June/July 2015 VOICE

June/July 2015 VOICE

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT Sunday May 17th Church Council (and Call Committee) held a special congregational meeting in the URLC Sanctuary.

The purpose of the meeting was to call Rev. Dr. Margaret Pleiss-Sippola (Pastor Marggi) by at least a ⅔ majority vote. The vote was overwhelmingly in favor of Calling her as our Lead Pastor (186 members voted with a total of 184 ‘Yes’

votes & 2 ‘No’ votes). Pastor Marggi (sounds like Mar-Gee) has verbally (& enthusiastically) accepted the call. Her tentative start date is July 29th

(official paperwork still in process).

WELCA’S “SPRING HIGH TEA” On May 9th, the first WELCA “High Tea” was held. 12 tables were set with beautiful china (mostly antique), tea pots and silver. Fresh flowers on each table. 88 ladies enjoyed themselves for the afternoon. The “afternoon luncheon” of yummy food was all hand made by a staff of wonderful cooks.

Ladies who decorated the tables were: Mary Ayen & Helen Sorby, Janice Olson, Leah Hinz, Evie Benrud & Julie Luhman, Evie Korsten, Cheryl Steege & Judy Kruse, Janet Ofstie, Judy Rockne, Pam Langley, Dee Knutson, and Pat Redfield. Each and every table was specially inviting and beautiful. Thanks to each and everyone for sharing their precious things.

A fun style show of Prom Dresses, current and vintage was enjoyed by all. Ann Wilson, Emily Haugen, Erin Idler, Jill and Karina Hovelsrud (daughter and grand

daughter of Dee Knutson) modeled with Roxanne Bartsch as MC.

If you missed the event, you missed a fun afternoon.

SOCIAL MINISTRY PROJECT: Sadly, the Social Ministry

Team has not had any families come forward to take part in the community garden project. However, our church gardens will continue as years before, thanks to Jaycee Nilson, Mary Rohe, and Judy Blakstad.

WELCA’S YEARLY BOOKLET Each year a booklet of WELCA committees is put together. The booklet contains names of members who have indicated, on time and talents sheets, which committees they will serve on the coming year. This year we would like each of you review the booklet from last year. If changes (additions or subtractions) to any committee you have signed up for—please let JoAnn (732-5989) or Leah (732-7297) know ASAP, so the booklet can be changed before printed.

Leah Wichmann Hinz [WELCA President]

WELCA CIRCLE’S Ruth Circle meets at 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday

June 3rd

, July 1st & Aug 5

th at Bridget’s Café.

Naomi Circle: 9 am Thursday, June 11th at Mary

Rohe’s home, 175 Quail Ridge Drive

Rebekah Circle: 1:30 pm Thursday, May 11th at

United Redeemer Lutheran Church hosted by Jeanne Ofstie

WELCA Circles Brunch: 9 am Thursday, Aug 13

th at Linda Pahl's House.

WELCA BOARD MEETING The WELCA Board members will meet 6pm Wednesday June 3

rd

WELCA NEWS!

ACTIVITY REPORT Attendance numbers are from the Usher head count.

DATE 1ST SERVICE 2ND SERVICE $’S GIVEN

04/26/15 104 70 $3,336.01

05/03/15 no count 67 $5,296.25

05/10/15 150 108 $4,105.00

05/17/15 185 90 $3,911.00

05/24/15 58 No count $3,346.00

05/31/15 1st Summer Service

CONGRATULATIONS URLC SENIORS We celebrated our 14 High School graduates at the PACE reception/short program on Sunday, May 17

th. Congratulations to you all!

ROSE BRIDLEY

PAUL DAHLEN

DALLAS GRUHLKE

CAITLYN HEITMAN

EMILY KROHN

SOPHIE LEONARD

BLAKE LERUM

JOSHUA NELSON

NOAH PRODZINSKI

ALYSSA QUAM

CODY TABOR

CONNOR TEIGEN

SETH TUPPER

TORGER JYSTAD

SUNDAY SCHOOL We will begin Sunday school again on September 13

th “Rally

Day”! We are always looking for volunteer help, please contact Jess Hoeper-Youth Ed Chairperson or Cindy–Youth Director: youth@urlchurch.org

2015 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL MONDAY AUGUST 3RD - 6TH FROM 6 TO 8PM NEW THIS YEAR VBS IS FREE AND IN THE EVENING! We begin with supper for the kids & family, then bust out the fun Camp Songs, Arts & Crafts, Outside Activities, Bible Stories, & more!

