elk creek lutheran church newsletter · 2018. 9. 7. · dubiel, jean schermetzler, barb hammer,...
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Elk Creek Lutheran
Church Newsletter Volume 27 Issue 4 April 2016
Do You Have the Courage To Be The Teller Of An “Idle Tale”?
I remember the day well, as do many of you I presume. It was January 28th, 1986 and, for me, another semester of college had just resumed as I arrived at a late morning class. The first unusual thing that I noticed was that no one in the lecture hall was seated, dozens of students were instead gathered around the television in the corner of the room. The next thing that registered was that no one was saying a word, everyone sat mute as they listened to the shocking events that had just unfolded. The space shuttle Challenger had exploded a mere 73 seconds into its journey toward outer space. A nation watched and listened as one of the greatest technological accomplishments of our time failed and disintegrated before our very eyes. The earthly lives of six dedicated astronauts and one inspirational high school teacher had abruptly come to a tragic end with hundreds of millions of people watching all around the world. My memories of the Challenger disaster came rushing back to me recently when I read the AP
news story announcing the death of Bob Ebeling. Mr. Ebeling, as you may remember, was one of the engineers who designed and built booster rockets for NASA. In the days leading up to the late January launch of the Challenger space shuttle he worked tirelessly gathering data, running through scenarios that all ended badly, and did whatever else he could think of to convince his superiors to postpone the launch until warmer weather arrived. Bob was convinced that if the temperature at launch was too cold, the pressurized seals on the booster rockets would fail, and...You already know what would happen after that. It is well documented that Mr. Ebeling had the courage and tried valiantly to tell what others considered to be “idle tales” about the risks of
that fateful launch. For Mr. Ebeling it would take nearly all of the next 30 years for him to forgive himself for not finding a way to convince others that his idle tales could have saved lives had he been taken seriously.
Telling idle tales is precisely the way that the gospel writer Luke reports on the news that is delivered back to the eleven disciples and all the rest on that first Easter Sunday. Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women, upon their return from the tomb, reported that by seeing the tomb void of Jesus' body and remembering the words they had once been told they had come to learn that their Lord was raised from the dead. And initially, no one believe a word of it. “But these words seemed to them an idle tale, and they did not believe them.” is the way in which Luke records the response of the disciples. May we like Bob, the two Marys, Joanna, and many others through the generations find the courage, when given the opportunity, to speak the truth no matter how much it may sound like an idle tale. Jesus Christ is risen. He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah!
Bob Ebeling
1926 - 2016
A Blessed Easter Season to all, Pastor Terry Lorenz
Free Financial Education Series Offered
Peace Lutheran of Pigeon Falls will be hosting a series of 3 free financial workshops from 2 to 3 p.m. on the following dates: Sunday, April 3, Sunday, April 24, and Sunday May 15. These sessions will cover Powers of Attorney, Probate Avoidance, and Will & Trusts. Registration must be completed by noon on the Thursday before each session.
To register Call the church office at 715-
983-2242, or send an email to pfluthparish@triwest.net
Thank You Kindly
“We thank you kindly, we thank you kindly, we thank you kindly, for this GOOD
GOOD FOOD!” Thank you to all those who
helped prepare and those who gathered for the midweek
Lenten Meals.
Hale Cemetery Spring Cleanup
The Board of Directors for the Hale Cemetery is seeking volunteers to help with the annual cleanup of the grounds as we head into the spring season and begin our preparation for Memorial Day.
On Saturday, April 2nd folks are invited to bring their rakes, work gloves, and whatever else would be helpful.
Come as early as you like and leave when you need to.
Spring: Life Blooms Again.
Can we try very hard to be what God wants us to be? In the book of
Revelations, a book of opening a door to heaven and the early chapters open
a door on earth. They show us the church of the first century. We have some
of the problems that those Christians had.
