“We bring the hope

we share in Christ to

all!”

OCTOBER 2012 VOLUME 56—ISSUE 10

WELCA Fall Food & Funfest!

Monday, October 8 ~ 6:00-8:00PM

WELCA is hosting a bunco game night! Please mark your calendar and join us for fun, finger-food and fellowship! There will be game prizes and childcare will be available. WELCA Board members will be elected. Please bring your WELCA Thankoffering. See you there!

(This event replaces the Prayer Brunch usually held in October.)

SPRINKLER BLOWOUT Handyman Ministry’s annual sprinkler blowout is scheduled for Saturday, October 27th. Please fill out a form and leave it in the office. This service is offered to Atonement members at no cost—however, donations to the Handyman Ministry are appreciated.

Prayer: In Ephesians, the Apostle Paul reminds us that we are to, "Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication". However, it can be quite difficult to find quiet space or the time to pray amidst the chaos of our daily lives. Wednesday evenings from 5:45-6:15, the sanctuary at Atonement will be open to all who would like to use the quiet to pray. There will be literature about the different ways in which we can pray, as well as a variety of resources for those who would like to take advantage of them. If you have any questions, please contact Intern Jenna at vicarjennap@gmail.com and she will be happy to answer them. Shalom.

Theology on Tap: Calling all young adults! Looking for a way to connect with one another outside of church? Starting Friday, October 5, anyone between ages 21-35 is welcome at Mackenzie River Pizza in the Heights. This is a great time to ask Intern Jenna and each other any questions you might have, whether about God, the church, or, well, there isn't a limit! It is not, however, a time to argue or persuade one another to a particular point of view on a subject. We don't have a time set quite yet, but if you are interested, please email Jenna at vicarjennap@gmail.com as soon as possible so we can find the best time for the group.

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 2

“A Little Bit of…Everything”

I am often asked what exactly it is

that I am doing at Atonement, and

as an intern this phrase best

describes my role. A little bit of everything. From

Sunday morning leadership and hospital visits, to

teaching confirmation and working with the various

committees, my participation and responsibilities are

as varied as possible! I do a lot of observing, a fair

amount of chiming in, and an increasing amount of

preaching and teaching as the year goes on. The

purpose of the intern year is to take the different

coursework we’ve done in the classroom, and apply

it to our daily lives as a Christian community.

Because that’s what this is all about, isn’t it? As

followers of Christ, we come together to worship and

praise God, and to learn how we are to live out our

daily lives. I think that’s one of my favorite parts

about preaching—how do we make sense of God’s

abounding love and grace, and what does it mean for

how we live? It’s wonderful to hear that God has

loved us so much that Jesus was sent to die for us.

When it comes down to it, our God is a God of

action, and in receiving God’s grace we are sent out

into the world. The hope is that we have been

transformed by the call to love our neighbors as

ourselves, and to work together for the glory of God.

And that is why I’m here this year, serving at

Atonement Lutheran. What better way to be a leader

within the church than to learn from the body of

Christ itself? I’ve already been asking quite a

number of questions in the various meetings I’ve

been apart of, and I’ll continue to ask questions.

Each and every one of you, who are the beloved

children of God, are my teacher. I have the honor of

learning from you. Please bear with me as I ask

questions, try new things, potentially fail at those

new things, and hopefully together we can succeed at

building up God’s church as it is found here on earth.

In this next month of October, I pray that we are

strengthened by our love of God and one another,

facing the challenges that each day brings—together.

Peace,

Jenna

Dear Friends at Atonement,

“And I pray that you, being

rooted and established in love,

may have power, together with

the Lord’s holy people, to grasp

how wide and long and high and deep is the love of

Christ.” Ephesians 3:17b-18

On Saturday, September 8th, Kathy, Intern Jenna,

Debbie Rensvold and I attended an event put on by

the Mission Table of the Montana Synod called

High, Deep & Wide. Pastor Dave Peters, the Director

for Evangelical Mission in the Montana Synod,

began his presentation with a quote from Yogi Berra:

“If you don’t know where you are going, you will

wind up somewhere else.” The purpose of this event

was to help us look at where our congregation is

going, where God is inviting us to go and to begin to

discover what God’s unique mission is for our

congregation now and in the near future.

During the day we looked at three key relationships

that make up our ministry:

Our relationship with God in Christ our Lord

(HIGH)

This has to do with growing in our relationship

with God through our spiritual practices.

Our relationship with our brothers and sisters

in faith (DEEP)

This has to do with who we are as the Body of

Christ, with discipleship, with community

building.

Our relationship with our neighborhood and

the world (WIDE)

This has to do with how we reach out to our

neighborhood, community and world sharing

the good news of God’s love through service

and witness.

We will be forming a HIGH, DEEP and WIDE

Committee to help our congregation put together a

Mission Plan to help guide our ministry over the next

several years. You will be hearing more about this in

the future and I invite you to become involved in this

process as we grow in our relationship with God,

each other and the world.

