FROM THE PASTOR---

“DARKNESS AT NOON”

In going through some things that I had inherited from my mother, after her death, I came across a copy of an old newspaper article that my cousin had sent from Buffalo, New York. The article told of a very strange and frightening event that happened in that area and across much of the Northeast in September of 1950.

On September 25, 1950, people were setting their clocks back from daylight savings time to standard time. The light of sunrise should have come an hour earlier that day, but there was no real daylight at all. The morning hours ticked away, but still no daylight, only a gloomy darkness. People were waking up, looking out their windows and seeing the streetlights still on, and wondering if their clocks and watches had stopped.

On top of that, it was Sunday. People were driving off to church that morning with their headlights on. Perhaps many more people had decided to go to church that morning because of that strange darkness. Was this the Last Day? Was this the Apocalypse? Had there been some kind of a catastrophic nuclear bang? As the day moved on, and nothing seemed to be changing, the fears and anxieties grew with it. At 4:00 p.m., one man reported that the sun in the sky looked like a very hazy midnight moon. One lady called in to a local radio station, exclaiming that this deep darkness was God’s wrath upon us for tampering with the normal standards of time. Other proclamations came in from people, saying that this was a form of judgment upon the world for various sins and iniquities and that the day for the separation of the sheep from the goats had finally come.

The darkness lasted all that day and even into the following day. But by then, reports were coming in that began to explain what had caused all of this intense darkness. Airplane pilots flying over the area at 25,000 feet, told of flying through a thick cloud of smoke. Where was this great cloud of smoke coming from? Well, there were huge forest fires far to the West in British Columbia, and the air currents had pushed those thick clouds of smoke across the continent to the Eastern states and Canada. As the light from the sun became

brighter, people’s anxieties and fears lessened and life returned to a more normal pace.

Volcanoes erupting, huge forest fires burning; there have been other times before and since when large clouds of smoke and ash have blocked out the sun. The threat of no light coming upon us at all is a very disturbing thought. It does give us forms of anxiety. It does force us to examine our lives and what our relationship with our Creator-Father has been or should have been. It does give us pause and reason to do some confessing and repenting and to look, even in the midst of the darkness, to ONE who IS the light of the world.

I would guess that those people who had that firm foundation of Christian faith and belief, who had that firm foundation in the Word of God and the Son of God, Jesus Christ, were the most calm and the least anxious in the midst of increasing September Sunday’s darkness so long ago. The threat of darkness would not rock their boat of faith and assurance in a God of love and grace, not even the threat of darkness that often comes in other forms, like illness, disease, chronic pain, tragic accident and death. The foundation is there, and it keeps the faithful one steady in those storms of life. May God bless us all with that sure and certain faith and foundation. It is a foundation built on our trust in the promises of God’s Word and that God is always true to his Word. Just as God was true to his own Son, God will be true to us as we continue to look to him in faith, even in the midst of any noon darkness.

Pastor John

OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION

October 3 18^th Sunday after Pentecost

October 31 Reformation Day

DAKOTA ROAD MUSIC IS COMING TO HLC

On Sunday, October 3^rd, beginning at 4:00 p.m., we will have the DAKOTA ROAD MUSIC GROUP with us at Hayward. Other area congregations will also be joining us for this event.

At 4:00 p.m., the group will meet with choirs, singers and musicians who wish to learn some new and different Christian music, and even have a chance to join them in parts of the later concert.

At 5:00 p.m. we will gather in the Social Hall for a potluck meal.

At 6:00 p.m. we will enjoy a find concert of contemporary music by Dakota Road.

Hans and Larry and Dakota Road have been creating and performing Christian music in a lively way for several years. They have performed at many church gatherings, including our National Youth Gatherings, Synod Gatherings and other events around the country. They have written many hymns, songs and liturgies for the church that are contemporary, lively, meaningful and fun.

This is an event for young and old, youth and families. All will enjoy their joyful and thought-provoking music.

