Shepherd’s Voicegoodshepherdbismarck.com/wp-content/uploads/January-Newsletter... · Trumpet: Abelardo Flores ... the reflection of our life rather than “just this, just now.”

1The Shepherd’s Voice ■ January 2017

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church • January 2018

Shepherd’s VoiceThe

Director: Mr. Dennis Gowen Piano: Karen PetersenSynth: Vicki MartelViolin: Laura ProkopekCello: Mark PersonFlute: Barb MurryClarinet: Danielle AblerTrumpet: Abelardo FloresTrombone: Ian HartTrombone: Nick VadnaisBass: Kevin HolmGuitar: Craig SchweitzerPercussion: Robert HartNarrator: Scott ParkinNarrator: Darcie Dykema

Bass:Dwayne WalkerLaurence AndersonGreg FettigPeder Gulleson

Soprano:Sandi EastgateKim HuberSally KraftGreta NelsonRenae HaugKim UkestadAngie KleserJase KleserBecky ParkinRenae WalkerVanessa HoinesLisa Setzepfandt

Altos:Donna HelgesonVanessa WoldDebra ZeebJudy BaheLesley BentzSarah Lee

Tenors:Jim FlemingGlenn MuellerMike Schwab

2017 Christmas Cantata

2 Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

“When they (the wise men) saw that the star had stopped, they were overwhelmed with joy.” (Matthew 2:10)

In this Christmas season, grace and peace to you in the name of the Christ-child Jesus.

At the beginning of Advent this year, I came across a reflection titled “Disengage the Autopilot.” The author shared a story about a recent morning drive to work. She arrived in her parking spot at the office and realized that she had no memory of her drive to work that day, how she had gotten there, or which path she took to get there. Thankfully she arrived safely.

But she was greatly concerned. Her thoughts and attention that morning had been consumed with so many distractions that she failed to actually experience what was happening right in front of her.

Because of this experience, the author said that she was going to try to center her life on 4 simple words from now on – Just this. Just now.

I’m guessing that a lot of us live life with “not this, not now” rather than “just this, just now.” We jump from one thing to the next at a pace that gives us little chance to actually appreciate what we are experiencing in the moment. Or we jump from one thing to the next hoping that by keeping busy we will be able to continue to ignore the pain that we are carrying or the loneliness we feel. “Not this, not now” is often the reflection of our life rather than “just this, just now.”

Christmas comes to an end on January 6th with the Feast Day of Epiphany. On this day, and in the holy season of Epiphany, we are invited to join the wise-men from the ancient story of Jesus’ birth. In so many ways, I think the wise-men are among the first followers of Jesus to stop what they were doing, stop being distracted by so many things, and simply be overwhelmed with joy because of God’s gift of Jesus that they were experiencing. Just this. Just now. Just the Christ-child Jesus.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, life is full of things that distract us. Things that draw our attention from the birth of the Savior of the world that we just celebrated a few days ago. I’m just as guilty at being distracted as the next person. It’s the reason why I’m going to try and join my colleague who wrote the reflection I refer to above as a new calendar year begins. Grounded in the presence of God that is always present and always with me.

Just this. Just now.Grace & peace,

Pastor Craig

(The reflection I refer to above is from ELCA Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton’s column in the December 2017 edition of “Living Lutheran.” You can find it in the information carousels at the church or online at https://www.livinglutheran.org/2017/12/disengage-the-autopilot/)

Pastor Craig Schweitzer

“Four Simple Words”

January Readings:Jan 6 - Epiphany of Our Lord

Isa 60:1-6Ps 72:1-7, 10-14Eph 3:1-12Matt 2:1-12

Jan 7 - Baptism of Our LordGen 1:1-5Ps 29Acts 19:1-7Mark 1:4-11

Jan 14 - 2 Epiphany1 Sam 3:1-10 [11-20]Ps 139:1-6, 13-181 Cor 6:12-20John 1:43-51

Jan 21 - 3 EpiphanyJonah 3:1-5, 10Ps 62:5-121 Cor 7:29-31Mark 1:14-20

Jan 28 - 4 EpiphanyDeut 18:15-20Ps 1111 Cor 8:1-13Mark 1:21-28

Helping othersMy name is Josh Jans and I am with

Troop 11 and a youth member at Good Shepherd. My Eagle Scout Project was collecting backpacks, new shoes and boy clothes. All of the items collected will go to Carrie’s Kids for the less fortunate kids of all ages. A total of 22 items were donated. Thank you for all the support!

Stephen Minister Re-CommitmentThe Annual Stephen Minister Re-Commitment Service was held Tuesday,

December 12. Peggy Walth, Mark Kamphuis, Evelyn Buchfink, Toni Daede, Clare Lorinser, Donna Chommie, Renee Hill, Jane Jesperson, and Beverly Sandness made the commitment to serve another year as a Stephen Minister. Please pray for these individuals so they remain humble servants, focusing on bringing God’s love to those experiencing the challenges of life.


