February 2015

Pastor Delvin Strecker

Parsonage/Pastor’s Office: (785) 546-2636 Dori Weber, Church Secretary

Cell Phone: (785) 822-4355 Church Phone: (785) 546-2244

Email: strecker.delvin@gmail.com Email: elimsec@gmail.com

Dear Members of Elim:

Several months ago, Pastor Shelly Klingensmith ran a quiz in her newsletter for Assaria Lutheran. I was

fascinated by the quiz and decided to run it our Messenger. I hope you enjoy this. (Answers will be in next

month’s Messenger.)

Pastor Delvin

Lutheran Identity Quiz

1. The name “Lutheran” wasn’t Martin Luther’s idea. What name did he suggest?

A. Reformed Christian

B. Evangelical Catholic

C. Saintly Brethern

D. Redeemed Catholic

2. The ELCA is the largest Lutheran body in the Unites States. What is the second largest Lutheran body?

A. American Lutheran Church

B. Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod

C. United Lutheran

D. North American Lutheran Church

3. October 31 is known as what for Lutherans?

A. Covenant Day

B. Reformation Day

C. Viking Day

D. The Feast of Saint Olaf

4. What is the most widely used translation of the Bible by Lutherans?

A. New American Bible

B. New International Bible

C. King James Bible

D. New Revised Standard Version

(Pastor's Letter Continues on Page 2)

EElliimm LLuutthheerraann CChhuurrcchh

TThhee MMeesssseennggeerr

mailto:strecker.delvin@gmail.commailto:elimsec@gmail.com

(Pastor's Letter Continued from Page 1)

5. The Diet of Worms in 1521 resulted in Luther being

A. Elevated to Bishop

B. Being branded as outlaw by the Emperor

C. Plagued with life-long digestive problems

D. Excommunicated

6. The Augsburg Confession of 1530 is a basic statement of what Lutherans believe. Who was the

principal author?

A. Phillip Melanchthon

B. Martin Luther

C. John Calvin

D. A committee of German theologians

7. How many sacraments are recognized by the Lutheran Church?

A. Three: Baptism, Holy communion and Marriage

B. Two: Baptism and Holy Communion

C. Seven: the same ones as the Roman Catholic Church

D. None: there are only ceremonies and rites but no sacraments

8. Which of the following was not written by Martin Luther?

A. Small Catechism

B. Large Catechism

C. Augsburg Confession

D. Smalcald Articles

9. What is the preferred form of address for Lutheran clergy in the United States?

A. Pastor

B. Reverend

C. Father (Mother)

D. Brother (Sister)

10. When and where was the first Lutheran Service held in North America?

A. 1645, Manhattan

B. 1620, present day Manitoba

C. 1662, Island of St. Thomas

D. 1720, Chicago

11. Which of the following statements is true concerning what Lutherans believe about the Bible?

A. Scripture was written by human beings, without God’s inspiration.

B. Scripture was inspired by God but human beings penned the words.

C. Both A and B: some scripture was written by humans without God’s inspiration and some was

written by humans but inspired by God.

(Pastor's Letter Continues on Page 3)

(Pastor's Letter Continues on Page 3)

12. According to recent estimates, there are about _______ Lutherans in the United States making it the

________________ largest religious denomination in the United States.

A. 2 million, tenth

B.13.5 million, fourth

C. 18 million, third

D. 5 million, sixth

13. No Lutheran has ever been President of the United States. What high level position has a Lutheran

held?

A. Vice-President

B. Secretary-General of the United Nations

C. Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

D. Principle host of the Academy Awards

14. True or false: Martin Luther struggled with his faith until he read in the Bible that we are saved by

God’s grace and not our own works.

15. True or false: Martin Luther translated the Bible into three languages: German, French and

English.

~ WELCA NEWS ~

Dates to remember:

Sunday, March 8 9:30-10:15 a.m. General WELCA Meeting in the sanctuary

Wednesday, March 25 1:30 p.m. Quilting at church

Friday, March 28 2:00 p.m. Riverview Birthday Party - Martha Group

WELCA Group now meets on the second Sunday of the month from 9:30-10:15 a.m. There will no longer be

individual group meetings or Wednesday night meetings.