In Johns opening passage he speaks of grace from him who is and who was
and who is to come. He describes Jesus as a faithful witness, the firstborn of
the dead and the ruler of kings on earth. Jesus the one who loves us, the one
who freed us from our sins and to him who made us a kingdom.
Jesus loved us and it was a costly love. Many people had no
assurance of love when they first received this message
many folks were slaves and some had no family to love
them. They rejoiced that there was one in heaven who loved
them. They were happy to think that they mattered and were
loved by Jesus.
To think of the great sacrifice Jesus made the one who paid the
greatest price. Jesus freed us from our sins by his own blood. This shows us
how precious Jesus thought we were. We are all made in the image of God, in
heart and mind as well and God thought we were worth saving.
Like the people in the church at Ephesus, we forget Jesus too, be he
goes on loving us. If we have lost love of Jesus. Come and repent. He corrects
us because he loves us. He checks us and tries to bring us back to him.
He freed us from our sins the first century was a world of
oppression and people were in captivity. They were terrified because they
thought they were under the dominion of death. Life would end and so they
really were terrified in the pagan world.
The early Christians believed they were free from their sins. They believed
that now they were aide into the people they ought to be and want to be. They
were now freed for God. They were redeemed and ransomed for God because
of all that Christ had done for them on the cross and because of his
resurrection. He did this because of his great love for us.
Can we even imagine a love like that? He makes us into his people.
Into the people that God wants us to e. the devil destroys, but God has
creative power. We need to remember that we are not our own. We belong to
our heavenly father. He created us. We are partners of a very privileged
kingdom. We belong to a king. To be members of this wonderful kingdom
we must acknowledge his rule over our loves. And admit his rights over us.
We can fulfill our destiny in Christ.
Do we live so near to the lord because we are loved by him? Freed
from our sins because of him, that people seek us out. When Jesus was on
earth people sought him out because they knew that he would help them.
If we realize at the foot of the cross and remember the empty tomb as
we meet the living lord Jesus, he will make us all the way he wants us to be
and the way we ought to be. If we can be the way God wants us to be, maybe
we can turn many from their iniquities. The most evangelistic force is
holiness of life.
For God who said “let light shine out of darkness.” Made his light
shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Christ.
Has spring really sprung? The birds are really singing and the grass is
getting very green. Isn’t spring great, everything coming to life again.
Have a great spring. We can be renewed in faith like spring.-LaVerne
March 2, 2016 Meeting of the Elk Creek
WELCA
Meeting was called to order at 1:00 by co-
president Stephanie. Members present were Sheryl
Ellwood, LaVerne Schaefer, Becky Rongstad, Mary
Dubiel, Jean Schermetzler, Barb Hammer, Barb
Nelson and Roseann Thompson. Meeting opened
with the WELCA Creed, Theme Verse and Theme
Song.
Secretary’s report was read by Jean
approved and placed on file.
Treasurer’s report was read by Becky.
Ending checking balance as of February 29, 2015
was $8,400.46, Max Rate $4,401.54, Seminary
Savings $91.52, Seminary CD $10,998.34. Report
was approved and placed on file as read.
Dick Schermetzler, President of the Elk
Creek Lutheran Church Council, attended today’s
meeting to provide information to the Ladies on
upcoming changes to the new constitution that
would affect the Ladies and to give an update on the
dishwasher situation.
For the year 2017 the WELCA will
nominate a person to serve a 3 year term on the
Congregation Council at their October Meeting.
That name will be given to the Parish Nominating
Committee to be placed on the ballot at the Annual
Meeting. The person’s term of office will start at
the close of the Annual Meeting at which they are
elected. Questions and discussion by Ladies who
then approved the new way they would be
represented on the council according to the new
constitution.
Dick then went on to give an update on the
dishwasher situation. He has been in contact with
Benedict Refrigeration, who sold us the dishwasher,
CMS the manufacturer of dishwasher, and Osseo
Plumbing who put in the new hot water heater.