Registration forms at usher stands & office

7TH GRADE

CONFIRMATION CAMP Five of our 7

th graders ship

off to GEV’s Confirmation Camp on Sunday, June 7

th thru Friday the 12

th.

Please keep these youth in your prayers as they venture off to a memorable week of camp: Calen Scholl, Anthony Cylkowski, Abby Rosenquist, Anja Thorson, & Jenna Stene.

2015 ELCA YOUTH

GATHERING DETROIT The ELCA Youth gathering is almost here! We have 17 youth + 3 Chaperones going to Detroit July 15-19

th.

Wednesday June 24th

at 6pm meet at

the Covered Bridge Park for a get-together

picnic to meet our bus-mates from Red Wing & Faribault. Plan for a lite supper, Volleyball, games, & fun!

“CBC” CHRISTIAN BREAKFAST CLUB We treated ourselves to a last breakfast of the season at “Bridget’s Café” on May 20

th! We will

resume our Breakfast Club on Wednesday

CONFIRMATION CLASS Thanks for a great season of Confirmation! We had an awesome picnic on the church lawn May 13th with Volleyball & Taco in a Bag!

Heads up: We plan on seeing the youth & parents on Wed. Sept. 16th to kick of another year of Confirmation. On Sunday, October 25th at the 10:30am service our 10th graders will be confirmed!

THANKS for another great year! We look forward to seeing you again in September for more!

Youth & Family Director’s Page - June/July 2015

HOP ON DOWN TO THE “CAR HOP” The United Redeemer Lutheran Church parking lot will be the place to be

Friday, June 19th

from

4:30-7:30pm for our

annual “Car Hop” and kick-off to the Zumbrota Covered Bridge Festival! We’ll have plenty of popcorn, root beer floats & sundaes, hamburgers (with all the

toppings available), hot dogs, chips, & good ol’ 1950’s tunes! Besides being a great meal and good time the profit adds to the Youth Gathering fund!

Summer 2015 Pastor’s Page: Light (and Laughter) in the Darkness I am blessed to be a part of a family of love and laughter. My two sisters are married to Lutheran pastors. (Our brother is a home-builder, but since our Lord Jesus was a carpenter, we remind Bob that he’s the holiest one of us all.) At a recent family gathering, my sister was blithely handing out copies of a document to my other sister and to my wife, Caryl. We guys, wondering what all the giggling was about, were told that the paper Barb was distributing was, “Preparing for Widowhood.” Of course we joined in supportive good cheer (although our laughter was a little more nervous than our wives’). Kidding aside, it’s a good piece, with a helpful checklist and some wise advice. I was going to include a link in this article so the reader could find it, but I think it’s easier if you just Google “preparing for widowhood.” You will, alas, find many such articles. One piece has the sub-title: “What To Know Before He Goes.” (Ouch!) It reminds me of a widow in my first parish: A wonderful woman who always had a smile and an encouraging word. She once said, “I loved my husband, but, boy, when he died, I really began to live!” I guess that attitude is preferable to wrapping oneself in black for the rest of one’s life, but, gee!, I hope Caryl won’t be all that happy about it! To turn to a tenderer note on the subject: Two poems, appropriately by women. The first is by Linda Pastan: “Fifty Years.”

Though we know how it will end: in grief and silence, we go about our ordinary days as if the acts of boiling an egg or smoothing down a bed were so small they must be overlooked by death. And perhaps

the few years left, sun drenched but without grand purpose, will somehow endure, the way a portrait of lovers endures radiant and true on the wall of some obscure Dutch museum, long after the names of the artist and models have disappeared.

