1

SSAALLEEMM CCOONNNNEECCTTIIOONN April 2015

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

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

HOLY WEEK AT SALEM Maundy Thursday, April 2 – 7pm Worship

Good Friday, April 3 – 7pm Worship

EASTER SUNDAY, April 5

8:15 & 10:45 Celebration Worship

A Word from Council President,

Roger Prill

On behalf of the Church Council, I am very pleased

to report that the Task Force has completed their

mission of compiling the information they gathered

from the total congregation. With this information

the elected Call Committee will be able to search

for a pastor that Salem wants and is in need of.

This information about Salem and our expectations

is also essential for the Pastoral candidate to make

his or her decision.

As we celebrated Palm Sunday, we also celebrated

that day as Transition Task Force Recognition

Sunday. On that day the TTF handed over to the

Council the compiled results of their work which

will be published for the congregation. The TTF

will now be finished and they were released with

much appreciation.

We as your Council have completed the nomination

forms, for selecting the Call Committee members,

which are now available to the congregation. The

deadline to return completed nominee forms is

April 27th. Those nominated, and who are

interested in serving, will be posted in a bio-

brochure by May 10, 2015 for the congregations’

information about each nominee. Call Committee

Election Sunday, May 17th, will be the day for the

congregation to vote for 3 people. The Church

Council will meet on May 21st to vote for the next 3

people.

The final six elected for the Call Committee will be

announced on Sunday, May 24th. Those elected

will be trained in their responsibilities and

procedures by someone from the Synod before a list

of pastoral candidates are submitted to them. The

Call Committee will be receiving very confidential

information, which will not be passed along to

anyone, not even the Church Council. Names of

potential pastoral candidates received from the

Synod are very confidential, along with all actions

the Committee takes to complete their search for

our pastor.

The amazing thing is that, as you are reading this,

somewhere God is preparing our future Pastor, just

as we are being prepared! Let us all pray for our

Call Committee members and our Future Pastor,

just we have been praying for the Task Force, the

Staff, and everyone at Salem that is working so

diligently to be in step with God’s plan. We as a

Council believe that Salem has been doing the right

things, at the right time for healthy healing and that

within God’s time and with God’s guidance we will

continue on that path.

I cannot end this article without mentioning the

most important part of our Christian faith,

“EASTER.” As we all know if it were not for

Christ’s resurrection there would not be

Christianity. Christmas would just be a birthday

celebration of a good guy that lived a long time ago.

Easter would be just a pagan event to color eggs or

something else. BECAUSE OF THE

RESURRECTION – HE LIVES AND SO WILL

WE!

PRAISE THE LORD – HE HAS RISEN!!

2

From Pastor Cheryl

During the past month, we have formed a new Worship and Music Committee. This team is made up of individuals from the praise team, choirs, and interested members. Their work is to assist the pastor in planning all aspects of worship. The committee also oversees the work of our altar volunteers, sound booth workers, usher/lector/communion server coordinators, and worship supplies. The committee meets monthly on the first Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. It is my absolute joy to work with this group of creative, talented, dedicated, and enthusiastic people whose goal is to create an atmosphere in worship that gives the Spirit every opportunity to flow. If you have worship ideas, I know the committee would welcome them. Talk to Kevin Edstrom, the chair, who is also the bell choir director.

Speaking of worship, the midweek Lenten services have been a special blessing to me. Hearing the faith stories of Whitney Cragun, Di Hein, Sandy Beyer, and Greg Meyer have lifted my spirit and strengthened my faith. I hope those stories have done the same for you.

Our interim time progresses! We are ending Stage Two – Transition Tasks. Your Transition Task Force (TTF) has worked diligently to complete its work in a timely fashion. They have met weekly to draft their report. As I write this, they have completed the fourth section, Renewing Denominational Linkages; and on Tuesday March 16, will work on drafting the final section, Commitment to New Directions in Ministry. Once all five sections have been drafted, they will meet to make final revisions to the entire document, and we will enter ---

Stage Three – Reporting -- April through May. The finalized TTF report will be posted on Salem’s website, and presented to the congregation and Council. The Council will then set in motion the process to form a Call Committee. While the Council has been waiting for the TTF report, they have not been idle. Among all their other responsibilities, they have been drafting Salem’s nomination form for a Call Committee. When you read this, the Council will have finalized and approved that nomination form. Once the Council approves the nomination form, it will be provided to you.

Any member of Salem may nominate any Salem voting member to the Call Committee. You may even nominate yourself. The nomination form will list the qualifications for nominees, to assist you in your prayerful consideration of candidates. Once all nominations have been received, a slate of those nominees will be presented to you, and the Council will schedule a special congregation meeting to elect the members of the Call Committee. According to Salem’s constitution, the congregation elects three of the six Call Committee members. The Council then appoints three from the remaining slate of nominees. Note that it is wise to have a member of the TTF on the Call Committee in order to provide continuity and good communication.

