THE PARISH NEWS

HAYWARD-TRONDHJEM LUTHERAN PARISH

BOX 426, HAYWARD, MN  56043

June 2008                                                                                                                                    Vol. 13, No. 6

 

 

 

ROY HOPE TO BE AT HAYWARD DAYS OUTDOOR WORSHIP

 

            Roy Hope, Gospel concert and recording artist, will share a program of sacred song and testimony in Hayward Minnesota at Hayward Lutheran Church on Sunday, July 13th at 10:00 a.m.  The concert is free and open to the public.  A free-will offering will be received for Hope Ministries.

            Roy’s recording and singing ministry is based in Sinai, SD.  He shares a unique blend of hymns, contemporary gospel songs, and adds a touch of country western flavor to his varied repertoire.  Hope has performed over 200 concerts a year since 1971, touring throughout the United States, Norway and the western provinces of Canada.  In 2003 he was joined by 2 Nashville friends for a 10-day concert tour, featuring Southern Gospel and a variety of other special features.  His newest release features many of those songs.

            “My greatest purpose is to be an encourager”, says Hope.  “Everybody has problems and they are seeking help.  I try to be realistic and practical in my music by sharing a part of my life to help point people to the Lord for guidance.”

            A native of South Dakota, Hope began his full-time singing ministry after working with Billy Graham’s World-Wide Pictures organization arranging film premieres.  During the summer of 1986 he was privileged to attend the Billy Graham Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in Amsterdam.

            In addition to his singing ministry, Hope has produced more than 24 recordings of his own in addition to producing for a variety of other artists.  He assists churches with improving their sound systems to ensure clear communication of the Lord’s Word.  Hope also has a significant outreach to young singing groups and musicians by consulting them with their ministry, which may include providing them with a sound system, and/or producing a recording of their music.

Roy and his wife, Rose, have four grown children and seven grandchildren in Minneapolis.  In 1994 Roy & Rose moved to Sinai, South Dakota where Roy grew up.

            The public is cordially invited to attend this delightful concert of hope.  Hope’s latest recordings will also be available at the concert.

 

 

 

 

DARKNESS AT NOON

 

                I found in our family file an old newspaper article that my mother had received many years ago from a distant family member and had kept, and it then got passed on to me.  It’s an article from the Buffalo, New York newspaper from September of 1950.  It tells of a strange and frightening event that happened in Buffalo and along the eastern states at the time.

            On September 25, 1950, people were setting their clocks back from having been on daylight savings time, thus going to standard time.  The light of sunrise should have come an hour earlier that day, but there was no daylight at all.  The morning hours ticked by, but still no daylight – only deep darkness.  People were waking up and looking out their windows and seeing the streetlights still on, and wondering if their clocks had stopped, whether electric or wind-up clocks.

            On top of that, it was a Sunday.  People got up and got dressed, had their breakfast, and were off for their usual

                                                                                                                                                (Continued on page 2)

 

Sunday morning worship, driving (nervously?) to church in cars with the headlights on.  Perhaps there were even more people going to church that day because of this eerie darkness enveloping the land.  Was this, perhaps, the FINAL DAY?  Was this the so-called APOCALYPSE?  Had there been some catastrophic nuclear explosion?  As the day moved on, and nothing seemed to be changing, people’s 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 nighttime moon.  One lady called in to a radio station, exclaiming that this deep darkness was God’s wrath upon all mankind for tampering with the normal time standards.  Other proclamations came in from people, saying that this was a form of judgment upon us for our various sins and iniquities and that the day for the separation of the sheep from the goats had finally come.

            The darkness lasted all of that Sunday, and even into the following day.  But by then, reports were coming in that began to explain what had actually caused this phenomenon.  Airplane pilots flying over the area at 25,000 feet, told of flying through a thick cloud of SMOKE; yes, smoke.  And where was this great cloud of smoke coming from?  Thousands of miles to the west in British Columbia there were huge forest fires blazing, and the winds had taken all of that intense smoke and blown it all to the eastern parts of the continent.  As the light from the sun became brighter on Monday afternoon, due to the changing of the wind patterns, people’s anxieties and fears lessened and life returned to its normal pace.

            Volcanoes erupting, huge forest fires burning; winds blowing; there have been other times before and since that September day when large clouds of smoke and ash have blocked out the sun.  Remember when, in Washington, Mt. St. Helens blew?  The threat of there being no light upon us can be a very threatening thing.  It would give us some anxiety.  It does force us to examine our lives and what our relationship with our Creator-God 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 such darkness, to ONE who IS the Light of the world.

