The HERALD

St . John Lutheran Church

Volume 111, Issue 2 “Growing Community in Christ” March 2011

March Events!

March 4: Late Night for 6-8 grades March 6: New Member Sunday, Installation of Call Committee Talent Show & Auction March 9: Ash Wednesday Worship at 12 noon & 7:00 pm Lenten Meal 5:30-6:45 pm March 12: St. John at Sandbag Central March 13: 6thGrade/Parents Gathering March 15: Foot Care Clinic Church Council March 16: Lent Worship at 7 pm Lenten Meal 5:30-6:45 pm March 18: Lock-In for grades 9-12 Articles due for April Herald March 20: Sunday School meeting 6thGrade/Parents Gathering 9thGrade/Mentor Gathering March 23: Lent Worship at 7 pm Lenten Meal 5:30-6:45 pm March 27: SS Meeting 6thGrade/Parents Gathering March 30: Lent Worship at 7 pm Lenten Meal 5:30-6:45 pm March 31 & April 1: Preschool ‘Doughnuts for Dad’

Daylight Savings Time Set your clocks ahead 1 hour

before you go to bed on Saturday, March 12!

Our mid-week Lenten gatherings continue each Wednesday evening, begin-ning with a Lenten supper—served from 5:30-6:45 p.m.—and continues with worship at 7:00 p.m. Join us! (Related article on page 2.)

Lenten theme: “The Case for Christ!”

Congregational Talent Show & Auction Sunday, March 6, 2 pm

Come see the great talent we have at St. John and support the Youth program at the same time. (See page 5 for more information.)

2011 Lenten Suppers: 5:30-6:45 pm

Prepared and served by: March 9: Youth Mission Trip March 16: 6-8 grade & parents March 23: New American Team March 30: Mission Team April 6: Parish Health Cabinet April 13: High School Free-will offering with proceeds going to each designated group.

March 9: Worship at 12 noon & 7:00 pm Lenten Supper served 5:30-6:45 pm

St. John Day at SANDBAG Central Saturday, March 12th

gather at the Coliseum Arena at 8:30 am See page 2 for more information.

Confirmation Gathering for 6th Graders & Parents

‗Surviving Adolescence‘ March 13, 20 & 27 at 5:00 pm

More information to come.

Important Sunday School

Meeting!

Sunday, March 20 & 27 12 noon

Lunch and child care provided See page 2 for more info.

Sunday, March 6

New Member Sunday and

Installation of the Call Committee

(see page insert for more informa-tion on the Call Committee)

Growing Community in Christ 2

THE FAMILY OF ST. JOHN: Remember to keep these members in your prayers.

from the pastor...

Members Hospitalized/Recovering at Home:

Marlene Buus; Elijah Dorrheim; Laurie Gibb; Daryl Holmen;

Elwood Rieke; Ken & Kathi Roseth.

Grieving: Terry Hagensen & Kevin Estenson and family,

death of Terry‟s mother, Melda Hagensen;

Sue Quandt and family, death of Sue‟s father, Dallas Lebus;

Monica & Peter Graber and family,

death of Monica‟s father, Cecil Gjerdy;

Diane & Dennis Wiesenborn and family,

death of Diane‟s father, Morton Jacobson;

John Jorgensen, Jill Sherbrooke and families,

death of their mother and grandmother, Mary Jorgensen.

Mission Trip: Cathy Chatelain

Baptism: Jan. 30-Austin Charles Earley son of Jason & April Earley

Feb. 20-Charlee Jo Hetzler, daughter of Chris & Janelle Hetzler

Military personnel on active duty:

Ryan Brekke, Zachary Hagensen and Adam Braaten.

Dear Friends in Christ,

The Lenten season is rapidly upon us. As we‟ve been looking for a new or fresh approach for the Lenten worship services, it was very clear that all the avail-able Lenten material tended to be quite bleak and in a word a „downer‟!

In looking through the material and thinking about this, it seemed like we needed something a little differ-ent and possibly useful and thought-provoking.

So how about a discussion of „Christian Religion‟? Some of the questions which have arisen and which

we will try to answer are: “Why should we be con-vinced that the Christ is real and that it makes sense to be a Christian?” and “Can there be a rational ap-proach to the question of why we believe in God and further in Jesus?” The focus for the Lenten services will be toward that end with the title of “THE CASE

FOR CHRIST.”