I applaud Pastan for facing it, but I still want to deny it. I prefer the doughty spirit of Phylis McGinley's "Midcentury Love Letter:"

May God bless your loves, your relationships, your griefs, and your memories. Pastor Dick Jorgensen

Stay near me. Speak my name. Oh, do not wander By a thought's span, heart's impulse, from the light We kindle here. You are my sole defender (As I am yours) in this precipitous night, Which over earth, till common landmarks alter, Is falling, without stars, and bitter cold. We two have but our burning selves for shelter. Huddle against me. Give me your hand to hold.

So might two climbers lost in mountain weather On a high slope and taken by the storm, Desperate in the darkness, cling together Under one cloak and breathe each other warm. Stay near me. Spirit, perishable as bone, In no such winter can survive alone.

A letter was sent here in April that should be shared with everyone:

On behalf of our family and in honor of our mother, Galene Berg, please accept this check in the amount of $200, to be used as needed for the United Redeemer Lutheran Church. These funds were given by friends and family as memorials to Mom, who passed away on January 22

nd.

Even thought she was not a member of United Redeemer, she was invited to attend the services that were offered at her apartment building, the Towers, here in town. She really enjoyed the services and appreciated having communion on a regular basis. She was also very touched by the meals, gift bags and cards she regularly received from your congregation.

How a congregation cares for those who are not members, is the mark of a congregation that understands Jesus’ instruction to “love your neighbor”. Thank you to United Redeemer for its care and concern for Mom and her family. It made this difficult journey easier for all of us.

God’s blessings to all of you. Karen Brooks, Pat Veiseth, Mike & Stephanie Veiseth, Adam, Skelar & Gage Veiseth

MAY 14TH COUNCIL SUMMARY The summary was not available at the time of printing. Next Council Meeting: June 11th No Council Meeting in July

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH WINNERS! Thank you everyone for the awesome $3,422 profit from the fundraiser! We deeply appreciate your support for URLC’s youth. For anyone curious about who won the top three prizes...

The Duluth Pack Bag goes to Julie Redfield Linda Pahl won the Ceramic Tiled Bowl Genna LaFrance now has a new Smart TV

Because so many people have asked: The amazing log furniture dog bed (or toddler bed- if you saw how

many kids wanted to lie on it) was donated by Calvin Strauss (see more at www.calbuilds.com).

RAISE THE ROOF! BUILD A HOUSE ON JUNE 27TH

Volunteers are needed to assist with the 2015 Habitat House Build project in Red Wing. We partner with Lands & St. Paul’s in Pine Island for the day. Contact Janet Ofsite for details.

DON’T WORRY -

FLOWERS DON’T BITE! A special thank you to Don Lochner and Sandy Larson for planting the flowers near the front entrance! The plants get thirsty… training, water and can all provided. Sign up by the office.

A FREE PARENT AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM

Three Rivers Community Action, Inc. is now accepting applications for the 2015-16 Head Start Program.

For an application or more info 1-800-277-8418

FLOWER & ALTAR CARE June: Jessica Ottem | July: Janet Ofstie

GARDENING WITH A PURPOSE VEG OUT, CATCH SOME RAYS. It’s easy and rewarding work, like watering, weeding, or harvesting. See Jaycee, Judy B, or Mary Rohe.

THANK YOU JUBALEE BELLS Thanks, to all the handbell ringers & their director, for the beautiful music you have shared with us this year!! You have truly played “To the Glory of God”!

THANK YOU TO THE SANCTUARY CHOIR Thank you to our Sanctuary Choir & their director, for the beautiful music last Sunday! On behalf of the congregation, we want to express our appreciation for your ministry in music all year and your ability to lift up the Lord, and grace others with your God-given talent.

FROM THE BLAKSTAD FAMILY Thank you, United Redeemer family, for abundantly blessing us after the family farmhouse burned to the ground on March 3rd. Our good Lord made sure no lives were lost and our church family

overwhelmed us by their prayers, comforting words, and wonderful support.

After the quilts were blessed during the April 26th

church service, Eric and Jenna were excited to each receive their own special quilt! (Of course, Jenna's had some pink squares in hers!!)