            I would fathom a guess that those people who had that firm foundation of Christian faith and belief – who had that firm foundation in God’s Word and the SON of God, were the most calm, and least anxious in the midst of all that darkness on that September day.  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 might come in other forms, such as illness, disease, chronic ailments, accident, or death, or even the rising price of OIL.  The foundation is there, and it keeps the faithful one steady in whatever “storms” of life may come.

            May God bless us all with such a sure and certain faith and foundation.  It IS a foundation built on our trust in the sure and certain promises of God’s WORD, and that God is always true to His Word.  Just as God was true to His own Son, He will be true to you, to us, as we continue to look to Him in faith, even…even in the midst of any darkness at noontime.

                 

Pastor Malm

 

2008 SUMMER ELCA GLOBAL MISSIONS EVENT

 

                Here’s your chance to attend an ELCA Global Mission Event that is in your own back yard, so to speak.  This event will be held on July 17-20 on the campus of the University of Wisconsin at Lacrosse, WI.  This is a multigenerational event that celebrates global mission and offers skill-building opportunities for Lutherans who are interested in or are engaged in global ministries.

            The event begins on Thursday evening, July 17th, and continues through Sunday, July 20th.  It offers opportunities to experience how Lutherans from other countries worship, along with keynote speakers and Global University sessions on a variety of topics related to missions.

            If you are interested, you can attend for just a day or two or for the whole event.  Contact Pastor Malm for more information, or seek out information on line at www.elca.org/gme. 

            You might see our missionaries, the Hartwigs there, since they will be back in the states this summer, and then also in the fall.  They will be visiting us sometime in November.

 

 

OPPORTUNITIES FOR

HOLY COMMUNION

 

June 1st

June 8th

 

 

 

 

A MESSAGE FROM OUR MISSIONARY FAMILY

 

Shukrani.

 

            In May Rebecca and I celebrated 25 years of marriage.  We took some flowers and visited our neighbors, Dave and Eunie Simonson.  Some of you know of the Simonson’s, coming here as missionaries over 50 years ago and subsequently dedicating their lives to the Church in Tanzania.  We shared stories and laughter with them, as seemed appropriate since we first met at their home in 1981.  We are grateful for such sweet memories, such special neighbors, and such a special gift of being together these many years.

            Our children are all well and we are looking forward to seeing each one within the next two months as time in the States approaches.  That they can be so far from us – and each other – and still bless our being here, is a precious thing for these parents.  Daniel, Jenny, Kirsten, Heidi, Nate:  cherished gifts.

            We have an amazing web of family, friends, and supporters.  In July and August we will visit so many churches, so many friends, and see so much family.  It’s a grueling schedule, yet loving relationships every day and the privilege of sharing stories, feelings, and time with those for whom we care a great deal.

            Our work and relationships here continue well.  We can hardly believe the richness and complexity of the roles we each have, the ongoing possibilities for the future, and the loving prayers that continue to support us.

            Two weeks ago I received an unexpected phone call.  It was from John, whom I’ve mentioned briefly before as being very, very sick.  Astonishingly, his voice was almost clear and he was simply wanting me to know that he was back home to Bumbuli Hospital.  He shouldn’t be better.  That’s my ‘sure knowledge’ as a doctor.  But, he is.  We are all so grateful.

            Shukrani means gratitude in Swahili.  We use it a lot in the language, but never loosely.  The culture has inherent awe and gratitude towards our Creator God.  That our God also redeems is a cause for great gratitude and joy, yet still a great wonder as sickness, tragedy, poverty and war continue to afflict this world.

 

Shukrani.

 

Kristopher and Rebecca Hartwig in Tanzania

 

 

TRONDHJEM NEWS

 

JUNE ASSIGNMENTS

 

            Altar Guild                                           Coffee Servers                                     Communion Assistants

 

            Charlotte Lukes                         June 1               Mark & Debra Brekke                 Steve & Linda Kraushaar                                                                        June 15             Sunday School

                                                            June 29             Dick & Shirley Kraushaar

                                                           

                        Lectors                                                 Acolyte/Ushers

                                   

   June 1            Shirley Kraushaar                                  June 1               Cortney & Reed Thostenson

   June 8            Ruth Lukes                                            June 8               Anna Severtson

   June 15          Charlotte Lukes                                     June 15             Ethan Severtson