After many hours of calls it has come down to
couple of choices, purchase a small under the
counter electric heater for the dishwasher, another
set of dishes so that we would have time in between
sittings for present hot water heater to get up to
temperature, or swap present hot water heater for a
commercial hot water heater. After discussion, it
was the Ladies recommendation to go with the
purchase of the small under the counter hot water
heater.
Old Business-None
New Business
We received information about reserving
space at the Lake Martha Days, June 18, so that we
could sell our cookbooks and raffle tickets for the
Bazaar Quilt. Motion was made by Becky to send
in money for a booth at Lake Martha Days, 2nd by
Jean. Motion approved. We will be looking for
people to help by working two hour shifts, between
9 am and 3 pm, at the booth.
Letter from Compassion Child was read by
Stephanie.
Thank you notes will be sent to Tim Schaal
family for their generous gift to the WELCA and
also to Tim and Barb Fisher for the use of their
refrigerated trailer.
Next Wednesday, March 9that 9:30, at
Immanuel Lutheran Church in Strum they will have
their morning Prayer Breakfast. Program will be
“I’m not the Pastor’s Wife I’m just married to him.”
Women of the WELCA Northwest Wisconsin
Synod SWO Convention will be held at the Plaza
Hotel April 29-30. Registration is $60. Looking for
a delegate to attend whose registration would be
paid for.
Dairyland Morning of Renewal Conference
will be held on April 13 at Nordon. Advance tickets
will be $8.00 or $10 at the door. Registration will
begin at 8:30 meeting will start at 9:30. Speaker
will be Sherry DePolis Thompson. Please
remember “Love Gifts” of canned goods or paper
products.
LaVerne will do devotion for next month
meeting.
Thank you notes were read
from Barb Hammer and Family,
Lutheran Ministry Project
Comfort for check sent to help
with shipping of Mission Quilts,
Debbie from Eleva/Strum
School for donation to Weekend
Meals Program, Lutheran World Relief for Mission
Kits and quilts, and the Tim Schaal Family.
Motion to adjourn was made by Barb Nelson, 2nd by
Jean. Motion carried.
Meeting closed with Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted by,
Jean Schermetzler
Lutefisk Dinner Thank you to all those who helped make this year a success. Profit as of March 25, 2016 is $4424.52. We sold 386 tickets. There is still
frozen lutefisk for sale $5/pound.
March 14, 2016
Congregational Council meeting Meeting was called to order
at 7:04 p.m. by President
Dick Schermetzler. Members
present were Barb Howard,
Brandi Berg, Tammy
Danenberg, Dick
Schermetzler, Kevin Eid, Jim
Kehrmeyer & Pastor Lorenz.
Pastor Lorenz led us in devotions from Paul,
chapter 19. He reminded us that Holy Week can be a
stressful and emotional time; just as our service to God
can be the same. He then led us in prayer.
Treasurer's Report presented by Brandi Berg.
Checking balance as of 3/14/16 was $9,231.00. Motion
to approve by Kevin, 2nd by Jim; approved
Checking Account - $9,231.00
Building fund checking - $10,442.00
2020 Fund - $20,130.00
22 month CD - $13,420.00
22 month new CD - $5,693.00
Clavinova Fund - $4,151.00
Memorial Fund - $1,343.00
Secretary's report for February was read by Tammy.
Motion to approve by Barb, 2nd Kevin; approved.
Pastor's Report
Thank you was read from RAYS (Runaway and
Youth Services) for our donation to them
We have several new members whose names were
brought forth by Pastor for the council’s
consideration. They will be joining later in the year,
possibly by summer – Swett Family and Diane and
Bjorn Rusten.
Adelina, daughter of Naomi Stevens and Alex Mota,
will be baptized here in April. They will be moving
here soon.
Church in the Barn Day has been set for August 14th
at the Johnson Barn. Pastor has asked Jane Pederson
to speak at it.
