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Contact Us St. John Lutheran Church

1710 5th Street South, Fargo, North Dakota 58103

701-232-8521

e-mail: office@stjohnfargo.com

website: www.stjohnfargo.com

The Ministry Team of St. John:

All the People of God, along with

Rev. Dr. Erick Thompson, Rev. Brian Hansen, Pastors

Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music/Organist

Jackie Jabens, Finance/Office Manager

Currently available position, Office Secretary

Randy Shone, Custodian

Jeremy Maahs, Youth Programming Director

Jana Bruhschwein, St. John Christian Preschool Director

Kellie Knodel, Cheryl Dietz, Katie Olson, Preschool Teachers

Peggy Hammerling, Recorders

Jessica Westgard Larson, Handbells

Articles accepted before

5 p.m. on August 20th for the September 2017 Herald.

St. John Lutheran Church

1710 5th Street South

Fargo, ND 58103

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

‘THE HERALD’

August 2017

Published 12 times/year

Vol. #117, Issue #8

St. John Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 9am-4:30pm

Friday: 9am-12pm

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage Paid

Permit #1040

Fargo, ND 58102

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle!

If you would like to Only receive The

Herald by e-mail, please send a quick

note to office@stjohnfargo.com

Thank You!

St. John Church Council

2016-2018 Dean Froslie President

2016-2018 Shawn Vasichek Vice President

2016-2018 Janis Keller Vice President

2016-2018 Larry Papenfuss Secretary

2017-2019 Eric Christeson Property

2017-2019 Amanda Holt Education

2017-2019 Damon Janssen Youth and Family

2017-2019 David McMahon Social Concerns/Missions

2016-2018 Rachel Rude Worship & Music

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Volume 117, Issue 8 Community in Christ : Christ in Community August 2017

THE HERALD

St. John Lutheran Church

A Congregation of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

St. John’s 25th Annual Corn Feed

Wednesday August 9th 5-7 p.m.

Menu: Fresh Sweet Corn, Hot Dogs & Brats, Lemonade & Coffee, Bars & Cookies

Free will offering for worship and music at St. John!

Bring your neighbors and friends! We would love to have an individual or a business offer a MATCHING contribution toward the

proceeds of the Corn Feed—and we will publicize your business in appreciation for your doing

so! Contact Dawn for details: 232-8521 or dawn@stjohnfargo.com

Welcome to St. John, Pastor Erick! The Reverend Doctor Erick J. Thompson was installed as the new senior pastor of St. John Lutheran Church

during the worship service on Sunday, July 23rd. Pastor Charlie Axness shared an inspiring message, and

immediately following worship, there was much meeting and greeting and enjoyment of refreshments in

Fellowship Hall. (Pictured from left are Jeri Ekstrom, Pastor Charlie Axness, and Pastor Erick.)

Blessings to Pastor Erick and his family as he settles into his new position!

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A Note From the Pastor

Having spent my adolescence and much of my adult life here in the valley I often equate August’s arrival with the beginning of a time of harvest. This is the time when gardens are at their best and when some farmers begin to prepare to enter the fields to gather in the crop. Perhaps it’s a unique coincidence that for the last three weeks our readings from the 13

th chapter of Matthew’s Gospel have focused so much on

farming. A couple of weeks ago the parable of the sower really grabbed my attention. What is so fascinating to me about this parable (and it’s what I preached on a couple weeks ago) is that the sower in this story is a really a horrible farmer. The sower of the seeds in this parable is not particularly strategic or careful with where the seeds get cast. There’s no suggestion in this scripture reading that the sower even spends time preparing the soil. Rather, the sower just tosses seeds indiscriminately in all directions on all kinds of dirt. Therefore, we the hearers of the parable, are forced to ask, precisely what kind of farmer wastes so much?

