American Lutheran Church LCMC

215 9TH St SE Long Prairie, MN 56347 320-732-2932

americanlutheranchurchlp@gmail.com

americanlutheranchurch.org

ALC Newsletter

In this Issue: A Place to Come Home To…

From the Pastor….

At our June Church Council meeting I announced my plan to retire on 6/1/20, and at that time I introduced

the idea of Congregations in Transition (CiT), a coaching and consulting ministry that is endorsed by our LCMC

which helps congregations navigate both the challenges and the opportunities that arise during what can be an extended call process finding viable pastoral candidates

to interview. Last month, at our Deacons and Church Council meetings, both I and our president Blanche Tirk asked our Deacons and our Church Council to read over

the CiT materials so that we can take action about CiT at our Church Council meeting this month.

We now have our Growing Young Assessment and are setting aside Sunday, September 22 and Sunday, September 29 as “Time to Talk” about the assessment

during the Sunday School hour in the Fellowship Hall. Sunday School, confirmation classes and Sunday

morning Adult Bible Class all resume again this month. Reading and learning God’s Word is so important, because the Bible is a means of grace – a means by

which God gives and ministers His grace – His blessings, life and undeserved favor to us, all because of what Jesus has done for us.

The importance of spending time in and with the Bible was expressed by Martin Luther when he said that

we can learn to know God only by learning about Him from His Scripture. Luther said, “Listen and allow the Word to make the beginning; then the knowing will

nicely follow. If, however, you do not listen, you will never know anything. For it is decreed God will not be

Pastor Bill

From the Pastor

Family Suppers Resume

Music Ministry Invitational

Family Supper Coordinator

Christian Movie & Tickets

Youth & Family

Upcoming Events

Team Kid – Grades 1-6

Sunday School Resumes

Local School Supply Drive

ALCW News

Shoebox Packing Party

Women’s Mini Retreat

Super Spud Supper

Full Circle Breakfast & Speaker

Regular Features

Mission Focus

Service Group

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Calendar

SEPTEMBER 2019 Pastor Bill Bakewicz

From the Pastor (Continued)

seen, known, or comprehended except through His Word alone. Whatever, therefore, one undertakes for

salvation apart from the Word is in vain. God will not respond to that. He will not have it. He will not tolerate any other way. Therefore, let His Book, in which He

speaks with you, be commended to you; for He did not cause it to be written for no purpose….We are to read it, to think and speak about it, and to study it, certain that

he Himself (nor an angel or a creature) is speaking with us in it.”

I encourage you to take the time and to take advantage of the opportunities you have to get into the Bible on a regular daily and weekly basis, and in so

doing grow in your Christian faith and in your relationship with God. God Himself will meet you,

minister to you, and reveal Himself to you in His Word. He will feed you there, strengthen you, empower you and equip you to live the way He wants you to in our

world today.

Sincerely,

Pastor Bill

Sunday School

resumes September 8th

at 10:15 am

Family Night Suppers Resume on

Wednesdays in September at 5:30

p.m. Supper teams and the schedule will

be posted. If you are

not on a team, we encourage you to sign

up on the easel in the narthex. It’s a great

way to serve and to

get to know people.

High5 / Youth & Family

Coming

Up: September 4th: Music Ministry Invitational Picnic September 8th: First Day of Sunday School September 11th: Confirmation classes begin September 15th: Mission Trip Sharing Service September 18th: Family Night Suppers begin September 22nd: Third graders get bibles September 25th: See You at the Pole and TEAM KID begins

Check out the

GROWING YOUNG Assessment Results

attached to this email newsletter! We will have “Time to Talk”

sessions on September 22nd and 29th to take a look at these results

more closely.

How’s life? Want to

talk about it? Feel

Who: For kids grades 1-6 & friends! What: A fun, high-energy kids ministry!

When: Wednesday nights; 6-7pm

Where: ALC Youth Room (basement)

Why: To know Jesus and grow in a

relationship with Him!

Team Kid begins September 25th! Sign up on the bulletin board in the narthex!

Interested in becoming a Team Kid coach? YOU are invited

to join the team! Very flexible! Great benefits! Open to grades 7 through adult! Talk to Kari Christians or Jan

Richter for more info!

Wanted: Youth who want to be a part of

Worship Music at ALC!

Do you sing? Play an instrument? If you want to be a part of

worship on Sunday mornings then we want you to join us!

Please talk with Kari Christians if your

son/daughter is interested!