A VISIT FROM MARTIN LUTHER AND KATIE

On Sunday, October 17^th, during our worship services, we will be privileged to welcome among us Martin Luther and his beloved wife, Katherine, who will share with us some important reminders about our Lutheran roots and heritage, and about what it means to be a Lutheran Christian. Come and join us for this important visit, on this, the 487^th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation.

A FOCUS ON THE LUTHERAN CHURCH IN RUSSIA AND LATVIA

On Sunday, October 24^th, we will be pleased to welcome Pr. Milton Ost of Albert Lea, who will share with us, in word and picture, about our brothers and sisters of the Lutheran Church in Latvia and Russia, and how we are seeking to support the work of their Lutheran Seminary in St. Petersburg, Russia. We will have opportunity to share in this support through a free-will offering during our worship. Pastor Ost is retired, having served for many years as the pastor of Grace Lutheran Church in Albert Lea.

EARL THOMPSON AND MISSION NEPAL

On Sunday, November 7^th, Earl Thompson will be with us at our worship services to share on his current mission work in Nepal. This will also afford us the opportunity to receive a special offering for the support of his work there, which has been a traditional part of our mission benevolence for several years. Please come and join us in welcoming Earl into our fellowship this day.

WE SAY YES!

Christian, where are you?

Alan Johnson was in a place he had never imagined he would be. He lay on a bed in the intensive care unit of the hospital, preparing for emergency surgery. Just a few weeks ago, he had felt as though he was in excellent health and living a perfect life. “How did I get in THIS situation?” he asked the chaplain, who had come into the room to pray with him.

Allison Martin was in a place she had always dreamed of going. As she stepped off the bus and onto the college campus, several hundred miles from home, suddenly she doubted her decision to come so far for school. “What am I DOING here?” she wondered. “I don’t know anyone. I feel so alone.”

Like Alan and Allison, you undoubtedly have found yourself, on occasion, in an unfamiliar place. It is an inevitable part of one’s life journey. We sense that, even as we have to deal with the messiness of stinky, flooded basements or flooded crop fields. The ancient Israelites found themselves in a dry and dusty desert; headed toward the Promised Land, miles from anywhere they had ever been before. Yet, even in that abandoned wasteland, God was always with them, revealing himself to them in a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night, and also providing them with the basics of food and water for their survival. And God entrusted them with the task of caring for those essentials, so that both they and others might be blessed.

In Genesis, chapter three, as we hear that Eden story of the Rebellion of Adam and Eve, they hear God calling out to them, “Where are you?” They had disobeyed God’s command that they not eat the fruit from that Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And so they were trying to hide from God in that beautiful garden, for they were now in a situation that they had never experienced. Yet, even in THIS situation of embarrassment, guilt and shame at their own failings, God did not leave them alone. Despite their punishment of being kicked out of the garden and having to sweat and toil for their food, and even experience pain and death, God did not abandon them and still provided for them and sought to keep them safe, and he still commended to them the task of caring for God’s creation.

Christian, where are YOU?

Wherever you may be, whether in a new or familiar situation, and even in the midst of flooding rains and messy cleanups, remember that you are always in the presence of God. And wherever you may be, God blesses you and enables you to be a blessing to others.

TRONDHJEM NEWS

OCTOBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Elna Severtson

Coffee Servers

October 3 Dick & Shirley Kraushaar

October 17 Roger & Elna Severtson

October 31 Sheldon & Ruth Lukes

Communion Assistant

Shirley Kraushaar

Lectors

October 3 Ruth Lukes

October 10 Scott Kraushaar

October 17 Elaine Lukes

October 24

October 31

OCTOBER ACOLYTE/USHER

ASSIGNMENTS

October 3 Cortney Thostenson & Jessica Naatz

October 10 Scott Kraushaar & Matthew Reese

October 17 Cameron Kolbe & Brad Thompson

October 24 Megan Thompson & Kyle Thompson

October 31 Cortney Thostenson & Jessica Naatz

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

October 7 Betty Krause

Don Chapek

October 9 Mark Brekke

October 28 Steve Kraushaar

Cameron Kolbe

October 31 Eileen Reese

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

October 10 Emil & Bev Prantner

October 12 Tracy & Barry Jahnke

October 21 Mike & Cindy Severtson

October 24 Steve & Eileen Reese

WELCA NEWS

TYING KNOTS IS OUR GAME!

