Newsletter · Newsletter April 25, 2018 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin

NewsletterNewsletterApril 25, 2018 www.willmarag.org

“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Corinthians 15:55-57 NIV

One week at Kids’ Camp is worth 52 Sundays in the spiritual life of a kid. Send your 2nd-5th graders to Kids’Camp June 15-18 for an experience they won’t forget.

Visit facebook.com/KidsworldWillmar and look for theKids’ Camp 2018 Facebook Event for all the details. You can register online at mnaog.org/kidscamp by

clicking the “Online Registration” link. Use code “KidsworldCamp.” Cash, check, and card payments

can be made at the church office or you can pay onlineat willmarag.securegive.com

Registration is due May 16th. Cost $216.

Middle School: July 16-20Who: Students completing 6th-8th gradeCost: $240 registration + $10 bus charge = $250

High School: July 23-27Who: Students completing 9th-12th gradeCost: $240 registration + $10 bus charge = $250

Please make check payable to: Willmar AGR e g i s t r a t i o n D e a d l i n e : M a y 2 3 r d , 2 0 1 8

C o s t i n c r e a s e s t o $ 2 8 0 + $ 1 0 b u s c h a r g e a f t e r d e a d l i n e .Turn in a copy of your insurance card when you pay.

Turn in your completed registration form to the church office or EPIK guest services by deadline date.

C a m p W e e k s

If you have a birth, wedding or death announcement for our church, or an item of interest to be posted, please letsomeone in the office know and send a picture of them. Call 320-235-2529 or email [email protected].

Church InformationTo hear this Sunday’s worship, follow our Spotifyplaylist. Click “Follow” to add it to your playlist.You can scan thiscode inside your Spotify app and it will take you rightto our playlist.

Sunday Services9 & 10:45 am 320-235-2529 www.willmarag.org 3821 Abbott Drive

Willmar, MN 56201

HAS YOUR ADDRESS,PHONE OR EMAIL

CHANGED? Contact the church

office at 320-235-2529 with any household changes so we are able to contact you with information pertaining to you and your family about coming events.

Free access to a streaming, online, access-on-any-device library of over 10,000 video Biblestudies, leadership videos and kids shows. Gethelp with parenting, marriage, discipleship, etc., forall ages of life. Family members can set up theirown accounts. Go to www.willmarag.org, select“MEDIA,” at the top right and then click “RightNowMedia” and follow the on-screen prompts.

We are so grateful for your faithful generosity!

We have five ways to give–in the service, throughSecureGive online, mobile app, text-to-give andour kiosks in the lobby. For information on digitalgiving go to www.willmarag.org or pick up a flyerat the Welcome Center or call 320-235-2529.

THE EXTRA TOUCH LIST is available at the Welcome Center. It is for those who need an “Extra Touch” through prayer, card or visitation. Please contact the church office if you or a family member would like to be on this list.

ITEMS OF CONGRATULATIONS THAT ARENEWSWORTHY can be submitted to the church office by emailing [email protected] or calling the church office at 320-235-2529.

A BIRTHDAY CARD FROM THE CHURCHSTAFF? If you have not received a card but wouldlike to, please email [email protected] or call thechurch office at 320-235-2529 to let us know yourdate of birth.

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GLOCAL: our global & local missions

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TRIP DATES: August 12th-16th, 2018TRIP LEADER: Pastor BenTRIP MINISTRY: Tree Top Kids in Minneapolis, MNTRIP COORDINATOR: Pastor AlyssaTRIP COST: $100/per personTRIP AGE: Any age if parent is on the trip, 15+ for those without a parent

MINISTRY: If you have been looking for a missions opportunity but are not ready toleave the country or are looking for ways to serve as a family, this might be the trip foryou. This team will be taking our VBS on the road as we join Tony & Jill Geselle in theirministry called Tree Top Kids. Each team member will have an opportunity for ministry or service: we’ll need a lot of volunteers to help put on the VBS, help care for animals on the farm, and a building team to put up fencing and a shelter for the horses.

JOIN: If you would like to join the Tree Top Kids trip, fill out an application from the Welcome Center and give to Pastor Alyssa or turn it into the church office. Applications are due by June 10th. Money is due by July 22nd.

Tree Top Kids serves children, youth and families in at-risk communities. Tony & Jillhave made their home in the highest concentration of mobile home communities in the state of Minnesota. Their mission is to help kids grow in 4 key areas of life: Physical, Mental, Spiritual and Social. One of the ways they accomplish their mission is through the Tree Top Farm.

