408 Ninth Street NW

Mandan, ND 58554

FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH

Phone: 701-663-3594

Fax: 701-663-6217

E-mail: jackie@firstlutheranofmandan.org

Building Faith and

Transforming Lives

in Christ.

www.firstlutheranofmandan.org

We’re on the web!

Daylight

Savings Time

begins on

Sunday, March

9th.

I’m reading a book entitled, “Why Nobody Wants to go to Church Anymore.” I’ve found it to be eye-opening in some respects. But most of all I’ve found it to be a reminder of what we are called to be, or better, do, as God’s people, and a conviction we’re not there yet.

One of the chapters centers on what the authors call, “Radical Hospitality” - Jesus-style hospitality. Biblical examples are plentiful, e.g. Jesus embracing prostitutes, cheaters, smelly fishermen and all kinds of despised people. Jesus opened his arms and welcomed others in such a radical way that the churchy types got very angry with him. Where most of us would rather people clean themselves up and clean up their acts before we connect with them, Jesus embraces them in their current circumstance and condition without merit. A question, then: Are you practicing radical hospitality, Jesus-style? Are we as God’s church doing the same? Would we rather open our arms only after “they” get cleaned up a bit?

Maybe recognizing this type of hospitality would be of help. That is, what does radical hospitality look like?

According to the authors, Radical Hospitality is:

Authentically welcoming others and being glad to be with them

Having a caring curiosity

Being a friend even though it’s not your job.

Accepting, no matter what.

Profoundly relational

Something that takes time

Unnerving, surprising and messy

Radical Hospitality is not:

Greeters at the door, meet-and-greet time in the service, coffee/donuts, “come-to-our-deal” event, guestbook signing, having a strict list of approved “stuff”, or scripted.

People who practice their gift of God’s love are open to loving others without judging or looking down on them. They look past the differences of beliefs, attitudes, values, lifestyles, clothing, skin color, gender, age, etc … Radical hospitality really does welcome people just as they are. As Doug Pollock writes, “... lack of acceptance crushes opportunity for spiritual conversations. Acceptance does not mean endorsement. When we confuse the two, we destroy the very space God wants to work in.” (p. 76, “Why Nobody Wants to God to Church Anymore”)

So, how are you doing at demonstrating radical hospitality to God’s people?

Pastor Jack

March 2014

Administrative Pastor

Rev. Lee Herberg

663-3594

Associate Pastor

Rev. Jack Carlson

663-3594

Associate Pastor

Rev. Christina Martin

663-3594

Administrative Assistant &

Coordinator of Lay

Ministries

Jackie Schulz

663-3594 (o)

663-3082 (h)

Custodians

Ron & Mavis Watson

Financial Administration

Jennifer Scheet

First Lutheran Is A Mission

Partner with Camp of the

Cross Ministries

First Lutheran

Staff

First Lutheran Church

March Newsletter

PAGE 2 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH March 2014

The youth will be serving supper each Wednesday during Lent starting

on Ash Wednesday. The meals are served each week starting at 5:30

p.m. and the cost is a free will offering. All the proceeds from the

Lenten suppers will go towards the Minneapolis/Wisconsin Trip this

summer. Come and join us for good food and fellowship as we journey

together through Lent.

All 5th graders and their parents are invited to come and learn about the

Sacrament of Holy Communion. Parents and their children come to

class together to learn about communion and prepare for the 5th graders

First Communion on Maundy Thursday. There is a cost of $15 for the

chalice that each child paints and uses on Maundy Thursday. If you

plan to attend the classes, please call the church office or email

Christina (christina@firstlutheranofmandan.org) by Wednesday, March

11th.

_________________________________________________________________________________________

First Communion Schedule

Tuesday, March 18th: 7-8 p.m. (Class for students and their parents in the Fellowship Hall)

Tuesday, March 25h: 7-8 p.m. (Class for students and their parents in the Sanctuary)

Sunday, March 30th: 2-4 p.m. (Students and parents will work together making bread and

chalices)

Thursday, April 17th: 7:00 p.m. (Maundy Thursday worship - students will receive their First

Communion) Pictures will be taken before worship - we will let you know what time.

Lenten Supper Menu

5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.