Stage Four – Call Process (6-9 months – and that’s a guess!) -- May through ? Once the Call Committee has been formed, they will be trained by a representative of the Synod Office and begin preparing Salem’s profile papers. These papers describe Salem, your ministry, and what qualities you desire in your next pastor. The TTF’s report and recommendations will be invaluable to them as they prepare Salem’s profile papers. Once the Call Committee submits Salem’s profile papers to the Synod Office, the Synod can provide them with the profile papers of pastors who are looking for a new call.

It is important to realize that while the Transition Task Force strives to be very open about its work and process, the Call Committee cannot. The call process is highly confidential. Therefore, the only information that the Call Committee can share with Salem members -- including Council members, and staff -- is where they are in the process (e.g., working on Salem’s profile, how many candidate profiles they have received, how many they are considering interviewing, etc.). They cannot reveal the identity, current location, or even the gender or age of the candidates they are considering. I also will be in the dark during your call process, and won’t know any more information than you, as I am not part of the call process in any way.

Remember the call process timeframe is undefinable. You might call your next pastor in a few months, or it may take a couple years. The timing all depends upon which pastors are looking for new calls, and the work of the Holy Spirit. But rest assured – as God has been preparing you during this interim time, God has also been preparing your new pastor. All will be well – in God’s time.

3

USHERS 4/5 8:15 Ralph Carlson, Ed & Sherri Godfrey, Helen Ryan, Tom & Margaret Lunacek 10:45 John & Raye Cragun, Elsa Ray, Ken Schultz 4/12 8:15 Randy Holmvig, Helen Ryan, Herb & Barb Schoon 10:45 Dean & Pat Sylvester, Ernie & Mary Erickson 4/19 8:15 Ralph Carlson, Deb Selk, Chuck Lubowitz, Karla Peterson 10:45 Jay & Sue Stromberg, Marc & Laurie Venter 4/26 8:15 Clark & Joyce Marshall, John & Elaine Greene 10:45 Pat & Laura Guimont, Laurie Ogard, Roger & Marlene Prill

READERS April 5 8:15 Peggy Blistain 10:45 Barb Schiffler April 12 8:15 Sandy Archibald 10:45 Carla Kewatt April 19 8:15 Lynn Hansen 10:45 Becki Zender April 26 8:15 Teen Challenge Choir 10:45 Teen Challenge Choir

COMMUNION 4/5 8:15 Peggy Blistain, Dee Dee Frahm, Rich Leino

10:45 Al & Barb Schiffler, Rick Shafer 4/12 8:15 Sandy Archibald, Elaine Greene Jessica Jones

10:45 Carla Kewatt, Peter & Debbie MacKay 4/19 8:15 Lynn Hansen, Randy & Lori Holmvig 10:45 John & Marlys Orr, Becki Zender 4/26 8:15 Cathy Aykens, Ron & Nancy Meyer 10:45 RaeJean Anderson, Greg Meyer, Carole Nystrom

CONTROL BOOTH 4/5 8:15 Mike Shermock, Lynn Hansen 10:45 Al Schiffler, Bruce Swanson 4/12 8:15 Meriellen Pisarek, Mike Shermock 10:45 Charlie Anderson, Al Schiffler 4/19 8:15 Meriellen Pisarek, Mike Shermock 10:45 Charlie Anderson, Bruce Swanson

WORSHIP ATTENDANCE February 22 138 Wed, February 25 96 March 1 154 Wed, March 4 52 March 8 163 Wed, March 11 85 March 15 157 Wed, March 86 March 22 166

TRANSFER OUT

Pat Saxum

APRIL BIRTHDAYS

1 Leo Miller, Laura Newton 3 Nancy Reek, Mike Shermock 5 Samuel Coughlin, Carrie Johnson, Anna Swanson 6 Sandy Archibald, Paul Hein, Darlene Olson 7 Greg (Kathy) Meyer 8 John Christenson, Beth Lavan 9 Laura Hann 10 Joan Haglund, Stanley Kangas, Bev Kunz 11 Clark Marshall, Connor Zender 13 Elsa Ray 14 Jami Bodle, Bob Peterson, Brayden Shafer Shelly Skeim 15 Jena Reed, Michaela Stangel 16 Tina Royer 17 Jane Stromberg 18 Nancy Anderson 20 Abigail Chileen 21 Greg (Diane) Meyer 22 Joel Bordwell, Marc Venter 24 Bruce Grivna, Shayne Johnson 25 Roger Prill 26 John Metsa 29 John Davies 30 Kathy Meyer APRIL WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

15 Bruce & Sandy Grivna (2000) 15 Kevin & Jodi Stensrud (2008) 25 Rob & Kris Schmidt (1995) 26 John & Raye Cragun (1986) 26 Phil & Donna Turnquist (1958)

4

MEN’S FISHING RETREAT 2015

Reminder

When: July 13-16, 2015

Where: Kec’s Kove, Lake Kabetogama

How: Registration forms available at

Salem; $50 deposit due by March 1st;

