what a great journey we have shared this past 16 months. The great news is you have called a

Pastor to come and share in your ministry at Immanuel. The hard news is that I have to say good bye and move on to the next venture in my life. This has been one of the longest interims I have ever done. I have fall-en in love with this congregation. That is a good thing, the hard thing is saying good bye. In staff devotions today Sonja read a piece about friends. The reading was based on Colossians 1:1-14 (read it). Paul is thanking God for the congregation and the people of Colossae. I too thank God for you. You have blessed me with many gifts and experiences. We have shared celebrating our Baptisms, remembering the Saints, Honoring Mothers and Women of Faith, Dressing like our Fathers. We have celebrated the ministry of Pastor Aprille and Phyllis with tears and prayers. We have hired Liz and watched the music teams lead and grow. I have been a part of turning this mid-century Lutheran building into a Wild West Town for Vacation Bible School. I have gone on the Amazing Bible Race and journey with many during confirmation. We traveled to the Flathead Valley for camping and water slide adventures and landed at FBLC for Bible camp and Women’s retreats. We have welcomed new faces and members. I have had the honor of doing Baptisms, Weddings and funerals in the midst of the communi-ty. We have looked at accessibility together and the need of making our building easier to get in and out of. It has been a good and humbling experience and I thank God for you and the partnership we have shared in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ to the world and Missoula. Here is more Good News, as brothers and sisters in Christ we are never separated from Jesus and each other. I will keep you and the ministry at Immanuel in my prayers just as you will keep me and rest of the Body of Christ in your prayers. Every time we share in God’s meal we are joined to the whole Church. So now as Pastor Molly pre-sides at the table here and I move on to another table and preside we are still sharing the same meal. The meal that Jesus shared with his disciples and told them to continue, and he is there with us, uniting us, forgiving us, and loving us all at the same time when we gather for the gifts of bread and wine. Here is more news…..we will contin-ue to Share the Love of Christ with all. The ministry and mission is not over it keeps on, because the Holy Spirit is moving and leading. I thank you for providing me with the gift of a staff, both paid and volunteer that have supported me and made me look really good. Lynn is a gift in the front office, and at the organ at 11am, she is unflappable and works incredibly hard behind the scenes. She is the reason my newsletter articles get written and the bulletins get printed for bap-tisms, funerals and Sunday mornings. Sonja manages the education, around here, so I never have to worry about a topic or if Sunday school is going to happen. Liz put together worship and music for two completely different ser-vices and always works hard and well in advance. Pastor Greg has continued to help and visit those who cannot get to worship. He has helped to lead worship when I am not able and done visitations. He is a gift to this congre-gation as well with the heart of a servant. Tana is always there to get the finances going and the bills paid….and finally has trained me to get my mileage to her in a timely fashion. Then there are the volunteers……people who do not get paid who are the hands and feet of God. Doing more and more to make sure both business and ministry get accomplished. Say good bye to me, we will see each other again. Welcome Pastor Molly and Allan. Invite them to your lives and homes. Ask them for dinner, movies and fellowship. Most of all Share the Love of Christ with them as you have shared it with me and remember Philippians 4:4-8. Blessings to you all and thank you.

Pastor Kristi

the immanuelite celebrating 116 years of ministry

May 2014 Volume 116 Issue 5

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5/20 Wendy Neal, Spencer Nesman, Mary Wasylko 5/21 Marlene Kovash 5/22 Sue Hightower, Rebecca Kahler, Nathan Weber 5/23 Rita Bisom, Tracey Hoiland 5/25 Linda Simon 5/27 Basil Hollers 5/28 Bonnie Aicher 5/29 Ari Rau 5/30 Greg Jacobson

Anniversaries:

5/19 Roger & Linnea Kahler—35 years; 5/23 Skip & Aprille Jordan—12 years; 5/25 Charles & Jennae Kuehl—1 year; Andre & Bradie Marcure—18 years; 5/31 Robert & Alyssa Strauch—17 years.

Congratulations to Roger & Linnea

Kahler on 35 years of marriage, and

Charles & Jennae Kuehl on 1 year of

marriage!