   June 22          Kiven Lukes                                           June 22             Madalyn Wangen

   June 29          Linda Kraushaar                         June 29             Cortney Thostenson & Allison Wangen

 

 

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

                                                June 3   Charlotte Lukes             June 9   Sheldon Lukes

                                                June 10    Brenda Krause            June 12   Gilma Bothum

                                                June 13    Adam Brekke             June 18   Randy Lukes  

                                   

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

                                    June 15     Mona and Randy Lukes     June 29   Annette and Kim Naatz

                                                                                               

 

MEMORIALS

 

BUILDING FUND

            In memory of KEN BENESH by M/M Erwin Larson, M/M N.C. Johnson

 

GENERAL FUND

            In memory of KEN BEHESH by M/M Clifford Kermes, Roger Saman, Lila Esse, M/M Alton Krikava, M/M Ron Kos, M/M David Dammen, Ernest Benesh, Sarah Lindemann, M/M Truman Thrond, Family and Friends

 

 

 

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.

 

THANK YOU FROM THE ELCA

 

            A letter was received from Carol A. Erickson, Director, Donor Stewardship of the Evangelical Church in America.  It reads as follows:  Dear Hayward Lutheran Church:  “Marked with the cross of Christ forever, we are claimed, gathered and sent for the sake of the world.”  ELCA Mission Statement. “

            “On behalf of Bishop Hanson, the Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, thank you for Hayward Lutheran Church’s recent gifts given through your synod between February and April.                                                                                                       “Gifts like yours make a real difference in the world as the ELCA works to spread the Gospel, build and nurture the faith lives of others, reach out to the unchurched, provide educational opportunities and much more.  Thanks to your partnership, the ELCA’s commitment to these ministries is a long-term investment in future generations.”

            “I pray that you will find great joy in knowing what your support makes possible in the lives of others today, and in the future.  Through partners like you we are making a difference in the world and making Christ known.”

 

 

JUNE ASSIGNMENTS

 

Altar Guild                                           Coffee Servers                                                 Ushers

 

Carole Eggum, Sally Anderson,               June 1       Vern & Bev Lunde                  *Nick & Jeanne Schermer          

    Sharon Seidel                                    June 8       Ken & Barb Schroeder            Ken & Barb Schroeder

                                                            June 15     Tracy & Sue Skaar                 Vern & Pat Frydenlund

                                                            June 22     Dave & Paulette Paulson

                                                            June 29     Harold & DeAnn Kuchera

 

Communion Assistants

 

Vickie Storlie and Jim Becker

 

                        Acolyte/Ushers                                                 Lectors

 

                        June 1       Kadie & Kasie Habana                                   June 1      Nick Schermer

                        June 8       Anna Englin & Caylee Tennis                          June 8      Shirley Gray

                        June 15    Mitchell Skaar & Bryce Skaar                          June 15    Dan Johnson

                        June 22    Logan & Tate Tufte                                          June 22   Barb Miller

                        June 27    Kadie & Kasie Habana                                    June 29   Volunteer Needed

 

 

 

 

JUNE BIRTHDAYS

 

                        June 5               Janice Habana                           June 12             Neal Skaar

                        June 6               Lorraine Sandness                     June 13             Floyd Matson

                        June 6               Justin Erickson                          June 15             Sue Braff

                        June 7               David Thompson                        June 16             Janet Kromminga

                        June 9               Shirley Olson                             June 21             Jeanne Schermer

                        June 9               Benjamin Berhow                       June 22             Tracy Skaar      

                        June 11             Judy Olson                                June 28             Beverly Jenson

                                                                                                June 29             Elaine Flusek

 

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

 

                        June 8               Greg & Carolyn Matson              June 20             Dean & Kellie Anderson

                        June 8               Steve & Karen Sorenson June 21             Gary & Paula Broitzman

                        June 12             Jim & Nancy Skaar                    June 22             John & Sharon Malm

                        June 15             Paul & Edith Samuelson            

 

MEMORIALS

BUILDING FUND

            In memory of ROBERT REYMEN by M/M Neal Skaar

            In memory of KEN BENESH by Camilla Frydenlund

            In memory of HARRIET HANSON by M/M Paul Miller

            In memory of CLARENCE ANDERSON by M/M Jim Becker

            In memory of MARVIN KATZUNG by Beatrice Wacholz

 

 

GENERAL FUND

            In memory of CLARENCE ANDERSON by M/M Paul Westland

            In memory of ARLENE FRONDAL by M/M Kendall Johnson

            In memory of CONRAD FRYDENLUND by M/M Vern Frydenlund

            In memory of MARION SORENSON by Pauline Noland

 