Come to our Music Ministry Invitational Picnic

on September 4th at 6:00pm!

Mission Focus for September – Page 1

Chris Mikkelson

Evangelistic Ministries

Chris Mikkelson is an International Evangelist who preaches the Gospel in some of the

most unreached and dangerous nations on the planet near the Middle East and also at

churches across the USA. His sermons are distinctly marked with the presence, power

Mission Focus for September – Page 2

and authority of God where many are saved, healed and delivered. His Gospel crusades

near the Middle East are attended by the hundreds of thousands where many in

attendance hear the Gospel for the very first time and receive salvation through Christ

alone. Often, incredible miracles of healing and deliverance confirm the gospel message

when Chris preaches domestically and abroad.

Chris started in ministry as the Executive Assistant to Evangelist Daniel Kolenda of

Christ for all Nations (CfaN) and was later promoted in that organization to USA Crusade

Director for Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke’s USA Crusades. After working for and being

trained by Evangelist Reinhard Bonnke and Daniel Kolenda for 3 years, Chris and his wife

Amanda launched the non-profit ministry of Chris Mikkelson Evangelistic Ministries in

2014 to reach the most unreached countries in the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Chris and his best friend and wife Amanda Mikkelson, are graduates of Christ For The

Nations Institute (CFNI) in Dallas, TX and currently reside in Orlando, FL where their

ministry is headquartered.

Chris Mikkelson Evangelistic Ministries was birthed in 2014 with the sole purpose of

fulfilling the Great Commission. After serving and being mentored by Evangelist Daniel

Kolenda for three years, Chris launched this evangelistic ministry to bring the Good News

to the nations of the earth. This ministry exists to preach the Gospel in the most remote

and unreached parts of the earth to those who have not heard the Gospel message. It is

the words of Jesus in Matthew 24:14, “And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in

the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” that drives Chris

to the ends of the earth with relentlessness, preaching the Gospel before the coming of our

Lord. Our vision is to see the people Christ loved and died for receive the eternal message

of salvation.

A wise man once said, “Life is short, death is certain and eternity is very, very long, what

will you do with the life you have?” This is why we have devoted our very lives to this

mandate. This is why we give everything and go anywhere to preach the Gospel. Would

you support this calling to bring the Gospel to the ends of the earth by praying and

standing with us financially? It will make an eternal difference to countless thousands of

people.

LOCAL SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE

It’s that time of the year again to start thinking of buying and donating school supplies for our local school age children. The tub will be set out in the narthex. Pencils and folders are the most sought-

after supplies!! Other basic supplies are still needed.

Thank you for your donations. Please contact Tracy Schultz if you have any questions! 320-630-4922

ALCW NEWS

C o m i n g s o o n t o

A m e r I c a n L u t h e r a n C h u r c h Breakfast with a Full Circle Speaker – Sat. Sept. 21–9 AM

Sarah “S”ircle Super Spud Supper – Wednesday, October 2 –

5:30 PM (See articles elsewhere in Talents!)

Sunday School Packing Party–Nov.10 ~ EVERYONE’S Packing Party–

Nov. 11

(See NEEDS LIST below)

Your response to item collection seems to “balloon” every year! YOU are

awesome & WE are SO excited!

We already have enough: soap, erasers, pencils

Need a few more: washcloths, combs, toothbrushes, small toys (balls,

stuffies,

Hot Wheels, simple color books, jump ropes, yoyos)

Greatest Needs: any clothing items, color pencils, markers, scissors,

sharpeners,

crayons, notebooks/tablets, pens, hair brushes, specialty items (tools

for older

childen, kits/sewing, fishing, craft for older ages)

Always WELCOME any special “WOW” gift you may find as you are

shopping!

REMEMBER, NO toothpaste, candy, liquids or violent or war-related

items!

Women’s Mini Retreat

October 25 – 26 at home of Karen Bakewicz

Full Circle Breakfast & Speaker

Rise and Shine It’s Story Time Date: Saturday, September 21, 2019 Time: 9:00 – 10:30 AM Place: American Lutheran Church 215 9th St SE, Long Prairie, MN Please join us as we enjoy a free breakfast while celebrating the impact Operation Christmas Child is having around the world with a personal story of that impact. The event is free and open to everyone. For more information or to RSVP call John at 320-260-0453

Yuliya Shubina received a shoebox gift in Central Asia that connected her to a caring friend halfway around the world

and was one of the seeds that brought her to faith in Christ. Yuliya’s father brought her a shoebox gift from

missionaries who were distributing the gifts to local children. There were many gifts inside, including a letter from the

girl who had packed the shoebox. Yuliya and the girl exchanged letters for many years afterward, and when Yuliya

came to the United States to finish high school, she was able to meet her pen pal in person. Today Yuliya serves with

Operation Christmas Child to tell the story of God’s faithfulness in her life. To hear more about what the Lord has done

in her life, please join us for a special time of Yuliya sharing her testimony.