The farmer in this text doesn’t care as much about what the seeds yield but rather that the seed has the opportunity to take root everywhere possible. Now, this is really counter intuitive to any rational gardener or farmer who plants solely for the purpose of what the garden or field will yield. I mean, every year we prepare the soil in our back yard for a garden so that when late July and August comes we can enjoy the fruits of our labor. The farmers I worked for in High School based their livelihood on what the ground yielded every fall so it really mattered to them where and how they planted. However, the farmer in this parable seems to care less about what the seeds planted will yield and more about casting the seeds everywhere. Which begs the question of exactly what kind of farmer we have here?

The answer that we are left with seems to imply that this is the kind of farmer that loves dirt more than plants, and soil more than what it yields. God is a dirt farmer (rather than a farmer of the dirt). God seems to be more concerned with building up the soil than reaping the fruits it yields. Maybe God cares more about the dirt because God knows that the faith that springs up among the rocky soil and withers away only winds up enriching and building the soil for the next seeds that come along. Maybe God knows that the only way to get good soil is through DEATH. Good soil doesn’t just happen. It is the remnant of faith passed on from one generation to the next. Good soil is alive through the decomposing of dead things. Good soil is resurrection, for out of death the soil is given the nutrients needed to spring forth life and a harvest of plenty. And it is all part of the cycle of soil, which means that perhaps it is also the cycle of faith. One generation lives their faith and passes that faith on to the next generation so that even as they die the traditions and the story of the God who sows seeds lives on. So out of the decomposed remains of belief, new life, richer life, deeper life can begin to take root. I believe that the same process of death and resurrection also happens in our lives as well. Our lives of faith are often built upon the reality of struggle, death and new life. It’s a cycle that is necessary to help faith mature and grow so that the roots of God’s promises can grow deep in the soil of our lives. Perhaps one of the lessons this parable has to teach us is that we have a God who sows seeds in all kinds of dirt so that the gift of God’s Word can take root in each and every life. And over time God works to enrich the soil of our being so that the seed can take root and grow deep in us. Therefore, let us give thanks to the God who loves the dirt. And may our lives be enriched by the cycle of faith.

In Christ, Pastor Brian

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St. John Small Groups

YAH (Young at Heart) For those of a ‘certain age’, join us for Christian fellowship, coffee & refreshments on the 2nd Thursday of the month September thru May at 10 a.m. Contact: Cathy Chatelain 261-2707 Ruth Circle Meets the 3rd Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September thru May and is hosted by a circle member in her home or in the church parlor. MUGG: (Men Under God’s Guidance) Meets the 2nd Monday of the month, 5:30 p.m. at the Fargo Tap House. For all men, we will gather after work for food and fellowship. Reconciling In Christ: This is a group working toward St. John being more welcoming of the LGBT community and becoming a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at St. John. Contact: Stephanie Christeson 701-478-4145 Women & Wine Fellowship Women of St. John are invited for fun and good conversation in the evening hours at member’s homes. Dates and times TBD Contact: Diane Wiesenborn 218-287-4420 Foot Care Clinic Our Foot Care Clinic provides fellowship and foot care performed by trained health per-sonnel and volunteers the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Call Cathy Chatelain 261-2707 to schedule an appointment. Yoga Free 1 hour yoga class to stretch your mind, body and spirit. Wear comfortable clothes. Some Mondays at 10 a.m. (schedule on bulletin board). Contact: Gini Duval 701-306-3454 AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) Sundays at 7 pm at St. John NA (Narcotics Anonymous) Saturdays at noon at St. John

MUSIC NOTES by Dawn Papenfuss

Sunday, August 13 Evan Froslie, Guest Pianist Sunday, August 27 Azahna Luschen, Guest Vocalist

THIS MESSAGE is from Vickie Mickelson, Choir Ministry Coordinator for the Ugandan Kids Choir:

“I want to extend to you my sincerest appreciation for the hospitality and grace demonstrated to the children and staff of the Ugandan Kids Choir dur-ing their recent visit to your church! Your congregation profoundly blessed us with their generosity. Your church donated $1,611 to children in need and sponsored 3 children! We praise the Lord for the lives that will be changed because of your wonderful gifts. May God richly bless your congregation for caring so much!”