Right after the fire, Jenna was totally amazed with the many thoughtful items that Anna and Melanie Cylkowski & Barb Madison had collected for her on behalf of the Sunday School and WELCA! (especially her very own pillow)

Plans to rebuild a new home are in the works and we feel truly blessed to be part of such caring congregation!

God bless you all! Eric, Jenna, Spot, & Judy Blakstad

THANK YOU FOR P.A.C.E. URLC’S PROGRAM FOR ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

As our weekly adult education comes to an end for the summer, the congregation would like to thank those of you who organize and coordinate all of the topics and presenters! We would also

like to thank those of you who attend PACE, without your interest and support this program wouldn’t be possible. And last but not least, thank you to all who volunteer to supply/serve cookies & coffee and clean up each week.

United Redeemer Church Council Meeting Thursday, April 9, 2015

Minutes prepared by Jana Scholl (in Mary Goplen’s absence)

Present: Jessica Hoeper, Dennis Larson, Mike Brengman, Chuck Rohe, Landon Rauen, Roger Rueckert, Anna Haugen, Shirley Buck, Jana Scholl, Pastor Jorgensen Absent: Jerry Torvund, Rene Arendt, Mary Goplen, Tim Quam Call to Order by Larson, (President)

Devotions led by Chuck Rohe

Public Comments: none

Agenda Approval; motion to approve by Shirley Buck, second by Mike Brengman. All in favor, motion passed.

Announcements: Chuck Rohe-passed boiler and hood inspections.

March minutes correction: none

March Minutes: motion to approve by Chuck Rohe, second by Mike Brengman. All in favor, motion passed.

Call Committee Report: none Finance (Rueckert)

Approval of bills; motion to approve by Jana Scholl, second by Shirley Buck. All in favor, motion passed

Property Management (Rohe)

Plan to clean and paint both Pastors offices in the near future, will be done over a weekend.

Committee discussed getting rid of junk in storage areas.

Update needed of landscaping around church grounds.

Kitchen update-need appx. $7000 for new oven/range. Asking for $3500 from trust fund.

Countryside Lawn to mow church lawn ($55/mow&trim) for 2015 season: motion to approve by Dennis Larson, second by Mike Brengman, all in favor, motion passed.

Pastor Report (Jorgensen)

4-5 visits to SMH within last week.

Sermon series- faith and intellect

Working with brides/grooms-upcoming weddings

Will present at PACE- “Lutheran Soup”

Won the food shelf competition, Lands will treat URLC to ice cream this Sunday April 12.

Will email Pastor suggestions for each committee to consider

Microphone can’t be fixed, (ie. Mute button doesn’t function) Sim Sound proposal; $634 for a new microphone. Suggestion to ask trust fund to cover cost of 2 microphones.

President Report (Larson)

Clarification of the call process; special meeting would be called for Council and Call Committee when we are looking to proceed to call a new pastor. Council would then recommend the candidate to the congregation.

Thank you for your time for the retreat, good use of time.

Jerry Torvund has communicated that he would like to resign as a member of the church council. Discussion to accept his resignation and not fill his position on the church council. Motion to approve by Chuck Rohe, second by Mike Brengman, all in favor, motion passed.

Assignment to worship committee to discuss summer service schedule. Worship (Brengman)

No report Mission Support (Goplen)

No report Adult Education (Goplen)

No report Staff Support (Brengman)

Marilyn Anderson was asked to be on committee. Motion by Dennis Larson, second by Shirley Buck, all in favor, motion passed.

Youth Education (Hoeper)

69 attended Seder Meal, Twelve 5th graders were confirmed.

Vacation Bible School; August 3-6, will be held in the evenings, volunteers needed to help run the camp.

Youth and Family Ministry (Buck)

Soup meals, cinnamon rolls were both successful fundraisers.

Planning for mission trip. Evangelism (Quam)

Meeting April 6, update on PACE schedule, being a “friendly, caring church”.

New model for scheduling ushers; look at online tool.

Social Ministry (Arendt)

No report. Trust Fund ( Rueckert)

Meeting held this week. Sharrie Huston was elected chairperson. Diane Nelson was elected secretary/treasurer.

