candidate will participate in

existing youth activities while helping to develop and vision the future needs and direction of youth

programs at Salem. Please submit a resume to the church office by March 2, 2018 if you are interested.

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Salem Outreach Committee Meeting January 22, 2017 Present: Don Hales, Joyce Kohnen, Noreen Steinbrecher, Bev Kunz, Sandy Kretlow, Greg Meyer, and Terry Tichenor MSC: Motion, Seconded, and Carried Greg opened with devotions. Secretary Minutes was handed out from December’s meeting. MSC Financial Report: A motion was made to merge #400 into #200 for accounting purposes. MSC Financial report was approved. MSC Distribution of 2017 excess balance from end of year finances. ($34,130.31) Mustard Seed needs a new Point of Sale system and computer, total cost is $16,241.75. We will use the $5000.00 from a grant designated for that purpose, and balance from the budget. A motion was made to donate $10,000.00 towards the Point of Sale system. MSC Motion was made to give Habitat for Humanity $10,000.00. MSC. We will stipulate that it goes towards the Deerwood build project. Dennis Peterson Manager of SW will receive this home. This will be at our old SW site. Dennis will need 300 hours of donation time. Please consider helping out with lunches, pounding nails, and many other tasks. Motion was made to donate $2500 to Cuyuna Range Food Shelf. MSC Cuyuna Food Shelf serves 178 families a month. We will support them in the March Food Shelf month. Motion was made to put $7500.00 towards the July Mission trip for youth to be able to go to Honduras. MSC Motion was made to roll over the balance 2017 excess to labor reserves ($4130.37) MSC SW Report: We have had 65 referrals. Donations have not slowed down except for the few real cold days. We are short of beds, microwaves, kitchen chairs, full & twin bed frames. Don Hales is going to get a bid for fixing the tiles in men’s bathroom at SW. We need to insulate above the bathroom as condensation is creating a moisture problem. All LED lighting is complete. Don will look into a bid for some way to stop snow from sliding off roof just where people drop off there items. The cause of the month needs to be advertised more, especially the ending results. Probably put in the Courier and Social Media. Mustard Seed: Deb is out with injury. Still working on the addition at MS. Hopefully we will be add on in the spring. Terry Tichenor update: People are very appreciative of the items they receive. Honduras trip was great. We worked hard on the kitchen addition. We worked with around 400 children each day. Another mission trip will be in July. Council President/meeting with Renae: Hope to have a meeting with council and Social Outreach this spring. See if we should go with a 501c3 or a separate governing board.

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Pizza nights are set for Feb 12 and June 11. Please plan a night out with 10% of proceeds going to SW along with tips; this is a Great fun raiser. We were recently at the Mall ringing bells for United Way/Chili Feed. Meeting Adjourned. Next meeting will be Feb 14, 2018 at 2:00 pm Submitted by, Sandy Kretlow SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH Council Meeting January 16, 2018

Council Mission Statement: “We exist, with God’s help, to provide leadership for the Salem Lutheran Church congregation”.

The regular meeting of the [Organization/Committee Name] was called to order at 6:00 p.m. on [date] at

Salem Lutheran Church by President Ken Stebbins.

Present: Terry Tichenor, Ken Stebbins, Randy Holmvig, Mark Carlson, Di Hein, Meriellen Pisarek,

Pastor Mike Briggs, Kris Schmidt. Absent: Sherri Godfrey, John Wojciak

Opening Prayer was led by Pastor Mike Congregational Input: None Book Study – “A Field Guide for the Missional Congregation – Foreword, Intro, and Chapter 1, pp 9-29

Additions to Agenda: None

Approval of Minutes:

A motion to email minutes to all Council members who will have one week to respond with any

changes before unapproved minutes are put on the website, was seconded. Motion carried.

A motion to approve the minutes from the Council meeting on December 21, 2017, was

seconded. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

Ended 2017 with a net income of $13,934.54. Ample discussion was held regarding where the

2017 net income should be placed.

Motion to move $5,000.00 of the $13,934.54 net income to Line Item 2205 – Building

Maintenance Reserve and the balance would stay in the unrestricted net assets, was

seconded. Motion carried.

13

Motion to move $4,000.00 of the unrestricted net assets to the Benevolence Fund (this is in

addition to what was budgeted for in 2018), was seconded. Motion carried.

Approval of the Treasurer’s Report was tabled until the next Council meeting when final

financial reports for 2017 will be available.

Pastor’s Report:

Christmas Eve worship was well attended. Music was exceptional—thanks to the choir and

music leaders.

