immanuel lutheran church - in this issue: from the pastor p...

Immanuel

Lutheran Church

MESSENGER July/August 2016 Volume 19, No. 8

In This Issue: From the Pastor p 1 Directory Updates p 2 Learning p 3 Rally Day, Puppet Show

VBS Music and Worship p 5 Community p 6 Words of Thanks, Youth p 8 Council Update, 2016 p 9

Council Members

July, August Calendars p 10

1 From the Pastor… Watching For God This past week we hosted Vacation Bible School at Immanuel. Children from 4 years through 5th grade spent the week exploring how “God is Good.” When life changes or is scary or sad or good, God is good!” Each morning during the opening, we spent time thinking about ways we saw God working in the world. We called them “God Sightings.” Each small group passed around a small candle and each member had the chance to speak. We heard about help with broken cars, about beautiful gardens, about sharing, about siblings showing care for each other, and many other ways God’s Spirit is working in this world. Today, I’d like to tell you a few of the God Sightings I experienced at Bible School last week:

JOY - There’s nothing like the sheer abandon of someone who is joyful. Kids ran, laughed, sang. Yes there were a few arguments, and frustrations and tears, there always are. But a smile that says, “I know I’m loved just as I am!” is a gift from God. I saw God’s Spirit of Joy on the faces of kids and volunteers all week long.(In your presence there is fullness of joy - Psalm 16:11)

PRAYER - We began and ended each day in prayer. I started us off each day, but asked for volunteers to close the day. It takes some courage to stand up in front of a room (where many of the people are older than you) and pray aloud. But there was no lack of volunteers. Some prayed without any help, and others chose the “repeat after me” method. But each day, when I said, “close your eyes and bow your heads and listen to the quiet.” The room became holy space, and one young voice spoke through the Spirit to bring praise and thanksgiving to God. (We do not know how to pray as we ought, but that very Spirit intercedes with sighs too deep for words – Romans 8:26)

PASSING ON THE FAITH – We pass on the faith to others as much by our actions as by our words. All around Bible School I saw teens and adults in red and blue aprons singing, laughing, telling their stories (otherwise known as testifying) and encouraging (along with a hundred trips to the bathroom, cleaning up spills, wiping away tears and giving hugs.) These volunteers taught that Christians are servants who care about Jesus and about each other. What a great way to pass on the faith! (Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the our faith – Hebrews 12:1-2)

2

TRUST - Finally, I saw God provide a safe place for children to think about their lives and their God. They spoke honestly about the joys and sorrows they experienced: times they were alone and frightened during a storm; what it was like when their parents divorced; how it felt when a friend moved away. Their group leaders took them seriously, and helped them hear that when life is hard, God is there and will lead them through. (In all things God works for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.)

It was a fun, active week of VBS. But more importantly, it was a sacred week in the presence of God. And we could see God there. Where have you seen God this week? Pastor Cindy

DIRECTORY UPDATES If you have already moved, are planning a move, have a new or different phone number or email address from what is published in the current directory, please call or email Russ with the change. He can be reached at 651-699-5560 or [email protected]. Thanks! New Addresses: Shirley Bethke Millie Chapman Lewis and Dorothy Dohman 502 Lynnhurst Ave E #203 3801 Hart Drive #102 418 W Hwy 96, #106 St. Paul, MN 55104 Minneapolis, MN 55421-4107 Shoreview, MN 55126 651-698-3977 (same as before) 763-210-6612 651-699-2266 Phone number change:

Jane and Jo Lilleodden 651-348-4235

3 Learning

Looking ahead: Rally Day! Sept. 18th, 9:15-10:15

We will begin our education

programming year on Rally Day, Sept.

18th, 9:15-10:15am. All ages will enjoy a

special learning event together.

Sunday School Teacher Opportunities Here are a few of the things our Sunday School teachers say about teaching Sunday School:

“I have most enjoyed getting to know some kids and families at church.”

