REJOICE REFLECTIONS AUGUST 2015
Rejoice Lutheran
Church 1155 County Rd 75
PO Box 307
Clearwater, MN
55320
Worship Schedule:
9:30 am Worship
10:30 Fellowship
Holy Communion
is served the second
& fourth Sundays
Inside this Issue:
Council Minutes
Financial Recap
Celebrations
Fall Festival
Music Update
Summer Picnic
Notices
Grow & Go!
August Calendar
August Servants
Directory Update
from Pastor Laurie Weis
Dear Friends,
Doesn’t it seem, once the Fourth of July passes, that summer takes a turn? We
move from the joy of school ending and vacations, toward school starting up
again, and even if no one has children at home, some of us still seem to operate
under this summer rhythm or pattern.
As we enter more deeply into summer, the days shorten, the sound of locusts
begin, summer sports shift into tournaments or come to a close, and the
Belladonna lilies, or “naked ladies” as my grandmother used to call them, begin
to bloom with quiet surprise. All this signals to me the rhythm of the winding
down of summer and the gearing up for fall.
The rhythm of the church is not much different. Day Camps and VBS take
place, summer Bible camps and reading programs end, youth trips are
completed, and we make a turn in anticipation and preparation for fall. Sunday
School staff recruitment begins, the Confirmation schedule is set, and regular
worship schedules return. Announcements for fall festivals (including
Rejoice’s) and church bazaars pop up everywhere!
August seems to be the natural bridge where we say good bye to summer and
hello to fall. It might serve as a spiritual bridge for us, too; where we have
opportunity to pray and ponder how we might bear witness to our faith with our
time and talents in the months ahead.
We might give the gift of time by serving as a Sunday School teacher or a
Confirmation group guide with our 7th
& 8th
graders. We might pray about
blessing our worship services with time spent singing in our choirs, as a
musician, usher, writer and reader of prayers, communion preparer or server.
continued next page
Pastor Laurie Weis continued
The word liturgy means “work of the people,” and all these opportunities to lend our gifts become a witness
to our faith and our faith grows; our love and praise of God collectively grows, too!
We might choose August to pray about tithing, increasing our estimate of giving, or giving regularly for the
first time. We might pray to discern more clearly ways to share our gifts on a church ministry team or out in
the community in service to others; becoming Christ’s hands and feet outside the walls of our church. One
might simply pray more; that in itself is a grace!
Don’t get me wrong; this article is not one of those “back to church” ads which could easily find its way into
the Sunday edition of a newspaper, where one is enticed by “specials” or “bonus buys” to spend more; in this
case our time and talents. Our Christian reward has been paid for in full; by the death and resurrection of
Jesus Christ; it’s a done deal out of God’s unchanging and unconditional love for us. The bonus, if you will,
is how we respond in kind with gifts of gratitude and joy given “back to God’s church” however we seek to
share it.
It’s all good and maybe August is the time for us to discern how we live out God’s goodness each and every
day in the months and years ahead, too. See you in church!
Pastor Laurie
September Dates Coming Up
Rally Sunday, September 13, Regular Worship Schedule resumes
8:30 & 10:30 Worship
9:30 Fellowship, Sunday School, Jr. & SR. High Cappuccino Bible Study
September 16
Parent and Confirmand Orientation
September 26
Fall Festival
*Sign-up now for Sunday School and Confirmation either online or at the Interest table Yellow sign-up sheets – Sunday School Green sign-up sheets - Confirmation
Council Meeting Condensed Minutes July 14, 2015
Members Present: Carolyn Bissell, Becky Brzinski, Jim Eich, Denise Kantor, Kay Krogstad, Janelle
Rudningen, Ruthie Seidenkranz
Members Absent: Chari Ahrenholz, Paul Amundson, David Lindberg
Advisory Member: Pastor Laurie Weis (present)
Ex-Officio Members: Rhoda Senkler (present) continued next page
Council Minutes continued
• Council approved Music Coordinator job description.
• Council approved hiring Nicole Heberling as Music Coordinator for period of August 1, 2015
through July 31, 2016.
• Council approved Social Concerns team to host a “55 and Over” yoga class at Rejoice. Instructor
will be Rejoice member Shalynn Benson.
• Rhoda informed Council that three checks were received on July 13, totally nearly $13,000. The
monies were a result of the Affordable Care Act small business healthcare rebate for the years 2012-
2014. Rhoda deposited the monies into Designated Funds so that the purpose can be determined by
Council at a later time.