Full payment (total of $325) due June

1st in the church office

Why: FFF – Faith, Fellowship & Fishing

Questions? Contact Gary Guida, 218-

546-5794

SPRING IS IN THE AIR – The Great River Strings under the direction of Richard Aulie and the Ripple River Strings under the direction of Jill Lee will celebrate

the return of spring with the following concerts: Saturday, April 18, 6:30 p.m. – Silent Auction

and 7pm Concert CIHS Auditorium Sunday, April 19, 1:30 p.m. – Silent Auction and 2pm

Concert at Aitkin HS Auditorium

Admission: Adults $8, Students & Seniors $5, Children under 6 are free, Families $20 Maximum

Bu$iness Salem Lutheran Church Operating Fund

Financial Results for February

Adopted Annual Budget

February Actual 2015

February Prior Year

2014

Income $434,306.68 $ 32,803.88 $ 33,857.40

Expense $434,306.68 $ 33,624.67 $ 37,187.11

Net $ 0.00 ($ 820.79) ($ 3329.71)

Financial Results YTD (Jan-Feb)

Adopted Annual Budget

YTD Actual 2015

YTD Prior Year

2014

Income $434,306.68 $ 59,152.78 $ 60,639.59

Expense $434,306.68 $ 66,571.33 $ 71,318.69

Net $ 0.00 ($ 7,418.55) ($10,679.10)

Overview of Mortgage & Building Fund

Salem Lutheran Church

February 2015 Mortgage

Original Mortgage Amount $2,379,965.00

Principal Balance $1,963,881.04

Monthly Mortgage Payment (Principal & Interest)

$ 12,133.54

Additional Principal Payment $3,274.46

Building Fund

Beginning Balance 02/01/2015 $248,896.62

Income February 2015

Gifts $13,999.00

Interest $33.19

Memorial $25.00

Sunday School Advent Offering $19.75

Expense February 2015

Mortgage Payment ($12,133.54)

Additional Principal ($ 3,274.46)

Capital Appeal Expenses ($5,115.91)

Ending Balance 02/28/2015 $242,449.65

Above are general reports for the congregation; complete financials

are available by contacting Sandy Beyer at the church office. Any

questions can be directed to either Council Treasurer Paul Tesdahl or

Financial Secretary Sandy Beyer.

5

EASTER LILY DONATIONS 2015

Donated by:

Peggy Blistain in honor of Ella

Bennish, Finn Bennish and Sidda

Johnson and in memory of George &

Joan Blistain

Mark & Debbi Carlson in memory of

Oscar & Gladys Theien and Judi

Hyde

Robert & Kay Cooper in memory of

Kay’s parents, Al & Georgia Austin

and Robert’s mother, Ida Funk

Elaine Dahlquist in memory of her

husband, Burt and her parents, Stan

& Pear Thulin

Kris Davis in memory of her dad,

Harlan Hilk and Brenda Leino

Pastor Cheryl Fleckenstein in honor

of her mother, Betty Gardisky

Steve & Joan Haglund in memory of

Arnie & Dorothy Haglund and

Durand & Charlotte Rotzel

Lynn Hansen in memory of her dad

and her grandparents

Judy Johnson in memory of Doug

Johnson and Gladys Johnson

Jason & Jessica Jones in memory of

Noel “Buzz” Jones and Brenda Leino

Wayne & Joyce Kohnen in memory of

their parents

Richard & Eileen Leino in memory of

Carl & Frances Leino, Betty Leino,

Patricia Leino

Clark & Joyce Marshall in memory of

their parents and Joyce’s brothers,

Gerald and Robert

Ken & Carole Nystrom in memory of

Scott Nystrom

Rod & Laurie Ogard in memory of

their son, David

Archie & Deanna Olson in honor of

Laverne L. Swanson and in memory of

Archie Sr. & Edith Olson and Marvin

Larson

Meriellen Pisarek in memory of Jay

Hermes and Irma Harem

Elsa Ray & family in memory of Doug

Ray

Elsa Ray and Carol Gerber and

families in memory of Martin &

LaFern Linberg

Al & Barb Schiffler

Mary Jo Schoenike in memory of

Marvin Schoenike and Clair, Evelyn

and David Wolford

Mike & Jean Shermock in memory of

their parents: Bob & Anne Shermock

and Sid & Mabel Sanford

Maurice & Lisa Slepica in memory of

Ambros Johnson, Bud & Louise

Slepica, Mary Leyk

Dean & Pat Sylvester in memory of

their parents and Evelyn Peterson,

Jim Sylvester and Janet Nyline

Paul & Kristy Tesdahl in memory of

their parents

6

Thank You!

Thank you to Salem Youth and their parents all who baked and served at the Pie Socials during Lent and to the congregation for their support. Special thanks to Laura Newton and Meg McGuire for coordinating the Pie Socials! This will held Jakob McGuire & Michael Serfling attend the National Youth Gathering in July. Thanks to all those who served as Faith Mentors to confirmation students during Lent. These opportunites are so valuable for adults & youth to form relationships, worship together and support each other in prayer.