“Another year over, a new one just begun.” John Lennon says it well. I like this time of year because it brings new beginnings to mind. This time of year reminds me that spring is just around the corner. This time of year inspires me, albeit for just a few minutes, to do something new and exciting with this life that I have been given. And then I walk outside, feel the winter cold on a Wednesday after all the kids have left for the night, trudge to my cold car, and convince myself that I really should live somewhere that is a lot warmer. But, alas, I love what I do and where I do it. I am blessed.

So, how do we set our sights on the newness that surrounds us at this time of year and still be comfortable with where we are and what we are doing? Isn’t this vision of doing something new a temptation from which we ask deliverance?

Could be. It could also be us opening our hearts and minds to the wonderful and amazing things that God is constantly doing in our lives. January leads me to that. I want to go there.

So, let’s talk about the amazing and wonderful things that God is doing in this place. We, meaning the youth ministry team, gets a bit of a break in January. I don’t mean to say that we will relax, I only mean to say that we return a bit to business as usual. We don’t really have any extra events planned. That means that we can move along in a constant gear and set our sights on Lent. We will, as a youth staff team, attend the Extravaganza again this year. This is a yearly gathering of youth leaders from across the ELCA and it will happen in Houston at the end of January. Houston in January…

So, as long as we are on a bit of an autopilot setting, we pause when we can to consider all that God has done for us this past year and anticipate all that He will do for us this coming year. That is a fun and uplifting exercise. Get ready for a lot of fundraising for the Gathering this coming summer. More on that to come. Until then, God’s peace and Happy New Year.

Pastor Bob

Bob Caranicas,Pastor of Youth andFamily Ministries

A little randomness from Pastor Bob

February 14Kitchen Shift 1: 23F, 22F Shift 2: 24B, 22BDining Room Shift 1: 24E, 23C Shift 2: 24C, 23E

February 21Kitchen Shift 1: 24D, 23F Shift 2: 23H, 22ADining Room Shift 1: 24F, 23D Shift 2: 24A, 23GWorship Shift 1: 22G Shift 2: 23A

February 28Kitchen Shift 1: 24G, 22E Shift 2: 23A, 22CDining Room Shift 1: 24D, 22D Shift 2: 23E, 22AWorship Shift 1: 24C Shift 2:22F

March 7Kitchen Shift 1: Youth Gathering Shift 2: Youth GatheringDining Room Shift 1: 24A, 22B Shift 2: 24E, 23CWorship Shift 1: 24F Shift 2: 22A

March 14Kitchen Shift 1: 23D, 23E Shift 2: 23F, 23HDining Room Shift 1: 24B, 24G Shift 2: 22C, 22GWorship Shift 1: 22F Shift 2: 23A

March 21Kitchen Shift 1: Youth Gathering Shift 2: Youth GatheringDining Room Shift 1: 24D, 23G Shift 2: 22D, 22EWorship Shift 1: 24F Shift 2: 24C

Youth Lenten 2018 Serving Schedule

Lenten Dinners5-7 pm

Lynne Center

The dessert sign-up sheets are located in the Narthex.

Youth Cooking ScheduleShift 1: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Shift 2: 6 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Youth Serving ScheduleShift 1: 3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Shift 2: 6 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Youth Worship ScheduleShift 1: 5:10 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.Shift 2: 6:40 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Worship at 12:10, 5:30 and 7:00 pm

“Consider all that God has done for us this past year and anticipate all that He will do for us this coming year.”


June 25-July 1, 2018

Interfaith Multicultural PotluckFood And Fellowship With A Cultural TwistBring a dish from your culture, meet people of different

faiths, & enjoy some great food!

Saturday, Feb. 3, 11 am - 1 pm Hillside Aquatics Complex community room

Near Lions Park, 1719 East Boulevard Ave, Bismarck

BRING AN ITEM TO DONATE TO AREA LITTLE FREE FOOD PANTRIES: Non-perishables, single

serve items, easy-open cans and containers. Sponsored by Bismarck Interfaith Direct questions to

[email protected]

Although the registration has closed for the 2018 Youth Gathering, you can talk to Pastor Bob or Amy about being on a waiting list. The group is preparing for the Youth Gathering by meeting each month. During one of our meetings, we asked youth to write down what they think the Gathering is all about, what they are most looking forward to, what they are nervous about, and where they think they will see God.

The youth and adult leaders are looking forward to having fun, learning more about God, helping others, meeting new people from Good Shepherd and around the country. This group also looks forward to service day and serving others, and seeing forty-thousand plus youth and adult leaders coming together to learn about God and experience faith together.

The group hopes to see God everywhere they go, during service day while serving others in community, in the people of Houston, in the culture of Houston, and in relationships with others in the Good Shepherd group.

As we continue to look forward to the gathering, we are all excited for this amazing journey we are about to embark on. Our group is 86 people strong including youth and adult leaders. This journey is a huge blessing for all of us. We would like to say thank you for all of your support, both prayerfully and financially as we go throughout this next year before we head to Houston on June 25-July 2.