Quilting has been moved to the last Wednesday of the month for 2015.

If you have not received a 2015 WELCA book, extra copies are available for pick-up in the Narthex.

The Ashby House of Salina, Kansas is in need of: hygiene items, laundry soap, dish soap, diapers, diaper

wipes, children’s socks & underwear, toilet paper, paper towels, Kleenex, canned fruit & vegetables, clothing,

used household items, used furniture, used appliances, and used yard tools. Please place any items you can give

by the Parish Hall and we’ll make sure they get donated to the correct person. Thanks – Brooke Olson, WELCA

President.

~ ALTAR FLOWERS ~ On Sunday January 11 & 18, the altar flowers were

given in loving memory of Mary Borg who passed

away one year ago on January 8, given by her

husband Daryl and sister Norma Ericson.

On Sunday, January 25, the altar flowers were given

in loving memory of Richard, Geneva, and Marilee

Peterson given by Jim and Fred Peterson and Ingrid

Neste.

~ CONGRATULATIONS ~ Congratulations to new church council members

recently elected at the Annual Meeting of the

Congregation on Sunday, January 25: Scott Feil,

Patty Kolling Kelly Larson (incumbent - second

term), and Darryl Talbott. They will begin their 3-

year terms at the February 2 church council

meeting.

Special thanks to council members who have

completed their terms: Tracy Bunk, Randy Jirak,

and Kenny Knackstedt.

~ NOISE OFFERING ~ The monthly noise offering will be taken on

Sunday, February 8 during worship. The Noise

Offering, which is taken on the second Sunday of

every month, is to benefit the Children's Memorial

Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Missouri. The

Sunday School Offering will also go to this cause

for the 2014-2015 school year. Please remember to

bring your loose change for the Sunday School

children to collect.

~ COMMUNITY BINGO ~ Elim's Evangelism Committee will host a

Community Bingo Night on Saturday, February 7 at

7:00 p.m. at the Marquette American Legion. The

committee is seeking help to make this night a

success. Last year, there was a packed house for this

fun event. Can you donate prizes, provide cookies,

or volunteer to help that night? If so, please call

Kelly Larson at (785) 212-0323.

~ YOUTH GROUP ~ The High School Youth Group meets weekly on

Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:00 p.m. for a meal

and fellowship. If you are able to provide a meal

this fall for the High School Youth Group, please

contact Hannah Jones at (620) 755-7520 or Tammy

Feil at (620) 242-4764. Cash donations will also be

accepted this year from those who would like to

help but are unable to prepare a meal.

~ VALENTINE'S DINNER ~ The High School Youth Group will host a

Valentine’s Day Dinner on Saturday, February 14

from 6:00-8:00 p.m. The meal will include bread,

salad, green beans, spaghetti, a red velvet cupcake

and an extra treat. Tickets will be sold for the meal

at $5 each. Reservations are recommended but not

required and take out will be available. All the

proceeds will benefit the group's serve and ski trip

over spring break. You can see any of the High

School Youth (Erin, Kassie, Sadie, Layne, Logan,

Gracy, Diana, and Shannon) or Hannah Jones for

tickets.

~ PRAYER BREAKFAST ~ The 41st Annual Lindsborg Mayor’s Prayer

Breakfast will be on Thursday, February 19 at 6:45

a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 224 South

Main Street in Lindsborg, Kansas.

This year, Bill Carlson will be the speaker. Bill's

presentation is entitled: The Sting of a Bee or the

Budding of a Flower? and is based on Ephesians

5:18b-20 Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one

another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the

Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the

Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for

everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Special music will be provided by RoJean Loucks,

harpist.

Tickets are available at Scott’s Thriftway in

Lindsborg and are $4.50. Please stop by Scott’s and

get your tickets for this very special once-a-year

event.

Please Keep in Prayer — Gary Alstatt, Alysha

Mapes (Brooke Olson’s cousin), Gayle Nelson,

Ashlea Nicholson, and Lory Traugott. If you have prayer requests, please contact Pastor

Delvin or the church office by leaving a note on the

bulletin board, calling 546-2244, or emailing to

elimsec@gmail.com. The list will renew every three

months on April 1, July 1,October 1, and January 1.