Super Spud Supper

Music Ministry Invitational

YOU are invited to be a part of Music Ministry at American

Lutheran Church!

Do you have a heart for worship? Do you love to sing, play an instrument,

or want to learn how? Even if you can only join us occasionally, we have a

place for you! Learn more at our invitational picnic on

WEDNESDAY SEPT. 4th at 6:00PM

We’ll share a meal together, talk about music ministry, and make

some joyful noise! All ages welcome!

RSVP to Kari Christians, Emily Steinert, or the church office

“He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD

and put their trust in him.” Psalm 40:3

Volunteer Needed

Family Night Supper Coordinator

Job Description (Created 1/27/15)

Purpose: Family Night Suppers are a ministry that takes place from September – April, GATHERING

the ALC Church family together weekly for a meal. The Wednesday Night Supper Coordinator serves

to organize and support Wednesday Night Team Leaders, who mobilize a team to serve each week.

Responsibilities: The Wednesday Night Supper Coordinator will…

● Review last year’s teams with Team Leaders to see if leaders and members would like to

continue for next year.

● Invite congregation members to join a supper team.

● Formulate and communicate teams and serving schedule with input from the Youth and Family

Committee

● Communicate cooking and serving guidelines with the team leaders.

Qualifications:

● Gifted in checking details and organizing information.

● Effective Communicator.

● Responsible and Reliable.

Amount of Time Required: about 20 hours/year.

When is the Ministry Performed: Supper teams run between September – April each year. Much of

the organizing for this ministry takes place during the summer (most commonly starting in July) and

periodically during the year. The Wednesday Night Supper Coordinator may/may not be a Wednesday

Night Supper Team Leader as well.

Length of Commitment: One Year

Training Provided: It is encouraged for those considering this position to have either taken part as a

Team Member or Team Leader for a year first. It is also possible to have Co-Coordinators by pairing

an experienced Coordinator with a new Coordinator.

Responsible to: The Youth & Family Ministry Coordinator

Support Provided by: The Youth & Family Ministry Committee and the Youth & Family Ministry

Coordinator.

Christian Movie

Movie Tickets for Overcomer

Overcomer - Movie Tickets $3 Opens Thursday, August 22 – Midway 9 - Alexandria

Tickets available at Common Ground Coffee House.

The Unity Foundation(UF) is sponsoring the movie, Overcomer. You can purchase Unity Foundation tickets for $3 by CASH or CHECK at the Common Ground Coffee House. Important Details: 1. Tickets can be used for any UF sponsored movie - The tickets are not specific to this movie, however they can ONLY be used at UF sponsored movies. If you are unable to use the ticket(s) for this movie, you can use them at future UF sponsored movies (to be announced). 2. This is not the "actual" movie ticket. You will exchange your UF ticket(s) at the box office for the actual movie ticket. 3. This ticket will not guarantee a seat. To ensure you get a seat during your preferred show time go to the box office EARLY to get the actual ticket. At a minimum, we encourage you to go to the CEC website, click on the movie to check availability. Click on your preferred time and it will bring you the reserved seating page. Although these tickets do not allow you to reserve seating online, you will be able to see the number of seats available on the upper right side of the page.

Service Group 5 – September – October

Service Group Responsibilities:

• Serve for funerals on a rotating basis every 7th Funeral.

• Serve for special events occurring during the two month period.