Come and join us at Trondhjem as we will be tying knots in quilts to give to the needy. We will work from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, starting on October 14^th. We will continue for five Thursday mornings.

You can count on coffee, a treat and a chance to visit. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated.

WELCA President

Betty Krause

MEMORIALS

Sunday School

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Sheldon Lukes

In memory of Raymond Dalen Lukes by M/M Sheldon Lukes and family.

Organ Fund

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Dale Lukes.

General Fund

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr.

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Roger Krause

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Bill Lyle

In memory of Elmer Chapek by Emily Cech

In memory of Elmer Chapek by Obert Haldorson

In memory of Walter Lang by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr.

In memory of Marvin Anderson by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr.

In memory of Eleanora Flusek by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr.

In memory of Eleanora Flusek by Emily Cech

Building Fund

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Don Chapek and Ann.

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Richard Kraushaar.

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Emil Prantner

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Clayton Kearns

In memory of Elmer Chapek by Ralph Bryant family

In memory of Elmer Chapek by family & friends.

In memory of Elmer Chapek by Marjorie Halvorson

In memory of Elmer Chapek by Alice Hofner

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Dale Bellrichard

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Darrell Zrucky

In memory of Elmer Chapek by Russell Chapek

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M William Kruger

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Mike Merten

In memory of Elmer Chapek by M/M Steve Kraushaar

In memory of Elmer Chapek by Dorothy Greibrok family

In memory of Elmer Chapek by LeMoyne Kraushaar family

In memory of Eleanora Flusek by M/M Emil Prantner

In memory of Eleanora Flusek by Barb Prantner

In memory of Lawrence Cox by Mary Cox, Lee & Jeannette Cox & family, Gary & Gail Quam & family

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

Irene Benesh

Bev Prantner

Mary Cox

HAYWARD NEWS

MISSION STATEMENT

We the people of Hayward Lutheran Church confess the Triune God, and strive to follow the words and deeds of Jesus Christ.

VISION STATEMENT

As a community of faith in Jesus Christ, we will demonstrate care and compassion for one another and also to a world in much need. God’s Word and the Holy Sacraments are central to our life of faith. As we grow and are nourished by these, we will bring the good news of God’s forgiveness, life and salvation to those around us.

HAYWARD LUTHERAN

OUR STEWARDSHIP FOR 2004

Month Where we Actuals Should be

January $ 8,358 $ 7,291.42

February $16,716 $16,032.34

March $25,074 $22.806.34

April $33,432 $30,555.34

May $41,790 $37,145.34

June $50,148 $42,566.00

July $58.506 $50,706.00

August $66,864 $56,491.00

September $75,222 $64,034.00 (As of 9/19/04)

A NOTE FROM YOUR COUNCIL

THANK YOU to all of you who have stepped forward to help our church with our financial needs. We still have a long way to go, but your help has really been appreciated. A special thank you to the Hayward WELCA for donating $1,000 to that effort.

Hayward Church Council

HAYWARD LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

Wednesday, August 15, 2004 – 5:30 p.m.

Sonja Johnson, Vice-President, called the Council meeting to order.

Those present were: Sonja Johnson, Bob Armon, Keith Iverson, Pastor Malm and Sharon Malm. Absent: Randy Eggum, Vickie Storlie and Pat Frydenlund.

Keith Iverson moved to approve the agenda as amended. Bob Armon seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Secretary’s report was presented. Keith Iverson moved to approve the Secretary’s report. Sonja Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was presented. Keith Iverson moved to approve the Treasurer’s report. Bob Armon seconded the motion. Motion carried.

The calendar was discussed.

CALENDAR

1. September 8^th – Wed. – Confirmation Orientation @ 7 p.m.

2. September 5 & 12 – Sunday – Holy Communion

3. September 12^th – Sunday – RALLY DAY – change of worship schedule and first day of Sunday School.

4. September 18 – Sat. – Synod Event on Youth and Family Ministries at Our Savior’s Lutheran, Rochester – 10 a.m. to Noon. For parish youth leaders and pastors.