Birthdays:

5/1 Bob Seim, Ray Smith 5/3 Pat Armstrong, George Boileau 5/4 Pam Goodrich 5/5 Alexander Nesman, Robert Wanberg 5/6 Brenda Weber 5/7 Madalyn Voller 5/9 Olivia Halldorson 5/10 Jason Berry, Bobi Hoover, Aiden Voller 5/11 Alvera Valach, Irene Hornstein 5/12 Scott Sager 5/14 Bren Petersen, Christina Rees, Marlys Shea, Chuck Valach 5/15 Conner Crispin 5/16 Alex King, Pat Ross 5/17 Jim Cusker

This & That

immanuel staff

Pastor—Molly Sasser-Goehner (Beginning May 5, 2014) Director of Worship & Music—Liz Hollers Director of Christian Education—Sonja Wolsky Administrative Assistant—Lynn Rhynard Youth Ministry Coordinator— Bookkeeper—Tana Lambert Preschool Teachers—Julie Sager, Wendy Deaton Preschool Assistant—Misty Jarosch Custodian—Carrie Courter Funeral Coordinator—Pat Swanson Wedding Coordinator—Shirley Wanberg

your 2014 church council

Dick King, President

Pam Goodrich, Vice President

Ann Bohman, Secretary

Lynne Jensen, Treasurer

Linda Redfern, Fellowship

Curtis Thompson, Finance

Kathy Schaller, Christian Education

Steve Weber, Property & Grounds

Eileen Brown, Service

Dale Mahlum, Stewardship

Ike Marks, Worship & Music

Shirley Wanberg, Witness

Kathie Marks, Youth & Family

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Thank you, Pastor Kristi, for your service

to Immanuel! God bless you!

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Present: Ann Bohman, Pastor Bummer, Linda Redfern, Pam Goodrich, Lynne Jensen, Dick King, Dale Mahlum, Ike Marks, Kathie Marks, Kathy Schaller, Curtis Thomp-son, Shirley Wanberg Absent: Eileen Brown, Steve Weber Guest: Jason Berry Council devotions were led by Shirley Wanberg. Pam Goodrich was thanked for supplying gluten-free snacks. The meeting was called to order. The Agenda was amended to move approval of the Special Meeting Minutes to the Executive Session and two items were added to Other Business (Synod Estimated Giving Form; 21st Century Faith Formation Training Event). The Calen-dar was updated. Noted Upcoming May Events: May 4-Pastor Bummer’s last Sunday preaching; recep-tion between services for Pastor Bummer May 5-Pastor Sasser-Goehner begins as full-time pastor May 6-Worship & Music Meeting 6 PM; Christian Ed Meeting 6:30 PM; Fellowship Meeting 7 PM May 7-Confirmation Closing-Great Bible Race & Picnic 6-8 PM May 11-Mother’s Day - Honor your mother May 12-Finance Committee noon May 13-Council Meeting 7 PM May 18-Learning Hour closing; LSS Sunday May 24-Wedding rehearsal May 25-Wedding Carter/Kuehl 2:30 PM May 31 thru June 2-Synod Assembly Convention (Great Falls) Financial Report: (Curtis Thompson) Curtis reported that Immanuel’s actual expenses for March 2014 were $2,698 over the budgeted amount, leaving a YTD deficit of $8,706. Income for 2014 has been consistent with 2013, while expenses have been approximately $21,000 higher than 2013 due primarily to salary expenses. . March also included $1,196 in snow removal costs due to the big storm. The Finance Committee is concerned and comments that only about

Council Minutes

Immanuel Lutheran

Church

Council Minutes

April 8, 2014

$32,400 of church savings is undesignated money available to meet deficit spending. The committee also notes that about 81% of Immanuel’s funds go toward salaries and building maintenance. Income peaked in 2010 and 2011, was down some in 2012 and down further in 2013. There also has not been the addition of recent new members. Church giving needs to increase and there is hope that the addition of a permanent pas-tor to staff will contribute to an increase in both mem-ber numbers and giving. Regarding Memorial Funds, Curtis reported significant progress in contacting fami-lies of memorials made to Immanuel in the name of loved ones. Permission has been asked of the families to move monies to an appropriate specific Immanuel fund, such as Endowment or Property & Grounds. Mick Hanson will be sending out thank you notes to these families. Pastor’s Report: (Pastor Kristi Bummer) Pastor Kristi reported she went to Arizona from March 27-31st to conduct a funeral. She had knee surgery on April 3rd and is currently on crutches. She will be con-ducting Palm Sunday and Holy Week services, as well as a funeral for Jeane Fevold on April 14, 2014. She will then be attending the Pastor’s Conference in Chico and conducting a baptism in Billings. She will return for the weekend of April 27th when the Emmaus Campus Ministry will be leading worship here at Immanuel. Committee Reports: (Order of reports will be altered starting in May) Youth & Family: (Kathie Marks) Kathie and Ike will be having a movie/dinner night on April 11th for about ten or more youth. Afterwards, the girls will spend the night at church with Kathie and the boys will spend the night with Ike at the Marks’ home. This will give Kathie and Ike the opportunity for the youth to share ideas for activities, projects, etc. that would interest them. Incorporated into this weekend event will be a service project suggested at the Thrivent Action Committee meeting held recently at Immanuel. The youth will put together bags containing birthday party items for children to be shared with Family Prom-ise. The Youth Easter Breakfast will be served from 10-11 AM on Easter Sunday, with an expectation of about 60 people. Kathie passed around a sign-up sheet for food items and work times. Fellowship: (Linda Redfern) The committee hasn’t had a formal meeting recently, but has been communicating via email, as many