ARE YOU INTERESTED? I am considering teaching organ lessons to anyone who has probably 3-4 years of piano under their belt. I would like to keep organ playing alive! Many churches need organists/pianists. If you are interested (this could be ANY age from 5

th or 6

th grade to adult), please

let me know. You would have to work out coming to church to practice, but we can talk about that.

Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music

Churches United

Community Picnic

Tuesday August 15th

4:30-7:30 p.m. Gooseberry Park/Large Shelter

All Ages Free Food Provided

Bounce House, Live Music and Door Prizes

St. John Job Openings

We are currently looking to fill two positions here at St. John.

Office Secretary and

Youth Education Director If you or someone you know may be interested in learning more

about either of these positions please contact Pastor Erick

Thompson or the church office or go to www.stjohnfargo.com

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Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

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9:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM AA

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras 9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 1:00 PM Stephen Ministry Leader Mtg 6:30 PM Committee Night

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras 5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vaqueros y Vaqueras

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12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA

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9:30 AM Worship 7:00 PM AA

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Book Club at Linden-wood Park

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 12:00 PM Set-up for Corn Feed

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8:00 AM Set-Up for Corn Feed 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 5:00 PM 25th Annual Corn Feed! 5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline 7:00 PM Executive Committee Mtg

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Vammos al Zoologico! 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Youth Trip-Buffalo River State Park (9th Grade & Up)

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11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Fargo Pride in the Park 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA

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9:30 AM Worship 2:00 PM Fargo Pride Parade 7:00 PM AA

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua 5:30 PM MUGG Night

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8:00 AM Foot Care Clinic 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua 9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Church Council 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Mtg

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua 5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline 7:00 PM Nat'l Youth Gathering Interest Mtg (8th-12th Grade)

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9:00 AM - 1:00 PM Bomberos y Agua

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12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA

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9:30 AM Worship 5:00 PM Newsletter Deadline 7:00 PM AA

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9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Women & Wine 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Mtg

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5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline

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12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA

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9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Nat'l Youth Gathering Interest Mtg (8th-12th Grade) 7:00 PM AA

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9:30 AM Staff Meet-ing

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5:00 PM Bulletin Deadline 6:30 PM Stephen Ministry Mtg

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12:00 PM - 1:30 PM NA

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Youth and Family

FALL SCHEDULE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 10TH!

RETURNING TO TWO SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES

Rally Sunday, September 10th - Blessing of the Backpacks

Sundays: Starting September 10th

8:30 a.m. Worship/Communion

10:45 a.m. Worship/Communion

National Youth Gathering

Interest Meetings:

Wednesday, August 16th 7pm and

Sunday, August 27th 10:30am

(youth entering 8th-12th grade)

Buffalo River State Park Day Trip

August 10th 11am-4pm

All youth going into 9th grade and older are invited.

Bring a friend or two; the more the merrier!

*Watch the bulletin and Facebook for updates*

CONSTRUCTION NEWS! As a part of the Belmont Park neighborhood flood risk reduction project, the storm sewer lift station currently located just southeast of the church building is being moved from the east side of Lindenwood Drive to the west side. Work is well underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of October. With preschool summer camps in session here at the church, the return of our beloved preschoolers in September, and safety on our minds, barriers have been placed at the center of the parking lot to slow traffic. The parking lot remains accessible from both 5th Street South and Lindenwood Drive; we’re simply eliminating thru (detour!) traffic. The barriers are being removed for Sunday worship and all other events taking place at the church.