5. September 19^th – Sun. – HLC Council at noon.

6. September 20^th – Mon. – Synod and BER Conf. Stewardship event for Pastors and Congregational Presidents or other officers @ Grace Lutheran in Albert Lea, 6:00 P.M. – DINNER AND PRESENTATION. Rsvp.

7. September 21^st – Tuesday – Waldorf Association meeting at Forest City. Pastor and Dan Johnson are delegates.

8. October 17^th – Sunday – “Martin Luther and Katy” will be our special guests for the worship hour. COUNCIL meets at noon.

PROPERTIES

1. In Sanctuary, the windows need to be caulked and some high ceiling light bulbs need replacing. Bob Armon volunteered to do the work.

2. Repairs needed in the men’s restroom were discussed.

3. Windows up high in narthex and south entrance need cleaning.

4. Richard Olson will help to install the new thermostats.

PARSONAGE

1. The cement project was discussed. Adequate funding still not available to do the project.

OTHER

1. The planned implementation of the WE SAY YES! Stewardship program was discussed.

2. A proposed “Adopt a Seminarian” program from Luther Seminary in St. Paul was discussed.

Keith Iverson made a motion to adjourn. Sonja Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon Malm

Acting Secretary

HAYWARD LUTHERAN CHURCH

COUNCIL MEETING

Sunday, September 19, 2004

11:45 a.m.

The Hayward Church Council met on Sunday, September 19, 2004.

Present: Sonja Johnson, Randy Eggum, Vickie Storlie, Pat Frydenlund, Sharon Malm and Pastor John. Absent: Keith Iverson and Bob Armon.

Randy Eggum presided over the meeting.

The agenda was discussed. Vickie Storlie made a motion to accept the agenda. Sonja Johnson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Secretary’s Report:

Sonja Johnson made a motion to accept the Secretary’s report for the August 25^th meeting. Pat Frydenlund seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:

Vickie Storlie made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s report. Randy Eggum seconded the motion. Motion carried.

ITEMS TO CONSIDER:

A. Calendar:

1. September 20^th – Monday – Synod Conference Stewardship Event at Grace Lutheran in Albert Lea, 6:00 p.m. dinner. Randy & Pastor attending.

2. September 21^st – Waldorf College Association Meeting. Pastor and Dan Johnson going. Note: President Jolivette resigns as of end of year. Will move on to a position with Luther Seminary.

3. October 3^rd – Sunday – 4:00 to 7:30 p.m. Dakota Road Music Event for whole parish and also including area churches. For young and old alike.

4. October 17^th – Sunday – Martin Luther & Katie coming.

5. October 17^th – 11:45 a.m. – Next Council meeting

6. October 31^st – Reformation Sunday and dinner

7. November 7^th – Earl Thompson will be speaking on Nepal.

8. LONG RANGE: Mark calendars for the weekend of April 16 & 17, when Bishop and Mrs. Usgaard will be with us. Late Saturday afternoon and through supper hour, he will meet with Parish Council members. Sunday, he will preach at both churches.

B. Properties:

1. Fire proof file cabinet was discussed.

2. Bob & Cindy Armon and Pastor John replaced light bulbs in the Sanctuary and caulked windows along with washing windows in the Narthex.

3. Will check with Gwen about the cost of cleaning the cushions on the pews.

4. Some discussion on using the Sunday School Rooms on the east side of the basement during the colder months.

C. Parsonage:

1. The insurance company sent out an adjuster reference the water in the basement. Carpeting options were discussed and will be turned over to the Parsonage Committee.

Sonja Johnson made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Pat Frydenlund seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Next meeting: October 17^th, 11:45 a.m.