January MeetingsAll Adult Leader Meeting - Sunday,

January 7th at 4:30 in the youth roomSunday, January 7th at 7:30pm in the

youth roomSunday, January 21st at 5pm in the youth

roomMonday, January 22 at 7:30 in the youth

roomTuesday January 30th at 7:30 in the youth

room To have materials in time, order by Jan. 16.


Life-Lesson on Bullying

Youth learn from Older Wiser Lutherans (OWLS)

“The OWLS event was a great opportunity to interact and talk with the youth. My group talked about prayer, and who we should pray for. We shared stories together, laughed together and even shared tears together. It was a great experience being an OWL, and getting to listen and interact with the youth.”

by Cori Quist

“On November 29th, I had th opportunity to be an OWL (Older Wiser Lutheran) for four 6th grade boys in Confirmation. It was a wonderful hour of sharing, listening and exchanging thought on Faith and the Bible. The boys’ thought and comments were impressive. I felt very blessed to have been one of the GSLC OWLS.”

by Karen Espeland

I loved how we were able to listen to their stories and tell them ours. Cori was so kind and sweet. She listened to all our stories with awesome responses.I think we should do that more often

Julia

“I thought the life lesson made a big impact on not only my life, but other’s as well. It showed that everyone is bullied, even very successful people. I thought it was very interesting and very relatable for some people. Some people have experienced this same thing. It was a very inspiring message and totally relates to how God will help get you through anything. It impacted my actions and judgment the most. One lesson that I got from the message was that before you judge, you should ask yourself, and wonder what that person is going through. In the end, from experience, I know that God is always with me, especially in hard times, and that bullying can make a huge impact on someone’s life. It goes to show that we need to acknowledge that this is happening and help people get through it, also to remember God is always there”

Hudson

“I was surprised that Miss North Dakota has gone through all of those bullying situations and chose to tell God about them through praying instead of telling her parents. Also the fact that she could still become a role model for others even though she had been bullied so badly when she was younger. It’s interesting that usually bullies come from a home where there are problems or have been the victim of bullying at one time in their lives. Bullying can ruin not only your life but many other peoples lives as well. No matter what you have been through in your life it can always get better and you can achieve your dreams.”

A 6th grader


A Weekend to Remember:

400 cookies. Grandparents, parents and kids, 70 total, helped decorate cookies that were sold over the weekend.

$500 was made with the cookie sale and all proceeds will go to Community Action to help with the Backpack Program.

A small mountain of kid friendly food donated for Community Action Backpack Program.

350 Pre-school – 5th graders participated between 2 Church School Christmas programs.

2 programs = 2 live nativity scenes, 38 speaking parts, 5 classic Christmas carols, a whole slew of preschools and an entire sanctuary full of eager parents and grandparents.

30 minutes (per program) of ORGANIZED chaos!

What an amazing weekend full of faith, hope and love!

Cookie Decorating Party


Church School Christmas Programs


Pastor Themba, an ELCA missionary from Madagascar, was busy during his visit with Good Shepherd. He preached at five worship services, spent time with the youth talking about his mission in Africa, and held a workshop at Good Shepherd to inform the community about Global Mission.

Thank you to all those that were able to spend time with Pastor Themba and took him out to see the sites of the Bismarck-Mandan area.

Meet Out

Monday On Monday, January 8, we will meet at North Krolls

off of State Street from 7:30 to 9pm for Shakey Mondays

On the first Monday of every month, the senior high youth will meet out in the community at different spots. During this time we will join in fellowship together, have a short devotion, and enjoy time as a community. This will take place instead of the usual senior high youth room time on the first Monday of the month.


Our Mission Partnership with Valley View Heights Assisted Living

Submitted by Kaitlyn Green, Executive Director of Valley View Heights Assisted Living

There are several milestones just about all of us will have to work through during our lives, but one in particular will likely plague us all at some point….aging. Whether you are caring for aging loved ones or it is you who are blessed with the gift of life longevity, it is unavoidable.

These milestones are inevitably accompanied by a frenzy of questions. Who is going to help me with my medications? What if I start forgetting things? How am I going to get to my doctor’s appointments if I can’t drive anymore? For some, these questions are all easily answered and the solutions are reasonable. For others, the thought of trying to figure out a plan of action to get these basic needs covered feels unattainable and overwhelming. So where does one even begin?

A reasonable solution might be an assisted living facility where tenants still maintain their own living space, but the essentials are taken care of for them and a lot of worry can be alleviated.

In the early 1960’s a group of Lutheran congregations in the Bismarck-Mandan region began seeking God’s guidance in how we gracefully and intentionally provide care for our brothers and sisters in Christ as they age. The result of the forethought of these church leaders, guided by the Holy Spirit, is what we know today as Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center (MSLCC) and Valley View Heights Assisted Living (VVH). Since the first resident was received in 1967 until today, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church has been a member congregation and integral part of the church’s caring ministry at MSLCC and VVH.