Thank you to Salem Lutheran Social Ministry for the thoughtful and lovely Valentine bouquet. It was much appreciated. Steve & Jo Blanich

Thanks for the flowers for Valentine’s Day! We just got ride of our Poinsettia – so what a nice replacement. And thanks to the Salem kids for the Valentine. The Sandersons

Thank you for your generous gift to ELCA World Hunger. With this gift we seek to support sustainable solutions to care for those most affected by hunger and poverty. Nathan Berkas Dear Salem Friends, Many thanks for the beautiful carnations and the handmade decorated valentine. The flowers are still as fresh as the day they came and I had the valentine on my door for all to see. What a nice thing to do! My Love & Prayers, Virginia Platisha

Thank you so much for baptizing Cole. It means a lot to us to know that he is part of God’s family. Also, thank you to the church for the wooden chest. That was very nice and Cole will cherish it forever. We greatly appreciate it! Thanks again. Matt, Erika & Cole Doucette

Thank you for the nice prayer shawl delivered by Beth Lavan. I appreciate the care and concern. Agnes Christensen

Special thanks to Beth Lavan for delivering the prayer shawl. It was a thoughtful thing to do. Audrey Enos

Thanks to everyone for their prayers, phone calls and cards. We truly appreciate it. God is good. Jim & Kay Bendorf

Thank you, Pastor Cheryl, Greg, and the church family for my prayer shawl, prayers and concerns during my illness. Louie Smilich

To the amazing group of women at Salem, I cannot thank you enough for the absolutely beautiful quilts and blankets that you donated toward the Blanket Drive. I and the patients at Gillette are thankful. God bless you all! Thank you for those beautiful gifts! Brittany Schweke

Salem Piecemakers: Connie Lou Swanson, Judy Fields, Arlene Radach, Laurie Ogard, Doris Carlson and Julie Hess

Geri Johnson & blankets that she made and donated

Thank you for baptizing Channy Anderson on 2/15. We so appreciate all the love and support from the church especially in the lovely wooden baptism chest and all the sweet things it contained. Erika, Sam, Hans & Channy Anderson

Dear Friends at Salem, Thank you for the prayers and cards when my sister, then my brother passed away, both unexpected. Prayers mean so much to me. With love and prayers to all – Myrt Bollenbacher

7

EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS

CREATIVE KIDS – all children in grades K-6 are invited to this event on Wednesday, April 1, 3:30-5pm. Read more about this in the Coordinator of Children’s Ministry article in this issue. TODDLER DANCE PARTY – All Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. More info in Connie Swanson’s article. WORSHIP & MUSIC COMMITTEE will meet in the Conference Room on Tuesday, April 7th at 5:30 p.m. CONFIRMATION will resume on Wednesday, April 8th at 6:30 p.m. in the fellowship hall. GIRLS NIGHT OUT - All women are welcome to come and have dinner and fellowship at Coach's Corner in Deerwood on the second Tuesday evening of each month. Next Girls Night Out: April 14th, 5:30 p.m. LIBRARY TEAM will meet on Tuesday, April 14th at 3pm. DIAPER MINISTRY Everyone is welcome to come to help cut t-shirts for Salem’s Diaper Ministry on Wednesday, April 8th at 9am in the fellowship hall. CIRCLE MEETINGS: Sarah Circle will meet at Salem on Thursday, April 9th at 9:30 a.m.; Naomi Circle meets on April 16th, 1:30 p.m. at Heartwood. The MINNESOTA ADULT & TEEN CHALLENGE CHOIR will be our special guests during both worship services on Sunday, April 26 – 8:15 & 10:45 a.m.

Salem’s SUMMER WORSHIP TIMES begin on Sunday, June 7,

2015 – 8:15 & 9:45 a.m.

Salem's Piecemakers Come and help make quilts on Tuesday mornings at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall. The quilts will be donated to Lutheran World Relief and other

destinations where mission work is happening. Everyone is welcome!

In Stitches "In Stitches," the knitting and crocheting group meets at 1pm on Tuesdays. We meet in a casual setting in the lobby seating area or the library – it is great fun to visit while knitting or crocheting

News from The Mustard Seed

Deb Selk, Manager

We have been blessed with some very nice donations and they are going out as fast as we get them in. So remember when cleaning out you can bring your items to Salem West. We have added a few new volunteers to our roster which is great and needed. Remember our Easter Bake Sale that is Thursday, April 2nd. We will be closed on Good Friday, but open again on Saturday. In April we will be promoting Salem West, Mustard Seed and Bridges of Hope at the Living Expo at the Hallett Center on Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th. Also we will be having our Spring Fling April 23rd-25th. This year we have added a Style Show to the agenda. Saturday the 25th from 11-noon and again from 2-3. Stop in and check out the new styles for Spring and Summer. Lots to look forward to and more in May. Have a Blessed Easter, Deb

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry

Raye Cragun, delegate

There will be a WORK DAY for volunteers at Camp Hiawatha on Saturday, April 25th. This is a time to complete spring projects that will ready the camp for summer. If you are interested in participating in the Work Day, please contact Salem’s VLM Delegate, Raye Cragun, 218-546-6962.