April 13 is the deadline for requests to the trust this year. The committee will meet May 8 to discuss and approve requests.

Old Business

None New Business

If anyone wants to be on council agenda, they must notify a council member at least 7 days in advance of meeting date. Motion to approve by Roger Rueckert, second by Jessica Hoeper, all in favor, motion passed.

Discussion of the $5 charge per meeting for non-profit organizations to use URLC as a meeting location. Follow up needed.

Call Committee update, lead candidate will visit URLC. Devotions will be given by Pastor Jorgensen in May. The meeting was closed with the Lords Prayer. Meeting Adjourned.

PRAYER CHAIN C ONT ACT URLC 732 -7303 OR B ERNICE R AT GEN : 732 -5318

The prayer chain is a network of individuals who will receive prayer requests and thanksgivings, forward them to the

next available person in the network (by phone &/or email), and will pray immediately for each request.

Names submitted to the Prayer Chain will stay on the list for three weeks (unless informed otherwise), if you would like a

name to stay on the list please contact the office or Bernice before it is removed (or ask to add it again).

PLEASE PRAY FOR Kevin Anderson (Mary Lee Olson’s nephew), Lisa P. (friend to members),

Malachi Bjorngaard, Martin and Rita Kolander (Rene' Steger's Parents), Dorothy Lohmann,

Kristen Tri (Jodie Finstuen's sister), Gary Hinsch

We continue to pray for our members & friends with long-term illnesses, those recovering, and those in our hearts

and thoughts. Also please keep praying for the families of all military personnel and world peace. Pray for our

pastors, staff, church council, transition committees and congregation as we work together to accomplish God's will

and purpose.

JUNE

7TH: CANNED MEAT (SPAM, CHICKEN, TUNA) 14TH: SOUP CRACKERS / SNACK CRACKERS 21ST: HAMBURGER HELPER

28TH: CANNED FRUIT & VEGGIES

JULY

5TH: PASTA & SPAGHETTI SAUCE 13TH: TOILET PAPER 19TH: DISH & LAUNDRY SOAP 26TH: SOUP

AUGUST

2ND: BAKING MIX (CAKE, COOKIES, PANCAKES, CORNBREAD, ETC.)

9TH: FRUIT JUICE 16

TH: CANNED CHILI

23RD: KLEENEX / PAPER TOWELS 30TH: COLD CEREAL

SEPTEMBER

6TH

: COOKING OIL & CONDIMENTS (SALAD DRESSING, CATSUP, MUSTARD, STEAK SAUCE, MAPLE SYRUP, ETC.)

5TH ANNUAL SUMMER FOOD SHELF DRIVE Each summer Sunday we request a specific food or product donation that the food shelf needs. May 31st, kicked off

“Boxed Potatoes Sunday”! Please deposit items (as you are able) into Food Shelf bins at (worship/building) entrances.

JUNE 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday318:00 AM Outdoor Worship­Rev. BobDahlen8:00 AM Ushers: Jim and SandyLohman, Wayne and Kathy Radke9:30 AM AV: Deb Bradt9:30 AM Ushers: Tim and CindySanborn, Keith and Lisa Swanson9:30 AM Worship­Rev. Bob Dahlen

12:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

27:30 PM A.A.

38:00 AM Ruth Circle6:00 PM WELCAMeeting6:30 PM Girl Scouts[Amsbaugh]

48:00 AM W.I.C.

5 6

78:00 AM Outdoor Worship w/ PsDick8:00 AM Ushers: Dave and AnneDahlen, Genella Mussell, KathyRoberts9:30 AM AV: Steve Lodermeier9:30 AM Ushers: Garry Ring, ReneArendt9:30 AM Worship­Baptism: MaisyBraband1:00 PM Private Baptism­Anika4:30 PM Confirmation Camp

84:30 PM ConfirmationCamp

94:30 PM ConfirmationCamp7:30 PM A.A.

104:30 PM ConfirmationCamp7:00 PM Property Mgmt.