• Council working toward formation of Staff Support Ministry.
• Jim informed Council of change in Rejoice security, where each member who has a church key has
been assigned an individual security code. Beginning this fall, existing code will no longer be
effective. Rejoice members with a church key will stop by the church office and see Office
Administrator Carol Eich to get their code. Announcement in newsletter will be forthcoming.
• Council discussed June and July Coffee with Council feedback.
June 2015 Financial Recap
Our giving in June slowed down a bit and I hope we can improve for the rest of the summer. Our church has
been busy with youth activities this summer, and with KidStop children here every day, it has been busier
than usual. It is wonderful to be such an active part of our community. We count on all of us to keep our
giving current during these busy summer months.
Please remember also that our next Mortgage Fund campaign will coincide with our annual Stewardship
Drive this fall. Until then we need all of you to continue giving to our Mortgage Fund on a regular basis.
Enjoy the rest of summer and thanks for being faithful givers of your time and talents!
Rhoda Senkler, Treasurer
General Fund Income Expenses Gain/Loss (-)
June $19,256.32 $23,266.13 -$4,009.81
YTD $131,166.91 $153,524.36 -$22,357.45
Mortgage Fund Income Expenses Gain/Loss (-)
June $6,699.50 $7,845.00 -$1,145.50
YTD $45,550.00 $47,070.00 -$1,520.00
August Celebrations
Birthdays
1 Trent Peper 9 Lindsey Sand 17 Patricia Bechtold 23 D J Phaneuf
2 Bjorn Commers 10 Rachel Brust 18 Laura Seidenkranz 24 Austin Aune
2 Stan Luhman 11 Katie Leuty 18 Ray Wilson 24 Dennis Jussila
3 Randy Lilga 11 Bryan Dunderi 18 Cindy Paul 25 Jim Eich
3 Bette Monk 12 Lisa Klein 19 Lauren Rassier 26 Amanda Benner
3 Kaleb Woodman 13 Rhyan Eckerman 19 Jim Johnson 26 Camryn Reid
4 Hailey Peterson 13 Joni Hagstrom 19 Amelia Moening 27 Tess Clarkson
4 Grace Miller 13 Maya Benson 20 Mickaela Maehren 27 Brandon Hagstrom
5 Justin Maehren 14 Anthony McRae 20 Ginny Peterson 28 Elijah Mulqueen
6 Jonathon Bissell 15 Stan Berg 21 Payton Anderson 29 Craig Brettingen
7 Wendy Groth 15 Makayla Rauer 21 Andy Henkemeyer 29 Ailie Murphy
7 Ethan VanNurden 16 Aliana Halverson 21 Jonica Imdieke 30 Barbara Potter
7 Kay Krogstad 16 Conner Pippert 23 Linda Koren 31 George Barkosky
8 Joann Swensen 17 Heather Stringer 23 Julie Steinkraus 31 Karen Brettingen
8 Rylie Bunting 17 Nick Luberda 23 Alli Jacobson 31 Bev Hugo
17 Haiden Plath 23 Presten Maile 31 Emelia Westerberg
Anniversaries
4 Craig & Karen Brettingen 8 Mike & Ruth Johnson 24 Dan & Joni Hagstrom
4 Theresa & Philip Moran 9 Dayle & Jean Meyer 24 Mike & Sue Michalski
5 Roland & Mary Lange 15 Jeff & Barb Nelson 24 Randy & JoHonna Brunson
5 Mike & Julie Kunz 19 Jim & Marlys Johnson 25 Rachel & Tyler Murphy
7 Tom & Marilyn Koontz 20 Jerry & Jenine Severson 26 Paul & Stacie Michalski
7 Gail & Bill Bradford 21 Jim & Julie Steinkraus 30 John & Joan Rausch
7 Alex Hard & Danna Gohman-Hard 21 Mike & Amy Miller 30 Travis & Sara Miller
23 Robert & Jan Nairn 31 John & Erin Woodman
FALL FESTIVAL MEETING
AUGUST 2, 2015, after church
Our annual Fall Festival planning is underway. A volunteer form that we would like you to complete
and return to the office is available. We will be organizing our teams and we want to know how you would
like to help too! In a few days we will have raffle tickets to sell. We ask that each family be responsible for at
least 10 raffle tickets – more if you can – one super seller last year sold more than 300! We are always
looking for individuals who are willing to sell raffle tickets at Coborns. This can be done on your schedule.