New Member Orientation will be Sunday, January 21st at 11:15 a.m. followed by New Member

Sunday on January 28th.

The Aitkin area 5 parish rotation for Lent will begin Wednesday February 21st. Each pastor will

preach once at each church.

Pastor Mike will attend Mid-Winter Convocation at Luther Seminary in St. Paul January 24th –

26th.

Staff Reports:

None (Greg Meyer is in Honduras).

Committee Reports:

Two committees met and reported this month:

Worship and Music: Committee working on assigning individuals to certain subcommittees. Council requested that offering plates be passed at the second service.

Faith Formation: Working on planning VBS week.

Unfinished Business

Status of Capital Appeal: Next meeting with Mark Davy & Associates is January 22nd.

Finalize Decision on Council Retreat: To be held on February 17th at Di Hein’s house starting

at 9:00 a.m. Executive team will plan.

New Business

Designate Lenten Offering: Motion to split Lenten offering 50/50 between the missionary and

local food bank, was seconded. Motion carried.

Lenten Worship:

o Noon Lenten services will be held at Salem on February 28th.

o Topic of Lenten services will be “24 Hours that Changed the World”.

o Lenten Meals:

Kathy Schultz taking care of the noon meal on February 28th.

Youth will serve the Lenten suppers. Different groups and committees will be

preparing the meals.

o Youth will be doing faith mentoring again this year.

o Lenten services will be at 6:30 p.m.

Summer Worship Schedule: Tabled until next month.

14

Restricted Benevolence Commitment: Council discussed at length the Restricted Benevolence

Commitment. Motion to change Restricted Benevolence Commitment, half to VLM and half to

ELCA Missionary, was seconded. Motion carried.

Insurance Value for Salem Properties: Informed by Christenson Insurance that we are paying

insurance on a higher valuation than what Grinnell assessed the three properties of Salem,

possibly due to the inflation guard. Council agreed to accept Grinnell’s lower valuation.

Stock Transfer Signatories: Council agreed that the President and Treasurer should be the

signatories.

Implementation of Salem’s 5 Year Plan: Council members will distribute the 5 year plan to

committee members asking them to plan at least 2 ministry experiments during 2018.

Committees should report back to the Council when they have decided on their 2 ministry

experiments. Council will also undertake to plan 2 ministry experiments.

Barbary Coast Dixieland Band. Will be performing at Salem on July 28th and 29th. More

details to come.

NE MN Synod is looking for nominees for various committees. More information will be

available at Salem’s Office.

Suggestions, Observations, and Solutions

Two received and were resolved.

Announcements:

Habitat for Humanity has received approvals to proceed with old Salem West Property.

Salem West has been granted a property tax exemption.

A thank you was received and read from a member of Minnesota Adult & Teen Challenge.

A thank you was received to all involved in recording and making available Pastor’s sermons.

A couple thank you notes were received from Staff.

Adjournment

Motion to adjourn, was seconded. Motion carried.

The next regular meeting will be at Council’s Retreat on February 17, 2018, at Di Hein’s

residence.

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted by Meriellen Pisarek, Secretary

THE WORLD RACE

Hello Salemites! Join me at Salem on Sunday March 4th, as I share about my year on the mission field with The

World Race. From Southeast Asia to Southern Spain, my team and I traveled through 17 countries by land and

sea, and were blessed with amazing experiences, encounters, and relationships. I'll be telling stories about

sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and some of the many adventures God took me on this past year. I'm

incredibly thankful to my Salem family for supporting me both in prayer, and funding, and I'm looking forward

to sharing a snippet of what God did this year! Hope to see many of you there!