CEMETERY FUND

            In memory of DORIS & KEN BENESH by M/M Jon L. Larson

            In memory of MERV HANSEN by Mrs. Eleanor Iverson

 

ALTAR GUILD

            In memory of HARRIET HANSON by Don & Nancy Golde

 

SALVATION ARMY FOOD SHELF

            In memory of MARVIN GAARD by M/M Wayne Kromminga

 

REMEMBER YOUR CHURCH’S FINANCIAL NEEDS

 

            As families we know that our expenses during the summer months continue as they do in the winter.  The same goes for the church.  We are grateful to you for your gifts to the work of the church here in Hayward Lutheran.  However, our expenses have outgrown our income.  As of June 23, 2008 the balance in our checking account is $764.54.  We have borrowed $2,800 from our Ready Reserve Loan Account, on which we pay interest.  If we hadn’t borrowed this money, our balance would be minus $2,035.46.  Our KNOWN expenses for the remainder of May total $3,637.37 and the KNOWN expenses for June total or $6,000.

            We ask you to remember your church with your gifts each Sunday. If there are times when you may not be at worship, our offering envelopes give you an opportunity to mail in your gifts each week.

            Several of our members are enrolled in the Simply Giving Program through Thrivent for Lutherans.  This program enables your offering to be automatically transferred from your account to the church’s account weekly or monthly, whichever you choose.  If you are interested in learning more about this program and enrolling, please contact the church office for more information.

            Again, thank you for your gifts to the work of the Lord in Hayward Lutheran Church.

 

----Hayward Lutheran Congregation Council

 

HLC YOUTH NEWS

 

LET’S GO TO VALLEY FAIR!!

 

            On Wednesday, July 23rd you have the opportunity to take a trip to Valley Fair!  A bus will leave from Central Park in Albert Lea at 8:00 a.m.  You will be back in Albert Lea by midnight.  The cost is $20 and includes transportation.  Lunch is extra and on your own or you can bring a sack lunch and eat outside the park in the picnic area.  The deadline to sign up is Wednesday, July 9th.  This trip is for youth going into Grades 7 – 12.  Youth going into grades 6 and younger may come with an adult.  If you would like to sign up, call the Church Office at 373-8479 or the parsonage at 373-3966.

 

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL DAY CAMP

 

    Some of the youth from Hayward Lutheran will be attending Vacation Bible School Day Camp Sunday, June 22nd to Thursday, June 26th from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Edgewater Park in Albert Lea.  The camp will be lead by counselors from Okoboji Bible Camp and is for youth entering Grades 1-6 in the fall.  Those past 6th grade are also welcome.  A special VBS for Preschool Age (4 & 6-year olds) will be held from 9 a.m. to Noon each day. Children age 3 are also welcome but need to be accompanied by an adult. 

 

HOW ABOUT SPENDING A FUN-FILLED WEEK AT GOOD EARTH VILLAGE?

 

      PARENTS:  Why send your child to GEV this summer?  They have dedicated, energetic staff who have two weeks of thorough training, cabin groups of no more than 7-9 campers and one staff member, certified EMT on staff and an on-site Health Care person available 24 hours a day, Food Service Manager who is a Certified Dietary Manager, they are an accredited camp of the American Camp Association, they offer a $50 discount to campers from member congregations, THEY DO EVERYTHING THEY CAN TO GIVE YOUR CHILD A FUN, SAFE, FAITH-FILLED CAMP EXPERIENCE.  Financial help is available for youth who are members of Hayward Lutheran.  For more information and registration blanks, contact  Jean Skaar (373-9004).  For information regarding the various programs available and Camp fees, go to www.goodearthvillage.org.

 

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.

 

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE NEWS

 

VILLAGE TO VILLAGE

Good Earth Village is traveling to Holden Village in July!  Join us for this amazing trip to Washington state. While at Holden Village, enjoy God’s beautiful creation, rest and renew, and continue your faith journey.  Cost is $895/person with

senior and children’s discounts available.  Cost includes round-trip train, bus and boat fares, and meals and lodging while

at Holden Village.  Meals on the train are at your own expense.  For more information, contact GEV at (507) 346-2494 or go to info@GoodEarthVillage.org.  There are nine spots available for the July trip!