8

COORDINATOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRY

Connie Lou Swanson

connielou@salemdwd.org

Sunday School Sunday School Teachers will meet on April 22 at 9:30 am. Our awesome Substitute Teachers will teach the children that day. Thank you, Subs! Thank you to all of the children who participated in the Palm Sunday Processional and sang the Welcome Song in 10:45 am worship. On March 29th. Our congregation loves it when the kids are participating in worship, as does our Lord! Easter Sunday there will be no Sunday School. All children are invited to help with the Blooming of the Cross at both services during the opening song. This is symbolic of the cruel cross becoming a beautiful expression of Christ’s love for us and the new life that we have in Christ. May 17, 2015 is the last day of Sunday School until September. The children will be singing at the 10:45 a.m. Worship and there will be a Potluck for everyone to celebrate another year of Christian Education at Salem. Creative Kids On Wednesday, MAY 6TH at 3:30 pm we are going to do some crafting with Barb Schiffler who will teach about craft projects using shells. Thank you, Barb, for sharing your shell expertise with our kids!!! Check out samples on the Children’s Ministry table AND SIGN UP so we are sure to have enough supplies. NO CREATIVE KIDS IN APRIL.

CAMP Sunday is a Success!!! Many thanks to the Cragun family for their LOVE of camp and willingness to help plan and carry out CAMP Sunday 2015!!! Kudos to Raye and Whitney for their dedication in attending weekly meetings prior to the big day, and for making the awesome campfire table decorations! Thanks to John and James for transporting the canoe loaned to Salem by Jenny Smith from Cycle, Path & Paddle. Thank you Jenny! It was fun to have Whitney do the Children’s

Time and the kids did a fantastic job with the skit and the camp songs. Thank you, thank you! Thank you to the kitchen crew Ken & Kathy Schultz and Joel Bordwell - who helped with the Um-Ya-Ya Egg Bake! The Egg Bake was very tasty, the muffins were delicious and the service was great! I would also like to thank all who came to the Um-Ya-Ya Egg Bake to support Camperships and Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry. The donations totaled $625.80! Raye Cragun, our VLM Delegate, invites anyone who is interested to join her at the Camp Hiawatha Work Day on Saturday, April 25th. If you have never been to the camp and would like to check it out, this would be a great opportunity to do so. Talk to Raye if you are interested or have questions. There is a Family Overnight on Friday, April 24th which includes supper and overnight stay at no cost.o cost. Interested families should sign up on the clipboard on Children’s Ministry table and contact the camp to let them know. A campfire with s’mores is planned, if the weather cooperates. Early Bird Discount Deadline is April 1st! SAVE money by registering early. Salem Campership Application Deadline is May 1st! We believe that every child that is interested in going to camp should be able to go to camp! If you would like to help a child go to camp by providing a camp scholarship, please talk to Connie Lou. (And I say thank you in advance!) This year Ben Anderson will be on staff at VLM. Charlie Anderson will be attending the L.O.S.T. leadership training at VLM this summer as well. Camp is a great place to be! “It’s great to be alive in God’s great northwoods!” Kids Against Hunger THANK YOU for the fantastic response to our invitation to fight hunger around the world and around the block. The good news is we had 30 people signup and that $1,228.36 donated!!! THANK YOU SALEM! The bad news is that the Food Pack was postponed by KAH. Please watch for the rescheduling of this event. Thank you for your patience and understanding in waiting on God’s timing for this opportunity!

9

Director of Care & Outreach

Greg Meyer

greg@salemdwd.org

Matthew 25:36 says; “I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” That is what Salem does for this community through its social ministries. Some of our ministries are difficult to lift up because of the confidential nature of their work. One such area is our jail ministry. We have incredible volunteers going into the jail to lead Bible Studies and providing an opportunity for those struggling in the jail to have a safe place to discuss life and faith. Salem has also been a community leader in providing for Christmas gifts to the inmates children as well as hosting a Christmas party for the inmates, where they have the opportunity to hear the REAL Christmas Story and what it means for them that Jesus broke into our world for our salvation. It is a true honor and privilege to be able to share the Gospel to a hurting world in this ministry. Our jail ministry is also joined with our community through the Crow Wing County Inside Out Connections Project. This is a community support network that was formed through the work of the Initiative Foundation of Little Falls. Churches, non-profits, social service agencies, local schools and law enforcement have joined together to serve the children of incarcerated parents. This group has created “tool kits” that are in the schools and with social workers. The tool kits have resources that assist teachers, parents, grandparents and caregivers on how to respond to an incarceration along with an extensive resource directory that assists families in getting connected with the support they need. Month meetings encourage our community agencies to work together in a way that surrounds the families with all aspects of the support they require. For most individuals leaving the jail, they face huge barriers, particularly in housing, employment and custody issues. It is the goal of the IOC to wrap around services to navigate reentry and reducing recidivism.

