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The Evangel St . S tep hen Lut h eran Ch ur c h
―God has given us two
hands: one to receive with
and the other to give with.
We are not cisterns made
for hoarding; we are chan-
nels made for sharing.‖
—Billy Graham
Inside this issue:
Mary’s Notes, Birth-
days/Anniversaries
2
Serve Ministry, Kids
Hope USA
3
Nourish Ministry,
Scripture Readings
4
Congratulations
Graduates, Photos
5
Vacation Bible School
Photos
6
Lay Minister Sched-
ule
7
Wholly Wednesdays
& Praying
8
Volume 52, Issue 8 August 2011
It’s only August, but September is approaching very
quickly and there are some things coming up in the
beginning of September that you need to be aware
of now so you can plan accordingly. So here
goes……
FALL FESTIVAL AND SUNDAY SCHOOL - Sun-
day School begins on Sunday, September 11 this
year for children and adults. We’ll be presenting
Bibles during worship to children entering Sunday
School for the first time and children entering 3rd
grade. The Adult Class will be starting a class called
Encountering God in Scripture. Many times people
have asked me for a basic Bible study and it came
up in the Focus Groups we had at the beginning of
the Natural Church Development process. So here’s
your chance….. a basic Bible study – DVD and
discussion with teachers from Luther Seminary.
We’ll focus on questions like: Where did the Bible
come from? Where is its authority? Why do we read
the Bible? Who decides what it means? How do we
interpret the Bible? And then after we tackle these
questions, we’ll join with five of these leaders as
they lead studies of this amazing story of God’s
action in the world.
Also, on September 11, after the second service,
we’ll have our annual Fall Fest dinner….. Brian
Holmes will be providing his wonderful smoked
pork loins and you are asked to bring a dish to
pass. It will be a great meal and fun time.
PRAYER AND LISTENING TO GOD – How often
have you wondered how to pray? How often have
you longed for a word from God? Well, during the
Natural Church Development Focus Groups last
year, we hear many comments about wanting to
learn how to pray. In response to that request,
Sister Nancy Brousseau, Facilitator for our Synod’s
Center for Mission and Ministry will join us on our
first three Wholly Wednesdays (September 7, 14,
and October 5) to lead us in teaching us how to pray
and how to listen to God. A wonderful meal will be
served at 6 p.m. (offering of $3 for adults and $1
for children) and then at 6:45 the adults will join
Sister Nancy in learning how to pray and listen to
God. This should be a wonderful opportunity to
deepen and grow our spirituality. My hope is that
having Sister Nancy here will give you some incen-
tive to give Wholly Wednesdays a try if you haven’t
done so. Lorri Yusten prepares a wonderful meal,
there’s some wonderful conversation and fellow-
ship that happens, and time for learning and
growth for adults and children. This is not an event
just for families with children. It is for the WHOLE
congregation, hence the name Wholly Wednesdays.
Come give it a try.
Enough about September, we still have another
month of summer. May this month be a time of
rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.
God’s Blessings,
Pastor
From the Pastor...
Justified by grace, we are a
Community of Servants who
follow Jesus’ example by living
lives of service to others.
The Evangel Page 2
Mary’s Notes… Mary Foerster Worship Director
August Birthdays
forgive, mend my broken heart,
move me through this grief and
show me where you want me to
be, today. Give me a window to
your purpose for my life and
bring me out of this despair.‖
As if shackles fell from my
shoulders, I stood straighter. I
felt lighter and at peace. Yes, I
can trust the God of the Uni-
verse to fix this! He is so much
wiser, stronger and more pa-
tient than I am – I need only to
lean on Him in this situation as
He works all things for good.
Why did I think I could manage
that job? There’s no earthly
way this can be fixed. I finally
remembered that.
So here, today, NOW, I am going
to live into the realization that
my Father loves me and even
when the world is upside down,
He is very much in control. And
it’s all going to be ok. Praise
God!
Have you ever been hurt so
badly that you could feel your-
self crumple within your body?
Ever have a wound so deep that
after it was said to you, time
stood still as it took literal sec-
onds to register within your
brain? As the world went on in
a blur, your body was numb as
your mind and spirit rejected
the situation in front of you.