Respectfully submitted

Vickie Storlie, Council Secretary

OCTOBER ASSIGNMENTS

Altar Guild

Noona Barnick & LaVonne Williams

Coffee Servers

October 3 Troy & April Habana/John &

Janice Habana

October 10 LaVonne Williams/Carol Conley

October 17 Dale & Millie Westland/Kurt &

Cheryl Freitag

October 24 Meta Iverson/Keith & Janet

Iverson

October 31 NO Coffee

Ushers

*Neal & Jean Skaar

Floyd Matson

Vernon Lunde

Mary Stanley

Sandy Ruble

Richard & Judy Olson

Communion and Offering Duty

Sonja Johnson & Pat Frydenlund

Lectors

October 3 Steve Tufte

October 10 Neal Skaar

October 17 Jalen & Sandra Jimenez

October 24 Pat Frydenlund

October 31 Shirley Gray

OCTOBER ACOLYTE/USHER SCHEDULE

October 3 Dahna Wright & Julie Erickson

October 10 Samantha Anderson & Caylee Tennis

October 17 Louis & Logan Tufte

October 24 Hunter Gilby & Mitchell Skaar

October 41 Dahna Wright & Julie Erickson

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

October 8 Eugene & Elaine Flusek

October 22 Richard & Gwen Hanson

October 27 Tracy & Sue Skaar

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

October 6 Kurt Freitag

October 7 Jean Skaar

October 11 Everett Larson

October 12 Kaye Tufte

October 16 Eric Westland

October 17 Sally Anderson

October 18 Marlene Thompson

October 19 Todd Enderson

October 24 Gwyneth Nelson

October 26 Zachary Jensen

October 28 Steven Johnson

October 29 Lou Larson

KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED

Helmer Brandt

Curt Larson Sr.

Lois Schroeder

Phil Tennis

MEMORIALS

LIFT FUND

In memory of Bryan Baker

In memory of Bob Malepsy

In memory of Paul Olson

In memory of Eleanora Flusek

In memory of Walter Lang

In memory of Marvel Hanson

BUILDING FUND

In memory of Paul Olson

CEMETERY FUND

In memory of DeeAnn Michaelis

In memory of Paul Olson

ALTAR GUILD

In memory of Eleanora Flusek

LIBRARY

In memory of Paul Olson

GENERAL FUND

In memory of David & Lynda Wachlin

THANK YOU to those who helped with the “clean-up” and “dry-up” of the parsonage and church after the heavy rain. Obert Haldorson, Steve Kraushaar, Cody Eggum, LeMoyne Eggum, Casey Eggum and friend, Claire, were a big help to Pastor John at the parsonage. Dick & Gwen Hanson were the “clean-up crew” at the church.

THANK YOU to Dan Johnson and Clayton Peterson for assembling the bulletin board that was put up in the cemetery to indicate burials and lot numbers. A special thanks goes to Clayton for building the roof and reinforcing the back panel. Drive up and see it!

THANK YOU to Bob and Cindy Armon and Pastor John for replacing the many light bulbs in the sanctuary and for washing the windows in the new addition.. Thank also to Bob for doing some caulking around the stained glass windows in the sanctuary.

ALTAR GUILD

WOULD YOU LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE FRESH FLOWERS?

Fresh flowers for the altar are a beautiful addition to our worship service. If you wish to furnish flowers, all you need to do is call the Altar Guild president, Marlene Thompson (373-3895). The Guild will purchase and display the flowers for you, and if you wish, will put an acknowledgement in the Sunday bulletin. Cost of the flowers is usually about $15. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you.

WELCA NEWS

A REFORMATION FESTIVAL DINNER ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 31ST

It is not often that Reformation Day, October 31^st, actually falls on a Sunday. It gives us a special opportunity to celebrate this most historic day, for it is the birth day of the Lutheran Church and of the Protestant Reformation. Therefore, the Hayward Lutheran WELCA will be having a special dinner that day from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. The menu will be ham, scalloped potatoes, carrots, cole slaw, rolls, apple dessert, root beer and coffee. Donations received at the meal will be matched by Thrivent for Lutherans Insurance and will go towards the Sanctuary Refurbishing Fund.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

YOUTH HELP AT ST. JOHN’S HOME

The youth in grades 7, 8 & 9 went to St. John’s Lutheran Home on Sunday, September 19^th where they assisted the residents in getting to and from the service and also helped with the worship service.

THANK YOU TO OUR TEACHERS!