There is a book written on this subject and it has pro-voked a very good topic for the Lenten services. We are hopeful that this will bring about more than nor-mal interest in the Lenten services and give us a new and interesting area to pursue up until Holy Week and Easter.

We will begin with an Old Testament point of refer-ence and using the prophets and their words, tackle the coming Messiah.

We have also discussed the Lenten traditions here and we will work to honor them as we progress through the Lenten season. We pray that this will be a mean-ingful time for you and your family to hear the Word and to prepare yourself for the Easter experience.

We are, also, mindful of the predicted flood situation in the FM area. In keeping with that, we want to en-courage everyone who is able to help in the flood ef-fort. Our proximity to the river and our track record in the past makes it clear we must continue to be dili-gent. As we make plans, please be mindful of your

neighbor and do what you can to assist. We pray for the best and know that every year is different. With this in mind, let us pray for all.

Peace in Christ, Pastor Aanen

2011 Lenten Series: “The Case for Christ!”

March 9-Ash Wed: “The Case for Christ!”

March 16: What‟s the evidence?

March 23: Who was He?

March 30: What was the impact?

April 6: What was His theology?

April 13: Do you believe it?

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

After 5 years of leadership, our Sunday School leadership team of Cindy Bloom, Heidi Twedt and Shelly Hawley are ready to step down and let others lead the Sunday School program. St. John has been blessed with their creativity, compassion and care in leading a fan-tastic Sunday School program. They will con-tinue to be involved in children‘s ministry. We ask that you pray about how you can be involved also.

We invite everyone (especially parents of Sunday School age youth) to two Gatherings ~ March 20 & 27 (12noon) ~ to share ideas about the future direction of St. John‘s Sunday School and Children‘s Ministry. The meetings will be held at noon with a lunch and childcare will be provided.

CHOIR SCHEDULE March 6: 8:45 Handbells, St. John Choir 11:00 Handbell prelude; open

March 9: 7:00 pm Ash Wednesday service 6:30 pm MASS choir rehearsal (please wear black!)

March 13: Worship Band

March 20: 8:45 Gospel Group, Recorders 11:00 St. John Choir, Recorders-?

March 27: 8:45 Recorders-? 11:00 am Youth Choir

Growing Community in Christ

MUSIC NOTES Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music (232-8521), dawn@stjohnfargo.com

3

Lenten midweek services begin Wednesday, March 9 at 7 pm and will continue for the next 5 Wednesdays. We will sing the Marty Haugen Evening Prayer liturgy.

ADULT FORUMS: Sundays at 10 am, room B-11 All are welcome! March 6 & 13: St. John member and Concordia College religion professor, Roy Hammerling, will lead a discussion on ―I Love to Tell the Story‖. Christianity has loved the story since the days of Jesus. But why? What is it about stories, and especially the story of Jesus that we love? By looking at the work of CS Lewis and other Christian writers, this class will explore the importance of story for Christians. March 20: Led by the Parish Health members: ―Keeping Calm Amidst Stormy Seas‖, Stress management and caring for yourself.

At the time of writing this newsletter there is much talk and weariness as we anticipate another flood. But, as the me-dia has said, early awareness and preparations do make facing the flood easier.

On Saturday, March 12th, we will be helping to fill sandbags, AND working with Red Cross to distrib-ute food for the workers. We will meet at the Coliseum in North Fargo at 8:30 am. All volunteers will need to complete a form and all underage workers will need to have a consent form completed and signed by their par-ents. You are reminded that it can be cool at the working area, wear gloves, appropriate clothing, and if you have allergies bring a dusk mask. We hope to have at least 15-20 persons working on the sandbag line and 2-4 persons helping with the food distribution.

To help aid you in these endeavors, in early March, we will have displays on how to prepare your household. If

ASH WEDNESDAY: March 9 All choir kids and adults are invited to sing in the Mass Choir for Ash Wednesday. Anyone from the congregation who has participated in the past can join in ―Surely It Is God Who Saves Me‖. Rehearsal at 6:30 pm with the worship at 7:00 pm.