 

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE QUILTING RETREATS

 

            Good Earth Village is offering five quilting retreats for Fall 2008.  The dates are: 

October 24-26 - $150    November 4-5 - $100    November 7-9 - $150    November 11-12 - $100    December 5-7 - $150

            A $75 deposit is required with each registration.  Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Price includes program, lodging, linens and meals.  The Log Lodge is a high-comfort facility with nine sleeping rooms, each having its own bathroom.  For more information, contact Good Earth Village at (507) 346-2494 or info@GoodEarthVillage.org or www.GoodEarthVillage.org.  Registration blanks are available in the church office.

 

WOMEN’S DAY AT GOOD EARTH

 

            Women’s Day is Saturday, June 21st, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.  This is a day all about YOU, the women of the ELCA!  This event is held at Good Earth Village in partnership with the Southeast Minnesota Synod.  Pastor Linda Gunderson will introduce the 2008-2009 LWT Bible Study, “The Hidden Hand of God; Wisdom Stories of Ruth, Daniel and Esther”.  Joyce Abernathy will also be with us from Lacrosse, WI, sharing her spiritual journey with her health issues and love of quilting.

 

12TH ANNUAL GOOD EARTH OPEN

 

            This event will be held on Monday, August 4th.  This 4-person best shot scramble will be held at Somerby Golf Club in Byron.  Come and help raise money for Camp Scholarships to keep camp affordable for everyone.  For more information contact Good Earth Village at (507) 346-2494 or info@GoodEarthVillage.org.

 

GOOD EARTH VILLAGE QUILT AUCTION AUGUST 17TH

            This annual event helps to keep camper costs down and provides scholarships for youth. Quilts, wall hangings and other craft items will be available on the live and silent auctions.  Please consider donating a quilt to the auction or coming to purchase a quilt.   If you would like to donate a quilt, the drop-off deadline is August 1.

 

THIS ‘N’ THAT

           

WHAT DO YOU THINK, LADIES?

 

  1. If you love something, set it free.   If it comes back, it will always be yours.  If it doesn’t come back, it was never yours to begin with.  But, if it just sits in your living room, messes up your stuff, eats your food, uses your telephone, takes your money, and doesn’t appear to realize that you had set it free…..you either married it or gave birth to it.
  2. Reason to smile:  Every 7 minutes of every day, someone in an aerobics class pulls a hamstring.
  3. They keep telling us to get in touch with our bodies.  Mine isn’t all that communicative but I heard from it the other day after I said, “Body, how’d you like to go to the six o’clock class in vigorous toning?”  Clear as a bell my body said, “Listen fatty…do it and die.”
  4. My mind not only wanders, it sometimes leaves completely.
  5. The best way to forget all your troubles is to wear tight shoes.
  6. The nice part about living in a small town:  When you don’t know what you’re doing, someone else always does.
  7. Just when I was getting used to yesterday, along came today.
  8. Amazing!!  You hang something in your closet for awhile and it shrinks two sizes!
  9. Sometimes I think I understand everything, then I regain consciousness.
  10. I read this article that said the typical symptoms of stress are eating too much, impulse buying, and driving too fast.  Are they kidding?  That’s my idea of a perfect day!!

 

FOREST GUMP GOES TO HEAVEN

 

    The day finally arrived.  Forrest Gump dies and goes to heaven. He is at the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself.  However, the gates are closed, and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper. St. Peter said, “Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you.  We have heard a lot about you.  I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering an entrance examination for everyone.  The test is short, but you have to pass it before you can get into heaven.

    Forest responds, “It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir.  But, nobody ever told me about any entrance exam.  I sure hope that the test ain’t too hard.  Life was a big enough test as it was.”  St. Peter continued, “Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions.

   “First:  What two days of the week begin with the letter T?  Second:  How many seconds are there in a year?  Third:  What is God’s first name?”

   Forrest leaves to think the questions over.  He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up and says, “Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over, tell me your answers.”  Forrest replied, “Well, the first one – which two days in the week begin with the letter “T”?  Shucks, that one is easy.  That would be Today and Tomorrow.”

    The Saint’s eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, “Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer.  How about the next one?”  asked St. Peter.  “How many seconds in a year?”  “Now that one is harder,” replied Forrest, “but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve.” 