New prayer list requests will be taken at any time.

~ FREE MAGAZINE ~ Feel free to pick up a copy of The Lutheran

magazine in the Narthex. They are available for

anyone who is not already receiving their own

subscription at home.

~ ELIM WEBSITE ~ Elim has a website on the internet. Please visit

www.elimmarquette.org to check it out! You can

see the monthly calendar events and now send

prayer requests to Pastor Delvin or view the

monthly Messenger newsletter online.

~ GENEALOGY WORSHOP ~ Discover Your Swedish Roots! Swedish Genealogy

Workshops will be on March 28-29 and September

26-27, 2015 in Lindsborg. These workshops are

sponsored by ArkivDigital, the leader in Swedish

online records, and hosted by the Old Mill Museum

in Lindsborg. For more information, including

registration costs & forms can be found

at www.oldmillmuseum.org or obtained by calling

(785) 227-3595.

Sadie McBride - Junior at Little River High School

Parents: Wayne & Terri McBride

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends, sports

Favorite Activity at Church: Going to the Royals game

Favorite Bible Story: Daniel and the Lion's Den

Future Plans: Go to college

Erin Hudson - Senior at Little River High School

Parents: Roger & Kristen Hudson

Hobbies: Sports

Favorite Activity at Church: Youth Group

Favorite Bible Story: The Christmas Story

Future Plans: College

Layne Patrick - Junior at Smoky Valley High School

Parents: Steve Patrick & Kelly Alexander

Hobbies: Guitar, Studying, video games, Scholar's

Bowl, quiz/trivia games

Favorite Activity at Church: Youth Group

Favorite Bible Story: Noah's Ark

Future Plans: College - Science/Engineering

Meet Elim's

High School

Youth Group

mailto:elimsec@gmail.comhttp://oldmillmuseum.org/tel:785-227-3595

~ CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES ~

8 church council members were present at the January meeting.

December expenses were $13,140. Receipts were $17,400 (and $4,430 of that total was from electronic deposits).

2014 total expenses were $135,550 and receipts were $108,204.

A Swedish Supper expense/receipt printed report was provided. $1396.39 checks will be given to Riverview Estates and Ministerial Alliance. The Elim Improvement Fund was also given $1396.39.

A first proof of the church directory was received. All submitted photos (non-Lifetouch) were not displayed in the book. Pastor is working with Lifetouch to get the problem corrected.

A numbered key list has been made. Council approved a motion to accept the request for four more keys for members. Key agreements and numbered keys will be dispersed soon. Discussed getting some kind

of key chains to put on new keys so they aren't misplaced so easily. Discussed a difficult door lock. All

locks will be replaced.

Council approved a motion approved to allow the High School Youth Group to have a Valentine's Day Dinner on Saturday, February 14 for a fund raiser.

Council approved a motion to allow the Matthew Wickstrom/Diane Miller wedding in the church on Saturday, July 18.

Pastor's Housing Allowance is $29,350. Council approved a motion to pay this amount for 2015.

Discussed annual meeting agenda items.

The Finance and Stewardship committee met in December to compile a budget. A printed budget proposal was provided and reviewed. The Synod is asking for at least $100 increase in benevolence. The

committee proposed $5100 for benevolence. Committee proposed a 1 1/2% increase ($50/month) in

Pastor's basic salary. The total budget went up $1573 over last year. Council approved a motion to

accept the budget as proposed.

Council discussed the cost of mailing The Messenger monthly and discussed different, more cost-effective ways to get the monthly newsletter out. This issue will be on the annual meeting agenda for the

congregation to discuss.

Kenny Knackstedt announced he will not run for a 2nd term on the church council.

Various ideas were discussed regarding a fund raiser to assist with Elim's declining general fund balance.

Betsy Patrick provided a resignation letter to council and will complete her secretary duties by February 1. She will help train a replacement if one is found soon. Council will publicize the job in the bulletin.

