DISCOVERING HOPE: TRANSFORMATIONAL MINISTRY
INTERESTED?
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
The following is a paraphrase of Paul’s words to the Romans, Chapter 12, vs. 1-2: “I beg of you, in view of all of God’s mercies bestowed upon you, that you offer and dedicate your whole selves to God as a living sacrifice, consecrated to God and worthy of God’s acceptance, for this is your reasonable and rational service and your spiritual worship. And do not let the world around you squeeze you into its own superficial mold, but by the new ideals in Christ that mold your minds, continue to be transformed, renewed and changed, so that you may find and follow God’s will; that is, what is good, well-pleasing and perfect in God’s eyes for you.”
In July, as part of our trip to Pennsylvania and New York, we took part in an ELCA Rural Ministry event for three days at Susquehanna University, one of our ELCA schools in Selinsgrove, PA. It is a very beautiful campus in this small city set along the western bank of the Susquehanna River in a geographic area known as the Appalachians.
The overall theme of the conference was “DISCOVERING HOPE,” and one of the most helpful workshops I attended was given by Helen Harms, who is the ELCA Mission Director for Synods in Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Maryland. The focus was on Congregational renewal and transformational ministry.
A brochure that was handed out asks the question: “Is your congregation in need of renewal?” Then it goes on to say, “Many congregations face a crisis of energy and commitment. ELCA research has identified three factors necessary for renewal: (1) Commitment to God’s mission of sharing the Gospel with the world (2) Willingness to change for the sake of the Gospel (3) Shared leadership between pastor and congregational leaders.
It goes on to say: “Transformational Ministry is a renewal process that seeks to bring new life to your congregation. This is not a program or project, but an intense process of renewal that involves the whole congregation. That process begins with prayer and an in-depth study of the Book of Acts. Congregational leaders attend a special Leadership Event to help prepare them for guiding the congregation into a new future.”
What are the marks of Transformed Congregations? Almost all such ministries exhibit the following: (1) Having a spiritual depth and vitality with worship, scripture study and prayer as central activities, involving more and more people (2) Having a clear sense of identity and also biblically based guiding principles shared by all (3) Having a new or renewed pastoral and ever-growing lay leadership (4) Having leaders who are working together and who are continually equipping others to take on those leadership roles (5) Having a connection to and a partnership with the surrounding community which transcends the concept of “church membership” (6) Having a commitment to planning and taking action to carry out God’s mission (7) Having a commitment to sharing sufficient resources to carry out God’s mission in the community.
Through the powerful words of the Apostle Paul to the Roman church, God, in Christ Jesus, puts before us a plea and a challenge: Through our baptism and our life in Christ Jesus, we should be well aware of God’s mercy and grace upon us. We know of our salvation IN Christ Jesus. Paul says that such should be reason enough to dedicate our whole selves to God, to His service and His ministry tasks. Indeed, this is a part of our worship of God – of our offering to God our prayer, praise, and thanksgiving. Paul says that now that we ARE in Christ Jesus and made holy, or consecrated to Him, and are being molded by those new ideals in Christ, then we also need to continue to be in that ongoing PROCESS of being transformed, renewed and changed, moving away from those superficial ways and traps of the world and toward what is good, well-pleasing and perfect in the eyes of God.
Yes, those are powerful words for every individual Christian, but they are also words of hope and challenge to every congregation, as we seek to shape our ministry and outreach to one another, to community, and to the world. Something to think about, and perhaps even more.