Valley View Heights opened in 2003 with an offering of studio, 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments with a wide range of service plan options giving each person the ability to specify their own needs. Some of the services include: 3 meals/day, transportation to medical/vision/dental appointments, transportation to community shopping centers for shopping needs, medication ordering/setup/administration options, weekly housekeeping and assistance with bathing.

If you’d like to tour MSLCC or VVH and discover the amazing work that God is doing through these partner ministry, 701-221-3018. The dedicated staff at MSLCC and VVH would love the opportunity to show you around, answer any questions that you may have and help ease some of the burdens of the aging process.

Happy New Year from the staff of Good ShepherdBack row: Pastor Bob, Pastor Craig, Pastor Pam, Annette, Wendy, Melanie, Karen, Nicole and Peder; Front Row: Paige, Sandy, Amy, Vicki, David and Scott

Continued on page 10

WELCA NewsPollie Reule, President

Executive Board MeetingWed., Dec. 6, 2017 at 10 am

PRESENT: Pollie Reule, Lois Zerr, Karma Anderson, Diane Rose, Jane Frank, Gloria Hassebrock, Arlene Olson, Jeannie Werre, and Pastor Pam. Arlene Olson provided opening devotions.

AGENDA: ApprovedMINUTES OF NOVEMBER MEETING:

ApprovedTREASURER”S REPORT: (a) Gloria

Hassebrock, presented the Transaction Report for December, 2017. The ending balance was $8,229.02 after deposits of $2,223.00 and expenses of $905.65. The amount of $3,817.18. was set aside from designated funds leaving a working balance of $4,411.84. (b) A motion was made to pay the bill for Pastor Pam’s flowers. Seconded and approved. (c) Jane Frank, representative of the Quilters, was advanced $300.00 for batting and materials. (d) Our 2017 Thank offering was $1,897.00. This is less than last year. An early notice will be placed in the bulletin and newsletter and Thank offering envelopes will be left in the lobby for easy access to encourage giving.

CORRESPONDENCE: noneUNFINISHED BUSINESS: (a) A motion was

made to dedicate $2,500 toward five (5) charities ($500) each. These donations will be sent to C.A.R. (Central African Republic), W.I.S.E. (supporting Western ND seminary students). GSLC Youth, Ministry on the Margins, and Great Plains Food Bank. Motion seconded and approved. (b) We would like to add new board members from the quilters, funeral and library committees. We were pleased to have Jane Frank representing the quilters today. (c)The WELCA booklet is completed. Our many thanks to Gloria Hassebrock and Barb Wetzstein for their hard work. (d) Pollie will check on the availability and cost of a WELCA pamphlet entitled “A Place for you.” It looks like an excellent addition to the Newcomers packet in place of the WELCA membership book. (e) Pollie will check with Melanie or Sandy for possible names to conduct an audit of our books.

NEW BUSINESS: (a) The 2018 budget will be discussed at the January meeting.

(b) CIRCLES: Please give Pollie the name of your Sunshine recipient. ASAP. She needs the names for her yearly report. (b) Pastor Pam was questioned as to why WELCA received all the funeral stipends. It was explained that the stipends are our only


Monthly StatisticsBaptized:

Claire Ellen JacobsonEmmy Kathleen JacobsonBriar Kay TernesRocco James TurittoRyker Nicholas Brew

Funerals/Deaths for End of November/December:

Orvin MoeRuth Carlson

Weddings:Holly Voigt and Andrew Nygren

Memorials:In memory of Judie Keller:

Kent and Jane MorrowBarbara WetzsteinDiana and Doug HoffmanCurtis and Linda Jabs

In memory of Dan Evans:Dr. Robert and Lu Anne HonkolaTerry Tanaka

In memory of Orvin MoeJohn JacobsenPastor Craig and Wendy SchweitzerFred and Devona Browning

In memory of Diane Hofmann:Kenneth Schuyler

In memory of Scott Griffin:Pastor Craig and Wendy Schweitzer

In memory of Ruth Carlson:Pastor Craig and Wendy Schweitzer

ThanksThe members of the Meals on

Wheels Board want to acknowledge and thank you sincerely for your kind contribution. Your recent donation will help us continue the much-appreciated service which Meals on Wheels provides.

New Session startsJanuary 21, 2:00 – 4:30 • Lynne Center

Contact Nicole Fehr if you have questions at 255-1001 or [email protected]

Inspire young women to learn new skills, discover new passions, make new friends and build con-fidence through fearless trying and creating – all in a Christian centered supportive environment.

WELCA ... Continued from page 9

source of income and we need this money to purchase supplies and for maintenance of the kitchen. The women all volunteer their time working the funerals. WELCA is ultimately responsible for the smooth running of the kitchen and food distribution for all funerals. (d) CIRCLES: Please provide a list of all known shut-ins in your circle. We would like to use it for future visitations. Please get it to your Circle chairperson for the January meeting. (c) Since circle attendance can often be down January-March, Pollie suggested all the circles meet together for Bible Study those 3 months.

FIRST MEETING: Tuesday, January 16th at 9:15 am in the Lynne Center. (Dorcas/Esther hosting).