Soon, flyers will also be available for your friends, family or businesses.
In the time between now and September 26th
, I encourage you to check around your home and
businesses for possible Silent Auction donations or for treasures for Granny’s Attic**. Please consider
making something for our Craft and Gifts sale. Closer to the date, we will need goodies for our Bake Sale
too.
There will be community baking and meatball making on September 23rd
& 24th
, and the more help we
have, the faster it goes. It would be wonderful if some of our younger members were able to help out with
this kitchen stuff. There’s lots of wisdom to learn from our “kitchen pros” - traditional Scandinavian goodies
that your ancestors may have made and good old fashioned bread baking, as well as tips and shortcuts for
making meatballs for a crowd! New this year, we need a crew for kitchen cleanup after the meatball rollers
are finished and before any bakers get started.
Please take time to review and fill out the volunteer form. Become a part of this day.
Hope to see you at the meeting on August 2nd
!
Rhoda Senkler, Fall Festival Chair, [email protected].
REJOICE LUTHERAN CHURCH LUTEFISK &
SWEDISH MEATBALL DINNER & FALL FESTIVAL
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2015
**We will attempt to keep Granny’s Attic items in good condition, complete, less cluttered, clean and
presentable for sale to our guests. We don’t want to discourage donations, however please limit what you
give to items that you think will sell. Granny’s Attic includes kitchen items, household décor, holiday stuff,
jewelry, sports items, man stuff, linens, small furniture, garden things, etc. Thank you!
August Music Update
As we enter the month of August, we will continue to explore new and familiar songs from the ELW
hymnal. Throughout the month of July a new liturgical setting was introduced. We will continue to learn and
use setting 2 during the month of August. Please continue to offer your hymn and song suggestions via the
survey on the webpage or through the suggestion box near the sanctuary. It has been great to receive input
from the congregation regarding hymn and song ideas. Also if you are interested in helping lead worship or
know someone who may be interested please feel free to visit with me. We are always willing to welcome
new people in sharing their musical talents. Music rehearsals will continue to be at 7:00 throughout the month
of August. Check the calendar at the end of the newsletter for specifics. Finally, look for news in the near
future to come out regarding choir information.
Nicole Heberling
Music Coordinator--Rejoice Lutheran Church
320-291-4912
Adult Christian Education
Do you have an idea for an Adult Sunday School class that we
might offer this year? We are looking for ideas and or teachers
for our 2015-16 school year. Please talk with Janelle Rudningen
320-237-4896 or Pastor Laurie.
Thank You, Rejoice
Dear Rejoice,
Thank you so much for supporting me not only on my
mission trip, but also on my faith journey.
Thank you so much,
Eric Nickolauson
The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. Psalm 33:5
From Nickolausons,
Thank you, Rejoice, for the support, prayers, and financial
donations that you have given to Eric for his mission trip
to Nepal – Greatly appreciated – more than words can
express -
Thank you,
God Bless
REJOICE LUTHERAN CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL
1155. County Road 75 REGISTRATION 3yrs – 6th grade
Clearwater, MN 55320
(320) 558-6851
Student’s Name: ______________________________________________
Parent’s Name: ______________________________________________
Address: ______________________________________________
Phone Number: ___________________________ Email: _________________
Student’s Birth date: __________________Grade in School: __________Student’s Age: ________
Has student been baptized: YES _________ NO________
If so: When: _______________ Where: ______________________________________
Has student received First Communion Instruction? YES_______ NO________
If so: When: _____________ Where: _______________________________________
Does student own a Bible? YES________ NO___________
Please list any health issues that may prevent your child from participating fully in this class – hearing, speech,
mobility, allergies, etc.
__________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________
Parent involvement is strongly encouraged. Please choose from the following areas where you would like to
help:
__ Pre-School Teacher __ K-1st grade Teacher __ 2nd -6th grade Teacher __ Song leader
__ 2nd-6th grade Rotation teacher (6week section) __ Substitute Teacher
__ Snack helper __ Hallway Angel __ Christmas Program
__ Organization/Curriculum
A $10 donation per child, not to exceed $30 per family is requested to help cover the cost of
materials. Please submit this in the envelope provided. This is only meant to be a donation. No child will
be turned away due to inability to pay.