Pastor John
OPPORTUNITIES FOR HOLY COMMUNION
September 3 Pentecost XIII
September 10 Pentecost XIV (Rally Day)
KNOWN TO HAVE BEEN HOSPITALIZED
Roger Krause, Gilma Bothum and Bob Armon
TRONDHJEM NEWS
SEPTEMBER ASSIGNMENTS
Altar Guild
Elaine Lukes
Coffee Servers
September 10 – Obert Haldorson
September 24 – Barbara Prantner
Communion Assistants
Mark & Debbie Brekke
Lectors
September 3 Steve Kraushaar
September 10 Kiven Lukes
September 17 Linda Kraushaar
September 14 Elaine Lukes
SEPTEMBER ACOLYTE/USHERS
September 3 Garrett Lukes
September 10 Cortney Thostenson
September 17 Garrett Lukes
September 24 Daniel Jax
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
September 1 Ralph George
September 8 Kim Naatz
September 12 Cortney Thostenson
September 16 Ken Benesh
September 22 Michael Severtson
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
September 1 Bette & Ralph George
September 11 Arlyn & Joleen Krause
September 14 Dale & Elaine Lukes
September 22 Kiven & Cheryl Lukes
MEMORIALS
GENERAL FUND
In memory of CAROLINE RAYMAN by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr., M/M/ Emil Prantner, Emily Cech
In memory of EVERETT LARSON by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr., M/M Ken Benesh
In memory of ELFREDA CONELL by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr., Emily Cech
In memory of RUSS HUSEMOLLER by M/m Jim Benesh, Sr.
In memory of GEN OLSON by M/M Jim Benesh, Sr.
In memory of JIM ZIEBELL by M/m Emil Prantner
BUILDING FUND
In memory of BETTY HAMBERG by M/M Emil Prantner
TRONDHJEM FINANCIAL REPORT
Where We Monthly Where We Ending
Should Be Income Are Balance
Jan. $2,557 $2,453 $2,453 -$104
Feb $5,115 $2,327.94 $4,780.94 -$334.06
March $7.672 $2,147.10 $6,928.04 -$743.96
Apr. $10,230 $2,834 $9,762.04 -$467.96
May $12,787 $2,274 $12,036.04 -$750.96
June $15,345 $2,498 $14,237.04 -$1,057.96
July $17,902 $2,498 $16,785.04 -$1,116.96
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 2006
Month Where we Where Total Should be We Are Expenses
(As of 8/17) (As of 8/17)
January $ 8,902 $ 8,403 $ 8,098
February $17,803 $15,108 $15,553
March $26,705 $26,486 $26,319
April $35,607 $34,748 $36,380
May $44,508 $44,000 $46,915
June $53.410 $60,596 $63,412
July $62,312 $62,395 $64,261
August $71,213 $66,956 $68,858
September $80,115
October $89,015
November $97,918
December $106,820
HAYWARD LUTHERAN CHURCH
CONGREGATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING
June 5, 2006 – 7 p.m.
Present: Pastor Malm, Sharon Malm, Keith Iverson, Kendall Johnson, Vickie Storlie, Darlene Gilby, Curt Larson.
The meeting was called to order by President, Keith Iverson.
The Secretary’s Report was approved.
The Treasurer’s Report was reviewed and accepted.
The Council approved a motion to establish a savings account for the Carpet Fund.
Offering counting procedures were discussed.
A motion was approved to use the Ready Reserve to pay current bills and then cash in the Building fund CD for bills, as a last resort, if needed.
Supplies and utilities will be conserved in the church where possible.
The sanctuary Carpet Committee is scheduled to meet soon.
The Roof Committee and Furnace/Energy Committee are being established.
The Council passed a motion to have a rummage sale fundraiser at the church in conjunction with Hayward Days.
The next meeting is June 21st, Joint Council.
Meetings are planned for July 17th and August 21st.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Frydenlund, Secretary
HAYWARD AND TRONDHJEM JOINT COUNCIL MEETING
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Hayward Lutheran Church
Present: Curt Larson, Jr., Vickie Storlie, Sonja Johnson, Keith Iverson, Kendall Johnson, Pat Frydenlund, Pastor John Malm, Sheldon Lukes, Steve Kraushaar, Mark Brekke, Linda Kraushaar, Mike Severtson
President, Keith Iverson, called the meeting to order.
Devotions:
Video “What Does It Mean to be a Lutheran?”
Speaker:
Linda Gunderson led a discussion on reflection, goals and direction for the future.