Wednesday, March 5th: Knoephla Soup & Ham Sandwiches

Wednesday, March 12th: Loaded Baked Potatoes

Wednesday, March 19th: Homemade Cheese Buttons & Sausage

Wednesday, March 26th: Sloppy Joes

Wednesday, April 2nd: Scalloped Potatoes and Ham

Wednesday, April 9th: Super Nacho’s

We will be having a new member

orientation on Sunday, March 23rd at

6:00 P.M. If you are interested in

becoming a member here at First

Lutheran please call the church office at

663-3594 as soon as possible. Thank

you.

PAGE 10 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014

All parents are invited to a presentation by officers from the

Mandan Police Department here at First Lutheran Church.

They will be talking about drugs and drug paraphernalia and

what to watch for. Come and learn about the things we need

to know to help protect our children from the dangers of drug

use. This information is useful to parents with children of

any age. We will meet in the Chapel on Wednesday,

March 26th at 8:00 P.M. Please join us!

4th-6th Grade Bash

Camp of the Cross

Friday, April 11th - Saturday, April 12th

Cost: $35

Pack your sleeping bag, invite a friend, and come along for a fun

overnight at camp! Join us for an action packed time filled with games,

campfire worship, late-night fun and much more! We’ll meet at the

church on Friday at 5pm and return Saturday by 4pm. If you plan to

go, please talk to Pastor Chris. Each participant needs to have a health

form and their $35 to Pastor Chris by Wednesday, March 26th. Please

make checks payable to Camp of the Cross.

Mark Your

Calendar…

5th: 7pm - Ash Wednesday

Worship

6th: LAF-Hot Dogs

12th: 7pm - Lenten

Worship

13th: LAF-Sandwiches

18: 7pm - First

Communion Class

19th: 7pm - Lenten

Worship

20th: LAF-Sloppy Joes

25th: 7pm - First

Communion Class

26th: 7pm - Lenten

Worship

27th: LAF-Nachos

30th: 2pm - First

Communion Class

Upcoming Events

Butter Braids Fundraiser

Youth who are going on the Minneapolis/Wisconsin Mission

Trip will be selling Butter Braids. The price is 1 for $11.00

or 2 for $20.00. If you are interested in buying some and are

not approached by a youth please call the church office at

663-3594 and we will be happy to help you out! We will

have many flavors available!

Any youth wanting to go to Bible Camp

this summer PLEASE let Pastor

Christina know by April 1st. We will be

having our bake sale again on April 13th

(Palm Sunday). All the money raised

goes towards camp scholarships.

BUT….we need to know who is wanting

to go, so please call Pastor Christina at

6 6 3 -3 59 4 o r e m ai l he r a t

christina@firstlutheranofmandan.org

Easter Sunrise Service

The youth take care of all the parts of the 7A.M. service

on Easter Sunday. We need youth to help with singing,

playing an instrument, ushering, serving communion

and reading. All youth in 7th-12th grade are encouraged

to come and participate. If you are interested, please

talk to Pastor Jack as soon as possible. If you have

questions, or would like to sign up please call Pastor

Jack at 663 -3594 or emai l h im at

jack@firstlutheranofmandan.org

Let’s make this a Sunrise Service to remember!

PAGE 4 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014

Special Thanks

Thank you to all the greeters, ushers, communion servers,

readers, communion set-up, coffee hour workers, and to all

who have supplied goodies for the last month. Your help is

greatly appreciated!

Baptisms:

February 2 Marleigh Jo Reynolds

February 16 Preston Jack Helbling

February 23 Cuyler Valier Leingang

Funerals:

February 4 Janna Stein

February 10 Henry Serr

Memorial Fund

Pastoral Acts

In memory of Carrie Thorson given by Milan & Olivia Ganser, Jean

Schlender, Lualice Stockert, Terryl Gaebe, Verdis Hogan, Mark &

Barb Evanger, Darell & Lavon Bahm, Calista Bahm, Harold &

Marilyn Burch, Grace Uhler, Jim & Arlyne Rothschiller, Lloyd &

Joanne Reynolds, Diana Johner, Arden & Pat Hagerott, Darleen

Cairns, Janet Dykshoorn, Larry Thorson family, Ed & Dalas Breuer,

Tyke & Donna Bahm, Annette Rude, Julie & Ross Haibeck, Jason &

Val Bahm, Bob & Carlene Bahm, Duane & Connie Barden, Lori

Meyers, Justin & Lana Schmidt, Betty Stepp, Mr. & Mrs. Emil Bahm

Jr., Ralph & Aggie Kline, Marion Hohbein, Ken & Diane Dillman,

Mr. & Mrs. Howard Pidarson, Mr. & Mrs. Joe Schaff, Edith Otto,

Walter & Leona Keidel, Joseph & Jean Urness, Norma Lundstrom,

Karen Enge, Marion Helbling, Mariam Circle.