Whitney Cragun

15

March 2018

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 8:30 AM Women’s

Bible Study

11:15 AM Salem Serves

Meals on Wheels

6:30 PM Quilting at

Heartwood

2 8:00 AM Men’s

Bible Study

3

4

8:15 AM Traditional Worship

10:00 AM Contemporary

Worship

5

7:15 PM Salem

Ringers Rehearsal

6

9:00 AM

Piecemakers

1:00 PM In Stitches

5:30 PM Worship &

Music Team Mtg

6:00 PM Lessons

for Life

7 6:30 AM Women’s Bible

Study

10:30 AM Staff Meeting

12:00 PM Devotions/Soup

Lunch – St. Joseph’s Catholic

Church in Crosby

4:45 PM Praise Team

Rehearsal

5:00-6:15 PM Supper

5:15 PM Lego Club

5:45 PM Choir Rehearsal

6:30 PM Worship

8 8:30 AM Women’s

Bible Study

9:30 AM Circle Meeting

6:00 PM Executive

Team Meeting

9 8:00 AM Men’s

Bible Study

11:00 AM Koffee

Klatch at Heartwood

10

8:30 AM Serpent

Lakes Association Mtg

Set Clocks ahead before

turning in

11 8:15 AM Traditional Worship

10:00 AM Contemporary

Worship

12

9:00 AM

Unlimited Learning

Meeting

7:15 PM Salem

Ringers Rehearsal

13 9:00 AM

Piecemakers

1:00 PM In Stitches

5:30 PM Faith

Formation Team

Meeting

6:00 PM Lessons

for Life

14 6:30 AM Women’s Bible

Study

9:00 AM Diaper Ministry

10:30 AM Staff Meeting

12:00 PM Devotions/Soup

Lunch at Heartwood

4:45 PM Praise Team

Rehearsal

5:00-6:15 PM Supper

5:15 PM Lego Club

5:45 PM Choir Rehearsal

6:30 PM Worship

15 8:30 AM Women’s

Bible Study

6:00 PM Council

Meeting

16 8:00 AM Men’s

Bible Study

17

18 8:15 AM Traditional Worship

10:00 AM Contemporary

Worship

19

7:15 PM Salem

Ringers Rehearsal

20 9:00 AM

Piecemakers

1:00 PM In Stitches

3:00 PM Library

Team Meeting

6:00 PM Lessons

for Life

21 6:30 AM Women’s Bible

Study

10:30 AM Staff Meeting

12:00 PM Devotions/Soup

Lunch at Assembly of God in

Crosby

4:45 PM Praise Team

Rehearsal

5:00-6:15 PM Supper

5:15 PM Lego Club

5:45 PM Choir Rehearsal

6:30 PM Worship

22 8:30 AM Women’s

Bible Study

23 8:00 AM Men’s

Bible Study

24

25 8:15 AM Traditional Worship

10:00 AM Contemporary

Worship

26

7:15 PM Salem

Ringers Rehearsal

27 9:00 AM

Piecemakers

1:00 PM In Stitches

6:00 PM Lessons

for Life

7:00 PM Welcome

Team Meeting

28 6:30 AM Women’s Bible

Study

10:30 AM Staff Meeting

4:45 PM Praise Team

Rehearsal

5:45 PM Choir Rehearsal

29 MAUNDY

THURSDAY

8:30 AM Women’s

Bible Study

6:30 PM Worship

30 GOOD FRIDAY

8:00 AM Men’s

Bible Study

6:30 PM Worship

31

16

SALEM STAFF CHURCH COUNCIL Pastor – Mike Briggs Mark Carlson 218.851.7236 Deacon – Greg Meyer Sherri Godfrey, Treasurer 218.534.3557 Office Manager – Deborah Carlson Diane Hein, VP 218.678.2699 Financial Manager – Sandra Beyer Randy Holmvig 218.527.0123 Facilities Coordinator – Glen Helm Meriellen Pisarek, Secretary 218.839.3608 Organist/Pianist – Becky Klingelhofer Kris Schmidt 218.772.0121 Choir Director – Scott Ruffing Ken Stebbins, President 218.764.2587 Handbell Choir Director – Kevin Edstrom Terry Tichenor 781.223.0258 Kitchen Coordinator – Kathy Schultz John Wojciak 218.546.5983 Praise Team Directors – Becky Klingelhofer/Noreen Steinbrecher Salem Outreach Facilitator – Dee Dee Frahm Salem West Manager – Dennis Peterson EMAIL Mustard Seed Manager – Deb Selk Pastor Mike pastor@salemdwd.org Mustard Seed Program Assistant – Sandy Archibald Greg Meyer greg@salemdwd.org Debbi Carlson office@salemdwd.org Sandy Beyer finance@salemdwd.org VOLUNTEER MINISTRY COORDINATORS Glen Helm facilities @salemdwd.org Wedding Coordinators: Kim Coughlin, Sherri Godfrey Salem West west@salemdwd.org Cradle Roll: Jessica Jones The Mustard Seed mustardseed@salemdwd.org Control Booth & Website: Meriellen Pisarek Youth: Dee Dee Frahm

Phone Numbers Salem Lutheran Church: 218.534.3309 Salem WEST (giving ministry): 218.534.4962 Mustard Seed: 218.534.2945

Palm Sunday – 8:15 & 10:00 a.m.

Maundy Thursday – 6:30 p.m.

Good Friday – 6:30 p.m.

EASTER SUNDAY – 8:15 & 10:00 a.m.