YOUTH MUSICAL: Sunday, May—Youth in grades 6-12 meet on Wednesdays in the sanctuary, 5:30-6:15 pm. They are learning an Easter Cantata which will be performed the Sunday after Easter, May 1 at 8:45 & 11:00 am. Email Lindsay Boyd with questions: lrossboyd@gmail.com

THANK YOU to all who made the Children‘s Musical a success! Kids-you were awesome!

BELLEBRATION at Nativity: 2-8 pm. As many choir members as possible are needed for the mass choir! It includes after-noon rehearsal, dinner and the performance. Interested? Call Dawn, 232-8521, or email dawn@stjohnfargo.com

you visit the display, you can sign up for a chance to win an emergency preparedness kit. In the health needs assessment that was just completed, over 50% of homes DO NOT have a plan! We hope that through our efforts we all will become more aware and refreshed on how to face a disaster, to-gether. We will be making efforts to contact all of our older population, to update your emergency contacts, and to assist you in your needs.

Please take time in the midst of these efforts to also care for your mind, body, and spirit. We will offer stress management and meditative helps throughout this month. We are taking precautions and following our emergency pro-tocol as outlined for the church building. You may be called upon to help in these efforts. You do not have to sand-bag…..there are many other efforts needed to assist in this community effort. More information will be coming via bulle-tins and the St. John web site in the month of March.

FLOOD EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS!

Scheduled Events at this time are: St. John Day at SANDBAG Central Saturday, March 12th (gather at the Coliseum Arena at 8:30 am)

We will have a sign-up sheet on February 27 and March 6 for members to help in the sandbag project.

Growing Community in Christ 4

Celebrating Birthdays in

March (for those over the age of 70)

1-Marian Prim 4-Mary Ann Walen

7-Marlys Young 8-Betty Froslie

14-Pearl Lee 15-Helen Kruse

18-Harold Anderson* 21-Gene Iverson

27-Harold Olsen * Designates over 90!

Young At Heart: (YAH) March 30, 11 am Sign Up at the church office for lunch. Join our post retirement group at St. John for a light lunch and special program on Emergency Preparedness. A special door prize will be given away! Watch for more information in the bulletin.

For More Information on these Programs Contact: Brenda Bauer, Deaconess, RN-FCN Coordinator of Health, Healing, and Care Ministries BBauer@stjohnfargo.com 232-8521, ext 109

Yoga: Mondays, 10 am Join Gini or Katy as they lead participants in yoga poses which will stretch your body

and faith. We ask that participants bring a yoga mat, small pillow, and a donation of $5 per ses-sion. This money will go towards a mission pro-ject selected by the group. Wear comfortable, stretchable clothing.

Faithfully Fit Forever Meets on Wednesdays at 11am

Except: Ash Wednesday, March 9

Matter of Balance, coming in MAY!

A Sign of Spring…..The Daffodil! Daffodil Days for Cancer: Sunday, March 20

But, also a sign of hope for those who have faced cancer. St. John Parish Health will sell daffodils on Sunday, March 20th with proceeds benefitting the American Cancer Society. Cost will vary on type and size of bouquets.

Foot Care Clinic Schedule The next foot care clinic is scheduled for Tuesday, March 15th. Please call the Parish Health Office to Schedule an appointment. Cost is $16 for the trimming and is paid to Sanford Home Care-Fargo. Do-nations are appreciated and go to support this ministry of foot washing, screening, and pampering.

Volunteers Needed! Foot Care Screening Helpers - Food Providers; Prayer Chain Coordinator; Office Work and Data Entry; Medical Personal for various activities; Telephone Caller for Birthday Calls

Call the Parish Health Office to volunteer

Prayer Chain: Would you like to join the prayer chain at St. John or are willing to coordinate the email list? Please email BBauer@stjohnfargo.com to be placed on the list or to express your desire to coordi-nate the group email.

Are You Hospitalized or in need of a Visit? Please call or have a loved one inform us if you are hospitalized. The hospitals do not automati-cally inform us of your being admitted. If you are homebound and in need of a visit please call and we will arrange to visit at your residence.