Items:
Sunday, December 24th – Christmas Service will be at 8:45 a.m. at Trondhjem and 10:30 a.m. at Hayward
Sunday, December 24th – Christmas Eve Service at Hayward at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, December 25th – Service at 9 a.m. at Trondhjem
Discussed a Discretionary Fund for the church.
Freeborn county Ministerium is asking for $50 from each congregation to pay for education for the county jail. Each congregation will make a decision regarding that request.
Discussion about the new hymnals was held.
The next Joint Council meeting will be December 13, 2006, at Trondhjem at 7 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Pat Frydenlund, Secretary
SEPTEMBER ASSIGNMENTS
Altar Guild
Cammie Tennis & Sharon Seidel
Coffee Servers
September 3 Neal & Jean Skaar
September 10 Paul & Min Westland/Kris & John Schultz
September 17 Chris & Kay Skaar/Tracy & Sue Skaar
September 24 Shirley Olson/Mary Stanley
Ushers
*Paul & Min Westland
Brian Berhow
David Westland
Kris Schultz
Communion Assistants
Darlene Gilby & Pat Frydenlund
Lectors
September 3 Sandra Jimenez
September 10 Barb Miller
September 17 Pat Frydenlund
September 24 Sonja Johnson
SEPTEMBER ACOLYTE/USHERS
September 3 Jalen Jimenez & Kadie Habana
September 10 Caylee Tennis & Dahna Wright
September 17 Mitchell Skaar
September 24 Laurel Heimsness & Ashlyn Freitag
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS
September 1 Wes Tennis
September 2 Logan Tufte
September 3 Brooke Woitas
September 5 Paul Miller
September 6 Lucille Anderson
September 7 Jack Thisius
September 9 Amy Larson
September 13 Darrell Storlie
Vanessa Storlie
September 14 Kevin Learn
September 15 Nathan Westland
September 16 Holland Ravenhorst
September 17 Pauline Noland
Paul Samuelson
Jerry Noland
September 19 Audrey Cox
September 20 Lila Johnson
James Skaar
Dale Westland
September 24 Kristin Schultz
Mac Noland
September 25 Sue Skaar
September 29 Camilla Frydenlund
Brock Noland
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES
September 6 Doran & Shirley Gray
September 13 Ashle & Harriet Skaar
September 16 Kelly Jo & Shane Christensen
September 28 Paul & Barb Miller
MEMORIALS
GENERAL FUND
In memory of EVERETT LARSON by M/M Dan Johnson, M/M Kendall Johnson, Linda & Maynard Wallace, M/M Neal Skaar
In memory of BETTY HAMBURG by M/M Kendall Johnson
In memory of GALEN JOHNSON by Helen Dockwell, M/M Kendall Johnson, MM Paul Westland, Clara M. Johnson, Viola Rynerson, Shirley Olson, Lisa Johnson Sharpe & Houston, Lucille Larson, M/M David Paulson, Clayton & Elaine Esse, M/M Dan Johnson, Alice & Harvey Satra, Gilma Bothum
In memory of GLADYS HENDRICKSON by M/M Kendall Johnson
In memory of JAYNEE BROSKOFF WILKINS by M/M Neal Skaar, M/M Paul Westland
In memory of MARK HAVINGA by M/M Neal Skaar
In memory of JAMES LAIR by m/m Neal Skaar
In memory of NANCY SULLIVAN by M/M Neal Skaar
In memory of GLADYS HENDRICKSON by Lila Esse
In memory of HENRY BROWN by M/m Paul Westland
In memory of GEN OLSON by M/M Dan Johnson, Lucille Larson, M/M Craig Hoium, M/M David Paulson, M/M Kendall Johnson, Faye Olson, Beatrice Wacholz, M/M Neal Skaar, Becky & Nick Hanson, M/M Paul Westland
In memory of ARVILLA NOTERMAN by M/M Dan Johnson, M/M Kendall Johnson
In honor of S. O. Sorlein’s birthday 110 years ago by Ruth Larson