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members are recouping from surgeries or injuries. The committee did sponsor the Meet & Greet for pastoral candidate Pastor Sasser-Goehner on March 31, 2014 which was very well attended. Linda thanked all who contributed the variety of food items for this event. Property & Grounds: (report given by Dick King) Dick reported that light bulbs in the fixtures above the pews in the sanctuary have been replaced with LED bulbs. This bulb replacement was funded with money from the Endowment Fund. The old bulbs were 700 watts each and the new LED bulbs are 78 watts each. Steve Weber is working on appraisal work for Immanuel, as well as signage for the parking lot and hopes to have recommendations ready for the May Council meeting. Service Committee: (no official report) Council members were reminded that they are hosting the last Lenten Soup Supper on April 9th and will be providing soup, as well as setting up and cleaning up. All members were urged to attend if possible. Worship & Music: (Ike Marks) Ike told the Council of upcoming Easter week worship opportunities, to include Maundy Thursday and Good Friday services at 7 PM, and 9:00 and 11:00 AM Easter morning services. Easter Sunday will include a trumpet player as well as the Women’s Ensemble. Ike said the committee would be deciding in May about summer ser-vice options. The last two summers Immanuel has of-fered only one Sunday AM service and three years ago two services were offered during the summer months. He asked for opinions to be shared from Council mem-bers, as they are a good cross-section of Immanuel’s population. Feedback for both options (one or two ser-vices) is mixed. Right now Worship & Music is not lean-ing in one direction. Stewardship: (Dale Mahlum) Dale reported that 5 people attended their last meeting, with all participating in a Bible study led by Pastor Karls-godt. Pastor Karlsgodt is interested in organizing a sem-inar, along with the Endowment Committee, about stew-ardship in the church. Council discussed the idea of a Catch-up Sunday with Dale to help with the current spending deficit. After discussion, it was decided to publicize the deficit and contributing reasons, via church service announcements rather than an official Catch-up Sunday. These announcements will be made on April 13, 2014 by Pastor Kristi. Witness: (Shirley Wanberg) No report

Council Minutes 2 Christian Education: (Kathy Schaller) Preschool: Kathy reported that under the present time and financial constraints, the Preschool remodeling re-quests to increase enrollment possibilities will not be possible by this fall. Although disappointed, Kathy did report the preschool classes for the fall of 2014 are already full and there are waiting lists. Learning Hour: Kathy reported there will be Learning Hour adjustments to allow the teachers to attend the Special Congregational Meeting at 10:30 AM on April 13th. FLBC: Kathy commented that if Immanuel members want to realize a registration fee benefit, they need to register for FLBC sessions before May 1, 2014. An-nouncements are still being made about the need for FLBC scholarship money contributions. VBS: Ike and Kathie Marks will help plan meals for VBS, although they will not be attending. Susannah Murphy’s sister, Carrie, will help Bev Solum with des-serts. Presentation: Kathy told of Council of a Hospice Educa-tional presentation to be given on June 1, 2014, be-tween services. Discussion Items: a. Constitution: Dick King asked Council members to review the portion of the Constitution pertaining to their committee/position and to send any ideas of changes to him before the May meeting. A committee will be considered to take a look at these suggestions and per-haps make amendment recommendations at a future Congregational meeting. b. Accessibility: There will be an important Accessibility Committee meeting on April 14, 2014 from 4:10-6:00 PM. The committee has asked Council President Dick King to attend. This will be a key meeting. Minutes of that meeting will be shared with Council members be-fore the May meeting. c. Special Congregational Meeting on April 13, 2014. Council discussed the Constitutional provisions for a congregational vote on Council’s recommendation to extend an official Letter of Call to Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner during the special congregational meeting on April 13, 2014. Council decided to begin to seat the congregation by 10:25 AM. The meeting will be called to order at 10:30 AM and a count taken of the number present to determine if a quorum is met. An agenda will be projected to include: 1. Opening prayer inspired by Call Committee Prayer 2. Call to order/Clip boards passed for sign-in/determining quorum 3. Report from Call Committee to include short insights into reasons for recommendation