St John Blood Drive: Tuesday, April 19th, 3-8 pm There will be a special devotional opportunity for reflection as part of the blood draw through a written devotion and special music playing. A warm meal will be provided for those donating. You can sign up by calling Brenda at 701-232-8421, ext

Results of the Parish Health Assessment Thank you for your input and help in defining the needs of St. John Parish Health Ministry. We had 34 surveys returned with 26 males and 32 females represented. The largest age group that responded were the 65+ group with 25 surveys. But, the young adults( age 20-30) came in second with 9 surveys returned.

We were glad to find out that almost all have adequate insurance coverage. We had very little comment about visitation needs or concerns. There are a number of major health concerns that were revealed to us: The number one issue is high blood pres-sure; followed in order by: obesity, arthritis, cancer, and diabetes.

There are a number of health prevention practice concerns/needs that were revealed. They are listed in order of greatest con-cerns to less concerned: No end of life planning No emergency plans Not practicing environmental green Not trained in CPR/First Aid Balanced diet, Exercise, Weight Control Males not practicing exams

Immunizations not being up to date/not getting flu vaccines (continued on page 6)

Growing Community in Christ 5

First Communion Instruction: Saturday, April 16, 9:00 am Is your child ready to participate in the special gifts God gives to God‘s baptized children in Holy Communion? Have they been asking why we do such things in worship? Then maybe it‘s time to teach them more! Join us for a morning of First Communion for parent(s) and children. An opportunity for you to grow, learn, and celebrate with your child. Call the church office, 232-8521 to register. First Communion will be celebrated: Maundy Thursday-April 21, 7 pm

MARCH ’11 Sunday School News! Sunday School Leadership Team: Cindy Bloom (280-9544), Shelly Hawley, Heidi Twedt

March Schedule March 2 6:30-7:45 p.m

Confirmation 7-8

March 9 Ash Wednesday Lenten Mid-Week Worship: 7:00 pm

Confirmation 7-8 7:45-8:00 p.m.

March 16 7:00-7:45 p.m.

Lenten Mid-Week Worship

Confirmation 7-8 7:45-8:00 p.m.

March 20 (Sunday) 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Confirmation 9/Mentor Gathering

March 23 7:00-7:45 p.m.

Lenten Mid-Week Worship

Confirmation 7-8 7:45-8:00 p.m.

March 30 7:00-7:45 p.m.

Lenten Mid-Week Worship

Confirmation 7-8 7:45-8:00 p.m.

Where You Should Be in Your Bible Reading —thru March

5th Grade-Mark 14, 15

6th Grade—Psalm 1, 23, 104, 150

7th Grade—Genesis 37-38, 39-40, 41-42, 43-44

8th Grade—John 8-9, 10-12, 13-14, 15-16

9th Grade—Romans 8-15

Your Family Bible Reading Projects are due April 17!

6-9 Grade Confirmation Students!

While some may think it optional, for you

Midweek Lenten Worship is required!

Activities on Wednesday evenings in Lent Lenten Dinner—5:30-6:45 p.m.

Midweek Worship—7:00 p.m.

7 & 8 Grade Confirmation—7:45-8 p.m. C U there!

On the Sundays of March 20 & 27, we will have large group Sun-day School with the start of “Hometown Nazareth VBS”. Teachers: No need to plan a lesson, come to help with crowd control if you can. If you can‘t be there, there is no need to find sub.

See page 2 of this Herald for more Sunday School news!

ST. JOHN

CHRISTIAN PRESCHOOL Preschool Registration for Fall 2011

Call or e-mail Jana, Preschool Director,

232-2189 or 261-9920;

preschool@stjohnfargo.com

YOU are invited to attend & participate in the

St. John Talent Show & Auction

Sunday, March 6, 2 pm

Start practicing now! Donations of items for the silent auction

are welcome and appreciated! Items may be brought to the

church.

All proceeds support St. John Youth and Family Ministry.

Contact Jessica Miller to sign up.

Save the date! Confirmation Gathering for 6th graders & parents!

‘Surviving Adolescence’

Sunday, March 13, 20 & 27 from 5:00-6:00 pm

This 3-session series is designed just for parents and your youth, to help you begin the adolescent years with a "survival plan"! Each session has a clear focus and builds on the previous lesson, giving you skills, tools, and ways of talking and praying together that will help you survive the adolescent years! This is a requirement for our 6th grade confirmation youth and parents. All other youth families are welcome to attend! We‘ll meet in the parlor on March 13, 20, & 27 from 5-6 pm.