Rejoice Lutheran Church CONFIRMATION REGISTRATION
1155 County Rd 75 GRADES 7-8
Clearwater, MN 55320
320.558.6851 Student’s Name (first) ___________ (middle) _____________ (last) ___________________
Grade______ School _________________________________
Parent’s Name ____________________________________________
If you are not a current member of Rejoice Lutheran and/or have an address change in the last 6 months,
please list address here:
__________________________________________________________________________
Student’s email: _____________________________________________
Parent’s email ______________________________________________
Phone Numbers (Home/work/cell): _____________________________
_____________________________
_____________________________
Emergency Contact and Phone Number _________________________
_________________________________________________________
Has the student been baptized? YES NO
Has the student received First Communion Instruction? YES NO
Does the student own a Bible? YES NO
Previous Church Involvement ______________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
A $15 donation/child or $20/family is requested to help cover cost of curriculum and materials.
8h Grade Only: A fee of $30 is charged for gown rental and the confirmation banquet.
Culturing Compassion: $55 with a non-refundable deposit of $10.
No student will be turned away due to inability to pay.
‘Like’ the Rejoice Youth Team face book page
to keep up-to-date with youth events!
Clearwater Clear Lake Food Shelf
Thank you! We are so grateful for your support! Together, we are caring for neighbors in need. In the month of June, Rejoice contributed $172.00 and 50 lbs of food.
Also, the Clearwater Clear Lake Food Shelf is completing a July 2015 fund raising campaign sponsored by Hunger Solutions. The more money we raise, the more we will receive up to $5,000. Summer is a challenging time for the Clearwater Clear Lake Food Shelf. During the academic year children in need receive breakfast and lunch at school. This is not the case during the summer. Families that are living at or below the poverty line or paycheck-to-paycheck may not be able to provide two additional meals for their children.
All donations received by July 31 will be counted for this proportional match. What can you do to help?
Notices
Security Change
About September 1st, Rejoice will change the entry code on our security system. Codes will now be
individualized. Each keyholder will be assigned a personal code for their use only. If you are a keyholder,
please contact Carol Eich at the church, for your new personal code. Thanks for your cooperation!
Come and join Tom and Marilyn Koontz and family
on Sunday, Aug 9th,
as they celebrate their 50th
Wedding Anniversary at the 10:30 coffee fellowship.
Employ Local People
Eagle Trace Golf & Event Center is looking to hire! Position duties could include working the ProShop, turf
maintenance, mechanic- there is something for everyone. Please stop by the clubhouse to complete an
application and talk to John. Questions? Call 558-GOLF
Opportunities for 55+ Members and Friends
Several in our congregation have expressed an interest in creating some structured programs and activities for
a 55+ group. We may offer a meal on occasion, some programs geared specifically for seniors–Medicare
information, health screenings, senior yoga, and lots of other things have been suggested.
We are looking at a start up date after September 1 and also looking for people to help get this off the ground.
Watch for more information in bulletins, on the web, Friday update and in the next newsletter.
We haven’t chosen a name, but under consideration are “The Methuselah Mob,” “Holy Wrinkles,” “Crotchety Old Christians,” “The Seasoned Circle,” plus some other very colorful ones.
If you want to be in on the development call Kay Krogstad at 558-6576, or Karolyn Boucher, 320-293-2242
Clear Water Heritage Days
Friday, July 31
Paddle Academy 2-4 p.m.; Kiddie Parade 4:30-5 p.m.; Heritage Dinner 5-7p.m.; Sq. Dancing 5:30-6:30 p.m.;
Parade 7-8 p.m.; Clearwater Ambassador Presentation following parade; Family Fun Night 4:30-10 p.m.–
Inflatables, Games, Face Painting, Air Max Trampoline & more. Fireworks at Dusk, Live Music.
Saturday, August 1
5 K Run 8:30 a.m.; Kids Run after 5 K; Rendevous Reenactments all day; Car Show 8 a.m.-noon; Flea
Market/Craft Show 9 a.m.-?; Softball Tourney starts @ 9 a.m.; Disc Golf Tourney 9 a.m. start; Clearwater
History Tours 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (2 different tours); Beanbag Tournament 1 p.m. start; Bingo 4-6 p.m.
Visit Facebook/ClearwaterHeritageDays
Vacation Bible School 2015 Join us as we embark on an icy expedition where we overcome obstacles with God’s awesome power!
At Everest VBS, kids will experience God’s Word in surprising & unforgettable ways! Each day, kids trek
through activity stations with their Climbing Crews designed to reinforce the daily Bible Point in a hands-on,
interactive way which anchors kids in Bible truths that will guide them through life’s challenges.