    Astounded, St. Peter said, “Twelve?  Twelve?  Forrest, how in heaven’s name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?”  Forrest replied, “Shucks, there’s got to be twelve:  January 2nd, February 2nd, March 2nd……”

    “Hold it,” interrupts St. Peter.  “I see where you are going with this, and I see your point, though that was not quite what I had in mind, but I will have to give you credit for that one, too.  Let us go on with the third and final question.  Can you tell me God’s first name?”  “Sure,” Forrest replied, “It’s Andy.”  “Andy?” exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter.  “OK, I can understand how you came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?”

    “Shucks, that was the easiest of all,” Forrest replied.  “I learnt it from the song, ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN.”

    St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates, and said:  “Run, Forrest, run.”

 

WHY WE GIVE

 

                Early in their marriage, the Rev. Dr. Theodore Schneider and his wife, Doris, decided to make tithing a priority in their lives – an idea that, at first, scared Doris.  “We had very little money when we were first married,” she recalled.  “I thought, ‘How are we going to give away something that we don’t even have?’”

                But over the next 51 years, tithing “just got to be part of who we were,” said Schneider, former bishop of the ELCA Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Synod.  “Once you start doing it, it becomes part of your life.”

                Through their generosity, the Schneiders have given to this church, as well as numerous charities and institutions.  “Most Lutherans can be major givers if they plan ahead,” he said, citing the numerous planned-giving vehicles available through the ELCA Foundation.  “If we remember the church in a will or bequest, for example, we give a gift that keeps repeating itself.”

                But planned giving means more than making long-range, large gifts, he added.  “Planned giving starts with the annual pledge that we make for our weekly giving.  Tithing also is the planned giving that we do.”

                Personal stewardship has been at the forefront of Schneider’s teaching throughout his 48 years of ministry.  When he was called as bishop 12 years ago, one of the comments made in writing to him as he left his congregation, St. Luke Lutheran Church, Silver Spring, Md., was, “He taught us the joy of generosity.”

                “That was probably the greatest compliment anyone could have ever made,” he said.

 

Reprinted from STORIES OF FAITH IN ACTION, a publication of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

 

IT’S RHUBARB TIME!!

 

Easy and Quick Rhubarb Dessert

From Sonja Johnson

 

                                                                                4 C. Rhubarb                        ¼ C. Flour

                                                1 C. Sugar                             ½ Tsp. Cinnamon

¼ C. or less water (not too much!)

Combine and stir; put in a 3 x 8 glass baking dish.  Cover with plastic wrap.  Microwave 3 minutes on high.

Topping

 

1 C. Flour                              ½ C. Oatmeal

1 C. Brown Sugar                                ½ C. Margarine or Butter

Mix together to make a crumbly mixture.  Sprinkle over rhubarb.  Do not cover.  Microwave 8 minutes on high.

 

Rhubarb Swirl Dessert

From Sharon Malm’s sister-in-law, Karen

 

Make a Graham Cracker Crumb Crust and put in bottom of a 9 x 13 pan.

 

3 C. Rhubarb (may use frozen)        ¾ C. Sugar

                                                                                1 – 3-oz. Pkg. Sugar-Free Strawberry Jello

                                                                                1 – 3.4-oz. Pkg. Instant, Sugar-Free Vanilla Pudding

                                                                                1 ½ c. Milk                             1 – 9-oz. Carton Fat-Free Cool Whip

Mix rhubarb & sugar.  Let stand one houjr.  After one hour, simmer until done.  Stir in jello.  Cool.  Prepare pudding using milk and vanilla.  Mix rhubarb, pudding and cool whip.  Put mixture in crust.  Refrigerate.

 

 

If you have a recipe that you would like to share, bring it to the church office.  When there is space in the Newsletter, we will print it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT FATHER’S DAY

 

                Many people of the United States and Canada celebrate Father’s Day as a day to express gratitude and appreciation to their fathers by giving them presents or greeting cards.  Father’s Day comes on the third Sunday in June.

            Father’s Day was started in 1910 by Mrs. John Dodd of Spokane, Washington.  The custom spread throughout the United States and in 1936 a national Father’s Day committee was formed. Headquartered in New York City, the committee annually selects a Father of the Year.  Some of the fathers who have won this title are Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Harry S. Truman.

 

RAISING KIDS IS NO BIG DEAL

 

Raising kids is no big deal

Unless you care, and show great zeal.

 

To raise a child is not some game

To put away, Boy!  What a shame.

 

When children reach adulthood burnt

Could there be lessons never learnt?

 

Those little things you often do

Will have much impact, copy you.

 

Lean to God, while on the raod

Cause raising right, takes one big load.

 

Just try your best, no guarantees

And if you slip, jumkp back on please.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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