For more information, contact Jessica Miller at 232-8521, jmiller@stjohnfargo.com.

Growing Community in Christ 6

The Mission of the Month for March is St. John‘s fellow commu-nity partner in ministry, Churches United for the Homeless. The offices and shelter for Churches United is at 1900 1st Ave. North in Moorhead.

A new director for Churches United has recently been hired; her name is Jane Alexander. Former director, Durk Thompson, de-cided to pursue a career as a pastor. He is now enrolled as a student at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. Our best of wishes and prayers go with Durk as he pursues this new role to serve God.

Simply put, the Churches United mission is to provide a safe secure place for healing, help and hope in a spiritual setting. The ministry provides a hand up to those who lack life‘s most basic essentials - food, shelter and hope.

A more comprehensive look at the history and services of Churches United for the Homeless can be found by going to their web site: www.churches-united.org.

Behind the numbers and statistics that have been compiled by Churches United are many personal stories; if nothing else, the numbers help reflect the fact that this ministry is making a huge difference in the lives of many people in our community! Approximately 70% of the Churches United operating budget comes from donations from member churches, individuals and

businesses in our community. The remaining 30 % of its funding is obtained from grants and special fund raising events.

Including St. John, there are 57 churches within the Churches United coalition. To meet operating expenses: a suggested annual contribution from each of the member churches is $1.50 per confirmed church member. Please prayerfully consider your support for our March Mission!

To help focus our attention on this appeal, the Social Minis-try Committee will be serving the Lenten evening meal on March 30th. The proceeds will be donated to Churches United. If you can help with this project, please visit with Char Grant at 287-1447 or Allan Peterson at 282-4644.

Submitted by: Allan Peterson, Mission Committee.

MARCH MISSION of the MONTH: Churches United for the Homeless

Churches United by the numbers for 2010: # of nights of shelter provided: 22,724 Average # of beds filled each night: 62

Meals served: 86,235 Pounds of food distributed: 159,336

# of volunteers: 4,432 # of volunteer hours: 13,126

The Red River Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents

BELLabration!

Sunday, March 27 ~ 7:00 pm Church of the Nativity, Fargo

A Handbell Festival coordinated by Jessica Westgard

Featuring area bell choirs, church choirs and organists. Free and open to the public

The Red River Valley Chapter of the American Guild of Organists presents

BASICALLY Brahms

Sunday, March 6 ~ 7:00 pm First Presbyterian Church, Fargo

Selections for voice, piano, organ and chorus Dawn Papenfuss is playing the opening organ piece.

Free and open to the public

(continued from page 4) Your requests for programs included: Exercise Programs (FFF and Yoga) Stress Management Integrated wholistic practices of: (Prayer, sanctuary space, healing services, meditation, guided imagery, praying with the body, Bible Study on Healing/Health, and Healing in Music and Art.) Bone Health and Fall Prevention CPR and First Aid Training Financial Planning Aging-Care giving Concerns, YAH programs We noted those willing to serve in the mission of Parish Health and we will be contacting you. We also noted any special concerns you may have.

We value your input and help in giving us direction for future programming. Parish Health will evaluate need vs. requests in this process.

Growing Community in Christ 7

St. John Foundation:

In memory of Nick Moret:

Clarine Erickson, Jim Wee,

Cheryl Urbach, Adelle Salveson,

Sylvan & Caroline Melroe, Joyce

Meyer, Allan & Judy Peterson,

LaVonne Rustad, Char Fabian,

Sharon & Ed Albrecht

Good Samaritan Fund:

In memory of Nick Moret:

Pat & Butch Pobst,

Richard & Diane Stenberg

In memory of Bill Fabian:

Richard & Diane Stenberg

Parish Health Fund:

In memory of Eris Lenz:

Ken & Ruth Kautzman

In memory of Nick Moret:

David & Judi Workin,

Arvin & Bev Hagen,

Richard & Shirley Bolme

In memory of Mary Jorgensen:

Dave & Gini Duval

General Memorial Fund:

In memory of Margaret Dahl:

Jim Wee

In memory of Ingrid Wee:

Jim Wee

MEMORIALS

ASLESON SCHOLARSHIP

The Phyllis Asleson Memorial Schol-arship Fund is now accepting applica-tions for the 2011-2012 school year. Any St. John member who is ac-cepted at an ELCA college or semi-nary may apply to the St. John Coun-cil and receive a scholarship. The Foundation Board is managing the fund and will make disbursements as directed by the council. Applications must be submitted to the church office by July 1 (232-8521). They will be reviewed by the council at their July meeting. Most ELCA schools will match this gift! (Matching forms for Gustavus and Concordia are available in the St. John office.)