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4. Written ballots passed out/Move to vote on Recom-mendation 5. Ballots collected/counted (2/3 majority for passage) 6. Vote result announced Other Business: a. Estimate of Giving Form: Dick passed around a form from Synod declaring Immanuel’s intended percentage of giving for the year 2014. All Council members signed this form to show our intention for Immanuel to contrib-ute at least 8% of our giving to Synod. b. 21st Century Faith Formation Fund: Hope Lutheran Church in Bozeman is hosting an event sponsored by the Youth and Family Institute from June 12-14, 2014 and grant money is available for attendees from the 21st Century Fund. Sonja Wolsky and Toni Johnson have al-ready been recommended for attendance and Dick King suggested it might be good for Kathie/Ike Marks to also consider attending. Unfortunately, Kathie/Ike will be traveling during this time and unable to attend. The Council meeting was adjourned to Executive Ses-sion. Submitted by Ann Bohman

Council Minutes 3/Announcements

Farewell Party

Sunday, May 4, please join us between

services for a farewell party for Pastor

Kristi Bummer in appreciation of her

service to Immanuel.

Pastor Kristi has been our interim Pas-

tor for the past year and a half. We

appreciate all she has done for us and

wish her well in her future ministry!

Thank you so much to the following members that made the “Change My Heart, Oh God” Lenten series a won-derful experience to attend: Pastor Kristi, Toni Johnson, Linda Redfern, Charles & Jennae Kuehl, Tina Paul-son, and Mick Hanson. I appreciate each one for your willingness to lead the adult study, and how each of you put time, effort and prayer into your preparation. Thank you! Sonja Wolsky

Travelers Keep up With Regular Offerings by

Giving Electronically Just as you rely upon receiving income on a regular basis, Immanuel relies on your regular contributions. Immanuel appreciates the efforts of congregation members to make consistent donations throughout the year—especially during popular summer vacation periods. To assist you, the church provides a con-venient electronic giving option for setting up regular contributions. Please go to the church website (imluchurch.org) if you are interested in setting up a contribution, or contact the church office for details. Thank you and have a great summer!

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President’s Message

on Change and “Interims”

The past months have been a challenge for all of us at Immanuel. We made the difficult deci-sion to issue a call for a new pastor after we learned that Aprille Jordan would not be return-ing. She served us for twelve years and we all have fond memories of her ministry and her devotion to our congregation and the community. When Pastor Aprille could no longer perform the duties of leading our journey of faith, we were in limbo. We all hoped that she would regain her health and return as our pastor. Dur-ing the interim, however, we needed someone to assume her responsibilities. At first, “retired” Pastor Greg Karlsgodt very graciously performed that role. His calm demeanor and solid ministry helped us tremendously. But, when it became apparent that it would be sever-al months before we would know if Pastor Aprille would return, we worked with Bishop Jessi-ca Crist and the decision was made that an “interim pastor” would be needed. Pastor Kristi Bummer assumed that role in January 2013. Her energy and devotion were crit-ical to our church. Kristi’s commitment to the youth in our congregation was unwavering and she quickly learned something about all us, including our names. She worked closely with the Worship and Music Committee to improve the quality of both Sunday services and we all owe her our gratitude for helping Immanuel during a difficult time. Under the leadership of our past President, Jim Peterson, the call committee was established in late 2013 and thanks to their hard work we will have a new pastor beginning May 5th. As we welcome Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner, however, let us not forget to express our apprecia-tion to both Pastor Greg and Pastor Kristi for their service to our church. We will have a farewell event for Kristi on May 4th and I hope everyone will attend. This is your opportunity to communicate to her how much we have appreciated her ministry as our interim pastor.

Dick King, President

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Worship & Music

Dear Congregation, Our Lenten series has drawn to a close, and during this time we have thought about change,

prayed about change, and learned about change in many forms. Change is inevitable; this we all

know. But what about constancy? What can we rely on in the midst of change that is unchang-

ing and ever-present? As Christians, I think we know the answer to this: God’s love for us. In

a devotion by Graham Cooke, he writes: “In crushing circumstances, I learned about the constancy of the Lord. . .We discover that He is faithful, unfailing, and trustworthy…and, we come into a deeper place of loving Him. We explore Him joyfully and we forget to be anxious, resentful and bitter. The “why” question eludes us be-cause we are seeing something so wonderful that we are captivated.” But constancy can be reciprocal. God is constant in his care for us; are WE constant in our love

for God? In Progress of a Pilgrim, Frances J. Roberts writes: “In the midst of every legitimate activity your soul can be focused on Me if gratitude and adora-tion and worship have captured your heart. The soul of a man may be a continual chapel of praise as you learn the art of constancy in loving Me first and foremost. You frequently emphasize how much you should love Me. But even more important is the con-stancy of your love, that it be the overflowing grace of your heart continually, so that every wak-ing hour you are truly and literally walking and worshiping in the Spirit.”