FEBRUARY MEETING: Wednesday, February 21th at 1pm. ( Mary Circle hosting.)MARCH MEETING: Wednesday, March 21 at 1pm (Ruth Circle hosting). This will also give us

a chance to meet other circle members. ANNOUNCEMENTS: (a) Devotions for Jan 3 Welca meeting - Pollie Reule, 10am.UPCOMING EVENTS: All Circles Bible Study. January 16th at 9:15 am Lynne Center PURPOSE STATEMENT was read by all in attendance and the meeting was adjourned at

11:01 am.

Respectfully submitted, Diane Rose, Secretary.


YTD Budgeted Contributions/Revenue: 1,248,325.00$ YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue: 1,110,527.31

-137,797.69 YTD Budgeted Expenses: 1,301,965.63$ Holiday Offerings not budgeted for: 52,271.18 YTD Actual Expenses: 1,179,157.04$ Total YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue: 1,162,798.49$ Difference between Budgeted & Actual Expenses: -$122,808.59

-$16,358.55

Thank you for supporting Good Shepherd Ministries!

Did you know there are automatic giving options such as Simply Giving and online bill pay through your bank? There is also a kiosk located in the Narthex where you are able to use your credit card or debit card for mission store purchases or instant donations to any of the ministries her at GSLC. These are few of the convenient ways for members to contribute and support the many ministries we support daily. For more information on the many ways to donate, please look online at our updated website (www.goodshepherdbismarck.com) or call the church office.

Page 7

Making Ministry Possible with your Financial Gifts

Difference between Budgeted & Actual:

YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue $1,162,798.49 and YTD Actual Expenses $1,179,157.04 = Net:

YTD Budgeted Contributions/Revenue: 1,248,325.00$ YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue: 1,110,527.31

-137,797.69 YTD Budgeted Expenses: 1,301,965.63$ Holiday Offerings not budgeted for: 52,271.18 YTD Actual Expenses: 1,179,157.04$ Total YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue: 1,162,798.49$ Difference between Budgeted & Actual Expenses: -$122,808.59

-$16,358.55

Thank you for supporting Good Shepherd Ministries!

Did you know there are automatic giving options such as Simply Giving and online bill pay through your bank? There is also a kiosk located in the Narthex where you are able to use your credit card or debit card for mission store purchases or instant donations to any of the ministries her at GSLC. These are few of the convenient ways for members to contribute and support the many ministries we support daily. For more information on the many ways to donate, please look online at our updated website (www.goodshepherdbismarck.com) or call the church office.

Page 7

Making Ministry Possible with your Financial Gifts

Difference between Budgeted & Actual:

YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue $1,162,798.49 and YTD Actual Expenses $1,179,157.04 = Net:

Partners in MissionMaking Ministry Possible with Your Financial Gifts

Thank you for supporting Good Shepherd Ministries! A complete financial report is attached to the monthly Church Council minutes; located in the information carousels or on the Good Shepherd website.

Contributions/Revenue through November 30, 2017

YTD Budgeted Contributions/Revenue: ......................................... $ 1,248,325.00YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue: ................................................. 1,110,527.31Difference between Budgeted & Actual: .......................................... -137,797.69Holiday Offerings NOT budgeted for: ................................................. 52,271.18 Total YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue: .................................... $ 1,162,798.49

YTD Budgeted Expenses: ................................................................ $ 1,301,965.63YTD Actual Expenses: ........................................................................ 1,179,157.04Difference between Budgeted & Actual Expenses: ......................... -122,808.59

YTD Actual Contributions/Revenue: .............................................. $ 1,162,798.49YTD Actual Expenses ......................................................................... 1,179,157.04

Net: ............................................................................................... $ -16,358.55

Automatic giving optionsDid you know there are easy ways to give? You can use the Simply Giving form found

on our website, you can set up automatic giving through your financial institution, or you can use your debit/credit card at the kiosk located in the Narthex.

These are convenient ways for members to contribute and ensure continued support is getting to the many exciting ministries at Good Shepherd – none of them would be successful without your help! Questions - call the church office or go to the web site goodshepherdbismarck.com.

Giving by TextYou can now make a contribution

to support the mission work of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church with a quick text message from your cell phone!

Simply send a text to 701-205-3394 with the amount you would like to contribute. Type in your dollar amount, space, along with the word for which fund you want that contribution to go towards. (For Example: 20 Building)

General = General Offering- Member Building = Building FundEndowment = Endowment FundNon = General Offering Non-MemberYouth = Youth Registration / Mission StoreSpecial = Special Offering

Within a few minutes, you’ll be sent a text with a link to register. Click on the link and enter your card holder name and credit or debit card information. (Note: for the expiration date no slash is needed. Example: Nov 2017 would be entered 1117).

Once your registration is complete, you will receive a text verification and a receipt via email. For future giving, simply send a text with the amount and word you wish to give, and it will process automatically!