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Memorials, Honorariums & Special Gifts

Capital Appeal Fund: ELCA World Hunger Appeal:

In Memory of Gordy Langseth: In Memory of Dorothy Estenson:

Larry & Dawn Papenfuss Elwood & LaVon Rieke

In Memory of Gordon Langseth:

General Memorial Fund: Elwood & LaVon Rieke

In Memory of Dorothy Estenson: In Memory of Bonnie Sonnenberg:

Fred & Judy Haugo, Allan & Judy Peterson Elwood & LaVon Rieke

In Memory of Gene Iverson:

Fred & Judy Haugo, Donard & Carolyn Thue

In Memory of Gordon Langseth:

Carol Forster, Joyce Meyer, Deborah Seter, Irvin & Lynann Rustad, Kent Smith, Carol Stevens, Brent & Ellen Westby, Allan & Judy Peterson, Robert & Bonnie Ames, Donard & Carolyn Thue, Ione Langseth

In Memory of Carol Prien:

Robin & Gaylon Anderson, Fred & Judy Haugo, Allan & Judy Peterson, Donard & Carolyn Thue

Good Samaritan Committee Fund: Stephen Ministry Fund:

In Memory of Gene Iverson: In Memory of Gordy Langseth:

Jeri Ekstrom Gini & Dave Duval

In Memory of Gordon Langseth (for the Foot Care Clinic): In Memory of Gene Iverson:

Tim & Brenda Bauer Gini & Dave Duval

Good Samaritan Emergency Assistance Fund:

In Memory of Dorothy Estenson:

Mary Ann Walen

In Memory of Willard Krueger:

Wes Myhre

In Memory of Gene Iverson:

Mary Ann Walen, Richard & Shirley Bolme

St. John Foundation:

In Memory of Gordon Langseth:

Bev Hagen, Sylvan & Caroline Melroe, Robert & Suzanne Schultz

Special Music Fund:

In Memory of Dorothy Estenson:

Carol Stevens

In Memory of Gordy Langseth:

Steve & Diane Edwardson, Jeri Ekstrom, Marlene Ames, Butch & Pat Pobst, Mary Ann Walen,

Fred & Judy Haugo, Darrell & Nancy Burkland, Richard & Shirley Bolme, Jane Nissen,

Lyle & Rosalie Fritz, Richard & Diane Stenberg

In Memory of Carol Prien:

Carol Stevens

In Memory of Carol Prien (for Handbells):

Jessica Westgard Larson, Bruce & Lois Nelson, Kenneth & Diane Rheault, Dennis & Diane Wiesenborn, Ken & Gloria Nygard

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Fellowship Hour in the parlor

on Sunday mornings is an

important ministry of St. John.

Please take a minute to sign up to

serve or bring treats. This is a fun

and great way to meet and

welcome all who come to worship

at St. John! The Sign Up sheet is

on the East wall in the parlor, near

the clock.

GOD'S GRACE FOR ALL

SAVE THE DATE!

The Reconciling In Christ committee invites you to join us in celebrating FM Pride Week, August 10-13.

Help represent St. John at Pride in the Park on Saturday, August 12 from 11-4. Sign up for a 90-minute shift. Visit with our neighbors and share the message of God's love.

Sunday, August 13 at 12:30 is the Pride Interfaith Service at the Fargo Theatre. Immediately following the service at 2:00 p.m., walk with other St. Johnnies in the Pride Parade. Let's share the message of God's Grace for All! For more information or to sign up, contact

Susan Murphy at 701-793-2601

Did you know that...

...in addition to more than 475 human residents,

Bethany Retirement Living is home to nearly two

dozen animals? Dogs, cats, birds, and fish are an

important part of the whole-person care provided to

residents. Countless studies have shown the positive

impact of having pets around to provide

entertainment, activity and improvement to a variety of

health factors - as well as an opportunity to give and

receive a little LOVIN’! Bethany's pets are cared for

by employees and volunteers. If you’d like to help,

please contact Jessica Peck at 701-239-3246 or

Laurie Schnabel at 701-478-8904.