One big step for many leaving the jail is entering a treatment program. Our communities are blessed to have Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge right here in Brainerd. With inpatient and outpatient services available locally, we are able to provide treatment options along with community support, as well as an opportunity for healing for family. The key to their success is their treatment center is Christ centered. The MN Adult and Teen Challenge Choir will be singing here at Salem on April 26 at our 8:15 and 10:45 services. In between services, join us for a pancake breakfast and share a meal with the students of the program. All proceeds from the breakfast will be given to their program. It is an inspirational morning of song, prayer and testimony. If you have any questions or are interested in joining in this or any other ministry, please stop by and visit.

Library News

HAPPY EASTER DAY TO ONE AND ALL FROM THE SALEM LIBRARY COMMITTEE! There are Lenten and Easter books and DVDs on display in the Library on the desk. You are welcome to check one or more out. There are also children’s Easter books and videos on the low table by the window. We have a new book in the basket on the desk titled “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand. Check it out. April 22 is “Earth Day”. It was started in 1970 and is celebrated worldwide in more than 192 countries to support environmental protection. There are some “idea” books located on the mantle on what we can all do to participate. Our next meeting will be April 14th in the Library.

10

Salem Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes (unapproved draft) March 19, 2015 Present: Lynn Hansen, Eileen Leino, Rae Jean Anderson, Roger Prill, Pastor Cheryl, Diane Hein, Cecil Schmidt (via phone), Paul Tesdahl Absent: Tom Lunacek, Rick Shafer Also present: Dee Dee Frahm, Debbie MacKay, Marc Venter and Debbi Carlson (taking minutes) The meeting was called to order by President Roger Prill CONGREGATIONAL INPUT

Chair of the Transition Task Force, Dee Dee Frahm reported that the final edit of the report will be completed on

Tuesday, March 24. The report will be presented to the Council and Congregation on Sunday, March 29, 2015.

The Council members expressed their gratitude to the TTF and to Dee Dee for her report.

COUNCIL STUDY TOPIC

Pastor Cheryl led the discussion of chapter 3 of Temporary Shepherds.

SECRETARY’S REPORT

MOTION: made by Cecil, seconded by Diane to approve the minutes of the February 19, 2015 Council Meeting

minutes. The motion carried.

PASTORS REPORT

The Council suggested that Pastor Cheryl check with Pastor Roger Schwarze about possibilities for a workshop for Council and Staff.

There was some discussion of a possible dinner and social event for the congregation.

High School Graduates will be honored during worship in May.

The Executive Team and Pastor Cheryl will work on the Organization Chart for the Church.

MOTION: by Cecil, seconded by Lynn Hansen to table revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws until the settled pastor arrives. Voting outcome: 4 in favor, 3 opposed. The motion carried.

An audit of Salem’s Social Ministry funds is strongly encouraged by the pastor, for the protection of the church, Salem’s financial secretary and the Director of Care & Outreach. An audit of Social Ministry funds has not been done to date. Funds for an outside audit will have to be built into future budget. Paul and Sandy Beyer will look into the cost.

The Transition Task Force will turn over their written report to Council Chair, Roger Prill, on Sunday, March 29, 2015. The TTF will be decommissioned at both worship services on March 29.

Pastor Cheryl will check to see when CI Baccalaureate will be held. STAFF REPORTS

Children’s Ministry – report was received by Council prior to the meeting.

AiM – no report

Council thanked Connie Lou Swanson and Greg Meyer and others for assisting with the Pie Social on March 18. SOCIAL MINISTRY – Diane

Salem WEST Committee meetings will be held the Sunday following the Social Ministry Governing Board Meetings.

Summerfest – the outside rummage will be sold both days of Summerfest.

The Mustard Seed Bake Sale will be held on April 2.

There was discussion at the SMGB of a possible churchwide open house explaining various ministries.

11

WORSHIP & MUSIC COMMITTEE

The Council received minutes of the March 10, 2015 meeting.

Discussion of COUNCIL GOALS was tabled. CALL COMMITTEEE NOMINATIONS

The Council completed revisions to the form and accompanying letter.

The Nomination Forms will be made available to the congregation on March 29, 2015.

The deadline for accepting nominations is April 27, 2015.

Three members of the Call Committee will be elected at a Special Meeting of the Congregation on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. in the sanctuary.

Three additional Call Committee members will be appointed by the Council at their meeting on May 21, 2015.

The Call Committee members will be announced on Sunday, May 24, 2015.

MOTION: by Roger, seconded by Lynn Hansen regarding the voting procedure – three votes will lead to three people being chosen. The motion carried.

FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE

The Council will decide the fall worship schedule at their April 16, 2015 meeting.

TREASURER’S REPORT – Paul

February Financial Reports were discussed.