Brian & Denise Gorder

3350 42nd St S #202

Fargo, ND 58104

Rikki Fugleberg

713 2nd Ave W

West Fargo, ND 58078

OPEN DATES on Flower Chart:

March 13, 27; April 3; May 8; June 5; July 3, 17, 24, 31; Sept. 4, 11; Oct. 2, 9, 30;

Nov. 6, 13

2011 Financial Status (January 1-February 20, 2011)

Total Income: $69,045

Average Weekly Receipts: 8,830

Weekly amount needed: 9,845

Jan./Feb. Mission of the Month: $315

(Central Africa Republic)

MARCH 2011 (Unit #11)

Mark & Tracy Aaker

Charlet Anderson

Joel & Lori Bye

Barbara Dakken

John & Cheri Eraker

Betty Froslie

Dean & Erin Froslie

Doug & Char Grant

Holly & Aaron Nissen

Ken & Gloria Nygard

Darwin & Kathy Olson

Hal & Ann Parsons

Marie Pelzman

Marcia Stubstad

Stephen & Brenda Wassberg

Cindy Gunnerson Janelle & Chris Hetzler Daryl & Wanda Holmen

Myron & Patricia Hornbaker

Gene Iverson

Pearl Lee

Jim & Pamela Lindner

ORGANIZATIONAL

REPRESENTATIVES

Bethany Homes: Sylvan Melroe

Churches United for the Homeless:

Allan Peterson

Nokomis Childcare Center: Becky Deitch

YWCA: Rachel Dahl

Lutheran Social Service: Joel Kangas

APRIL 2011 (Unit #3)

Heidi & Robert Anderson

Joan Bachman

Troy & Ali Becker

Karen & Gary Boe

Marvin & Marlene Buus

Trevor & Katy Christianson

Dennis & Merri Dunlop

Dan & Lynnsey Durr

Wayne & Danella Flaten

Guy & Cindy Galliger

Virginia Jahnke

Norma Jones

Brian & Kirstin Kounovsky

Nancy Larson

Joyce Meyer

Jessica & Brent Miller

Dave & Robin Oestreich

Gloria & Will Pechtel

Dan & Sherry Pederson

Paula Frazee Sperling

Sue Stokka

Tim & Laura Stokka

Judith Winter

‘The Herald’

St. John Lutheran Church

1710 5th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103

701-232-8521

e-mail: office@stjohnfargo.com

web page: www.stjohnfargo.com

The Ministry Team of St. John

All the People of God, along with:

Rev. Aanen Gjovik, Interim Pastor

Pat Mugan, Administrator

Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music/Organ

Mary Stenson, Worship Assistant

Brenda Bauer, Coordinator of

Health, Healing, and Care Ministries Jessica Miller,

Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Judy Haugo, Secretary

Richard Henderson, Custodian

Jana Bruhschwein, Preschool Director

Connie Tranby, Kellie Knodel,

Preschool Teachers

Jeri Ekstrom, Wedding Coordinator

Lindsay Boyd, Youth Choir

Peggy Hammerling, Recorders

Jessica Westgard, Handbells Robert & Bonnie Ames, Gospel Group

Dean Froslie, Web site manager

Editor: Judy Haugo

Articles accepted before

1 pm on Friday, March 18 for the

April 2011 ‘Herald’.