Sign-up sheets and volunteer forms can be found at the table in the Narthex,
or sign up online [email protected]
August 2nd through August 6th
6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Rejoice Lutheran Church
If you are willing to volunteer or have questions, please contact Pam Moening (612) 597-9143 [email protected]
or Becky Canon (320) 420-2231 [email protected]
August 2015
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
HC – Holy
Communion
MR- Music
Rehearsal
CVBC – Clear
Valley Business
Connections
1
2 9:30 Worship
10:30 Fellowship,
Fall Festival Mtg.
6:00p VBS
3 9:30a Library
6:00p VBS
4 9:30a Women’s
Bible Study
11:00a Staff Mtg.
6:00p VBS
5 7:00a Men’s Bible
Study
6:00p VBS
6 6:00p VBS
7 5p Wedding
Rehearsal
Camp House
8 4:00p
Wedding/Tschida
& Neumann
Camp House
9 9:30 Worship/HC
10:30 Fellowship
50th Anniversary
Koontz
Camp House
10 9:30a Library
11 11:00a Staff Mtg
6:00p Kid’s
Garden.
6:30p Council
Mtg.
12 7:00a Men’s Bible
Study
13 McDonald’s Brat
Sale
14 McDonald’s Brat
Sale
15 McDonald’s Brat
Sale
16 9:30 Worship
10:30 Fellowship
17 9:30a Library
18 11:00a Staff Mtg.
6:00p Kid’s
Garden.
19 7:00a Men’s Bible
Study
7:00p MR
20 21 22
23 9:30 Worship/HC
10:30 Picnic – Warner Lake
24 9:30a Library
25 11:00a Staff Mtg.
6:00p Kid’s
Garden.
26 7:00a Men’s Bible
Study
7:00p MR
27 28 29 Wedding/
Kirchenbauer &
Knowles
30 9:30 Worship
10:30 Fellowship
31 9:30a Library
August Servants
Directory Update
New Address:
Kameron & Maryanne Kantor
205 1st St SE
PO Box 815
Mohall, ND 58761-0815
9:30 am August 2 August 9 August 16 August 23 August 30
Readers Deborah Biorn Joe Fisher Doris Scharmer Marilyn Koontz Jonette Tschida
Ushers Randy & Jodi
Pawlicki, Gene &
Kay Krogstad
Ramona Nielsen,
Gladys Steiger, Curt
& Julie Alveshere
Jim & Carol Eich,
Dianne Stute, Betty
Loehr
Lee & Rosemary
Monk, Janelle
Hennen, Mary
Wilson
Nick & Hope
Luberda family
Greeters Deborah Biorn Steve & Julie
Binczik Mary Wilson,
Janelle Hennen Jon & Kristy Bigalk George & Bonnie
Barkosky
Communion Setup Julie Binczik Greg & Mickey
Pierson
Communion Ken & Kris
Maehren, Donald
Clarkson, Denise
Kantor, Liz Smith
Fred & Marge
Varner, Curt &
Julie Alveshere,
Janelle Rudningen
Power Point Vera Lindhorst Paul Mueller
Sound John Clarkson Lyle Rudningen Doug Kantor
Fellowship Gladys Steiger,
John & Becky
Brzinski
Tom& Marilyn
Koontz & family,
Ramona Nielsen,
John & Becky
Brzinski
Mike & Julie Kunz, Gene & Kay
Krogstad
Summer Picnic at Warner Lake
Jerry Lemke &
Sharon Sauer, Jorn & Barbara
Commers
Non-Profit Org
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Permit No. 17
Clearwater, MN
55320
Rejoice Lutheran Church (ELCA)
1155 County Road 75
(Near the water tower)
PO Box 307 (mailing)
Clearwater, MN 55320
Office Hours
Monday – Thursday
7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Friday
7:30 am – 12:00 pm
Telephone
(320) 558-6851
Fax
(320) 558-6654
Web
www.rejoicelutheranchurch.org
STAFF
Interim Lead Pastor
Laurie Weis
Assistant Pastor
Tim Lindhorst
Office Administrator
Carol Eich
Youth and Family Minister
Danielle Lundquist
Music Coordinator
Nicole Heberling
OUR MISSION:
To Grow
in Faith, Love and
Service in Response
to the Gospel
of Jesus Christ,
and to Extend
God’s Welcome
to All.
PLEASE NOTE
Vacation Bible School begins August 2.
Please register very soon.