This is a beautiful passage about how our own faithful devotion can actually make us feel the

constancy of God. How consistently do we want to feel the presence and love of God? We

should be that consistent in our prayer. We can also be diligent in opening the eyes and ears of

our hearts to God so that we learn, bit by bit, who He wants us to be.

So this Easter, yes, revel in God’s great love for us, manifested through his only son, Jesus…but

also rejoice in our ability to give thanks and praise, at all times. To love Jesus by caring for oth-

ers. We are grateful for the constancy in our lives that worshiping God brings.

-Liz Hollers, Director of Worship and Music

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The Future of Immanuel

Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner will begin her ministry at Immanuel on May 5th. Shortly thereafter, we will be holding “Get to Know You Gatherings” with her. She will gather with small groups of congregation members during her first month of ministry to meet the people of Immanuel, describe her vision for ministry, and to ask each of us to an-swer three questions from our personal perspective. The questions will be: ⇒ What do you think is a strength of Immanuel Lutheran Church? ⇒ What do you think is an area in which Immanuel needs to grow? ⇒ What are you personally passionate about?

After the gatherings, a list of Immanuel’s strengths and potential areas for growth will be developed from the con-versations and a report of these findings will be presented to the congregation through the newsletter and other venues. We hope to hold the first of these informal gatherings on May 12th, to be followed by ten more such events. At least one Council member will attend each gathering, and they will be held in the homes of members of the congrega-tion. We hope to have at least eight people attend each gathering. A sign-up sheet will be placed on the bulletin board in the Hemgren room beginning the week of April 21st. This is a wonderful opportunity to participate in the development of an action plan that will lead us forward into a new era for our church.

Call Committee/Gatherings

Call Committee Communication Corner

Dear Members of Immanuel, This will be the final communication from your Call Committee as we have completed the process you entrusted to us. As most of you know, on Sunday, April 13, 2014, those present for the special congregational meet-ing of Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church voted in favor of calling Pastor Molly Sasser-Goehner as our full time pastor. Following that meeting, the official Letter of Call was sent to Bishop Jessica Crist who endorsed it and forwarded the letter to Pastor Molly. In return, Pastor Molly signed the Let-ter of Call and sent it back to us for our records. It is with great anticipation that we will all rejoice in Pastor Molly’s first day at Immanuel which is scheduled for Monday, May 5, 2014. Again, we humbly thank you for your continued prayers and partnership. This is truly an exciting time as we begin a new chapter in our church history. It is with great anticipation that we all rejoice in Pastor Molly’s first day at Immanuel which is sched-uled for Monday, May 5, 2014. Her first Sunday with us will be on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Your Fellow Servants in Christ, Linda Redfern, Chairperson Susannah Murphy, Recorder Jim Bendickson 240-4144 529-2913 240-1225 Ray Smith Jason Berry Pam Goodrich 251-0343 207-2724 721-0135

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Income in March was $19,457 and expenses were $22,155, resulting in a deficit for the month of $2,698. The current year-to-date deficit is $8,706. Income for 2014 has been consistent with 2013, while expenses have been approximately $21,000 higher than 2013 due primarily to salary expenses. March also included $1,196 in snow removal costs due to the big storm.

Financial Requests

We received a request for Smorgasbord/Bazaar funds submitted by Pastor Kristi to fund Christmas gifts for the church staff. After a brief discussion, we decided to hold this request until November/December and get input from the new pastor.

Discussion

Smorgasbord profits for 2014 were excellent at $4,783. Donations of 10% of combined Smorgasbord & Bazaar profits will be sent to the MT Synod and Family Promise and $1,000 will be held in the Smorgas-bord account for next year’s expenses. The remaining funds will be moved to the Smorgasbord/Bazaar profit fund and available for church members to request. The committee reported progress on cleaning up the memorial funds. Family members were contacted and many approved moving the funds into appropriate special fund accounts or the Endowment fund. Mick agreed to send out thank you cards to the families of the designees. The following memorial funds will be moved:

· John Nelson to Endowment · Helen Vehrs to Property & Grounds · Lynn DeBruin to Accessibility · Phyllis Huber to Endowment · Wayne/Hazel Richlie to Endowment · Undesignated Memorials to Endowment

Financial Information

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Bookkeeper’s Report/Announcements

Bookkeeper’s Report of the General Fund Status

Naomi Circle

Naomi Circle will meet on Wednesday, May 14, 2014, in Room 208 for Bible study. Bobbi Prange will lead and Betty Holm will host. Please join us for an inter-esting study and fellowship.