It’s as simple as that. Throughout the year we will introduce other words your text giving can support. They will be available on the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church website under Giving-Other ways to contribute.

Any questions, feel free to contact Melanie, Parish Administrator at 701-255-1001 or [email protected].

You are a blessing to the ministry and we Thank You for your continued support!


December Council MinutesCOUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT

Royce Schultze – Vice PresidentDerrick Fehr Bruce EllisonJoel Just Megan AndersonClaudia Kuball Curtis Jabs

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENTKathy Torske – PresidentWendy Berg

OTHERS ATTENDINGPastor Craig Schweitzer – Senior PastorPastor Pam Power – Associate Pastor of

Congregational Life & Pastoral CareMelanie Nicklos - Parish AdministratorAnnette Bjornstad-Executive Assistant Office

ManagerPastor Bob Caranicas

1) The meeting was called to order by Council Vice-President, Royce Schultze.

2) Opening prayer was led by Pastor Craig.3) Approval of Consent Agenda

a) Approval of Minutesb) Monthly Financial Reportc) Human Resources Committee – Reportd) Endowment Council Report – No Report e) Holistic Stewardship Committee – Reportf) Audit Committee Report – No Reportg) Staff Report h) Pastor’s ReportMotion to approve the consent agenda (Jabs/

Kuball, unanimous). 4) Devotions & Bible Study led by Pastor

Pam.5) Old Business

a) Council Goal #1 – Holistic Stewardship Committee

Information is included in the Council packet. Cheri Giesen is now the Chair of the Holistic Stewardship Committee. Pastor Craig let Council know that the Blue Christmas worship will be on December 21, 2017. Blue Christmas worship is a ministry that is the result of the Holistic Stewardship Committee including care of people as part of Good Shepherd’s stewardship ministry.

b) Council Goal #2 – Electronic Giving Texting is now another giving option

that we have. More information will be coming on this giving option.

c) Council Goal #3 – Constitution & By-Law Review

Summary is included in Council packet.d) Council Goal #4 – Safety &Security Plan Included in the Council packet is 3

policies for review and approval:• Fire and Smoke Emergencies• Tornado and Severe Weather

Emergency• Intruder/Active Shooter Emergency

Action Plan These policies will be placed in the

Employee Handbook. Motion to approve the proposed policies as written. (Kuball/Fehr, unanimous)

e) Council Goal #5 – Long Term Expansion

& Growth Plan – No updatef) Council Goal #6 – Campus Ministry Pastor Craig reported that no one

formally from Council is involved in this ministry. Claudia and Joel would like to be on the task force.

6) New Businessa) Safety and Security Committee Policy

Recommendations (3)• Already covered in Old Business (5d)

b) Finance Committee Report• 2018 budget included in Council

packet.• Finance Committee did approve

budget.• Motion to approve the 2018 Ministry

Financial Plan. (Ellison/Jabs, unanimous)

c) HR Committee Policy Recommendations Melanie reported. The Human Resources

Committee has made updates to the language of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Employment Application form. Also included in the Council packet are steps used during the hiring process. Motion to approve the updates to the application form and hiring process. (Just/Kuball, unanimous)

d) 2018 Ministry Financial Plan – already covered under 6b.

e) Council Member Nominations Curtis provided an update on the

Nominating Committee’s work to date. The Committee intends to have a full slate of candidates for Church Council ready for the current council’s approval by the end of the year.

f) Call Committee Nominations Many individuals have expressed

interest in serving on the upcoming Call Committee. Pastor Craig & Kathy will be contacting interested individuals after Christmas with the hope of the first meeting taking place in early January.

g) Year-End Benevolence Options Pastor Craig reported. If funds are

available at the end of the year due to generous year-end giving, Good Shepherd will designate additional gifts to:• Camp of the Cross• Community Action• Disaster Relief• Youth gathering

Motion to approve these 4 agencies

for benevolence money. (Jabs/Just, unanimous)

h) Endowment Grants Two Endowment grant requests are

included in Council packet. Both of these grants were approved by the Endowment Council in November. • Funds to assist families needing

assistance with gathering expenses and other items related to Good Shepherd’s participation in the the ELCA Youth Gathering 2018

• There will be 86 Good Shepherd youth and adult leaders attending the youth gathering in 2018

Motion to approve the Endowment Grants as written. (Ellison/Kuball, unanimous)

i) Internship Site Pastor Craig and Pastor Bob reported.

Bishop Narum has invited Good Shepherd to consider becoming a 2-year internship for a pastoral candidate. Council is receptive to the idea, especially in lieu of being short 1 full-time pastor at the beginning of 2018. Pastor Craig will continue to be in conversation with Bishop Narum and keep Council up-to-date on how this internship would progress.

7) Other Business:a) Bone Marrow Drive Megan reported. She is a member of the

Future Health Professionals of Legacy High School. She asked if in the future, they could hold a Bone Marrow Drive at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. This bone marrow drive is connected to the organization “Be the Match.” The Council invited Megan to have further conversation with Pastor Bob about this possibility.