Group 5 Leader: Janie Thole………….. 320-291-4598 Group 5 Members:

Adamek, Larry & Deb……………………………… 320-732-6573 Berscheit, Mark & Jessie…………………………. 320-874-0113 Christians, Steve & Kari………………………….. 320-533-3021 Evenson, Brad &…………………………………… 320-249-7343 Sherri…………………………………….. 320-249-7344 Fearing, Lee &………………………………………. 320-732-4184 Deb………………………………………… 701-471-9384 Flan, Jamie & Andrea…………………………….. 320-732-7035 Flan, Jim & Sandy…………………………………. 320-732-6989 Flaten, Dianne………………………………. (Cell) 320-219-5568 ……………………………. (Home) 320-219-6498 Goblirsch, Sheila……………………………………. 320-732-3833 Goplen, Ellie…………………………………………. 320-732-2244 Hasse, Mark & Mary………………………………. 320-837-5883 Hatton, LaMoine &…………………………………. 320-219-3090 Linda………………………………………… 320-219-3190 Kaneski, Dennis &…………………………………. 320-732-6005 Sue………………………………………… 956-272-3456 Larsen, Gary & Gloria…………………………….. 320-732-6043 Merritt, Glenn & Joan…………………………….. 320-732-3660 Roering, Dennis & Carrie………………………… 320-630-0559 St. Germain, Glen & Karen………………………. 320-732-2736 Simon, Matt & Coyer, Allison……………………. 320-760-8115 Zinter, Ruth…………………………………………. 320-732-3304

September

Happy Anniversary 2nd Lee & Deb Fearing 12th Al & Tami Priebe 21st Dan & Jan Miller 25th Brad & Brenda Hinrichs

Happy Birthday

1st Roberta Rach 1st Doris Peterson 5th Dianne Leagjeld 5th Jane Hasse 5th Tom Kuehne 6th Becky Hillig 7th Laurie Barthel 8th Jessie Berscheit 12th Carole Thompson 14th Payton Drum 14th Brad Hinrichs 14th Ben Katterhagen 15th Luke Baker 15th Chris Holmquist 15th Zander Katterhagen 16th Kyle Winge 17th Tracy Schultz 21st Addie Ellingson 21st Kirk Olson 22nd Deb Adamek 23rd Roy Chapin 25th Ron Conley 25th Pam Schneekloth 26th Remington Meagher 28th Kale Hedlund 28th Barb Orr 28th Caden Schultz 29th Mary Hasse 29th Isabella Maschler 29th Dean Schultes 30th Jammie Hedlund

ALC CALENDAR – SEPTEMBER 2019

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8:45am Children's Nursery 9:00am Worship Service with Communion

7:00pm Sarah Circle Nursing Home Birthday Party

9:00am Staff Meeting

10:00am Music Ministry at Valley View

8:00pm Trustees Meeting

6:00pm Music Ministry Invitational Picnic

8:00pm Deacons Meeting

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

8:45am Children's Nursery 9:00am Worship Service 10:15am Sunday School 10:15am Missions Committee Meeting

7:00pm 5x5x5 Bible Readers Meeting

7:00 pm Confirmation Class Parents Meeting

9:00am Staff Meeting

10:00am Music Ministry at Valley View

4:15pm 7th and 8th Grade Confirmation

6:00pm Worship Team Practice 6:00pm 9th Grade Confirmation 7:00pm Choir Practice 8:00pm Church Council Meeting

9:30am Chapel at Nursing Home

10:15am Chapel at Assisted Living

15

16

17

18

19

20

21

8:45am Children's Nursery 9:00am Worship Service with Communion and Mission Trip Sharing

10:15am Sunday School 11:15am Youth and Family Committee Meeting

11:15am Board of Education Meeting

6:45pm Sarah Circle Valley View Hymn Sing

7:45pm Sarah Circle Bible Study

9:00am Staff Meeting

10:00am Music Ministry at Valley View

9:30am Esther Circle 11:00am Newsletter Articles Due 4:15pm 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation 5:30pm Family Night Supper

6:00pm 9th Grade Confirmation

6:00pm Worship Team Practice 7:00pm Choir Practice

9:00 am Operation Christmas Child Shoebox Presentation

22

23

24

25

26

27

28

8:00am Worship Team Rehearsal

8:45am Children's Nursery 9:00am Worship Service with 3rd Grade Bible Presentation

10:15am Sunday School 10:15 am Time to Talk – Growing Young

9:00am Staff Meeting

10:00am Music Ministry at Valley View

7:00am See You at the Pole – High School Student Prayer

4:15pm 7th & 8th Grade Confirmation 4:30pm Audio-Visual Committee Meeting

5:30pm Family Night Supper

6:00pm 9th Grade Confirmation 6:00pm Team Kid - Grades 1 - 6 6:00 pm Praise Team Practice 7:00pm Choir Practice

29

30

8:45am Children's Nursery 9:00am Worship Service with Communion and Shoebox Mission Focus

10:15am Sunday School 10:15 am Time to Talk – Growing Young