The last several days, I have
struggled with just such an
injury. It had me alone, beating
my chest, thrusting my arms up
to God, crying out in my kitchen,
―See me!! God, HOLD ME! Fix
this! Now what do I do? Tell
me how to handle this!‖
I have talked to a counselor. I
have prayed for hours. My very
soul has walked in grief and I
am left with a gaping hole in my
heart. I’ve lost sleep, slept too
long and eaten vast amounts of
chips and chocolate.
This morning, I was angry at a
person related to the situation
and harshly meting out justice
in my mind in small, particular
detail, savoring the high-and-
mightiness of it all. Then, a
thought ―out of nowhere‖ came
to me: pray for that person.
Slowly, grudgingly, I prayed for
their day. For their marriage.
For them to find the purpose
God has given them for being
here.
And the thought came to me:
What is my purpose for being
here, today? Surely God didn’t
allow me to wake up this morn-
ing so that I could mope about,
wallowing in the agony of un-
forgiveness? ―Oh Lord, heal
me! Help me to move on. Help
me to forgive where I need to
3 Jim Harris 21 Debbie Ball
4 Abigail Kriser 22 Larry McCrary
5 Norm Snyder 23 Diane Meier
Eric Wells II 24 Amanda Cotton
6 Wayne Lesher Amy Reese
Christine Bauer Jennifer Jones
Isaiah Gaudard 25 Mailee Greiter
8 Cade Bucht 26 Charlene Seifert
9 Cade Greene 27 Freddy Baldwin
10 Renee Dixon 28 Nancy Beyerhelm
11 Candy Olsen 29 Rebecca Bossenbroek
14 Kathy Nolan 30 Jenna Neumann
16 Janet Ozanich 31 Bill Wagoner
19 Gloria Kandle
Psalm 13 For the director of
music. A psalm of David.
1―How long, LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me? 2How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and day af-ter day have sorrow in my heart? How long will my en-emy triumph over me? 3Look on me and answer, O LORD, my God. Give light to my eyes or I will sleep in death, 4and my enemy will say, ―I have over-come him,‖ and my foes will rejoice when I fall. 5But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salva-tion. 6I will sing the LORD’s praise, for He has been good
to me.‖
August Anniversarys
4 Brett & Rachel Telder
11 Jim & Julie Dartt
12 Pete & Gail Helgemo
14 Gary & June Hansen
15 Brian & Karen Holmes
17 David & Heidi Zens
25 Mr & Mrs John Mehling
26 Jim & Charlene Seifert
29 Mike & Vickie Borta
31 Terry & Nancy Greiner
Page 3 Volume 52, Issue 8
Kids Hope USA Gail Helgemo, Director
It is hard to believe that it is August already. In about two weeks I will meet with the principal at Cumberland to discuss
this year's Kids Hope program. Five children will continue with the mentors from last year. That leaves only one space
for a new referral. I'm hoping I will still hear from St. Stephen members who have decided to participate in the Kids
Hope ministry this year. I have the feeling that our program will take on more importance this year. The budget cuts in
the school district will make volunteer programs more valuable. Please consider becoming a part of this ministry.
Gail Helgemo
Serve Ministry Crystal Piirainen, Leader
The Fazoli fundraiser has been extended to the end of this month! A portion of the sales will benefit Habitat
for Humanity. A coupon must be presented at the restaurant and they are available on the bulletin board on
the lower level of the church, or on our website www.StStephenOnline.org.
Win Detroit Tiger’s
Tickets!
Are You a Tiger’s Fan that Would Like 2 Tickets to the September 3rd Game?
All you have to do is volunteer
to help with the Habitat build!
I’ll be putting everyone’s name
in a hat that has signed up to
volunteer through the end of
August. If you have already
volunteered please let me know
the dates and I’ll add your name
for those days. Any day you
work counts! If you don’t want
Habitat for Humanity
After a two week vacation for
the Habitat construction crew,
the Thrivent Builds with Habitat
project will resume Thursday,
August 4th. This is a St. Stephen
work day (as is August 25th)so
let’s have a great showing of
volunteers.