Paul distributed an overview of Operating Funds from 2012 to the present. Discussion followed.

The outcome of the Capital Appeal was reported during worship and also via an email to the congregation.

People responded positively to the envelope giving report that was included in the March newsletter. This is a work in progress and adjustments may be made.

Phones at the church were replaced by CTC recently. This was an update to equipment at no charge to Salem. One phone was eliminated to save on monthly charge. Paul and Sandy met with the sales representative from CTC for clarification.

EMAIL MIGRATION

Due to a number of ongoing problems with the church email, the staff has been gathering information to make a decision about a new email provider.

MOTION: made by Cecil, seconded by Diane to increase the line item (7125) up to $3,000.00 to cover the migration of email to a new provider chosen by the staff. The motion carried.

TECHNOLOGY TEAM

The staff is also working on forming a team of people with expertise in technology to serve on a team that would

serve in an advisory role for the staff.

SOS (Suggestions, Observations, Solutions)

One SOS dealt with the church budget. The Council will thank the individual for their input.

Another SOS asked: “Who may attend staff meetings at Salem?” The Council agreed unanimously that only paid staff members should be allowed to attend staff meetings

The meeting was adjourned and closed with The Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Deborah Carlson

12

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH

Social Ministry Governing Board Meeting

March 12, 2015

Open with Devotion

Secretary's Minutes from 2-19-2015 MSC to approve

Financial update MSC to approve

SW Committee - change date to Sunday after SMGB meeting

1. Whitney's report

2. Maternity policy and coverage of SW: review and approve next month

3. Steve - any potential dates at BoH?: Meeting scheduled Wed March 18, 2:30

4. Update of organizational flow chart: MSC to approve

5. Summerfest, SW staff and donations: rummage inside 1 day, outside 2 days.

6. Preseason garage sales: @ Mustard Seed (tents)

7. Bake Sale: April 2nd

MS Report

1. Deb S. Report

2. Volunteer Spot effectiveness: need to update e-mail list (take people off when on

vacation).

3. Volunteer orientation/ training: need to set up training buddies to train new volunteers.

SM Programs

1. a. Financial Support: Soltis family: MSC to give $100

b. Adult and Teen Challenge Fishing Tournament: pass on this, give effort on local events for Teen

Challenge at Christmas.

c. Discussed giving gift cards instead of cash for future monetary requests.

2. Laundry ministry: table at this time

2. Church wide open house/ informational meeting for ministries and opportunities: refer

to council

4. Neighborhood block party? Salem West Committee, possible music entertainment

5. Time and Talents survey from Volunteer task force

6. Charter

7. Thrivent Earth Day: April 25th

8. updated brochure, promote church times.

Greg's Report

1. POS credit card system: talked about need and cost to run, looking into other options.

2. offer on land: on going, nothing firm.

3. Crow Wing Power - data system: cancel new system, participate in existing system.

Other Agenda Items

1. MSC to purchase 21 ½ inch touch screen monitor for MS

2. Discussed neighbor’s driveway where SW turns around, possible crushed concrete.

3. Discussed possible moving doors at SW to other side of building for better access.

4. Next Meeting April 16 5pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kevin Edstrom

13

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH Call Committee Nomination Form

“We exist to WELCOME people to Jesus Christ, EQUIP people with a faith that works in their lives, and to SEND people into the world to serve in Jesus’ name.”

Fellow members of Salem,

The call process for a new pastor is a challenging and exciting time for our congregation. We are asking you and the person you are nominating to prayerfully consider the the following eligibility requirements:

* An ACTIVE, worshipping member of Salem * INVOLVED in one or more ministry areas of the church * Willing to accept the TIME COMMITMENT required to serve, which will likely include

weekend/overnight travel and numerous other committee meetings until a new pastor accepts our call It is important to consider the qualities and gifts of the person you are nominating to be considered for the

Call Committee. They should be people who regularly attend worship, have good gifts of discernment, are supportive of the work of the church, are able to keep information CONFIDENTIAL, be good listeners, people of prayer, and people able to lend considerable time to the work of the call committee.

The composition of the call committee should intentionally reflect the makeup of the congregation assuring a diversity of gender, age, and representation from various segments of the ministry of Salem, such as education, music, youth, stewardship, and social ministry. Members of the Call Committee are expected to have a strong commitment in selected a pastoral candidate who best matches Salem’s needs as determined by the Transition Task Force’s final report to the congregation. The Call Committee will consist of 6 members; 3 elected by the congregation and 3 appointed by the council from the list of nominations received. This number is small and therefore we are asking that NO staff member or their spouse be nominated because of the conflict of interest this can produce and NO nominations of individuals who will be out of the area for extended periods of time since the call process can take a long time. Also, only one member of a family will be considered; no husband/wife, parent/child combinations, sibling combinations. The council will not appoint council members or their family members to the Call Committee but they can be nominated and elected by the congregational vote. Please fill out the attached CALL COMMITTEE NOMINATION FORM and return it to the Church Office. If you have any questions, please contact Pastor Cheryl or one of the council members.