Serving with you in Christ,

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 3

Time & Talent List

October~ canned vegetables

Lectors

8:00 AM 9:45 AM

Oct. 7: Marva Drain Marilyn Franklin

Oct. 14: Lora Pederson DeeDee Stanich

Oct. 21: Pat Zellar Dale Cunnington

Oct. 28: Bertha Olsen Randy Shelton

Communion Preparers

October 7: Tammy Johnston October 14: Elinore Quander October 21: Ed & Rita Reeve October 28: Kathy Slehofer

Communion Bread

October: Shirley Jennings November: Tammy Johnston

Giving Our Time & Talents to God - Page 1

Hospital Visitation

October ~ Sandi Gonzalez November ~ Erin Koepp

Sharing Flowers for Worship

Oct. 7: open

Oct. 14: Dan & Kathy Cypher

Oct. 21: open

Oct. 28: open

The 2012 Flower Chart is on the table outside the office at the back of the sanctuary. The cost is $25.00 per Sunday for two bouquets given in honor or memory of a loved one.

Acolytes

Oct. 7:

8:00 a.m. Dejahn Dixon

9:45 a.m. Julia Mulkey

Oct. 14:

8:00 a.m. Trisha Johnson

9:45 a.m. Armani Murrell

Oct. 21:

8:00 a.m. Destin Christman

9:45 a.m. Zachary Schacht

Oct. 28:

8:00 a.m. Deyon Dixon

9:45 a.m. Samantha Willoughby

Talk the Talk and Walk the Walk!

NEW DAY AND TIME!

Meet other walkers in the church

parking lot at 10:00 a.m. on Fridays.

We walk to Lake Elmo and back.

Common Grounds

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 4

October Love Offering…

Billings Public Schools

BPMP: BackPack Meals Program

The Billings Public Schools BackPack Meals

Program began to help ensure that low-

income children in Billings have food on

weekends and school holidays. By working

closely with other organizations in the city of

Billings, BPMP has become part of a

coordinated effort to end hunger and poverty

in Billings. The program has also helped to

raise awareness and a community-wide focus

on childhood hunger. The success of this

project will help to keep children in schools

and help them to succeed in life!

Teen Food Pantry Program: The Teen Pantries started in November 2011

and there are currently six pantries operated

within Billings Public Schools and serving up

to 70 students weekly. The BackPack Meals

Program works to help alleviate childhood

hunger at the elementary level, while the Teen

Pantries help students at the middle and high

school levels.

Love Offering

envelopes can now be

found on the two tables at

the back of the sanctuary.

CONNECT GROUP

We are gearing up with some new ideas to help members feel part of our church family. Let’s focus on fellowship, support and friendship as we share in this family of faith. It is not so much about the works as we are all replaceable when it comes to jobs. This brings to mind the book Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. Let’s get to know each other as children of the same heavenly Father and the unique individuals He has created. We welcome input—or better yet, join us!

Shirley DeMars T Erin KoeppT Sandi Gonzalez T Julie Amundson T Cathy Holloway

Wednesday, October 31

6:00-7:30 PM

Interested in becoming a member of

Atonement? Would you like a refresher

course on Lutheran theology? Pr. Mark

will be teaching a new member class in

October—Sundays from 4:00-5:30 PM at

the Little White Church. New members

will be received Sunday, November 4th.

Classes will meet 10/7; 10/14; 10/21; and

10/28. Call the office for more

information (245-7004). Please visit with

Pr. Mark if you are unable to attend

classes but want to become a member.

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 5

Building the Hope in 2012 Prayer Team

NEW DAY! ~ NEW TIME!

Join us for a time of prayer in room 2 on Mondays at 2:00PM (following Line Dancing at 1:00 on Mondays). Plan to attend both—a great time for exercise and fellowship followed by a quiet time of prayer.

Please help us prepare for the

bazaar!!! We need CRAFTS, summer fruits and

vegetables for CANNED GOODS

GARDEN PRODUCE…..BAKED

GOODS…..SILENT AUCTION ITEMS…..

Bring your garage sale items to GRANNIE’S

ATTIC (no clothes, please)

LEFSE... PIE AND COFFEE served all day…

LUNCH…served at noon

Start thinking now about HOW YOU CAN HELP!!!

Benefits Atonement’s

Capital Campaign Fund

Contact: Julie Leno at 248-5359

or

Eleanor Andersen at 259-8467 THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!!

Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012 Atonement Bazaar

Prayers 4 Members

Pray for blessings, health, safety and general well-being of these members of Atonement. Give thanks for all who are workers with us in the mission we share.