CHURCH COUNCIL

Rachel Asleson-President

Deb Magnuson, Keith Burck -VP

Larry Papenfuss-Secretary

Community Life/New Member:

Joyce Meyer, Skip Bye

Education/Youth:

Frayne Olson, Rikki Fugleberg

Mission/Social Ministry:

Bruce Nelson, Cheryl Urbach

Parish Health: Bruce Nelson

Preschool Liaison: Ginny Jahnke

Property: Steve Edwardson

Worship & Music:

LaVonne Rustad, Carol Stevens

Stewardship: Keith Burck

Executive Council:

Rachel Asleson, Keith Burck,

Deb Magnuson, Larry Papenfuss,

Pastor Aanen Gjovik

Trish Wiste

1533 8th St S

Fargo, ND 58103

ADDRESS CHANGES

Growing Community in Christ

St. John Lutheran Church Congregational Discovery Journey

Mission Action Plan Goals Summarized & Prioritized:

Based on the efforts of the congregation participating at church on February 6 and those that took the on-line survey, the Mission Action Plan Goals have been prioritized. All of the goals are important, but we need immediate direction in developing objectives for the near future as it relates to the call process and in planning.

1. Increase awareness and appreciation for members living the Christian life (live faith

daily, be in mission to our neighbors, share our faith stories, Bible study)

2. Enhance the experience of God‘s word and presence (non-traditional worship times and set-

tings, faith stories, more laity involvement in worship services, create mission opportunities)

3. Empower laity for ministry (train staff to empower members; committees, groups, etc. to self-

assess their purpose as part of the mission of St. John)

4. Expand faith formation opportunities (train/equip laity to lead, offer varieties of lay-led Bible

studies, form an education ‗team‘ to nurture life-long ‗faith intelligence‘)

5. Intentionally lift up stewardship (financially, spiritually) pay off the mortgage.

6. Enhance communication (email/list serve, website/Facebook, update pictorial directory, improve

signage inside and outside, share ‗our‘ story with larger community)

7. St. John members will work toward implementing these goals and celebrate the on-

going mission of ―God‘s Work, Our Hands‖

We are still not done! The Discovery Team would like to encourage YOU to choose one of these goals that resonates with you, then think, pray and volunteer in a manner which you can help further that goal.

Call Committee Update

Many thanks are extended to the Call Committee members as they have accepted an important responsi-bility. Their nomination is recognition that they are respected by others, they have the trust of the council; they have exhibited leadership and communication skills; and are committed to the long term health of St. John. While many aspects of a "job interview" are involved in the upcoming process, the committee does not simply hire. As a group, they will determine the person whom God, in their understanding, wishes to be involved in our ministry at St John.

Call Committee Members are: Tracy Aaker, Cindy Bloom*, Skip Bye, Stephanie Christeson*, David Duval*, Luke Papenfuss and Steve Wennblom. *Participated on the Discovery Team

It is a big job but the Call Committee members are not alone in the process. The congregation‘s participa-tion in the Discovery Process has provided an important Mission Action Plan which the Council asks that the Call Committee observe in their ministrations. Terry Brandt of the Eastern North Dakota Synod Office will be a valuable servant and provide orientation to the process and serve to be the contact between the St John Call Committee and the Bishop.

Please lift up the Call Committee members in your prayers that Holy Spirit will guide and lead them through the process with confidence and God‘s will.

Peace, Rachel Asleson, St John Council President

St. John Lutheran Church

1710 South 5th Street

Fargo, ND 58103

‘THE HERALD’ March ‘11

Published 10 times/year

Vol. #111, Issue #2

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage Paid

Permit #1040

Fargo, ND 58102 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEWLY ELECTED REPRESENTATIVES!

During our Annual Meeting held on January 30, 2011, we elected (& re-elected) 7 council members, 3 organizational

representatives, 5 St. John Foundation members, 2 voting members to the Fargo Conference and Eastern North Dakota

Synod Assembly, and 6 nominating committee members. We give thanks to God for those serving as representatives on:

Church Council, elected to a 2 year term:

(* re-elected)

St. John Foundation: (all re-elected)

Bethany Homes:

Lutheran Social Services:

Churches United for the Homeless:

Nominating Committee: 1 year term

Joel Bye*, Carol Stevens *, Joyce Meyer (1 yr.)*, Stephanie Christeson,

Terry Hagenson, Marcia Stubstad, Lanelle Vasichek

Chris Billing, Bob Schultz, Elwood Rieke, Ken Nygard, Adelle Salveson

Sylvan Melroe*

Joel Kangas*

Allan Peterson*

Chris Billing, Martha Glower, Virginia Jahnke, Bruce Nelson, Deb Magnuson,

Steve Edwardson

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FAITHFUL SERVICE! We celebrate the offering of time and talents that our many representatives have

given during this past year. Thanks to all those who have diligently and faithfully served in many ways. Listed below are the Council

members whose terms will expire the end of May 2011 along with the 2010 representatives of the Nominating Committee, organizations

and Synod Assembly.