8) Questions from the Floor: None

9) Closing Prayer led by Pastor Bob.

Respectfully submitted,Annette BjornstadExecutive Assistant/Office Manager

12-19-17

Annual MeetingSunday, January 21, 2018

at 12:15 pm in the SanctuaryConstitutional updates available to review in the Narthex.

Anyone wanting to present new information should contact a council member before the annual meeting.


Ways to Give

In Person Place checks or cash in an offering envelope and drop it in the offering plate as it goes by.

Text Set up a one-time or recurring donation by texting the amount you wish to give

to 701-205-3394.

Giving App Download the ‘GivePlus Church’ to set up one-time or recurring donations. You can also manage and view your giving from the convenienceof your smartphone!

Online Visit www.mychurch.org/give or scan the

QR Code below to set up and manage your one-time and recurring gifts.

Kiosk Visit our Giving Kiosk in the Lobby/Narthex

to set up a one-time gift.

For more information please visit the church office or call Melanie at 701-255-1001

Ways to GiveMaking Christmas a little brighter

It’s that time of year where Thrivent members will need to start making decisions on where to direct their Choice Dollars. Please consider directing your Choice Dollars to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. If you have questions about that contact your Thrivent Financial Representative or Melanie in the church office at 701-255-1001. Thank you for your continued support!

A special thank you goes out to everyone who helped make this year’s Angel Tree successful. Good Shepherd’s 2017 Angel Tree was blessed with the opportunity to share the Shepherd’s love to 399 individuals in our community. The following local ministries and agencies participated in the Angel Tree: Pride, Inc.; Manchester House; Abused Adult Resource Center; Youthworks; Dacotah Foundation; Burleigh County Social Services; Will-Moore School; and Charles Hall

The Bismarck-Mandan community asked and the Good Shepherd community answered! This year, eight local organizations provided Angel Tree Christmas wishes for 399 local children and adults who might not otherwise receive any gifts.

The project was coordinated by three Good Shepherd families. In early November, they contacted agencies ranging from Pride to the Abused Adult Resource Center to Youthworks. Later that month approximately 20 high school students, sixth and seventh grade confirmation students, and adults assembled the Angel Tree gift tags and hung them on the Christmas tree in the Narthex.

In its typical generosity, members of Good Shepherd emptied the tree of gift tags and returned the tags with presents attached. The packages have been picked up by the agencies who will give the recipients their gifts in time for a very merry Christmas.


WELCA Christmas Gathering The women of WELCA

had a wonderful gathering on Nov. 30th full of laughter, socializing, and decorating. We decorated the Christmas tree in the Lynne Center with the beautiful cross-stitch Chrismons that many of the women made, and hung up the garland at the kitchen window. A special thanks to Scott Markovic for setting up the tree and working to get all the lights to work! We also collected gifts to donate to the residents of Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center.

We have accomplished “our purpose” in the year 2017 by the following actions and donations.

Lutheran World Relief mission kits: 122 Quilts 72 Baby Care Kits 51 School Kits 33 Personal Care Kits Shipping for kits in approximate amount of $500.

Charitable Donations: Camp of Cross Building Fund $1500 Missouri Slope Crafts $100. Ministry on the Margin $500. Providence Ranch $1000. Great Plains Food Bank $500. C.A.R. $500.00 Good Shepherd Youth Group $500.

Events: Spring Event – basket auction and Providence Ranch Speakers Christmas Coffee – Decorating Christmas Tree in Lynne Center, giving gifts to Missouri Slope residents. Circle Bible Study every month with exception of Group Bible Study in August. Assisted with Bingo at Missouri Slope

Other:Purchased Coffee Servers for KitchenDonated $2093.00 toward Kitchen DishwasherMemorials for Vada Kingsley and Mildred ThurnSunshine Offerings: Mary Circle ($200. Grocery Gift Cards, and $200 Ministry on the Margin) Dorcas Esther and Ruth Circle haven’t dispersed the Sunshine Funds at this time .

Caregiver vs Care Receiver

Understanding that God is the caregiver also benefits the person receiving care. Reliance on God provides tremendous freedom to grow and change through a helping relationship. The person receiving care does not have to push too hard for growth and change. Rather, the person is free to receive God’s love through the caregiver.

The person receiving care will be able to risk change, realizing that God will provide the cure. The care receiver has plenty of responsibilities without the added burden of total accountability for results.

First the one receiving care already has a problem that causes the need for care. Second, receiving love from a caregiver is easier said than done. When we need to receive love, we may see to be week and vulnerable. People don’t like being in that position, so being open to receiving care is a formidable task.

The care receiver is subject to the same temptations to shift blame as the caregiver. The care receiver could expect the caregiver to be a miracle worker who will provide all the results. When results don’t come rapidly enough, the person could become angry with the caregiver and thereby disrupt the helping process. Freedom from responsibility for results doesn’t provide an escape for the care receiver either. Being a recipient of care doesn’t mean the person is simply acted upon. The one receiving care still needs to work hard at expressing feelings, sharing of self, being honest, and being open to receive care.