If you have not volunteered yet
this year, please do! Workers
are needed during this season
when many people are on vaca-
tion. You may sign-up to work
at SERVE table or contact Crystal
Piirainen at
[email protected] or 517-
290-7054. Built from the ground up, here is a photo of the Habitat Build located at 3301 Danbury.
August is Personal Needs Month
your name in the drawing please
let me know that as well. Crystal
Piirainen, [email protected]
or 517-290-7054.
Any item that cannot be bought
with food assistance such as
shampoo, laundry soap, tooth-
paste, etc., are greatly appreci-
ated. Put any donated items on
the SERVE table in the Fellow-
ship Hall. Thanks to all! Crystal
Piirainen
The Evangel Page 4
Scripture Readings
August 7: 1 Kings 19:9-18; Romans 10:5-15; Matthew 14:22-33
August 14: Isaiah 56:1, 6-8; Romans 11:1-2a, 29-32; Matthew 15:[10-20] 21-28
August 21: Isaiah 51:1-6; Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 16:13-20
August 28: Jeremiah 15:15-21; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
“Where are the
youth in our
congregation
involved?”
Nourish Ministry Jessica Leese, Leader
Where else are we including the
youth of our congregation?
My point is that the youth in our
congregation are the future of
our congregation, and though
we all work together to make
sure our church is all we want it
to be, I can’t help but feel there
is more we can do to include our
young people. As you go about
the duties you have within the
church, please think about ways
we can include the youth in
every aspect of the church-
whether that is in the interview-
ing process for new staff, count-
ing the collection plates, extend-
ing a personal invitation to
volunteer as greeters, ushers,
or assistant ministers, or having
them be a part of praise team.
As I write this I am sitting in my
hotel room in Chicago attending
a conference for my job. It is a
beautiful, yet hot, one hundred
degree, sunny day out, and the
news actually just said it will
feel like one hundred twenty-
five when I go outside. Yikes! I
am enjoying the luxury of my
own space with the air condition
blasting and my television on in
the background. I have it pretty
good.
Our morning plenary session
consisted of several different
pieces, but the one part that
stood out for me was the final
speaker. He approached the
podium confidently and began
to explain to the audience how
important it is to have youth
involved at every level. If the
mental health services we pro-
vide are for them, we should
make sure we are including
them in both the planning and
implementation process and
then during follow up. Makes
sense, right?
As I sat down to get my article
ready for submission this
month, the speaker’s words
began to resonate with me in a
different way. Where are the
youth in our congregation in-
volved? We are consistently
making sure we have a Sunday
school program and that Vaca-
tion Bible School is done each
year. We have kids who acolyte
and collect the noisy offering.
Vacation Bible School Jessica Leese, Director
Vacation Bible School, PandaMania, took place July 11-15! With an average of 20 children in attendance
daily, the week was a complete success! Kids learned that God loves you no matter what; God watches
over you; God listens to you; God gives good gifts; and God made you. Thank you to the many volunteers
who helped to make the week the fun and educational opportunity it was for the children. They had a
blast!
A big THANKS to our VBS Volunteers: Holly Lefanty, Jim and Helen Lyons, Andy and Leanne Roman, June
Hansen, Lorri Yusten, Crystal Struble, Gary and Miriam Bunge, Cynthia Bruch, Freddy Baldwin, Gordie
Larkins, Kristin, Nate, and Tessa Cox, Chelsea Wells, Rachel, Seth and Nathan Sturdevant, Vinnie Medina,
Junior Pulido, Dave Leese, Crystal Piirainen, Julie Shonts, Jackie Williams-Armstrong, Margie Bauer, Lynn
Kriser, and Angie Bennett.
There are so many ways we can
include them, and I ask each
one of you to make that extra
effort to reach out to our youth.
Thank you in advance for your
help in making the young peo-
ple in our church more inclusive
in the congregation.
Chelsea Wells hugs VBS Director, Jessica Leese, after she and the
other youth surprise-attacked her with 10 cans of whipped cream!
Lauren Fedewa and Kati Pilant
(Graduates not pictured are Eric Wells and Amber Jane)
Children of St. Stephen listen closely to Pastor Bunge during the Children's Focus.
Class of 2011
Crystal Piirainen plays the part of Peter during one of
the VBS PandaMania skits.
Page 5
PandaMania: Our theme for VBS .