Month Actual Income Actual Expense Budget for

Income &

Expense

Actual Income

less Expense

Year-to-Date

Balance

January February March

17,363 15,941 19,457

20,149 19,162 22,155

22,739 22,739 22,739

-2,787 -3,221 -2,698

-2,787 -6,008 -8,706

Year-to-Date

$52,761 $61,466 $68,217 -$8,706

Soup Supper Thanks! Thanks to the Service Committee for coordi-nating our Soup Suppers this year. Each supper featured a variety of homemade soups, but a special soup and bread was also offered in honor of a foreign country where the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church of America) does active mission work. How interesting that every country had a soup and a bread recipe. If you’d like to try them, check out our website at www.imluchurch.org/lenten-soup-supper-recipes/.

Quilt Tying Join us on Satur-days at 10 am to tie quilts (bring a sack lunch): May 17, May 31 and June 28.

Food Drive Everyone needs to be encouraged to eat more veggies. May is Nation-al Salad Month! Is there some spe-cial dressing or ingredient that gets you to eat your salad? Let’s donate the non-perishable ingredients that help make a tasty salad: salad dressings, pickles, croutons, mayo, bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, canned fruit, etc. We’ll give them to the Giving Tree families and to the Missoula Food Bank. Please put your donations in the food box in the coat closet.

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Learning Hour

Our last Spark lesson for this school year for the PreK-5th grade classes is on Paul and the

Philippians. In the opening of Paul's letter he gives thanks to his fellow Christians:

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for for all of you, I always pray for joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1: 3-6

These words of thanksgiving prompt my own sincere and personal thanks to a wonderful group of volunteers who served as leaders of our Learning Hour program. As our activity comes to a close this month I offer this expression of gratitude for “partnership in the gospel”. Thank you to each one of you for preparing lessons, en-gaging with the kids, laughing, singing and praying with them and modeling your own faith commitment of ser-vice to others. Thank you for your generosity of time and your interest in the spiritual formation of our children/youth. Each of you is a blessing and very much appreciated. I invite Immanuel members to also say a word of thanks to the following Learning Hour leaders: PreK leaders: Ann Bohman, Sharon Hanson, Melissa Voller K-2nd grades: Danesa Khomenko, Tana Petersen 3rd-5th grades: Sumer Pellett, Laura Thompson Music PreK-5th: Sonja Wolsky Crafts PreK-5th: Eileen Brown Middle/High School: Andre & Bradie Marcure, Tina Paulson, Julie Sager, Kathy Schaller Without the attendance and participation of our children and youth, the Learning Hour program would not be happening so thank you to the kids who came Sunday mornings to spend time with God's Word through songs, prayers, Bible stories, faith conversation and fellowship. The parental encouragement and “gentle nudging” are certainly appreciated. The Children's Praise Choir will be singing for both worship services on May 4 as a part of recognizing and hon-oring Pastor Kristi's service to Immanuel. Thank you Pastor Kristi for extending your friendship and ministering on so many levels to the children and youth of Immanuel! The Children's Praise Choir will also make their final visit for this school year to Missoula Manor on May 4. The children will bring with them their craft item of color-ful spring butterflies to give to the residents. Each butterfly has verse 24 from Psalm 118 on it (This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.) The children/youth offering for the month of March was $52.24 with the total for the months of January, Febru-ary and March of $ 229.92. The offering commitment to the ELCA program of “Feeding Refugee Families” will continue through August. Please encourage your kids to continue the support of this program with their offering throughout the summer months. Over the summer months the Christian Education Committee will be reviewing new Sunday School curriculum for our Learning Hour program. Once decisions have been made parents and students will be informed.

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Learning Hour 2

Learning Hour Calendar for May

PREK-5TH GRADES May 4 Visit to Missoula Manor during LH/ Children's Praise Choir sings for both services May 11 Spark lesson: Paul and the Philippians—Philippians 1: 1-14 May 18 LH Closing/ VBS Promo MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL GRADES On May 4 and 11 the youth will continue to meet with their leaders for lesson studies selected by the leaders. On May 18 the youth will join the PreK-5th grades for some closing fellowship activity.