By Mark Kamphuis


Update from Bishop Mark Narum on Advocacy Trip with Church-wide Staff Greetings in Christ’s name!

I write today to share news of a recent visit to North and South Dakota by church-wide staff. This trip comes as a follow-up to last June’s visit by Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton. During her follow-up visit in the aftermath of Standing Rock, Bishop Eaton heard some expressed concern that there is a disconnect between church-wide statements and the lives of some ELCA members here in North Dakota. Out of that trip Bishop Eaton felt it is important other church-wide staff be given the same opportunity for open conversation.

During this most recent visit we welcomed:• Rev. Stephen Bouman - Director of the

Domestic Mission Unit• Rev. Amy Reumann - ELCA Director of

Advocacy• Ruth Ivory-Moore - ELCA Advocacy

Program Director, Environmental and Energy Policy

• John Johnson - ELCA Advocacy Program Director, Domestic Policy

This most recent trip came about through the work of South Dakota Bishop David Zellmer, Eastern North Dakota Bishop Terry Brand and myself. One church-wide guest flew into Sioux Falls, one into Fargo and two into Bismarck. On December 13th church-wide staff engaged in an agriculture tour in the synod they arrived in. Here in Western North Dakota we left a Bismarck hotel at 7:00AM and made stops at St. John, Killdeer, an Earth Lodge Village at New Town, the Roise Ranch north of Ross, the Lick Ranch near Ruso and St. Olaf Lutheran, rural Turtle Lake.

During this agriculture day we attempted to show church-wide staff that ELCA members across Western North Dakota are diverse in their political views, that they are stewards of the land, that they are deeply faithful Christians and that some statements made by our church-wide partners are troubling because they are made without understanding the consequences to people who live on the land.

On Thursday, December 14th, the entire group came together in Bismarck and traveled to the Beulah area. Synod Council Vice President Bruce Carlson, retired manager of Verendrye Electric Cooperative, set up a tour of the North American Coal Cotteau Coal Mine, the Basin Electric Antelope Valley Power Plant and Basin’s Coal Gasification Plant. That evening we ate in Bismarck with a group of ELCA Lutherans who work in the energy industry. Our

conversations were broad ranging but included conversations around the Clean Power Act, regulation of the petroleum industry and the energy industry’s efforts to be stewards of the land.

Friday, December 15th, we gathered at the synod office in the Lutheran Social Services conference room for a conversation about rural economic development. We then spent time unpacking what we had heard and seen during our days together. This visit helped us share with church-wide staff :

• our deep love of this church, for it is our heritage.

• our concern that the divergent views between urban and rural views in this country are also being reflected in church life.

• That there are people here on the prairie who are leaders in the agriculture and energy industries and who are willing conversation partners when this church considers taking faith-based stands on policy issues.

• that members of our congregations hold a variety political persuasions, have deep faith in the risen Christ regardless of their political affiliation and want that fact recognized and respected.

I am thankful for the opportunity given to us to engage with our churchwide partners with honest conversation where we could speak both of our joys and our hopes for the future. I am also thankful for a large group of faithful members of this synod who took time out of the very busy December schedules for the sake of these conversations. My hope is that through all of this our partnership will be strengthened.

Rev. Mark NarumServing as Bishop of the

Western North Dakota [email protected]

Barb and Dustin Roise shared the story of their family ranch and their practices of stewarding land, water, and other resources with two of our Church-wide partners - Ruth Ivory-Moore (pictured with Barb and Dustin) and Rev. Stephen Boumann.

Three Affiliated Tribes Heritage Museum tour with a gracious guide sharing information with our Church-wide partners, Stephen Boumann and Ruth Ivory-Moore.

Thank you to the 20+ individuals that shared a meal, their story, and their concerns with us at St. Olaf, rural Turtle Lake.


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Worship Training forConfirmation Students

On Wednesday, January 17 at 4:00 pm, worship training will be offered. Opportunities include doing projection, reading scripture, serving communion or ushering. The hour-long training will be a chance to learn two of the four worship volunteer opportunities students can count towards confirmation service hours.

Come and participate, get a couple services in before Lent when your small group will be providing all these duties. For more information call Wendy at 255-1001 or email [email protected]

Thank you!Thank you so much for the wonderful farewell party! What a blessing

to be able to visit with so many people, share some laughter, and a few tears, as we all make this transition. Thank you to the staff who put together a wonderful gathering with lots of pink! And I loved the selfie table! Make sure you get me any selfie’s you took! Come visit me the next time you’re visiting the Black Hills! My address will be:

Pastor Pam PowerCuster Lutheran Fellowship12622 US Hwy 16ACuster, SD 57730

Blessings as the Holy Spirit leads you all during this transition and into an exciting future at Good Shepherd!

Pastor Pam

Documents

Shepherd’s Voicegoodshepherdbismarck.com/wp-content/uploads/January-Newsletter... · Trumpet: Abelardo Flores ... the reflection of our life rather than “just this, just now.”