119:00 AM Naomi Circle­Mary Rohe's1:30 PM RebekahCircle­URLC­hosted byJeanne Ofstie4:30 PM ConfirmationCamp6:00 PM FinanceMeeting6:30 PM Church Council7:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

124:30 PM ConfirmationCamp

13

148:00 AM Outdoor Worship w/ PsDick8:00 AM Ushers: Dan and RanaeJohnson, Carl and Nancy Potratz9:30 AM AV: Greg Korsten9:30 AM Ushers: Chad and MelanieCylkowski Family9:30 AM Worship­Baptism: EmmettRobinson

152:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

167:30 PM A.A.

1710:00 AM Food ShelfOpen

18 194:30 PM Car Hop

20

218:00 AM Outdoor Worship w/ PsDick8:00 AM Ushers: Chuck and MaryRohe, Darren and Linda Pahl9:30 AM AV: Nolan Biorn9:30 AM Ushers: John and DebWilkinson9:30 AM Worship w/ Ps Dick

229am to 12pm OFFICEOPEN

239am to 12pm OFFICEOPEN7:30 PM A.A.

249am to 12pm OFFICEOPEN

259am to 12pm OFFICEOPEN7:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

26 278:00 AM Habitat forHumanity Home Build

288:00 AM Outdoor Worship­GuestPreacher8:00 AM Ushers: John and Liz Quast,Roger and Leah Hinz9:30 AM AV: Gary Grover9:30 AM Ushers: Roger and BarbMadison9:30 AM Worship­Guest Preacher

29 307:30 PM A.A.

18:00 AM Ruth Circle6:00 PM WELCAMeeting

28:00 AM W.I.C.

3 4

5/28/2015 Calendar

http://www.mychurchevents.com/calendar/calendar.aspx?print_view=yes&list_by=calendar_month&begin_date=7/1/2015%2012:00:00%20AM&ci=G1L6H2I3G1L6O9L6I3&igd= 1/1

JULY 2015

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday288:00 AM Outdoor Worship­GuestPreacher8:00 AM Ushers: John and Liz Quast,Roger and Leah Hinz9:30 AM AV: Gary Grover9:30 AM Ushers: Roger and BarbMadison9:30 AM Worship­Guest Preacher

29 307:30 PM A.A.

18:00 AM Ruth Circle6:00 PM WELCAMeeting

28:00 AM W.I.C.

3 4

58:00 AM Outdoor Worship w/ PsDick8:00 AM Ushers: Brad and TriciaStiller, Joe and Marilyn Anderson9:30 AM AV: Jim Esser9:30 AM Ushers: Nolan and CindyBiorn9:30 AM Worship w/ Ps Dick

62:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

77:30 PM A.A.

87:00 PM Property Mgmt.

96:00 PM FinanceMeeting6:30 PM Church Council7:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

10 11

128:00 AM Outdoor Worship w/ PsDick8:00 AM Ushers: Mark and SueBehrends, Jon and LeAnn Stee9:30 AM AV: JoAnn Ring9:30 AM Ushers: Bev O'Connor, JudyBlakstad9:30 AM Worship w/ Ps Dick

13 147:30 PM A.A.

1510:00 AM Food ShelfOpen

16 17 18

198:00 AM Outdoor Worship­GuestPreacher8:00 AM Ushers: Norris and EileenBjorngaard, Jeff and Joline Brault9:30 AM AV: Garry Ring9:30 AM Ushers: lois Lerfald, JulieBenrud Luhman9:30 AM Worship­Guest Preacher

202:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

21ELCA Youth Gathering­Detroit7:30 PM A.A.

22ELCA Youth Gathering­Detroit

23ELCA Youth Gathering­Detroit7:00 PM Food ShelfOpen

24ELCA Youth Gathering­Detroit

25ELCA Youth Gathering­Detroit

26ELCA Youth Gathering­Detroit8:00 AM Outdoor Worship­GuestPreacher8:00 AM Ushers: Dennis and JulieBaumberger, Alan and Arlys Sikkink9:30 AM AV: Deb Bradt9:30 AM Ushers: Ron Gabrielson,Cheryl Beacom9:30 AM Worship­Guest Preacher

27ELCA Youth Gathering­Detroit

287:30 PM A.A.

29 30 31 1