Pre-K – Kindergarten: Cammie Tennis; 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd grades: Cheryl Freitag & Nancy Berhow; 4^th, 5^th & 6^th grades: Mike Larson & Kellie Anderson; 7^th, 8^th & 9^th grades: Steve Lundak & Steve & Kaye Tufte; Substitutes: Pat Frydenlund, Sandra Jimenez, Vickie Larson & Shannon Mayer.

Thank you for giving of your time to teach our young people.

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE NEWS

THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE AT GOOD EARTH VILLAGE

There are many events scheduled at Good Earth Village this fall for all ages.

October 2 – Work Day

8-9 – Youth Blast – a retreat for 3^rd-6^th graders

10 – Family Fall Festival – an afternoon for families

11-13 – A Spiritual Spa – a getaway of scripture and pampering

14-15 – Quilting Retreat

15-16 – Youth Blast

20-21 – Spiritual Direction Retreat

26-27 – Quilting Retreat

29-31 – Quilting Retreat

For more information on these events, check out our web site at www.goodearthvillage.org or call the camp office at 507-346-2494.

FAMILY FALL FESTIVAL

Coming up on Sunday, October 10^th from 2 – 5 p.m., Good Earth Village will have a Family Fall Festival. The cost is $4.00 per person (not to exceed $12 per family), which includes a supper meal hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, beverage, fresh pies and ice cream.

This is an event that young families as well as grandparents can enjoy. There will be hiking, wagon rides, crafts and food. Children can visit the pumpkin patch and pick out a pumpkin to take home with them.

THIS ‘N’ THAT

.

TEN TIPS ON GIVING WISELY

1. BUDGET FOR GIVING: Plan your charitable giving into your monthly budget, just as you would do with your other financial obligations.

2. BE AN INFORMED GIVER: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek information about the church program or charity to which you are giving. Be comfortable in knowing that you are giving and supporting something you know about and in which you believe.

3. KEEP THE RIGHT RECORDS: For tax deduction purposes, the IRS requires a properly worded receipt from the church or charity as a confirmation of any one-time gift that is $250 or more. Your church gives you a giving statement about twice a year so that you have such a record.

4. BE AWARE OF HOW MUCH IS REALLY TAX DEDUCTIBLE: Some gifts to a charity may include a meal event or a “free” book, etc. For example, if you give a $50 gift to a charity that also includes a meal, the charity should indicate that the gift, less the cost of the meal, is tax deductible.

5. ASK ABOUT MATCHING GIFTS: Some employers have a program where they will match gifts that their workers give to church or charity. Find out about it. Also, fraternal insurance groups, like Thrivent for Lutherans, offer matching programs for certain church-related charity programs if you own one of their products or are a member of a Thrivent group.

6. YOUR GIFT CAN REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL: Upon your request, a church or charity will honor your request to keep your gift confidential or anonymous. Don’t hesitate to ask.

7. CONSIDER OTHER FORMS OF GIVING: Don’t overlook the benefits to you and your cause received from bequests, charitable gift annuities, gifts in kind, endowments and many other forms of creative giving. Please consider /remember your church or favorite charity in your will and how you wish to have your gift used.

8. VOLUNTEER! Giving includes our selves, our time and our possessions. Sharing your time and skills with church and charity can be of great help to its programs and ministries.

9. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY NO: Give generously when you can, but if you don’t feel comfortable with the charity or church that is asking for your support, or if your financial position doesn’t make that possible at the moment, don’t hesitate to say no. When the time is right, or when you know more about the program or ministry, then you can offer a gift.

10. BE A PROACTIVE GIVER: Remember, you don’t have to wait to be asked to give. Plan a giving strategy in advance. Contact the church and charities of your choice to discuss how your gifts can be most effectively used and thus help make a difference in your community.

11.

(Adapted from “Habitat For Humanity Magazine”)

PARISH NEWS DEADLINE

The deadline for turning in articles and calendar information for the Parish News is the 20^th of each month. Thank you for your cooperation.

ADDRESS CHANGE? If you or someone you know has had a change of address or phone number within this past year, please inform the Church Office as soon as possible. Thank you for your help!