“I have enjoyed the opportunity to deepen my own faith.”

“The activity ideas in the [curriculum] give me lots of options for my class.”

Consider (or reconsider) your ability to teach a Sunday School class. There will be many slots to fill and you could be just the right fit! Contact Deb Ahlquist, Director of Christian Education for more information.

VBS Update

We had a terrific week at Expedition Norway Vacation Bible School, June 20-24. We spent the week immersed in the unique culture of Norway and exploring our bible stories,

discovering that God is good! 41 children were registered this year.

Highlights of the VBS week include:

Great songs and worship—we all enjoyed singing the songs, including Kjere Gud, a Norwegian children’s prayer; and the VBS choir came to sing in worship on Sunday!

A festive Family Night learning folk dances with Sons of Norway dance instructor, Jana Velo. And a traditional children’s parade led by accordion player.

Learning continued 4

Yummy snacks in Nordic Eats—we loved the foods of Norway like lefse and a special celebration cake at the end of the week.

The station activities were all a hit—we made northern lights drawings, played games like snowman tag, explored bible stories about challenges and joys, and learned about life for real kids in Norway today that helped us understand the bible point in a different way.

We flooded the fjord with food with a generous benevolence project for the Keystone food shelf! At VBS we collected 168 food shelf items to help feed those who are hungry in our own city.

Tusen Takk!!!! VBS simply could not happen without our incredible volunteer team. Make sure to pass on your appreciation to these special people who have supported our VBS Ministry.

Crew Leaders and Assistants: Lucas Hansen, Bela Hansen, Penelope Hansen, Ellen Dufresne, Zack Danielson, Micah Danielson, Natalie Norquist, Greta Mundt, Rocky Robey, Lily Mitzel, , Ingrid Mundt, Molly Stanley, June Ofstedal

Morning Worship: Pastor Cindy Bullock, Chris Cherwien, Shawna Boll

Station Leaders and Assistants: Linda & Karl Tantzen, Nathan Mundahl, Emily King, Karen Osen, JoAnn Hogenson, Penny Norquist, Experience Norway; Jackie Hippen, Ava Hansen, Bible Adventures; Abby Thompson, Michelle Stillwell, Fjord Fun & Games; Christine Danielson, Sue Mitchell, Sue Mundahl, Barb Columbus, Elsie Fohrenkamm, Mabel Pappenfus, Nordic Eats

Other: Sue Mundahl, Sara Dreke Eyre, Registration; Immanuel Men’s Club, loan of decorations; Sandy Butler, Nursery; Steve, Greta & Ingrid Mundt, Penny, Natalie & Wesley Norquist, Katie Thune, Karen Osen, Decorating; Rick Franzen, Sharon Walbran, Meghan Maresh, Family Night; Clean up happened after the deadline for this publication. THANK YOU to all who helped with clean up!

Snack and Supply Donations: Many generous Immanuel members, thanks for loaning us your Norwegian sweaters and decorations, what a beautiful display!

5 Music and Worship Summer Pick-Up Choir: July 24th and August 21st Calling all singers! Please come to the choir room on Sunday, July 24th and or, Sunday, August 21st at 8:30 to learn a very easy/intergenerational anthem for

worship. If you have always wanted to sing in the choir why not give it a try this summer!

Choirs are back singing and ringing in September! Adult choir rehearsals begin Wednesday, September 7th. Youth and Children Choirs will begin rehearsing the following Wednesday, September 14th. Please consider joining this fun and important ministry in our church!

Get your registrations in! Registration deadline is July 31st. If you have not registered your children please do so soon so they get the electives of their choice. You can go on line, or pick up a registration form in the Gathering Space!

Scholarships available We have partial and full scholarships from a generous gift from the Men’s Club. If you know of someone who may be interested contact Chris Cherwien. [email protected]. All requests are confidential. Volunteers are needed! Do you have a few hours to spare the week of August 15-19? We need volunteers for the lunch hour

Congregation is invited to an hour of sharing! Please come on Friday evening, August 19th, at 6:30 p.m., for an hour of

sharing by the children of the music and arts camp. You will delight in hearing and seeing what the children learned and created in one short week of camp!