MISSIONS

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Snapshot From Sunday’s Sermon

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TAKEAWAYSApril 22, 2018

Pastor Keith Kerstetter

Fear is like fog; it has no power to hurt us.

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” II Timothy 1:7 (NLT)

Fear invites us to forget who we are.

Our goal is not to fear life less, but trust God more.

Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something else is more important than fear. That something for Christians is trust in God.

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

The ten spies let fear’s “But” become bigger than God’s promises. We must not make the same mistake.

Fear has no power over a life centered on Gods Word.

ACTION STEPS

SAY God’s Word

THINK God’s Word

DO Gods Word

BE Gods Word

WEDNESDAY NIGHT ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS. .

We have Mpact for elementary-aged girls, Royal Rangers forelementary-aged boys,and KidsworldJr. for

preschoolers. Doors open at 6:10 pm.For more information email:[email protected]

CHILDREN’S CORNER PRESCHOOL

Registration is open for the2018/2019 school year.

Email [email protected] or go to our churchwebsite for more information.

There are multiple opportunities to bless Children’s Corner Preschool at The AG Church. If you would like to volunteer or donate items to Children’s Corner,please contact the director, Lynsey Pierce, at: [email protected]

KIDS CAMP

One week at Kids’ Camp is worth 52 Sundaysin the spiritual life of a kid. Send your

2nd-5th graders to Kids’ Camp June 15-18 for an experience they won’t forget.

Visit facebook.com/KidsworldWillmar and look for the Kids’ Camp 2018 Facebook Event

for all the details. You can register online atmnaog.org/kidscamp by clicking the “Online Registration” link. Use code

“KidsworldCamp.” Cash, check, and card payments can be made

at the church office or you can pay online at willmarag.securegive.com

Registration is due May 16th. Cost $216.

KidsworldWANT TO STAY UP-TO-DATE WITH

EVERYTHING KIDSWORLD?

Follow us at facebook.com/KidsworldWillmarfor everything that’s going on! You can clickthe follow button and choose “See First” tomake sure you don’t miss our posts in yournews feed.

SPECIAL NEEDS MINISTRYThis new ministry is designed to supportkids with special needs and theirfamilies. Email [email protected] more info about volunteering orbeing a part of this ministry.

TREEHOUSE PLAYDAYS

Join us with your kiddos inKidsworld on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am.The last day for Treehouse Playdaysthis school year will be Tuesday, May15th. It is a great chance to hang outwith other families and let the kids burnoff some energy. Updates and information can be found at: facebook.com/WillmarAGTreehouse

K i d s w o r l d

Sunday Kidsworld and KidsworldJr. services begin at 9 & 10:45 am.

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EPIK YTH

“EPIK exists to be a safe placewhere every teenager knowsthey BELONG, where they

DISCOVER the unconditionallove of God and EXPERIENCE a

personal, life-changingrelationship with God.”

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EPIK YTH WEDNESDAY NIGHTSDoors open at 6:10 pmMiddle School 6:30 pmHigh School 7:30 pm

Young Adul tsYoung Adults is a group of

college students, young professionals

and young parents who gather for food,

fellowship, discussion and worship.

Join us on Monday nights, beginning

at 6:30 pm at EPIK.

All Young Adults are welcome to stop by on a Monday night or

to join us at one of our monthly events.Questions? Contact

Young Adult Director Manny Flores at

[email protected]

Please register online epik.us/waterSHE is an Epik YTH Girls event designed to inviteeach girl in grades 6-12 to the understanding anddeep belief that She is everything God says She is!She is Strong, She is Brave, She is Loved, She isFree....the truths are endless. Each SHE Event delivers depth, community, food, and fun! It’s good,quality girl and God time!

CONGRATULATIONS!to: Craig Nelson & PattyMurtaugh who weremarried on Saturday, April 21, 2018.