Council approved a motion to accept this resignation.

Meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m. with the Lord's Prayer.

Next Meeting: Monday, February 2 at 7:00 p.m.

Communion Assistant: February 1 & 15 – Beth Thomas

~ FROM PASTOR’S DESK ~ Thank you to all who put their names up for council positions. Elim could not survive without volunteers.

Please make plans to be a part of this year’s Lenten services. As a part of this series, 24 Hours That Changed

the World, Pastor Bever and I are offering an opportunity to take part in a daily devotional that will coincide

with the videos we are showing. Please see the article in the Messenger about the Lenten services. The

devotionals are $4.95. There will be a sign up sheet at worship on Sunday or you can email me at

strecker.delvin@gmail.com or call me at 785-822-4355 to order the devotional booklet.

First Communion classes will be held on 3 Sundays in March: March 8, March 15 and March 22. Letters to

families will be mailed out on February 13. --- Pastor Delvin

mailto:Strecker.delvin@gmail.com

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION

ELIM LUTHERAN CHURCH - MARQUETTE, KANSAS

January 25, 2015 MINUTES

After a potluck meal, Pastor Delvin Strecker led the gathering in devotions and in singing, “We All Are One in

Mission.” Church Council Chairman Scott Johnson opened the meeting at 12:50 p.m. and thanked those who

helped prepare the potluck. Council Chairman thanked Betsy Patrick, the outgoing church secretary. He also

thanked Pastor Delvin and all of those in the congregation who do God's work in our church and in our

community. Thanks was also given for the organist, choir directors, custodian, and youth directors. Thanks to

those who helped on special projects that occurred this year and those helpful for providing labor, especially in

putting a new roof on the parsonage garage. Rusty Young was thanked for installing the new sprinkler system

and lawn at the church and for upkeep of the lawn for one year.

Volunteer lists were passed and filled in by attendees for 2015 for greeters, lectors, coffee hosts, altar flowers,

and Riverview Sing-a-long volunteers. WELCA is no longer in charge of Sing-a-long. All members of the

congregation are asked to help and four to five volunteers are needed every 3rd Sunday.

A motion was approved to accept the 2014 Annual Meeting Minutes as printed.

Report of the Nominating Committee - 7 names were on the printed ballot by the filing deadline. Jenna Jones

was nominated from the floor to the ballot. Motion approved to cease nominations. Council Chairman thanked

all who agreed to be on the ballot and the nominating committee for their work in gathering nominees.

Council Chairman appointed ballot tellers: Kate Emery, Craig Larson, Dana Olson, and Mike Hulse. Council

Chairman thanked outgoing council members Randy Jirak, Kenny Knackstedt, and Tracy Bunk. Kelly Larson

has also completed her first term but is back on the ballot as an incumbent.

Election of Memorial Committee - Julie Olson reported that there are no changes from last year's committee.

All committee members are active and there is no need to elect new members this year.

Election of Nominating Committee - Nominations for the floor were: Bob Jones, Betsy Patrick, Carylee Jones,

Sandra Myers, and Dorine Cunningham. Motion approved to cease nominations. Betsy Patrick volunteered to

chair the committee for the 2016 ballot.

Appointment of Auditing Committee Member - Peter Hamma has completed his three year term. Kendra

Hopp (new chairman) and Jim Thomas will remain on the committee to audit the 2015 financial information.

Marci Fox was appointed to complete the committee.

COMMITTEE REPORTS - Additions to printed reports Pastor’s Report - The second directory proof has been submitted to Lifetouch and Elim should have completed

directories by Easter. In the process of working on the directory, church rolls are accurate right now. The

Ministerial Alliance will try a new video series format for Lenten services. Services will be at 6:30 p.m. on

Sunday nights, except for 7:00 p.m. on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday.

Council Chairman thanked all committees for their hard work throughout the year.

Worship & Music - Brooke Olson reminded attendees of Gospel Music Sunday on February 8. Jackie Larson

thanked Allan Lindfors for his leadership.