Council Members ending their present term: Ginny Jahnke, Deb Magnuson, Bruce Nelson, Larry Papenfuss

Nominating Committee: Paul Graalum, Chris Billing, Sarah Franson, Martha Glower, Fred Haugo, Melissa Tomlinson

Bethany: Sylvan Melroe

Lutheran Social Services: Joel Kangas

Churches United for the Homeless: Allan Peterson

Voting members to Synod Assembly: Rev. Doug Grant, Char Grant

Voting members to Fargo Conference & Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly (1 year term):

Jim Alger, Stephanie Christeson, LaVonne Rustad

I wish to donate for the Lilies, palms & Easter flowers fund Please make your check payable to:

ST. JOHN LUTHERAN CHURCH (designate lilies/palms).

Mail this form to the church or drop off at the office by Monday, April 11.

Anyone desiring to give one of the lilies to a shut-in or a nursing home

resident, may pick one up on Easter Sunday after the 10:30 am service.

Name ___________________________________________________________

Telephone # ____________________________ Amount $ _______________________

Given in Memory of ____________________________________________________________ or

Given in Honor of _________________________________________________________________

During the month of March, St. John will be collecting both food contributions for our local food shelves. Any donations to the campaign are supported by Minnesota FoodShare. This

means the more donations received, the more Minnesota Food-Share will match. Minnesota FoodShare supports the F/M Food Pantry, Churches United for the Homeless, the YWCA and the Salvation Army. This is the month to give generously, so let‘s fill up St. John‘s Food Pantry!

Growing Community in Christ

Join men from around the region to share fellowship, faith and

fishing on the number one walleye factory in ND - Devils Lake.

Registration is $35 for 2 dinners, 2 breakfasts and a t-shirt. Lodg-

ing fees are separate, many options are available. For more info

contact John Dockter at 232-6167 or www.meninboats.com.

―Men-in-Boats‖, Devil‘s Lake, ND June 10 – 12, 2011

WORLD DAY OF PRAYER Friday, March 4 at 9:30 am

Plymouth Congregational Church (901 Broadway N, Fargo)

Sponsored by Church Women United

World Day of Prayer is a worship service where thou-

sands from 170 countries collectively worship the first

Friday of March. Each year, one country plans the ser-

vice to show areas of concern for women and children,

role of prayer in mission work, and the promotion of

world peace through involvement of mission work

worldwide.

The country of Chile planned the service this year with

the theme “How Many Loaves Have You?”. Our

motto, “Informed prayer leads to powerful action”, led

the Chileans to call us to share gifts for the good of all,

to bring reconciliation in our families, countries and the

world. Everyone is welcome, childcare provided.

It's a well known fact that Lutherans like their coffee. But how can a cup of coffee on a Sunday morning make a difference in the world? It can when it's fair trade coffee.

St. John has made the commitment to participate in the Lutheran World Relief Fair Trade Coffee Project. The LWR Fair Trade Coffee Project ensures that more of the money you spend on coffee reaches the farmers who ac-tually grow it. Fair trade is a simple solution that means the difference – quite literally – between surviving and not surviving for small-scale coffee farmers.

Fair Trade advocates for higher wages for farmers and artisans and ensures that goods are produced with justice;

for example-without child labor. It's a system that allows people to use their own skills and expertise to break out of the cycle of poverty.

Fair trade also benefits God's creation by setting environ-mental standards, while empowering them with financial incentives and resources for reforestation, water conserva-tion and environmental education.

In April, the Green Committee will host a coffee tasting hour. You'll be able to sample four types of fair trade coffees, and if you find you love it, you'll be able to order some. Look for more announcements to come. For more information, go to lwr.org/coffee

The ‗Fair Trade Coffee‘ Difference