Lutheran Social Services (LSS) is one of the very important ministries of St. John’s. Each and every day we stand amazed and in awe of the wonderful miracle of adoption. Every year around Mother’s Day, LSS Sunday is celebrated in congregations across the state. This year the celebration will take place on May 18, 2014. This is a day to celebrate and honor those very special mothers who place and receive children through adoption. We recently came across this perfect tribute to that intimate transaction:

"A child born to another woman calls me mommy. The magnitude of that tragedy and the depth of that privilege are not lost on me." -- Jody Landers

We are honored, and humbled, to participate in this ministry of such magnitude and depth. We are also very grateful that you are willing to join us in our mission to provide living opportunities within nurturing environments of hope, dignity and love. Thank you in advance for lifting up the work of Lutheran Social Services on LSS Sunday.

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Vacation Bible School

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL—PROPS NEEDED!!

CAN YOU HELP US OUT?

Our theme is “SONRISE NATIONAL PARK” and we are looking for the following items you might be willing to loan out or donate. Please contact Toni Johnson (728-1320) or Sonja Wolsky (544-9395). THANK YOU! ◊ Artificial Christmas trees (green, non-lit) ◊ Wood carved statues of bear, moose or other forest animals ◊ Small kayak /Kayak, Canoe paddles ◊ Set of snowshoes ◊ Small-medium fireplace logs ◊ Medium-large pinecones ◊ Stuffed forest animals ◊ Nature reference picture books /trail maps ◊ National Park “souvenirs” and large photos or posters ◊ National Park Ranger gear, especially a ranger hat ◊ Camp lantern, canvas camp chairs (“director chair-type”) OR: any items you think would help recreate a “lodge setting” for the sanctuary.

Please join us at Immanuel Lutheran Church on June 22-26 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. for SonRise National Park VBS. Kids get to exper ience fun opening and closing sessions, crafts, music, Bible

story, games & rec, all while learning about the promises that Jesus makes to each of us. We will eat dinner to-gether and make new friends. Registration forms will be available at the church and on the website beginning May 1. Please contact Toni Johnson at 728-1320 or Sonja Wolsky at 544-9395 for more information or to volun-teer. Suggested donation is $20/child or $50/family.

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Building Improvements Will Soon Begin Immanuel’s Accessibility Task Force and architect Warren Hampton have been meeting regularly to ex-plore cost-effective improvements to meet the challenges of our facility. The Task Force has been con-sidering several options to meet each of the building’s needs and is planning for changes taking place in phases. The first phase may address these issues: A. Expanding our Preschool. Currently the Immanuel Preschool serves fifty children with just one class-room. None of the four classes meet concurrently. All classes are full again for next fall! The Christian Education Committee presented the case for adding another classroom in order to potentially increase the number of children served to one hundred! According to the fire codes, accommodating two class-rooms in the lower basement requires two separate exits for each classroom. Exits could be added on the west side of the church with an exterior stairway to the basement level. A solid wall would replace the current basement folding door. A door in that wall would connect the two classrooms. An ADA-compliant restroom would be added next to the existing basement restroom. B. Repairing the leaky roof. Leaks have made it obvious that the roof on the west side of the sanctuary must be replaced. Additional insulation will be added to the roof before new shingles are installed. The Hemgren Room shingles will be replaced at the same time. C. The windows in the front of the sanctuary . The windows behind the cross have fallen into disrepair and are extremely energy-inefficient. The Task Force suggests that a new design with larger thermal win-dows will be energy-efficient and can be very attractive. Architect Hampton has presented a lovely and cost-effective plan that will bring even more focus to our “rugged cross” and will add to Immanuel’s beau-ty both from the inside and from the outside. D. Access to the various levels of the church. An elevator can be built on the South Avenue side of the church, outside the current building, to give access to the lower basement, the fellowship hall level, the sanctuary level, and the office level. The narthex (entryway from South Avenue) would be slightly en-larged next to the elevator resulting in more room in the hallway. Incorporating the elevator in this early building phase will give ADA-access to the basement and help meet the needs of the Preschool. It will not severely impact the cost when work to the educational-administrative wing is begun in a subsequent phase. The Task Force will now begin to explore a variety of ways to fund these im-provements. Any member of the congregation who is interested in partici-pating in the Task Force is welcome to attend Task force meetings. Please keep the Task Force in your prayers. May the Holy Spirit guide us all as we solidify our building to be a place of worship, service and fellowship for the next 50 years!

Accessibility Task Force

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Internet/Website

Can’t Make it To Church? Watch our Services on the Internet!

Thanks to all who have made it possible to watch the worship services from home. Last month, I couldn’t attend church after surgery and I was fortunate to be able to watch the services on the internet!

Go to www.imluchurch.org and click on WATCH LIVE. There is a link there that takes you to the Livestream webpage and you can view the service. You can click on FOLLOW and sign in to have an email sent to you when services begin (not required).