Christian Education - Council Chairman thanked Tammy Feil, Diane Hedberg and all of the teachers this past

year for their leadership. Tammy Feil asked for Wednesday night supper volunteers to provide meals for 20

confirmation students and high school youth. Tammy also praised Hannah Jones for taking over the youth

group leadership role.

Evangelism - Kelly Larson thanked her committee for their work on many projects this year. The committee

will host a Bingo Night on Saturday, February 7 at 7:00 p.m. at the Marquette American Legion. Council

Chairman commended the active committee this year.

Finance & Stewardship - Scott Johnson thanked his committee member for their work, specifically on the

2015 budget.

Social Ministry - Peter Hamma reported that the committee also hosted a soup benefit for the Helen Weber in

addition to other activities mentioned in his report. He also asked for new social ministry ideas in the future.

Property - Randy Jirak reported that the committee will be changing the locksets on the church and parsonage

in the next week or two. New keys were distributed today. Those with old keys can discard them once the new

locks are in.

WELCA - Outgoing President Kate Emery praised new President Brooke Olson for a already doing a good

job. Brooke reminded the women that the next WELCA general meeting is Sunday, February 8.

Memorial - No additions to the printed report.

FINANCIAL REPORTS

There was a question regarding whether there could be a monthly expense/receipt report publicized in The

Messenger newsletter. This issue will be discussed further at church council. A motion was approved to accept

all printed financial reports. All accounts have audited and found to be correct. Diane Hedberg was thanked for

her work as the church treasurer in 2014. Diane Hedberg also thanked past treasurers for their service.

2015 CHURCH COUNCIL ELECTION RESULTS

Council Chairman announced that the four members elected for the 2015 church council were: Kelly Larson

(incumbent), Patty Kolling, Scott Feil, & Darryl Talbott.

OLD BUSINESS - No old business to discuss.

NEW BUSINESS

Adoption of 2015 Budget - 2014 was a financially challenging year for Elim. The church council recently

approved the printed budget proposal. There was discussion regarding the bell choir director and choir director

salary line items. A motion was approved to accept the budget as printed for 2015.

The Messenger Mailing - By recent estimates, it costs $2178 per year, or $181 a month to produce and mail

The Messenger newsletter to 217 households. There was extensive discussion and suggestions regarding how

costs could be cut by reducing the number mailed. The Messenger is currently available on the church website.

Church council will discuss this issue further.

Fund Raiser Brainstorming - It has been brought up at church council that Elim needs to look at other ways to

generate income. Discussed a church garage sale on the same day as the community garage sales in town, which

is the 1st Saturday in June. Dana Olson volunteered to be in charge of this event and members could donate

items to be sold for the benefit of the church. Pastor said the parsonage garage could be used for collection and

the sale. This item will be brought to church council for final approval. Other suggestions discussed to raise

money were: put Swedish Supper proceeds in the General Fund instead of the Improvement Fund, and a

Haunted Hike Trail.

Council Chairman closed the meeting by announcing that the church council hired Dori Weber as the new

church secretary, beginning in February.

A motion was approved for adjournment at 1:55 p.m. Pastor Delvin provided the benediction and closing

prayer.

Minutes taken by Betsy Patrick, Elim Lutheran Church Secretary

MILESTONES

FEBRUARY BIRTHDAYS 2 – Skye Farris

4 – Joel Nelson

6 – Eric Edwards

7 – Justin Rock

Sandra Myers

8 – Dori Staggs

9 – Linda Crosby

10 – Korbin Niegsch

11 – Bob Jones

16 – Katrina Sickmon

18 – Karen Teague

Brynne Weber

19 – Gracie Brady

20 – MaKenzie Brady

22 – Georgie Ingemanson

23 – Sarah Jane Smith

24 – Kendal Brueggen

25 – Jody Lindh

26 – Jamie Nelson

27 – Jake Loder

28 – Wyatt Reid

Maggie Lindfors

FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES 12 – Mr. & Mrs. Kenny Knackstedt – 38 years

14 – Mr. & Mrs. Roger Hudson – 22 years

If you no longer wish to receive this monthly

newsletter, please let the Elim Lutheran Church office

know by calling (785) 546-2244 and leaving a message,

emailing elimsec@gmail.com, or leaving a note on the

church office door.