Parish Board will be Clarissa Clark (continuing) and
Barb Fischer (new representative)
Email account from TC
C will be set up for our treasurer to use. Pastor will
help set this up.
Surveys have been distributed and the box is set up
in the Narthex for use. Please have your survey in by
the end of March.
Clavinova Fund has exceeded our goal. It will be
purchased soon and the plan is to place it in the front
of the church, possibly on the pulpit side.
W/ELCA – No report Deacons - No Report Youth
Group - No Report Custodian - No report
Cemetery Board - No Report Board of Ed. - No
Report Organist/Choir Director - No Report
President’s Report
Portico Benefit Services sent a letter encouraging
our Pastor to stay healthy
Ruby’s Pantry is encouraging people to come and
take part in their food distribution. It takes place in
Osseo on the 2nd Tuesday of the month
Feed My People Food Bank also distributes in
Strum on the 1st Tuesday of the month as well.
Old Business
Work still needs to be completed on the back step
and the roof leak above the balcony piano.
New oven is temporarily placed in the old location
but will be moved soon.
Dishwasher did not work as well as we had hoped
for the Lutefisk dinner. We will be installing a 75
gallon hot water heater designated specifically for
the dishwasher and probably hook the sprayer up to
the on-demand system. We will receive credit for the
current hot water heater and pay an addition $650
for the upgrade. Hopefully, this will solve the
problem.
Electrical – we will be installing a 300 amp box with
about 36 – 48 circuit breakers thru Onstad Electric.
Many of the old circuit breakers in the old 200 amp
box were in poor condition.
New reflective tape needs to be put on the back
stairway / furnace room step. There have been
several slips and falls back there. Hopefully the new
lighting that is being put back there will help as well.
Front step / landing area needs to be repainted as
well.
Constitution updates were looked at.
New Business
Brandi asked that people please read the newsletter
and if anyone has any suggestions for it to please let
her know.
Website needs some updates like the Council’s
photo and the President’s phone number.
Brandi suggested we could do something special for
Earth Day / Earth Month (April). Pastor said that
many churches do a “Rogation Sunday” for blessing
of seeds and crops and we could possibly tie it into
that. He will meet with Brandi to plan some possible
activities.
Fan in the church needs to be replaced – it hums
quite loudly. Dick will continue looking into getting
a new one.
Motion to adjourn made by Barb, 2nd by Kevin; Motion
carried. Meeting adjourned at 9:05. We closed with the
Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Tammy Danenberg,
Recording Secretary.
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
Ushers: Isaac, Dawsyn, & Gavin Greeter: Josie Robinson
1 2
Cemetery Clean Up
3
Sunday School @ 9:15 Church @ 10:30
Church Choir Communion Celebrated
Deacons Assisting: Wendy & Kevin Acolyte/Crucifer: Owen Gibson & Isiac Filla
Alter Gild: Deb
4
Lion’s Club Group 2
5 6
WELCA @ 1:00pm
7 8 9
10 Sunday School @ 9:15
Church @ 10:30 Sunday School Choir & Food Pantry
Communion Celebrated Deacons Assisting: Barb & Jim
Acolyte/Crucifer: Taylor Hammer & Dawsyn Lyngen Alter Gild: Lindsey
11
Council Meeting @ 7:00pm
12 13
All Day Quilting
14 15 16
17 Sunday School @ 9:15
Church @ 10:30 Church Choir
18 Bible Study @ 6:00pm Jean
Schermetzler’s
19 20 Bible Study
@ 1:30pm Church
21 22
Earth Day
23
24 Sunday School @ 9:15
Church @ 10:30
25 26
Healthcare Center @ 2:00pm
27
All Day Quilting
28 29 30
April 2016
Church: #715.694.2187
Terry Home: #715.695.3524
Sunday Bulletin: Mariah Filla fillamariah@gmail.com
Newsletter: Brandi Berg berg9515@gmail.com or #694.2298
Elk Creek Lutheran W16333 Cty Rd OO Osseo, WI 54758
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