CEMETERY FUND
In memory of GALEN JOHNSON by Ray & Mavis Miller, M/M Dale Westland
In memory of MABEL LARSON by M/M Keith Iverson
In memory of EVERETT LARSON by Erwin Larson
In memory of GEN OLSON by Warren & Solveig Sorenson, Eda Bergh, M/M Stan Dowd, Don & Pat Skaar, Sheila Johnson, Shirley Kraushaar, Ray & Mavis Miller, Clayton Peterson, Jim & Bertha Frydenlund, Bruce & Judy Olson, Ray & Lois Stotts, Sharon Seidel, Lila Esse, Doris & Lowell Whiteis, M/M Dale Westland
ALTAR GUILD
In memory of GEN OLSON by Mildred Gurwell, Opal Peterson & family, Don & Gerry Johnson, M/M David Thompson, Sally Anderson, Gwyneth Nelson, Craig 7 Michelle Johnson, Rod & Linda Johnson, Julius Hansen, Lloyd & Betty Ball
In memory of MABEL LARSON by M/M Richard Hanson, M/M christen Skaar, family & friends
BUILDING FUND
In memory of GALEN JOHNSON by M/M Nick Schermer
In memory of GEN OLSON by M/m Nick Schermer, don & Bev Solinger, Art Sherman, Camilla Frydenlund, Ashle Skaar
In memory of MABEL LARSON by M/M Ashle Skaar, M/M Kendall Johnson
In memory of EVERETT LARSON by M/M Phil Tennis
CARPET FUND
In memory of GEN OLSON by M/M Lou Larson
In memory of MABEL LARSON by Renee & Gregory Jonsgaard, M/M Larry Johnson, Kath Heffron, Dawn & Timothy Horst, M/M John Schultz, family & friends
In memory of EVERETT LARSON by N.C. & Grace Johnson
In memory of GALEN JOHNSON by M/M Lou Larson
In memory of DR. V. G. RIENTS by DeLores Wegner
COPIER FUND
In memory of MABEL LARSON by M/M Nick Schermer, family & friends
HYMNAL FUND
In memory of EVERETT LARSON by Jean Calahan, Tim & Aimee Struck, Dennis Bank, Pauline Noland, Judith Booher
In memory of LOIS SCHROEDER by family & friends
In memory of GEN OLSON by Al & Donna Mendenhall, Paul, Dan & David Stieler, M/M Keith Iverson, Deb & Dave Janson, Cherry & Kevin Buttles, Dawn, Lowell & Jenny Nelson
LIBRARY FUND
In memory of GEN OLSON by Gertrude Iverson
In memory of GALEN JOHNSON by Gertrude Iverson
We extend our sympathy to the families of the following:
Linda Richardson on the death of her mother
The family of Everett Larson who died June 21, 2006
The family of Genevieve Olson who died August 2, 2006
The family of Galen Johnson who died August 5, 2006
The family of Arvella Noterman who died August 12, 2006
Dear Friends in Christ,
“Shukrani” is the Kiswahili word for gratitude, and it is a good expression of our feelings now as we are reentering life in Arusha.
When students come to work with me, I ask them to read a book in preparation, which is by Henri Nouwen. It’s title: “Gracias”. Another language but the same essential meaning as shukrani. In his book, the word is “thank you” at many levels. It is for the warmly welcoming culture, for the friends and colleagues who encourage and enable, for the sending churches, and, of course, to God for the opportunity to be present in such a situation. It’s a good preparing book, because it asks us to have an attitude of receiving and learning, graciously, when we are placed in a brand new situation. This is not an automatic, or even easy, concept for our American culture! We are a doing people, and like to be helping and contributing when we are in a place of need. Sometimes this orientation of ours keeps us from receiving gifts, God’s gifts, from people and places that are new.