ALL NOMINATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 4:30 pm MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015 In service to our Lord, Salem’s Church Council

14

SALEM CALL COMMITTEE NOMINATION FORM ALL Nominations must be received by

4:30 p.m. on MONDAY, APRIL 27, 2015

Name of Nominee:_________________________________________________________ Address:_______________________________City:_________________Zip:__________ Email:______________________________________Phone:_______________________ Number of years an active member of Salem:____________________________________ Please list Nominee’s areas of INVOLVEMENT at Salem Lutheran: ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ WHY I FEEL this person would be a good member of the Call Committee: _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________ (If more space is needed, please use the back of this form.) *********************************************************************************************************** Self Nomination:_____ Nomination by:___________________________________Phone_____________________ I have asked this person’s permission to submit their name:_____YES ______NO If you are nominating someone please give us your name and phone number so we can contact you if there are any questions. Thanks.

15

APRIL 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 6:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

2 MAUNDY THURSDAY 8:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 9:30 AM Toddler Dance Party 7:00 PM Worship

3 GOOD FRIDAY 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study 7:00 PM Worship

4

5

EASTER SUNDAY 8:15 AM Easter Celebration Worship 10:45 AM Easter Celebration Worship

6 5:00 PM Facilities Team Meeting 6:00 PM Girls Scouts (2)

7 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches 5:30 PM Worship & Music Committee Mtg

8 6:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 9:00 AM Diaper Project 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 6:30 PM Confirmation 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

9 CRMC Event – all day at Salem 8:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 9:30 AM Toddler Dance Party 9:30 AM Sarah Circle @ Elsa Ray’s home 5:00 PM Executive Team Meeting 6:30 PM Quilting at Heartwood

10 CRMC Event – all day at Salem 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study

11

12 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Salem WEST Committee Meeting 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

13 9:00 AM Unlimited Learning

14 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches 3:00 PM Library Committee Meeting 5:30 PM Girls Night Out, Coach’s Corner

15 6:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 12:00 PM The Heart of Christmas Team Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 5:30 PM Confirmation 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

16 8:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 1:30 PM Naomi Circle 5:00 PM Social Ministry Governing Board Meeting 6:00 PM Council Meeting

17 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study

18

19 8:15 AM Traditional Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday School Teachers Meeting 10:45 AM Contemporary Worship

20 MAY NEWSLETTER DEADLINE 6:00 PM Girls Scouts (2)

21 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches

22 6:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

23 8:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 9:30 AM Toddler Dance Party

24 7:00 AM Men’s Bible Study

25 Work Day at Camp Hiawatha

26 8:15 AM MN Teen & Adult Challenge Choir/Worship 9:30 AM Sunday School 10:45 AM MN Teen & Adult Challenge Choir/Worship

27 28 9:00 AM Piecemakers 1:00 PM In Stitches

29 6:30 AM Women’s Bible Study 10:30 AM Staff Meeting 5:00 PM Praise Team Rehearsal 6:00 PM Choir Rehearsal 7:00 PM Salem Ringers Rehearsal

30 8:30 AM Women’s Bible Study NO Toddler Dance Party

16

SALEM STAFF CHURCH COUNCIL Interim Pastor – Cheryl Fleckenstein Rae Jean Anderson, Secretary 218-678-2043 Director of Care & Outreach – Greg Meyer Lynn Hansen 218-678-2051 Office Manager – Deborah Carlson Diane Hein, Vice President 218-678-2699 Financial Secretary – Sandra Beyer Eileen Leino 218-534-3502 Coordinator of Children's Ministry – Connie Lou Swanson Tom Lunacek 218-678-2926 Facilities Coordinator – Glen Helm Roger Prill, President 218-764-3383 Organist/Pianist – Becky Klingelhofer Rick Shafer 218-545-1532 Choir Director – Scott Ruffing Cecil Schmidt 218-764-2361 Handbell Choir Director – Kevin Edstrom Paul Tesdahl, Treasurer 218-546-5036 Praise Team Directors – Becky Klingelhofer/Noreen Steinbrecher Salem WEST Facilitator – Whitney Cragun Salem WEST Program Assistant – Amanda Meier The Mustard Seed Manager – Deb Selk EMAIL The Mustard Seed Program Assistant – Sandy Archibald Pastor Cheryl pastor@salemdwd.org Kitchen Coordinator – Kathy Schultz Greg Meyer greg@salemdwd.org Office/Debbi Carlson office@salemdwd.org Connie Swanson connielou@salemdwd.org MINISTRY COORDINATORS Sandy Beyer finance@salemdwd.org Wedding Coordinator – Kim Coughlin Glen Helm facilities@salemdwd.org Cradle Roll – Jessica Jones Salem WEST west@salemdwd.org Control Booth Coordinator – Meriellen Pisarek The Mustard Seed mustardseed@salemdwd.org