IT’S A GIRL!Aaliyah JadeBorn: April 19, 2018Mother: Brianna GrannesGrandparents: Craig & Ann HolterGreat Grandparents: John & Deb Rogers

THANK YOUTo all our church family who prayed concerningmy recent surgery. It went so well, the hospitalstaff couldn’t believe I had no pain afterward.One nurse asked if we had “pixie dust.” Wesaid “Even better, we had people praying forus.” Joan Skalbeck

Church Announcements

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Family Camp • Friday, June 29 to Sunday, July 8. Print a registration form athttp://lakegenevacamp.com/familycamp/ andmail it in. Don’t wait as housing fills up quickly. The heartbeat of camp is rooted in the services. We bring you the best speakers for children, teens and adults so everyone has the opportunity to meet with God in remarkable ways throughout the week. Send completed 2018 registration form and payment to LGCC Office, 605 Birch Ave,Alexandria, MN 56308.Speakers are Sam Farina-June 30-July 1;Travis Abrahamson-July 1 am & pm; Allen Griffin-July 2-5; Drs. Paul & Carol Alexander-July 2-6 amand Wayne & Kristi Northup-July 6-8.

Discover and fulfill God’s Next Purpose for your life!

• You will live more intentionally with better focus andgreater significance.

• Discover your personality, strengths, abilities, experiences, spiritual gifts and passions.

• Develop your personal mission statement, personal vision/values and margins in your life.

Contact Lois if you are interested in going throughGPS. They have considered Sunday morning or another night if there are enough people interested.Also they are planning a GPS Blitz for May 3-5. If you would like to take a GPS Blitz please let Lois know ifthose dates work for you. For information call eitherLois Kasperson at 320-212-3777 or email:[email protected] or Pastor Bruce Schoeman at320-235-2529 or email: [email protected].

FAMILY ROOM

We want everyone tohave an incredibleworship experienceand feel that comingto church every Sunday is well worththe effort! That’s whywe offer a FamilyRoom and NursingMoms Room to accommodate very

young, hungry or fussy children. These rooms haveplay areas for the kids along with TV monitors with alive feed of the service so you don’t have to miss athing! If your child is with you in service and is becoming too active or fussy – for the courtesy ofthose seated around you – we kindly ask that you take advantage of these options.

SISTERS STORIES OF GRACE9:00 am, May 12, at Encore

Heather Hanson’s story is one of loss, waiting, believing, surrender, and ultimatelyfreedom. She had a stillborn daughter,suffered with MS for 7 years, and still clungto the promises of God. Heather’s prayer isthat through sharing God’s miracle of healing from MS, your hope will berenewed and your faith will be strengthened.No matter what your circumstances look likeor how long the waiting is, God is good andHis promises are true for you. All ladies welcome!

AG Riders

2018 SCHEDULE AG Riders will start Sunday afternoon rides again beginning on May 6th. They meet inthe parking lot in front of the church at 12:30 pm weather permitting. After a one to one-and-a-half hour ride we will stop for lunch and then head back to the church. Invite friends who ride. All are welcome. To be added to the contact list for ride notifications text/email your contact information to Dave Nelson at320-894-9448 or [email protected] (this is a new email address).

Schedule:May 6, 20June 10, 24July 8, 21-22*August 5, 19, 25-Sat-Prayer Zone RideAugust 26-31 Week of Prayer Zone RideSeptember 9, 23October 7, 21

*OVERNIGHT UP NORTH DETAILS TO FOLLOWNote: There will be a fall color ride in October leaving the church after the first service. The date for this will be announced later.

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Church Announcements

MOTHER’SDAY

SPECIALSPEAKER

Mother’s Day is almost 2 weeks away and we have awesome news thatwe are way too excited to keep in anylonger! Talk radio host, nationalspeaker, and bestselling author Susie Larson, will be here with us! You do not want to miss Mother's Day!Get more information atsusielarson.com/about/

COMMUNITY PRAYERWe meet at the Willmar Fire Station on Tuesdaysfrom noon to 1 pm. All are welcome. Pray for our

leaders, schools, businesses and community.

BUSINESS PRAYER & FOCUS It is held the first Wednesday of every month

at 7:45 am. On May 2 at 7:45 am we will pray for: I & M Landscaping Nursery Inc. -

2801 30th St. SW, Willmar

BUSINESS CONNECTIONSis held the 3rd Thursday of every month from 11:45 am to 1:00 pm at The Oaks. There is a

different speaker each month who gives a brieftestimony of how they live out their faith at work. There is no cost to attend, lunch is at your own

expense. On May 17, 2018, Pastor Dale Witherington will be speaking. 10

Willmar Area Events

WILLMAR AREA FAITH @ WORK: LEADERCASTMay 4, 2018 8 am–2:30 pm at EPIK “LEAD YOURSELF”

The world is looking for great leaders to follow. In order to become those leaders to the outside, we have to lead ourselves first. We must walk the walk. It’s like the flight attendants tell us -

please remember to wear your own oxygen mask before helping others.