Rebecca and I have certainly felt the gifts of many, many people these past 3 months. We’ve been to over 25 congregations, over 30 places in all, and shared our life and stories of work to more people than we can count. We traveled over 13,000 miles, saw friends and family we had not seen in over 2 years, and received encouragement from every direction. Now we return and renew friendships and relationships here in Arusha, full of warm wishes, prayers for our work and well-being, and the knowledge that wherever we have connected in this past time, it is a positive push for our continuing now these next 2 years.
Challenges for work and living are new but not new:
- Communication with children, including Nathan who leaves to boarding school again in 4 weeks.
- Proper and timely use of money for my program work, for meetings, travels, and medications, much of that money from individual and church donations (wow, a working budget to plan with?)
- Coordinating Rebecca’s Makumira time and my travel time better than we did over the last year.
Remember these as prayer requests on our part, even as we feel blessed and full of gratitude for the time we have had with many of you, and for the time which has been laid before us.
Kristopher and Rebecca Hartwig
In Tanzania
YOU ARE INVITED
Friends and family of Neal and Jean Skaar and Rebecca Skaar are invited to a wedding dance/celebration on Friday, September 1st at the Bohemian Brick Hall from 8 p.m. to midnight. Rebecca is marrying Benjamin Holgert.
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 $20. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated. Thank you.
WELCA NEWS
PURPOSE STATEMENT
As a community of women created in the image of god, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society and the world.
WELCA BAKE SALE A SUCCESS!!
THANK YOU to the WELCA members for their contributions of baked goods and monetary support. We raised $991.40 and received supplemental funds from Thrivent for Lutherans in the amount of $400 for a total of $1,391.40.
GOOD EARTH VILLAGE
DO YOU LIKE TO DO SCRAP BOOKING AND STAMPING?
Come to Good Earth Village September 15-17 for a Scrapbook and Stamping Retreat!
Join us for a retreat of uninterrupted scrapping and stamping! We’ll do the cooking and cleaning while you do the creating! It’s a chance to do something you love without the distractions of home!
In addition to scrapping and stamping, we’ll gather for devotions and conversation. There is also time for naps, hikes and fellowship – whatever you need to have a renewing and productive weekend!
You’re invited, no matter what your skill level. There is always someone willing to answer questions or lend a hand!
Cost: $90, which includes lodging, meals and programming.
Please contact the camp for registration details.
Good Earth Village
25303 Old Town Dr.
Spring Valley, MN 55975
(507) 346-2494
info@GoodEarthVillage.org.
THIS ‘N’ THAT
A STORY BOTH PARENTS AND CHILDREN NEED TO READ
CHILDREN AND INTERNET SAFETY
Shannon could year the footsteps behind her as she walked toward home. The thought of being followed made her heart beat faster. “You’re being silly,” she told herself, “no one is following you.” To be safe, she began to walk faster, but the footsteps kept up with her pace. She was afraid to look back and she was glad she was almost home. Shannon said a quick prayer, “God, please get me home safe.” She saw the porch light burning and she leaned against the door for a moment, relieved to be in the safety of her home. She glanced out the window to see if anyone was there. The sidewalk was empty.
After tossing her books on the sofa, she decided to grab a snack and get on-line. She logged on under her screen name ByAngel1213. She checked her Buddy List and saw GoTo123 was on. She sent him an instant message:
ByAngel1213: Hi. I’m glad you are on! I thought someone was following me home today. It was really weird!
GoTo123: You watch too much TV. Why would someone be following you? Don’t you live in a safe neighborhood?
ByAngel1213: Of course I do. I guess it was my imagination cuz’ I didn’t see anybody when I looked out.
GoTo123: Unless you gave your name out on-line. You haven’t done that have you?
Byangel1213: Of course not. I’m not stupid you know.
GoTo123: Did you have a softball game after school today?
ByAngel1213: Yes and we won!!
GoTo123: That’s great! Who did you play?
ByAngel1213: We played the Hornets. Their uniforms are so gross! They look like bees.
GoTo123: What is your team called?
ByAngel12213: We are the Canton Cats. We have tiger paws on our uniforms. They are really cool.