October 7: Tina Williams; Cheryl Wilson; Ken & Nyda Wolery; Bette Wolff

October 14: Ruth Wolff; Scott, Katie, Connor & Caleb Wolverton; Carolyn & Nathan Young; Roger & Carol Young

October 21: Robert, Pat & Amanda Zellar; Richard & Laura Zimmerman; Ann Aanstad; John & Janice Alberta

October 28:

Gary & Julie Amundson; Eleanor Andersen; Julie Andersen; Michael & Jahna Anderson, Dejahn & Deyon

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 6

8:00 AM Ushers

Oct. 7: Tina Williams, John & Bertha Olsen, Jo Bott Oct. 14: Tina Williams, Lora Pederson, Bill & Judy Belden

Oct. 21: Tina Williams, Dwile & Bekki Weagel, Dale Molyneaux

Oct. 28: Tina Williams, Ed & Rita Reeve, Karen Underwood

Van Drivers

Oct. 7: Marlon Leno 248-5359 Oct. 14: Stan Newton 245-8456 Oct. 21: Kyle Johnston 256-1980 Oct. 28: Todd Koepp 256-1569

CANTORS

October 7:

8:00 a.m. Women at the Well

9:45 a.m. Sono Me Praise Band

October 14:

8:00 a.m. Gary Dunmeyer

9:45 a.m. Marilyn Franklin & Becky Lujan

October 21:

8:00 a.m. Becky Lujan & Debbie Heyd

9:45 a.m. Charlie Plaggemeyer & Emma Quinn

October 28:

8:00 a.m. Kelly & Linda Michaelis

9:45 a.m. Lisa Hammond & Marilyn Franklin

Piano Schedule ~ 9:45 a.m. Worship

Oct. 7: JoAnn Martin

Oct. 14: Sara Hull

Oct. 21: Debbie Hedrick

Oct. 28: Sara Hull

9:45 AM Ushers

Oct. 7: Todd & Erin Koepp, Dennis & Donna Newell, Joyce Nitschke

Oct. 14: Marlon Leno, Daren, Amy, Shaun, Lane & Erika Severson

Oct. 21: Steve & Donna Slater, Louis & Charlie Plaggemeyer, Joan Siemers, DeeDee Stanich

Oct. 28: Gene & Stacey Arneson, Janette Tulimaiau, Tyler Westrope, Maggie Beler

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 6

Giving Our Time & Talents to God ~ Page 2

2012 Atonement Lutheran Church Council

Tyler Westrope, President 670-3878

Lance King, Vice President 656-1183

Gary Dunmeyer, Treasurer 724-552-6693

Vivian Beals, Secretary 248-7930

Mike Rubich 248-3484

Linda Lange 245-4766

Linda Fiene-Quinn 259-2689

Dave Mangels 256-2029

Barry Hammond 861-5285

Sara Hull 245-6414

Debbie Rensvold 259-2485

Doug Harper, Alternate 373-6384

Marissa Delser, Youth Rep.

YOUTH GROUP for Junior and Senior High

School students will meet Sundays

@ 6:00 PM Oct. 7, 14, 21 & 28

The Commentator — Atonement Lutheran Church Page 7

GRACE BIBLE STUDY meets Tuesdays at 7:00PM

For more information, contact

Tina Williams @ 256-7761

Friendship Club

Wednesday October 10, 2012

11:30AM

Guest: Bernie Mason

JOY Bible Study

The JOY Bible Study is a

women’s study group that

meets every Wednesday at

6:30am at City Brew.

Hope Circle Hope Circle will meet Thursday,

October 18 at 9:30am. at Atonement (room 2).

Financial Report August 2012 Income $ 24,426.63

August 2012 Expenses $ 27,481.80 Net Income (loss) for month ($ 3,055.17)

Net Income (loss) for year ($ 8,038.71)

September 2012 Offerings & Income

September 02, 2012 $ 3,698.45

September 09, 2012 $ 6,327.09

September 16, 2012 $ 2,764.05

September 23, 2012 $ 3,755.45

September 30, 2012 $

Simply Giving through

09/25/2012 $ 5,565.00

Total as of 09/25/2012 $ 22,110.04

Thursday Bible Study

~ 9:30am ~ Novak Room

Reading through the Old Testament—currently reading

Psalms.

Baptisms:

09/02/2012 Lila Brianne Pisk

09/02/2012 Ezekiel Osyus Jimenez

09/30/2012 Ellen Marie Hass

09/30/2012 Owen Keith Van Setten

Weddings:

09/08/2012 Michael Yorgason

& Elizabeth Clark

09/22/2012 Troy Hansen

& Michele Anguiano

Wonderful Wednesday! October 10

6:00PM @ Play Inn

Marvelous Monday! October 22

6:00PM @ Golden Phoenix

All are welcome!

Atonement Staff

Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . Mark R. Morgenstern Associate in Ministry . .. . . . . Kathy Slehofer Seminary Intern . . . . . . . . Jenna Pulkowski Office Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . Joann Estal Organist . . . . ... . . . . .. . . Gwynn Pederson

Atonement Lutheran Church

406-245-7004 Fax: 406-245-6951

www.atonementbillings.org pastormark@atonementbillings.org

kathy@atonementbillings.org

joann@atonementbillings.org

vicarjennap@gmail.com

Non Profit Organization

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Billings, MT

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407 Wicks Lane ▪ Billings, MT 59105

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