In 2018, Leadercast will be focusing on that very concept. How do you lead yourself effectively? How do you develop your core principles and values so that your leadershp is an outpouring of

your innermost self? And how much more will those who follow you benefit from your leadership when you lead yourself well?

Individual Tickets $95, Gold Sponsor-$900 includes 13 tickets, SIlver Sponsor-$525 includes 7 tickets.

SPEAKERS ARE:Andy Stanley Carey Lohrenz Ian Cron Jim Loehr Michael Hyatt

Tripp Crosby Mae Jemison Catherine Hoke Jen Bricker Joe TorreRegister at www.WillmarAreaFaithAtWork.com

If you are interested in sponsoring this event contact Doug Reese for information at 320-444-6169. Sponsors: Bethesda, Bollig Inc., Compassionate Care, Prinsco, and Walt’s

GOVERNOR’S FISHING OPENER

The Willmar Lakes Area is hosting the 71st Annual Minnesota Governor’s Fishing Opener. They are

looking for volunteers to serve as FishingHosts during the weekend-long event. It willtake place in this area from May 10th-13th.

All area residents with a licensed boat andwho love to fish are encouraged to apply.

Primary responsibilities are simply to havefun, be friendly, and serve as welcoming ambassadors for the Willmar Lakes Area.

For more details, or to apply, call the Willmar Convention and

Visitor’s Bureau at 320-235-3552 visit mngovernorsopener.com

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Willmar Area Events

Thursday, May 3rd – 6:30 to 8:00 amWillmar Conference Center

Speakers: Leo & Clarissa MartinezTickets are $15 and available at: Willmar Area Churches,

Cash Wise, Cub Foods, Walt’s, the Chamber of Commerce, Good News Bookstore or call 320-212-2171

Assisted by WAMA and Willmar Area Faith@Work

36TH ANNUAL MAYOR’S PRAYER

BREAKFAST

Elder Care Transitions

Helping your loved one transition to long-term care.Do you have questions about how to help your parent or spouse transition to along-term care facility? Have you wondered about the financial implications of

that transition? Are you uncertain about the best legal options for decision-making? Would you like to know what to look for in assisted-living options?

Join us on April 29th at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater for a paneldiscussion, followed by Q&A with experts from Lutheran Social Services, a representative from Bethesda, and a family member who spent six years as

the primary care-giver for her elderly mother.

April 29thBethlehem Lutheran Church in Atwater

2:30 pm Coffee3:00 pm Panel Discussion followed by Q&A

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AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

Esther Nelson, age 4, is the daughter of Joel and Ashley Nelson, granddaughter ofKeith and Kammy Nelson and Nathan and Wendi Vreeman, great granddaughter ofWall and Gail Ammermann. She was born on November 2, 2013, with a heart murmurthat later was diagnosed as aortic valve stenosis. At 11 days old she had heart surgeryto improve the blood flow in her heart.

This year she has been selected as the Campaign Child for the American Heart Association. As a family we wanted to thank your for your continued prayers for her as we believe God for miracles and medical advancement as she grows. Also we would love for you to join us at this year’s Heart Walk at Target Field on Saturday, May 5th. For more information check out twincitiesheartwalk.org or call Wendi’s cell at 320-212-7754.

Thank you for praying for the Military who attend our church, are family members of thosewho attend or close friends of those who attend.

Person Branch Stationed AG Connection

Sam Andrus Air Force Undisclosed Phil Malone’s nephewEdward Bergeland Air Force USA Tim & Heidi Bergeland’s nephewAndrew Bonnema Marines Undisclosed Todd & Sue Erickson’s niece’s husbandBeth Brydon Army Arizona Dan & Kathy Halldin friendNick Collins Army Reserve Texas CJ & Kristina Collins’ brother

Christina Eaton Navy Florida Tim & Heidi Bergeland’s nieceJohn Eaton Navy South Carolina Tim & Heidi Bergeland’s nephewKlint Erickson Army Missouri Kornell Erickson’s sonLogan Gaalswyk Army New York Lois & Dean Kasperson’s nephewLarry Garvick Army MN AttendeeTyler Gonzalez Army Nat. Guard MN Jesus & Kelly Gonzalez’s son