The kids pose in their Giggle Goggles!
Pastor Gary and Miriam prepare to play one of
the PandaMania outdoor water games!
The Roman Family—Andy, Leanne, Attie, Annika, Aelin, and Andrew Roman pose for the camera. Tessa Cox and Chelsea Wells, our craft station
leaders, show off one of the crafts for the week.
Page 6
Page 7 Volume 52, Issue 8
LAY MINISTER SCHEDULE FOR AUGUST
Staff Members
Gary A. Bunge, Pastor [email protected]
Renee Dixon, Office Manager [email protected]
Mary Foerster, Contemporary Worship Ldr [email protected]
Leanne Roman, WELCOME Ministry Leader [email protected]
Jessica Leese, Children’s NOURISH Ministry Ldr [email protected]
Crystal Piirainen, SERVE Ministry Leader [email protected]
Council Members
Rebecca Bossenbroek, President [email protected]
Ruth Gaudard, Recording Secretary [email protected]
Brian Yusten, Treasurer [email protected]
Ron Miller, Facility Development Team Leader [email protected]
Bob Cameron, Financial Development [email protected]
Diane Singletary, Leadership Development Team Leader [email protected]
Jim Dixon, WELCOME Ministry Development [email protected]
Holly Lefanty, NOURISH Ministry Development [email protected]
Bonnie V’Soske, SERVE Ministry Development [email protected]
Council Meeting
Tues, August 16
7:00 pm
Staff Meeting
Wed, August 17
12:30 pm
AUGUST 7 AUGUST 14 AUGUST 21 AUGUST 28
ALTER FLOWERS Pete & Gail Mike & Vickie Lorri Wells Carlos & Judy
Helgemo Borta Vallin
ASSISTING MINISTERS 8:30 Cindy Jenks Stan Kotajarvi Lorri Yusten Diane Singletary
11:00 Lynn Kriser _________ Brian Yusten Diane Singletary
SCRIPTURE READERS 8:30 Cindy Jenks Letha Collins Gloria Kandle Patti Floros
(Cindy Jenks, 371-2043)
USHERS 8:30 Cindy & Norma _________ Robert & Naida _________
(Terry Greiner, 694-5358) Jenks Schelter
(Ken Bauer, 327-0335) 11:00 _________ _________ _________ _________
ALTAR CARE
(Claudia Cameron, 323-8258) Bob Schelter (Aug. 7)), Holly Lefanty for remainder of month.
COFFEE HOUR Sponsored by Nourish Care Group (June Hansen) for entire month.
St. Stephen Lutheran Church 2900 North Waverly Road, Lansing, MI 48906
Phone: 517-321-2244 Fax: 517-321-2632
Email: [email protected] | Website: StStephenOnline.org
Traditional Worship: Sundays at 8:30 am
Sunday School Class: Sundays at 9:45 am (Sept – May)
Contemporary Worship: Sundays at 11:00 am
Church Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Wholly Wednesdays & Praying
2900 N. Waverly Rd.
Lansing, MI 48906
St . S tep hen Lut her an Chur ch
We are excited and so looking forward
to having Sister Nancy Brousseau,
Facilitator for our Synod’s Center for
Mission and Ministry join us on our
first three Wholly Wednesdays
(September 7, 14, and October 5) to
lead us in teaching us how to pray and
how to listen to God.
A wonderful meal will be served at 6
p.m. (offering of $3 for adults and $1
for children) and then at 6:45 the
adults will join Sister Nancy in learning
how to pray and listen to God. This
should be a wonderful opportunity to
deepen and grow our spirituality.
Hopefully, having Sister Nancy here
will give you some incentive to give
Wholly Wednesdays a try if you have-
n’t done so.
Lorri Yusten prepares a wonderful
meal, there’s some wonderful conver-
sation and fellowship that happens,
and time for learning and growth for
adults and children. This is not an
event just for families with children. It
is for the WHOLE congregation, hence
the name Wholly Wednesdays.
Come give it a try!
Phone: 517-321-2244
Fax: 517-321-2632
Email: [email protected]
Website: StStephenOnline.org
NON-PROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Lansing, MI
Permit No. 58
OR CURRENT OCCUPANT DATED MATERIAL
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