Worship Assistants

Date Asst. Min. Readers Communion Asst. Acolytes July 3 Ray Peterson 9-Peggy Johnson 9-Lee English, Peggy Johnson 9-Lily Mitzel

July 10 Shawna Boll 9-John Arco 9-Doug, Peg Wangensteen 9-Cooper Cordes

July 17 Stephanie Alstead 9-Paul Mattessich 9-YouthWorks 9-Isabelle Hansen

July 24 Kari Moeller 9-YouthWorks 9-Dick Sarafolean, Jackie Kelly 9-Rocky Robey

July 31 Shawna Boll 9-Dave Alstead 9-Stacey Von Wald, Dave Alstead 9-Ellen Dufresne

Aug 7 Ray Peterson 9-Stacey Von Wald 9-John Arco, Penny Norquist 9-Natalie Norquist

Aug 14 Stephanie Alstead 9-Zach Marsh 9-Zach, Sarah Marsh 9-Zack Danielson

Aug 21 Kari Moeller 9-Russ Edhlund 9-Penny Norquist, Russ Edhlund 9-Natalie Norquist

Aug 28 Shawna Boll 9-Doris Karlisch 9-Doris Karlisch, Elsie Fohrenkamm 9-Anna Schmidt

Ushers July 3 Curt Hogenson and Doug Wangensteen July 10, 17, 24 Jerry Sandahl, Millie Chapman, Ray, Helen Mikkelson July 31, August 7 & 14 Jeanette Wermager, Andy Urness August 21, 28, Sept 4 Harvey Jaeger, Kristin Payne, Kelley, John Wells

Community 6

Library

Do you enjoy reading and checking out books from the many libraries in the Twin Cities? Would you like to experience the OTHER side of a library? Learn how our church library keeps track of our books, adds materials to our collection – and much more – by helping in the library. We’re looking for someone with a love of reading and a familiarity with PCs to help in our church library beginning in the fall. If you are interested or would like to find out more information, please contact Phyllis Bentley at [email protected] or Diane Valure at [email protected]. Added bonus: You’ll get to use your creativity to help arrange displays in the narthex display area!

Third Annual Social Action Social July 2016

Both Christine Danielson and I (Lynnette Zika) were recommended the same book on the same day: Waking Up White, and Finding Myself in the Story of Race, a memoir by Debbie Irving. Social Action will be hosting a summer book discussion so you have plenty of time to read the book and join us. We’ll meet at the third annual “social action social” in someone’s back yard in July. Watch for announcements and sign-up sheet.

Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul School Tools Drive July 26th – August 14th

Immanuel will join faith communities across the East Metro to collect school supplies for children from low-income and homeless families. The drive will be July 26th to August 14th. It is coordinated by Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul (formerly The Saint Paul Area Council of Churches). The complete list of needed supplies is included here and by the display at church. Shop the sales! Perhaps your kids or grandkids would like to help pick out supplies for another child. Drop off your donations at church. Donations of money are also appreciated. Please make the checks out to Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul and put school tools drive in the memo line.

Many thanks! Questions?? Contact Peg Wangensteen: [email protected] or 651-698-0687.

High priority supplies: Backpacks, 3-ring binders, Calculators, Facial Tissue

Other supplies needed: Spiral notebooks, Composition notebooks, Pencils, Pens, Markers, Folders, School boxes, Erasers, Highlighters, Pencil sharpeners, Colored pencils, Rulers, Glue sticks and bottles, Loose-leaf paper, Scissors, Crayons, USB Flash Drive

School Tool Recipient Programs and Agencies

Community School of Excellence Department of Indian Work: Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul Emma’s Place: Emma Norton Services Going Home: Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul Project Home Family Shelters: Interfaith Action of Great St. Paul Project REACH: Saint Paul Public Schools Project SPIRIT: Interfaith Action of Greater St. Paul Wilder Family Support Services

New & Noteworthy In the Library

Fic Alb Albom, Mitch The Magic Strings of Frankie Presto In this novel, Franke Presto, a Spanish war orphan is sent to live in America. His only

possession is an old guitar with six magical strings. As his musical talent increases he eventually begins a Forrest Gump-like journey through the music world.

128.23 Chi Chittister, Joan Between the Dark and the Daylight:

embracing the contradictions of life Thirty-two short chapters are contemplative

meditations which serve as a spiritual guide for anyone who has ever spent a sleepless night wrestling with fears, doubts, or feelings of hopelessness. As you read the chapter titles you will be sure to find many that speak to you.

7 Community continued More from the library… 241.4 Fra Francis, Pope The Name of God Is Mercy “Pope Francis here invites all humanity to an

intimate and personal dialogue on the subject closest to his heart - - mercy - - which has long been the cornerstone of his faith and is now the central teaching of his papacy.” - quote from review

248.1 Bol Bolz-Weber, Nadia Accidental Saints: finding God in all the

wrong people “I want readers to see how real grace and

mercy and forgiveness and brokenness and beauty are around them in their lives . . . that the glory of God in the midst of our crap is revealed all the time, all around us. What I hope is that people would read the book and see that and realize how transformative it can be.” - quote from the author

248.85 Gra Graham, Billy Nearing Home: life, faith, and finishing

well “Growing old has been the greatest surprise

of my life,” says Billy Graham, and in this book he explores some of the challenges of

aging, along with the Biblical truths which sustain him on his journey.

296.7 She Sherwin, Byron The Life Worth Living: faith in action This is a thoughtful reflection on many of the

questions which confront people of faith: Why am I here? Where is wisdom? What does the Lord require of me.

305.8 Shi Shin, Sun Yung A Good Time For the Truth: race in

Minnesota What is a true Minnesotan? Sixteen of the

state’s outstanding writers answer the question with perspectives from their life experiences. But most of us have no idea who we really are and have not caught up to the Minnesotan realities of today. The stories in this book help narrow the gap.

Immanuel Lutheran Church Presents the:

Flea Market & Fall Festival Friday, Sept 30 & Saturday, Oct 1

SALE HOURS Friday 10am – 6pm Saturday 9am – 3pm

Don’t miss the Bag Sale Noon-3pm Saturday only!

ALL PROCEED DONATED

Immanuel Lutheran is located on Snelling Ave – across the Street from Macalester College

104 S Snelling Ave, St Paul, MN 55116 www.ilcsp.org

FRIDAY NIGHT “FESTIVAL” FUN

KID’S CARNIVAL

5:30 – 7:30 PM

LIVE MUSIC BY THE BAND

6:30 -8:00 PM

http://www.ilcsp.org/

Words of thanks/Youth 8

Your gift of $2,000 on June 9, 2016 means that this year, hundreds of Twin Cities kids will have a new Habitat home they love. A home that means kids can stay in one school, be free of health issues caused by substandard living conditions, and invest in their own future and the future of their community. The backyard to play in is a plus, too. Thank you for your faith and your dedication to Habitat’s mission. ~~Stephanie Nelson, Faith Community Relaitons Senior Associate, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity

On behalf of Daily Work and our hard working job seekers, please accept our sincere thanks for the Paulson Bequest Outreach grant of $1500 on May 17, 2016. Your generous gift will be used to upgrade our computer system. Your support provides valuable employment assistance to the growing number of immigrants, and others, who are struggling in our community. Daily Work fills an important niche in our community because we are open to all who are struggling with financial insecurity and who are seeking better employment to make their future more secure. ~~ Julie Hoff, Executive Director, Daily Work The Dorothy Day Center was happy to see the Immanuel group of volunteers arrive on Saturday, May 21st to prepare and serve lunch to those in need. Thanks to the following: David Bailey, Nancy Eliot, Monte Hanson, Nancy Reidell, Collin Johnson, Erik Mayr, Jerry Sandahl, Ann and Joe Schwarz, Jeanette Wermager and Eugene Krejce. Thank you to the volunteers for bringing eggs. Cookies were provided by June Husom and A Piece of Cake Bakery. Thanks for the cookies. If you are interested in helping out on the third Saturday of the month with the preparing and serving of lunch at the Dorothy Day Center, please contact Nancy Reidell.

Youth Summer Activities

July 8th 5:30-8 pm Feed My Starving Children youth packing event. Will meet at the church and then head over to the Eagan site together. We also return to church for parent pick up.

August 2nd and 4th we will participate in Paint-a-Thon. We will be helping to paint a garage for someone who could use the help. This will be an evening activity. More information to follow as the event gets closer.

August 13th 4 pm -- meet at church and carpool to a cook out at the farm! You’ve heard a lot about Michelle’s parents’ farm, now it’s time to experience it! The farm is outside of Stillwater so it will take approximately 30 minutes to get there. Meet the sheep, chickens and llama. Dinner provided. We will be back to church at approximately 8:30

9 Council Update

Church Council Update – June 21st, 2016

This month’s council meeting began with a devotion led by Pastor Cindy based on the reflections being done presently at Vacation Bible School. The VBS theme this year is Expedition Norway where the candle is a utilized symbol of light and openness. A candle was passed around and each attendee spoke about where they had recently witnessed God in their lives. Based on the wide array of stories and encounters it’s evident that God is very much at work in the lives of Immanuel. The remainder of our meeting consisted of updates from Council members and committees and the highlights of the items discussed are as follows:

The council did the monthly review of financial statements and one highlight was that Capital Campaign V is already in positive figures after having paid out expenses for the campaign consultant and a month of mortgage. While this was celebrated it only represents a first milestone to a very important campaign.

The majority of the meeting was spent preparing for inclusion of the Immanuel Constitution. This has been an on-going activity led by Doug Wangensteen, Kelley Wells and Zach Marsh. The council focused on updates to the bylaws that had recently been submitted. They are being reviewed at this time as they will be incorporated into the constitution which will need to be approved by the council and the congregation. The council reviewed and discussed these changes which were minor in the scope of the entire document but now more closely represent the work presently being done by the council and committees. The council was generally in favor of the changes made to the bylaws but asked to clarify a couple of items that were discussed. Council has set goals for the continual approval of the Immanuel constitution. The council will vote on the updates and the constitution document at the August meeting. It will then set a date for an initial congregational vote while allowing the congregation sufficient time to review the document. A second and final vote is required to fully ratify the constitution and the goal is to have that vote take place at the church’s annual congregation meeting in January of 2017.

The final item reviewed by the council this month was the church staff’s continuing education budget and two specific programs this year that Chris and Pastor Cindy would like to attend that would together go above the annual budgeted amount. The council will take a vote on the ability to spend these funds for two important educational opportunities. One is the St. Olaf music and arts conference for churches being held in July and the other a yearlong course for the shaping of a church leader. The council will consider using funds from undesignated memorials and/or bequests and also consider if the present continuing education budget is sufficient for subsequent years.

Official minutes of each Council meeting can be found, after they are approved, on Immanuel’s web site: www.ilcsp.org. If you have any questions or comments please contact Chase Hippen, Congregation President ([email protected], 651-699-0796), or any Council member. The Council meets at 7:00 p.m. in the Gathering Space on the third Tuesday of every month, except July. Meetings are open to the public and all are welcome to attend.

2016 Church Council

Chase Hippen - President Ann Derr, Vice President

Tom Eyre, Member at Large Dana Simonson, Member at Large

Penny Norquist, Education & Literature

Kelley Wells, Past President Marlene Johnshoy, Secretary

Margaret Horstmann, Member at Large

Lynnette Zika, Social Action Paul Horstmann, Property

Tyson Reed, Treasurer Jackie Hippen, Assistant Treasure

Jeff Engelking, Finance Dave Alstead, Worship & Music

Gay Bartholic, Membership & Evangelism

Ross Robey, Financial Secretary Dave Alstead, Asst. Fin. Secretary

Greg Knopff, Stewardship Rep. Ben Dufresne, Youth Rep.

Immanuel Staff

Cindy Bullock Pastor [email protected]

Chris Cherwien Dir. of Worship & Music [email protected]

Julie Lindorff Organist [email protected]

Deb Ahlquist Dir. of Christian Education [email protected]

Michelle Stillwell Dir. of Youth and Family Ministry [email protected]

Russ Carlson Parish Administrator [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

July 2016 YouthWorks continues through August 5th

Art with Ellen returns on July 18th for summer session through August 12th

1 Confirmation Camp

2 8:00 am Winged Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilates

3 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Fellowship 11:00 am RCCI Worship

4 Office Closed

5 7:00 am BNI 9:30 am Staff Meeting

6 10:00 am IMAC 10:45 am TOPS

7 9:00 am Improvers 7:00 pm RCCI Bible Study

8

9 8:00 am Winged Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10 am Mat Pilates

10 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Fellowship 11:00 pm RCCI Worship

11


13 10:45 am TOPS 7:00 pm Puppet Show


15

16 8:00 am Winged Heart Yoga 9:00 am Breathing Group 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilates 10:00 am Dorothy Day

17 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Fellowship 11:00 pm RCCI Worship

18


20 10:45 am TOPS


22

23 8:00 am Winged-Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilates

24 8:30 am Pick-up Choir 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Fellowship 11:00 pm RCCI Worship

25 26 7:00 am BNI 9:30 am Staff Meeting

27 10:45 am TOPS


29 30 8:00 am Winged-Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilates

August

1


3 10:45 am TOPS


5

6 8:00 am Winged-Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilates


8 9 Election Polling Place 7:00 am BNI 9:30 am Staff Meeting

10 Messenger Deadline 10:45 am TOPS


12

13 8:00 am Winged-Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilates 11:00 am Set for IMAC

14 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Fellowship 11:00 am RCCI Worship 11:30 am Set up for IMAC

15 8:30 am IMAC

16 7:00 am BNI 8:30 am IMAC

17 8:30 am IMAC

18 8:30 am IMAC 9:00 am Improvers 7:00 pm RCCI Bible Study

19 8:30 am IMAC 6:30 pm IMAC Family Night

20 8:00 am Winged-Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilates 10:00 am Dorothy Day

21 8:30 am Pick-up Choir 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am Fellowship 11:00 am RCCI Worship


24 10:45 am TOPS

25 9:00 am Improvers 7:00 pm Bible Study

26 27 8:00 am Winged-Heart Yoga 10:00 am Al-Anon 10:00 am Mat Pilate



31 10:45 am TOPS

Immanuel Lutheran Church Evangelical Lutheran Church in America 104 Snelling Avenue South Saint Paul, MN 55105

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 438

Address Service Requested Immanuel is a community growing in Christ, living in grace and serving in love.

IMMANUEL’S MUSIC AND ARTS CAMP IS IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING FOR THE “CRASH, BANG, BOOM” ELECTIVE:

Old push brooms

Buckets

PVC Pipe

Hubcaps

Trash can lids

Old pots and pans

Large water Cooler bottles

Bubble wrap

Kitchen utensils

Kitty litter plastic containers, metal mixing bowls. Cardboard mailing tubes, rubber tubing are also needed.

Please clean the items before donation. The items you donate will be recycled be the end of the week and non-returnable. Thank you!

immanuel lutheran church - in this issue: from the pastor p...

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