Miss a service? You can also go to the WATCH LIVE page and view past services. What a great out-reach.. I know I really appreciated being able to “be there” when I couldn’t leave my easy chair! Thanks Immanuel! It’s almost like being there!

Check out Immanuel’s Website!

Have you been to our website lately? www.imluchurch.org.

Lots of new things are popping up on the website on a regular basis. Check out the Events button or the Calendar buttons to see what is coming up! Check out the tabs to find out information about Immanuel’s Ministries! Here’s a tip: If you click on the big slider photos, often then will take you to a page with more details about upcoming activities! If you have ideas of things to add to the website or want to help with it-- contact Tim Wolsky or Nancy

Marks. A great way to reach out and also to keep in touch!

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May 11 Mother’s Day Brunch (celebrate mom!) May 24-26 Thrivent Memorial Day Work Weekend Retreat (assist Maintenance Coordinator, Shane Smith, getting camp ready for summer!) June 7 Partner’s Luncheon (keynote speaker, Dinah Helgeson, life-long FLBC camper)

June 19-22 Cancer Family Network Retreat July 17-26 Young Adult Trip to Bolivia Aug. 30-Sept.1 Labor Day Family Camp Oct. 3-4 Delegate Retreat and Annual Meeting Oct. 15 Harvest Dinner

Thrivent/Habitat for Humanity 2014 Build

Thrivent Financial has partnered with Habi-tat for Humanity, the Lutheran community and the Bessette family to build a home at 1621 S. 4th. West. Thrivent has awarded a $77,000 grant to Habitat for the home. The Lutheran community will furnish 50% of the labor on the home and contrib-ute financially through congregational pledges and joint fund raising. The Bessette family includes Jennifer, daughter Sage (11) and son Arthur (14). Lutheran churches participating are:

Atonement Lutheran First Lutheran Immanuel Lutheran Messiah Lutheran Our Savior’s Lutheran St. Paul Lutheran Valley of Christ Lutheran

Immanuel’s champions are Dick King and Tove Elvrom. Janice Midyett is the Thrivent Build Specialist. About 60 people gathered for the groundbreaking ceremony on March 27. Immanuel’s build day is June 7. Immanuel will furnish lunch and supply 5 to 8 workers for the day. Contact Dick, Tove or Janice if you wish to participate. Depending on need, there may be additional Lutheran work days sched-uled later in the season.

Habitat for Humanity

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Pastor John Lund: John.lund@umontana.edu, 396-4974, www.ecmum.org (like us on Facebook!) Friends in Need: Emmaus Campus Ministry has been blessed by many gifts and we want to pay it for-ward. We're looking for maintenance, fix-up, painting, or clean-up projects for elderly, disabled, or low-income homeowners who are connected to our partner churches in any way. Please contact our office Emmaus Campus Ministry emmaus.montana.office@gmail.com or Pastor John. Year-end BBQ, May 14th 5:30-7:30 at Emmaus : All students, family, church members, faculty, clergy and friends of Emmaus are welcome to join us as we close our school year and honor our graduates.

Emmaus Needs: A nice couch for an upstairs apartment

Emmaus

You Took My Parking Space One day, a man went to visit a church. He got there early, parked his car and got out. Another car pulled up near the driver got out and said, “I always park there! You took my place!" The visitor went inside for Sunday school, found an empty seat and sat down. A young lady from the church approached him and stated, "That's my seat! You took my place!" The visitor was somewhat distressed by this rude welcome, but said nothing. After Sunday school, the visitor went into the sanctuary and sat down. Another member walked up to him and said, “That’s where I always sit! You took my place!" The visitor was even more troubled by this treatment, but still He said nothing. Later as the congregation was praying for Christ to dwell among them, the visitor stood up, and his ap-pearance began to change. Horrible scars became visible on his hands and on his sandaled feet. Someone from the congregation noticed him and called out, "What happened to you?" The visitor replied, as his hat became a crown of thorns, and a tear fell from his eye, "I took your place”.

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Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church 830 South Avenue West Missoula, MT 59801

Non-Profit org. U.S. Postage

PAID Missoula, MT 59801

Permit # 132

The Immanuelite is the official publication of news

and events at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church.

i m m a n u e l evangelical

lutheran church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

pastor molly sasser-goehner 830 south avenue west

missoula, montana 59801-7912

office: 406.549-0736

fax: 406.728.2123

email addresses: church: office@imluchurch.org

pastor: pastormolly@imluchurch.org

liz hollers: liz@imluchurch.org sonja wolsky: sonja@imluchurch.org

church website: www.imluchurch.org