Letters of opinion will not be printed in the Messenger.

Church Council, as representatives of the

congregation, will address individual concerns as they

arise. (Policy per church council vote on November 4,

2013.)

2014 Volunteer Lists were circulated at the Annual

Congregational Meeting. Many spots are still open

to volunteer to serve as greeters, coffee hosts, and to

assist with Riverview Sing-a-long. Please sign-up

on the main bulletin board in the Parish Hall and in

the kitchen if you can help with these duties.

ON THE JOB AT ELIM ACOLYTES

Rylee & Ryenne Cunningham

GREETERS

1 - _____________________

8 - _____________________

15 - Scott & Linda Johnson

22 - Barry & Carylee Nelson

LECTORS

1 - Jackie Larson

8 - _____________________ 15 - Linda Johnson

22 - _____________________

CHILDREN’S SERMON

8 - Gospel Sunday/No Children's Sermon

22 - Kelly French

COMMUNION SET-UP/CLEAN-UP

1 - Charlotte Knackstedt & Jayleen Sellhorn

18 - Jackie Larson

COMMUNION BREAD

18 - Gracy Feil & Jackie Larson

COMMUNION ASSISTANT

1 & 15 - Beth Thomas

18 - _______________________

ALTAR FLOWERS

8 - Jim & Beth Thomas

22 - Bare Altar for Lent

USHERS

Scott Johnson – captain, Bruce Amos, Danny

Caesar, Scott Feil, Randy Jirak, Dixon Johnson,

Adam Jones, Bob Jones, Monte Loder, Joel Nelson,

Linn Nelson, Brian Patrick, Laurel Patrick, Layne

Patrick, Steve Patrick, Kenny Talbott

COFFEE HOSTS/HOSTESSES

1 - Susan Buffington

8 - Tammy Feil

15 - Julie Olson

22 - Susan Buffington

RIVERVIEW SING-A-LONG

15 - Jackie Larson

Carylee Nelson

Patty Kolling

mailto:elimsec@gmail.com

Rylee Cunningham - 14 years old/8th grade

Parents: Jeff & Dorine Cunningham

Siblings: Ryenne

Sports You Play: Volleyball, Basketball, Track, Softball

Favorite Food: Flour Chips

Favorite Bible Character: Esther

Favorite Bible Story: Moses & the Red Sea

Carson Windholz - 13 years old/8th grade

Parents: Brad & Gina Windholz

Siblings: Logan

Sports You Play: Football, Basketball, Track

Favorite Food: Ramen Noodles

Favorite Bible Character: Daniel

Favorite Bible Story: Goliath

COMMUNITY LENTEN SERVICE SCHEDULE

Community services by the Marquette Ministerial Alliance

All services will be at 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted

Ash Wednesday, February 18 Elim Lutheran

Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes *** 7:00 p.m. ***

Sunday, February 22 Freemount Lutheran The Last Supper

Sunday, March 1 Marquette United Methodist The Garden of Gethsemane

Sunday, March 8 Elim Lutheran Condemned by the Righteous

Sunday, March 15 Freemount Lutheran Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate

Sunday, March 22 Marquette United Methodist The Torture and Humiliation of the King

Sunday, March 29 Elim Lutheran The Crucifixion

Maundy Thursday, April 2 Services at Individual Churches

(Elim at 7:00 p.m.)

Good Friday, April 3 Marquette United Methodist

The Way of the Cross *** 7:00 p.m. ***

This year, instead of a sermon, video clips from the series 24 Hours That Changed the

World will be shown during the Lenten Services. After, the host Pastor will lead a short

discussion of the video clip using the guide prepared by Pastor Adam Hamilton, pastor of

the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection, Leawood, Kansas. Pastor Hamilton

took a video crew to the Holy Land and in each of the video clips, the audience will visit

the actual site of everything that happened in the last 24 hours of Jesus' life. At each of the

sites, Pastor Hamilton explains to us what happened and what it means to us as

Christians. Come join us for a learning experience that will add to your Lenten journey!