Jeremy Hillenbrand Air Force Qatar (Jan-July) AttendeeJosh Hiepler-Rosenow Air Force Minnesota Dorie & Todd Duininck’s nephewThomas J. (TJ) Hoyt Air Force Montana Bob Hoyt’s grandsonJacob Johnson Air Force TX Jim & Rose Slagter’s nephewJonathan Linden Cadet West Point Ed & Carmen Linden’s grandsonRay Medina Air Force Lois & Dean Kasperson’s nephew

Peter Middleton National Guard Washington DC AttendeeAlexander Norling Army Reserve USA Torry & Val Norling’s sonDalton Petersen Army Poland Harold & Sharon Petersen’s grandsonAlphard Reyes Marines Philippines Romeo & Stella Reyes’ sonBenny Rhodes Marines California Aaron & Hannah Rhodes’ brother

Mitchell Schueler Navy Reserve USA AttendeeEli Smith Air Force Reserve MN Torry & Val NorlingNathan Smith Navy Reserve California Torry & Val Norling’s nephew Justin Stocks Navy Florida Mel & Linda Stocks’ sonJared Torgerson Army TX Marilyn Geer & Sandi Larson’s great nephewGregory Woodard Navy Virginia Torry & Val Norling’s brother-in-law

If you know of someone you want on this list who is serving in the military, contact the church office at 320-235-2529.

Pray for our Military

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8:00 am Men’s Bible Study

7:00 pm AGAPE AA

6:30 pm Choir7:00 pm AGAPE AA


7:00 pm AGAPE AA

8:50 am Doctrine 9 & 10:45 am ServiceON-RAMP after each

morning service10:30 am Coffee Connection2:00 pm Latino Worship

6:30 pm Young Adults6:30 DivorceCare7:00 pm Multi-lingual

Prayer Serviceat Encore

Church Activities Calendar

MOTHERS’S DAY8:50 am Doctrine

Room 214-2169 & 10:45 am Service10:30 AM Forever Familes10:30 am Coffee Connection2:00 pm Latino Worship

9:30 am WM Prayer & Quilting

6:10 pm doors open atEPIK YTH/ Kidsworld

6:30 pm Adult and Kids groups, GPS

6:30 pm EPIK YTH Middle School7:30 pm EPIK YTH High School

12:30 -7:00 pm Red Cross Bloodmobile



9:00 am Ladies Bible Study

6:30 pm Pursuing Revival

6:30 pm Pickleball7:00 pm AGAPE AA







6:00 pm EPIK SHE Event


9:00 am Sisters7:00 pm AGAPE AA

8:50 am Doctrine Room 214-216

9 & 10:45 am ServiceHonor Star Ceremony10:30 am Coffee

Connection12:30 pm AG Riders2:00 pm Latino Worship 6:00 pm EPIK Small Groups






11:45 am Senior Adult Singles Pizza Ranch

6:00 pm Children’s Corner Spring Musical6:30 pm Choir7:00 pm AGAPE AA


9:00 am Beehive Respite

7:00 pm AGAPE AA





6:00 pm Young Adults Summer Kick Off

8:50 am Doctrine Room 214-216

9 & 10:45 am ServiceRanger Trail Ceremony10:30 am Coffee Connection12:30 AG Riders 2:00 pm Latino Worship6:00 pm EPIK Small Groups











9:30 am EPIK 5K Runat Hodapp Field

7 pm AGAPE AA

April/MaySunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Keith Kerstetter, Lead Pastor ...............................................pastorkeith@willmarag.orgPaul McCullough, Community Outreach [email protected] Schoeman, Encore Pastor..........................................pastorbruce@willmarag.orgMichael McDevitt, Administrative Pastor [email protected] Holtan, Glocal Missions Pastor..................................alyssa@willmarag.orgAaron Rhodes, Youth Pastor.................................................pastoraaron@willmarag.orgJosh Martin, Youth Pastor .....................................................pastorjosh@willmarag.orgBen Markwardt, Kids’ Pastor .................................................pastorben@willmarag.orgClint Carter, Worship Pastor..................................................pastorclint@willmarag.orgManny Flores, Young Adult Director [email protected]

T h e P a s t o r a l S t a f f

Willmar AG Church Board of DeaconsTodd Ahrenholz Gary Bonnema Joel Braegelman Gary Geer Bob Horyza Brian Moll Rick Schwindt Gary TerWisscha

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Single Mom’s Retreat 4-5

Documents

Newsletter · Newsletter April 25, 2018 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin