“COME as YOU ARE” Summer Wednesday Worship! Beginning June 3rd @ 7pm

National Youth Gathering/Detroit beginning July 31st

Prayer Shawl Meeting Sat. July 18th

Men’s Group Meeting

8:00pm Thursday, July 22nd

NLOM Quilt Auction

Sat. July 25th, Ashland NE

Community Church Stand

Our Mission: following Jesus,

growing in Jesus,

connecting others to Jesus and His work

                           Messenger    2015 St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, 202 S 1st. ST. Bloomfield, NE

Join in this exciting day at Carol

Joy Holling Camp on July 25 for

our 27th Annual Quilt Auction!

see page 6 for more information

The Salt Shaker - pastor Tim Koester In the future, the year “2015” will be the answer to a lot of history test questions. And we’re only half-way through!

Event after event has already made this a year to remember. Some are horrifically tragic, like the church shootings in Charleston. Some signal dramatic changes in cultural attitudes such as the Supreme court ruling on marriage equality. Even Nebraska will make the history books for being one of the first “red” states to abolish the death penalty in 2015.

So I’m going to spend some time addressing these issues, hopefully not with opinions or “conservative-liberal” talking points, but as one called to preach about both the reality of sin and the hope of restoration. That is the unique gift of the church to a hurting world.

First up - the death penalty. The Unicameral, overriding the governor’s veto, repealed the death penalty in our state. Most Christian church bodies, including ours, agree with that action.

Yet many people do not agree. There is a petition circulating to write the death penalty into our constitution. I understand that reaction. It’s natural. The law of the jungle says, “when you hurt me, I get to hurt you back.” Taken to its logical end, if you kill someone, you owe your life in return. In civil society, the state executes this vengeance on our behalf.

But the Lord says, “Vengeance is mine” and the Christian belief is that God’s wrath, God’s righteous vengeance for humanity’s sin, has already been satisfied by the death of Jesus (although atonement is not

limited to this understanding). Vengeance may be the law of the jungle but it’s still a jungle. The kingdom of God is ruled by another law; the law of love -even for enemies. Jesus wasn’t kidding about that.

Some think abolition of the death penalty is soft on crime and caring more about criminals than victims. But was God “soft” when Cain was given the equivalent of “life imprisonment” for murdering his brother? Abolishing executions is not pardoning anyone. It is forcing them to live with the consequences of their actions for an entire lifetime.

Killing a killer does not bring back the dead. It does not salve the wounds of grief. It does not bring meaning to the lives of those who have lost so much. Killing is never therapeutic because it rips the soul.

It takes courage, but when we can set aside our instinctual need to seek retribution, God uses that space to create something more powerful: the restoration of life out of the ashes of death. It doesn’t always happen. Some people who commit heinous acts are broken beyond repair in this world. They remain in prison, trapped in a hell of their own making but prevented from doing more harm to society.

Yet the well of grace is deep. Those who took life may find the grace they need to repent. Victims may find the grace they need to forgive. Perhaps even reconciliation is possible where evil has tried it’s best to rip humanity apart. And then.. well then evil loses! Life is resurrected from the grave of death and love is shown to be the most enduring and powerful thing. Isn’t that our claim?

Tasting the kingdom. Facts about the death penalty. The US is the one of the few modern democracies who have not abolished the death penalty. The five countries with the highest rate of executions are China, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United States.

Nebraska was the 19th state to abolish the death penalty. Some states like Michigan, have never had it. Data from the last 25 years consistently shows the murder rate is higher in states with the death penalty than in states without it.

The death penalty is difficult to apply fairly and consistently. Race plays a role in who is sentenced to death as do gender, mental capacity, age, and affluence. These findings have been confirmed by the US Supreme Court, the General Accounting Office, and many university studies.

The ELCA social statement, “The Death Penalty” was adopted at the 1991 church wide assembly. The statement acknowledges the existence of different points of view within the church and society and the need for continued deliberation, but objects to the use of the death penalty because it is not used fairly and has failed to make society safer. www.elca.org/Faith/Faith-and-Society/Social-Statements/Death-Penalty.

I realize petitions are circulating in an attempt to reinstate the death penalty in Nebraska. I will not be signing. I urge you to prayerfully consider your own response.

ST. MARK'S LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES JUNE 17, 2015

President Friedrichsen called the meeting to order at 8:00pmJoyce Bertschinger, Katheryn Zeeber, Kevin Millikan, Missy Theile, Kristel Loecker, Tim Koester were present. Also attending was a Julie Broders and Becky Millikan.Absent Heather Gubbels, Jason Hefner, and Wally Holz.DEVOTIONS were read by MissyThere was no correspondence to share No committee reports.It was motioned by Joyce to accept financial reports with Missy 2nd and the motion carried. Pastor gave his report and added that He and Jason Hefner would be meeting with Bill Biggs through conference call to workon Constitutional amendments. Pastor also advised that he was working on policy updates for weddings and etc. Council is serving picnic in the park 7-15 and 7-22. A garage sale fundraiser will be held last Friday of June. The meeting was shortened so that council members as well as Julie Broders and Travis Loecker could decorate the float for Q125. Hope I didn't forget anyone. Thanks to Arnold Doerr for use of trailer for float. Missy motioned to adjourn and Kristel seconded and the meeting ended with the Lord's Prayer.

Respectfully yours, DJ Friedrichsen

From the activities Dept at the Bloomfield Good Samaritan Center…

We are in need of volunteers for a couple different things in the facility. We are now in need of someone to do a ladies bible study, previously this was done two Tuesdays a month, but has been cut back to one. It is about a 45 minute non-denominational bible study of your choosing.

If you have another activity that you would like to contribute to do with the ladies I would be open to ideas.

We are also in need of volunteers for our Men’s Only Group. In the past this has just been a coffee group, it was also a non-denominational bible study group at one time, and again I am open to suggestions.

Our lat need is a volunteer/s for Meals on Wheels. We currently have a need for every other Wednesday and every other Thursday, we would also love to have someone who is on-call or available to fill in, this may be as little as one time a month.

Holly Kathol 402-373-5537

hkathol@good-sam.com

Financial ReportsSavings Account Checking Account Activity

*Join us every Sunday morning at 9:30am and each

*Wednesday evening at 7pm, “Come As You Are” June

3rd through August 19th

*Please join us at our annual River Worship on Saturday

August 29th—Good Food, Friends, Fellowship—GREAT

Worship!

*Sunday, August 30 “NO Sunday morning worship!

*Rally Day, Sunday, September 13th

***PLEASE NOTE:

NO midweek worship on Wednesday, July 29th

due to the 4-H Style Show being held in the Social Hall.

Every Wednesday 12 to 1pm at the City Park Shelter

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St. Mark’s is collecting items for Lutheran World Relief… personal care kits, School kits, and sewing kits to help those in need or displaced starting in July.

Lutheran World Relief Personal Care Kits The very simple gesture of giving a Personal Care Kit can give someone the encouragement to start anew, starting with a bath. You can share God’s grace and love by providing that simple comfort.

Do not add other items or leave out any of the items listed. All items should be new and in good condition. Do not enclose the Kit or any of its contents in plastic bags.

Include the following items in each Personal Care Kit: ✦ One light-weight bath-size towel (between 20"×40" & 52"×27"), dark color

recommended ✦ Two bath-size bars (4 to 5 oz.) of soap, any brand, in original wrapping ✦ One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging* ✦ One sturdy comb, remove packaging ✦ One metal nail clippers (attached file optional), remove packaging

Wrap all the items in the towel and tie securely with ribbons or yarn

Lutheran World Relief Fabric or Sewing Kits ✦ 2 pieces fabric 44”X3 yards ✦ 2 spools coordinating color thread Secure the thread by folding fabric and tie with yarn or ribbon

Lutheran World Relief School Kits Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide or college ruled; no loose-leaf paper one ruler with both inches and centimeters one pencil sharpener one blunt scissors five unsharpened pencils five black or blue ballpoint pens; secure with a rubber band one box of 16 or 24 colors one 2 1/2” eraser one sturdy drawstring backpack-style cloth bag

Head  Usher  &  Usher  

As  Co-­‐Chairs  of  the  “Hospitality”  Committee  involving  our  Greeters  and  Ushers,  Sandy  and  I  thought  we  could  have  more  people  involved  in  these  areas  if  they  knew  the  expectations  or  duties  of  each  job.    While  visiting  with  Pastor  Tim,  Sandy  and  I  discussed  the  big  questions:    

  Exactly  what  does  the  Head  Usher,  Usher,  and  Greeter  do,  why  do  they  do  certain  things,  and  what  others  things  are  suppose  to  be  done?  

We  can  all  sit  in  church  and  watch  what  the  Ushers  and  Greeters  do;  but,  do  we  really  know  everything  these  volunteers  are  doing?    And  since  I’m  not  sure  what  the  Ushers  and  Greeters  are  doing,  I’m  not  going  to  volunteer  to  be  an  Usher  (especially  Head  Usher)  or  Greeter.  

Sandy  and  I  decided  to  write  a  job  description  with  a  list  of  duties  for  each  job.    With  Pastor’s  help  we  prepared  a  set  of  “Protocols”  for  the  Hospitality  Committee  thinking  we  could  take  the  fear  of  not  knowing  what  was  to  be  done.    We  presented  our  Protocols  to  the  Church  Council  and  they  approved  them.  

This  month  we  decided  to  provide  the  Congregation  with  the  Head  Usher  and  the  Usher  Protocols.    Our  plan  is  to  provide  a  list  of  volunteers  to  be  scheduled  to  serve  during  Sunday  morning.  

After  you  have  read  the  job  descriptions  and  duties  and  decide  you  could  volunteer  to  be  a  Head  Usher  or  Usher  please  call  Dawn  Smith  (402-­‐373-­‐4934)  or  Sandy  Wilken  (402-­‐373-­‐4525).  

Join in this exciting day at Carol Joy Holling Camp on July 25 for our 27th Annual Quilt Auction! The day promises good food, great fun and lots of beautiful quilts donated by friends of Carol Joy Holling Camp. The auction and barbecue lunch will be held rain or shine. (We will use the Town Hall in case of rain.) Bring your friends and families! Quilts will be on display by 9 a.m. The auction begins at 9:30 a.m. We will

continue until all quilts are sold, which is usually around 5 p.m.The quilts will have numbered cards attached indicating the order in which they will be auctioned. This way bidders can approximate when their favorite quilts will be up for auction. The cards also include information about the quilt donor and the size, type and design of the quilt. Quilts in the past have auctioned for $25 to $20,000. Lance Larsen, a professional auctioneer from Cordova, NE, is volunteering his time to auction the quilts. He and his associates will do their best to encourage bidding and bring a fair price for each quilt. Depending on the number of quilts donated, a selected group will be sold through a silent auction. Bidding will open at the silent auction at 9 a.m. and close at 2 p.m. with winning bids for the day released at approximately 2:30 p.m. You won’t want to miss the barbecued turkey lunch with dessert and beverage served from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Camp tours will be available throughout the day and the swimming pool will be open at 12:30 p.m.with a certified lifeguard on duty. Schedule9 a.m. Quilts on display, Silent Auction begins 9:30 a.m. NEW TIME! Auction begins 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. BBQ lunch served 2 p.m. Silent Auction closes Bus tours and hayrack rides will be available and the Camp Store will be open throughout the day.

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Men’s Group Start Up Hot dogs and chips was enjoyed by all who came to the 1st men’s group meeting, thank you goes to Al Kersten.

Some of the brainstorming ideals for activities that were talked about are:✦ Devotional time 15 – 20 minuets✦ Refurbish bikes to be given away later✦ Fire pit times to socialize✦ Clean up wooded area south of church property✦ Fishing✦ Rides to church or appointments ✦ Small handyman projects or handicap accessibility assistance✦ Mentoring others young and old✦ Join up with men from other churches or groups✦ Projects related to Thanksgiving, Christmas, ETC.✦ Picnic in the park ✦ Welcome people to the community✦ Poker run or similar activity✦ Fundraiser- organize and assist in building a dunking boothCommunication – mass text, post cards, calling tree, e-mail, FacebookWhen is a good time to meet????? Time was spent talking about how we do a kick-off of the group. Do we get a speaker or a Presentation from the group going to Haiti, or just a nice meal?Our next time to meet with family is July 22nd with 7 o’clock worship followed by a meeting and ice cream.

W/ELCA July 1 @ Noon Program: July/August lessons Leader: Pastor Tim Greeter: Dorothy Lidberg Devotions: Circle 3 Hostess: Everyone—Potluck

No Meeting scheduled in August!

ELCA Missions — Global Health Ministries      Global Health Ministries in Minneapolis is not an ELCA organization but it works closely with ELCA Global Missions, serving many of the same areas, including Madagascar, Liberia and Tanzania. Patricia Bentsen continued to serve in Madagascar after being retired as an ELCA missionary, but now under GHM auspices, and Pastor Tim Iverson moved from the Nebraska Synod (Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha) when he became  GHM Executive Director.GHM’s focus over the years “has been on improving the primary health care services of Lutheran health programs around the world.” A great part of their work is channeling used medical equipment, no longer meeting U.S.A. standards but still good, to Lutheran mission clinics and hospitals where it is greatly needed. An example: Last year, an extensive renovation of a Denver hospital provided a large donation of high-value equipment, surgical tables, infant warmers, electrosurgical generators, vital signs monitors . . . and much more. Biomedical technicians certified and tested everything. GHM volunteers inventoried and packed items into a 40’ container, and 500 LWR quilts going to the same area were used to blanket-wrap every piece of equipment. These shipping containers are packed as tightly as possible, including tucking in Hospice Kits and Newborn Kits sent in from churches in the area and elsewhere.

 In 1976 Guatemala City suffered a terrible 7.5 magnitude earthquake. Many people lost their homes and over 23,000 people died and many more were injured. I was only 6 years old at that time. Fortunately for us, my family survived, but our house was destroyed. In a matter of few minutes we were homeless. I clearly remember being part of the long lines of people waiting to collect clean water and food. Volunteers came from all over the world to help us. At that time, my family and I were the ones in need. This past June, thanks to all those who helped support our team, I had the opportunity to be the helping hand for people in need in Peru. It has come full circle for me.I worked side by side with some extraordinary people at the main clinical facility in Chulucanas in Northwestern Peru . . . There was a surgical group, the clinical group and the Sierra group. I was assigned to the Sierra

group the first week. Our group traveled way up into the Andes Mountains and operated small clinics in several area villages. People walked long hours up and down the mountains to get to the clinics. For many, this was the only opportunity they would have to receive medical attention. In addition, it was necessary for us to make home visits to care for a number of severely ill patients. We brought with us medicines, basic medical equipment for tests and other equipment to help support patients with physical disabilities. Most importantly, we brought our desire to help in any way we could under the conditions as they were.Having the opportunity to give of myself and be part of this team of dedicated medical professionals was, in itself, a gift to me. It was an extremely emotional and fulfilling experience. It has always been my desire to help those in need, like the volunteers that helped my family and me when I was a child.

GHM also supports training of health care personnel, including Health Care Volunteers. One such volunteer shared her story:

13 kids from St. Mark’s attended a

week of camping.

They had a GREAT time!

Bloomfield’s Q125 Parade

Thanks to everyone who worked on St. Mark’s float,

It was wonderful,

GREAT JOB EVERYONE!!!!

from our youngest members to some of our oldest

to the left is Ellisyn Folck (mom & dad are Brady and Abby).

to the right is Evelyn Hammer and Norma Koertje

Bloomfield Cares float—Thank you to everyone who gave so generously of paper goods, diapers, socks & undies for area shelters! The float was pulled by Pastor Tim’s dad and his

restored 1956 Oliver tractor…all the way from Deshler, NE

“officers” Jarred Smith and Scott Ober arresting Bloomfield’s finest,

and our own Wally Holz

July Birthdays!1st Lori Hagge 2nd Justin Jindra Emily Kersten 3rd Roger Dather 4th Harriet Fry 5th Jamie Johnson 10th Minnie Harms LuVerne Koops Sarah Ober Alexandra Eisenhauer 13th Collin Crouch 15th Joni Johnson 16th Debbie Bell Larissa Sazama 18th Dawn Smith Brenda Albers 19th Sharron Hefner Dawson Pedersen 20th Nora Doerr 21st Doyle Folck 23rd Bell Scott 24th Barb Schlote Syndee Fry 25th Joel Eisenhauer 26th Neil Guenther 27th George Beaudette Al Kersten 28th Mariah Dather Brayden Braunsroth 29th Clyde Newton Tate Braunsroth 30th Courtney Peters

CorrespondencesSt. Mark’s Thank you for the quilt, book bag, water bottle, key chain and iTunes. These will come in handy for me in the years to come. Aaron Millikan

JulyAnniversaries! 2nd Joe & Rose Kauth 32 yrs 9th Duane & Sue Auchenbach 55 yrs 10th Al & LuVerne Koops 61 yrs 14th Junior & Sharon Doerr 42 yrs 14th Connie & Bert Wagner 9 yrs 15th Al & Leann Kersten 37 yrs 15th Bruce & Mary Hagge 18 yrs 20th Keith & Becky Rowley 21st Matt & Ashley Doerr 9 yrs 22nd Travis & Robyn Barney 15 yrs 27th Vernon & Mary Miller 47 yrs 27th Henry & Guyla Peters 46 yrs 27th Don & Carol Ketelsen 19 yrs

2015  ST.  MARKS  MOWING  SCHEDULE  

Brad  Lovejoy—Mowing  Coordinator  Contact  your  team  captain  for  0mes/info.  

Rota;on  Schedule  JULY  2     Team  1  JULY  9     Team  2  JULY  16   Team  3  JULY  23   Team  4  JULY  30   Team  1  AUG  6     Team  2  

ASSISTING MINISTERS

July ….6th Sunday after Pentecost…Liturgical: green

Comm Prep: Ken/Arla Carlow Comm Assist: Sharon Doerr/Cathy Stark Acolytes: Spencer Millikan/Braden Eisenhauer Greeters: Don/Carol Ketelsen Lector: Rod Eisenhauer Offering: Luther League/Volunteers Head Usher: Brad Lovejoy Ushers: Gayleen/Sara Lovejoy Assistant: Kathryn Zeber Sound: Travis Loecker Media/Cam: Jason Hefner/Jeff Bertschinger July 12….7th Sunday after Pentecost…Liturgical: green Comm Prep: Marge Stottler/Kathryn Zeber Comm Assist: Al/Leann Kersten Acolytes: Calvin Dather/Payton Kersten Greeters: Harlan/Norma Koertje Lector: Dean Wilken Offering: Luther League/Volunteers Head Usher: Joe Hunhoff Ushers: Barb Schlote/Laura Gieselman Assistant: Jason Hefner Sound: Bill Sazama Media/Cam: Derek Thiele/Wally Holz

July 19….8th Sunday after Pentecost…Liturgical: green Comm Prep: Vernon/Mary Miller Comm Assist: —at the rail— Acolytes: Andrew Hunhoff/Alexandra Eisenhauer Greeters: Lector: Beth Mackeprang Offering: Luther League/Volunteers Head Usher: Ushers: Dean/Sandy Wilken Assistant: Brad Lovejoy Sound: Wally Holz Media/Cam: Tyler Holz/Jason Hefner

July 26….9th Sunday after Pentecost…Liturgical: green Comm Prep: Becky Millikan/Julie Broders Comm Assist: Barb Schlote/Laura Gieselman Acolytes: Andrew Hunhoff Greeters: Becky Millikan/Kaci/Aaron Lector: Suzanne Hunhoff Offering: Luther League/Volunteers Head Usher: Bill Sazama Ushers: Rod/Juleen Eisenhauer Assistant: Julie Broders Sound: Derek Thiele Media/Cam: Jeff Bertschinger/Kevin Millikan

August 2….10th Sun. after Pentecost…Liturgical: green Comm Prep: Dean/Sandy Wilken Comm Assist: Ken/Dawn Smith Acolytes: Spencer Miller Greeters: Harlan/Norma Koertje Lector: Mary Miller Offering: Volunteers Head Usher: Brad Lovejoy Ushers: Gayleen/Sara Lovejoy Assistant: Julie Broders Sound: Les Jessen Media/Cam: August 9….11th Sun. after Pentecost…Liturgical: green Comm Prep: Don/Carol Ketelsen Comm Assist: Rod/Juleen Eisenhauer Acolytes: Calvin Dather/Jolynn Wilson Greeters: Gary/Janel Eisenhauer Lector: Laura Gieselman Offering: Volunteers Head Usher: Bill Sazama Ushers: Doyle/Peggy Folck Assistant: Kathryn Zeber Sound: Travis Loecker Media/Cam: Jeff Bertschinger/Wally Holz

August 16….12th Sun. after Pentecost…Liturgical: green Comm Prep: Jo Cordes/Suzanne Hunhoff Comm Assist: —at the rail— Acolytes: Tyler Thiele/Andrew Hunhoff Greeters: Cammie Nielsen/family Lector: Ken Smith Offering: Luther League/Volunteers Head Usher: Joe Hunhoff Ushers: Dennis/Joyce Bertschinger Assistant: Jason Hefner Sound: Wally Holz Media/Cam: Travis Loecker/Kevin Millikan

August 23….13th Sun. after Pentecost…Liturgical: green Comm Prep: Ken/Arla Carlow Comm Assist: Sharon Doerr/Penny Thiele Acolytes: Payten Kersten/Jolynn Wilson Greeters: Angela/Ben Kumm/family Lector: Dean Wilken Offering: Luther League/Volunteers Head Usher: Les Jessen Ushers: Doyle/Peggy Folck Assistant: Missy Thiele Sound: Vernon Miller Media/Cam: Jason Hefner/Jeff Bertschinger

Saturday, August 29th… Worship @ the River! August 30…. No Sunday Worship…see you at the river

July Communion Bread: Arla Carlow July Flowers: Beth Mackeprang

Aug. Communion Bread: Cathy Stark

Aug. Flowers: Arla Carlow

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St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, ELCA 202 S 1st Street P.O. Box 208 Bloomfield, NE 68718

NON-PROFIT

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

BLOOMFIELD, NE

PERMIT # 9ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

ST. MARK’S LUTHERAN CHURCH MEMBER OF THE

LEWIS AND CLARK MISSION CLUSTER

OF THE NEBRASKA SYNOD OF THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

IN AMERICA.

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

join us for worship every Sunday morning at 9:30am Coffee Hour at 10:30am

Summer “Come as you are” Every Wednesday at 7pm

Holy Communion is celebrated every Sundayat St. Mark’s. All who come with the open hand of faith are welcome to receive the gifts God offers in this meal.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT…

following Jesus, growing in Jesus, and connecting others to Jesus and His work

Church Council Leadership are:

DJ Friedrichsen, Council President

Kevin Millikan, Vice President

Wally Holz, Council Secretary

Joyce Bertschinger

Heather Gubbels

Jason Hefner

Kristel Loecker

Kathryn Zeber

Missy Thiele