GoTo123: Did you pitch?
ByAngel1213: No, I play second base. I got to go. My homework has to be done before my parents get home. I don’t want them mad at me. Bye!
GoTo123: Catch you later. Bye.
Meanwhile….GoTo123 went to the member menu and began to search for her profile. When it came up, he highlighted it and printed it out. He took out a pen and began to write down what he knew about angel so far.
Her name: Shannon. Birthday: Jan. 3, l985. Age: 13. State where she lived: North Carolina.
Hobbies: softball, chorus, skating and going to the mall. Besides this information, he knew she lived in Canton because she had just told him. He knew she stayed by herself until 6:30 p.m. every afternoon until her parents came home from work. He knew she played softball on Thursday afternoons on the school team, and the team was named the Canton Cats. Her favorite number 7 was printed on her jersey. He knew she was in the eighth grade at the Canton Junior High School. She had told him all this in the conversations they had on-line. He had enough information to find her now.
Shannon didn’t tell her parents about the incident on the way home from the ballpark that day. She didn’t want them to make a scene and stop her from walking home from the softball games. Parents were always overreacting and hers were the worst. It made her wish she was not an only child. Maybe if she had brothers and sisters, her parents wouldn’t be so overprotective.
By Thursday, Shannon had forgotten about the footsteps following her. Her game was in full swing when suddenly she felt someone staring at her. It was then that the memory came back. She glanced up from her second base position to see a man watching her closely.
He was leaning against the fence behind first base and he smiled when she looked at him. He didn’t look scary and she quickly dismissed the sudden fear she had felt.
After the game, he sat on a bleacher while she talked to the coach. She noticed his smile once again as she walked past him. He nodded and she smiled back. He noticed her name on the back of her shirt. He knew he had found her.
Quietly, he walked a safe distance behind her. It was only a few blocks to Shannon’s home, and once he saw where she lived he quickly returned to the park to get his car.
Now he had to wait. He decided to get a bite to eat until the time came to go to Shannon’s house. He drove to a fast food restaurant and sat there until time to make his move.
Shannon was in her room later that evening when she heard voices in the living room.
“Shannon, come here,” her father called. He sounded upset and she couldn’t imagine why. She went into the room to see the man from the ballpark sitting on the sofa.
“Sit down,” her father began. “This man has just told us a most interesting story about you.”
Shannon sat back. How could he tell her parents anything? She had never seen him before today!
“Do you know who I am, Shannon?” the man asked.
“No,” Shannon answered.
“I am a police officer and your online friend, GoTo123.”
Shannon was stunned. “That’s impossible! GoTo is a kid my age! He’s 14. And he lives in Michigan!”
The man smiled. “I know I told you all that, but it wasn’t true. You see, Shannon, there are people on-line who pretend to be kids; I was one of them. But while others do it to injure kids and hurt them, I belong to a group of parents who do it to protect kids from predators. I came here to find you to teach you how dangerous it is to talk to people on-line. You told me enough about yourself to make it easy for me to find you. You named the school you went to, the name of your ball team and the position you played. The number and name on your jersey just made finding you a breeze.”
Shannon was stunned. “You mean you don’t live in Michigan?”
He laughed. “No, I live in Raleigh. It made you feel safe to think I was so far away, didn’t it?”
She nodded.
“I had a friend whose daughter was like you. Only she wasn’t as lucky. The guy found her and murdered her while she was home alone. Kids are taught not to tell anyone when they are alone, yet they do it all the time on-line. The wrong people trick you into giving out information a little here and there on-line. Before you know it, you have told them enough for them to find you without even realizing you have done it. I hope you’ve learned a lesson from this and won’t do it again. Tell others about this so they will be safe too.”
“It’s a promise!”, she said.
That night Shannon and her Dad and Mom all knelt down together and thanked God for protecting Shannon from what could have been a tragic situation.
PARISH NEWS DEADLINE
The deadline for turning in articles and calendar information for the Parish News is the 20th 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!