In memory of Bernice Herberg given by Ralph & Naida Feland, Dave

& Eunice Wolf, Gordon Berge, Loretta Quanbeck, Lorell & Renae

Jungling,

In memory of Ben Kottsick given by Jacob & Peggy Hertz.

In memory of Terry Piper given by Mark & Barb Evanger.

In memory of Janna Stein given by Gary & Claudia Tomanek,

numerous family & friends.

Deadline for

articles for the

April Newsletter

will be March 21st.

March ~ Mission of the Month Community Action

Items needed are Peanut Butter, Jelly, Fruit Cups, Granola

Bars, Cereal, Pudding Cups, Applesauce Cups, & Canned

Dinners with a pop top lid (Chef Boyardee's).

You may put your items in the boxes in the Narthex. Thank

you!

Sunday ~

8:30 am ~ Traditional

10:45 am ~ Contemporary

9:30 am ~ Coffee

9:30 am ~ Church School

Wednesday ~

Lenten Schedule beginning March 5th

5:30 pm ~ Lenten Suppers

6:00 pm ~ Church School

7:00 pm ~ Lenten Services

Worship Schedule

Ash Wednesday is on March 5th.

Service times on Wednesdays

during Lent will change to 7:00

P.M.

PAGE 9 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014

Guest Pastors for Lenten Services:

March 12th Rev. Christina Martin

March 19th Rev. Wes Aardahl from Faith Lutheran in Bismarck

March 26th Rev. Jon Splichal Larson from Faith Lutheran in Bismarck

April 2nd Rev. Jack Carlson

April 9th Rev. Renee Splichal Larson from Heart River

PAGE 8 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014 MARCH 2014 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH PAGE 5

First Lutheran Church Council Minutes

Thursday, December 19, 2013 7:00PM

Present: Pastor Lee Herberg, President Kris Elijah, Vice-President Tammy Lapp-Harris,

Secretary Den Na Lee Fewson, John Pake, Janet Reineke, Brian Zacha

Absent: Pastor Jack Carlson, Pastor Christina Martin, Kris Theurer, Darrell Nitschke, Dot

Frank

Devotions: President Kris Elijah called the meeting to order. Pastor Lee led devotions.

Approval of Agenda: Janet Reineke moved and Brian Zacha seconded the motion to approve

the agenda. Motion passed.

Secretary’s Report/Review and Approval of the minutes: Tammy Lapp-Harris moved

and Den Na Lee Fewson seconded the motion to approve the minutes from Nov 21, 2013.

Motion passed.

Financial Report/Review: Pastor Lee went over the November financials. November

expenses were higher than November income, however for the 2013 year; expenses have been

lower than income. Council is looking at making an extra principal payment on the building in

2014.

Unfinished Business:

Moving forward in faith: L & H Manufacturing is designing new altar candle sticks,

paschal candle stand, missal stand and sanctuary candle stand. They are almost ready

for us to preview the designs.

Strategic Plan 2013: Pastor Lee & Darrell Nitschke are drawing up names to create a

Governance Team.

Air Handling Unit: Lindtech is on hold until chancel items are finished and it’s

determined how much money is left in the renovation account.

Policy and Procedure Manual: Pastor Lee has started working on the new draft, but will

wait until the new council is in place to submit for review.

Wedding Guidelines/update: Council approved new wedding guidelines policy, with an

effective date of Dec 19th, 2013. Brian Zacha moved and John Pake seconded to approve

the new Wedding Guidelines Policy Manual. Motion passed.

Nominating Committee: Council now needs only 3 new members, after reviewing council

policy and determining that outgoing President Kris Elijah only served 2 of his 3 year

term. He will continue to serve as a council member in a Non-Executive position. The

nominating committee had potential members already and just needed to confirm with

all individuals.

Council Annual Reports: Council Representatives must have all reports in to Jackie by

Jan 7th for inclusion in the Annual Report.

NEW BUSINESS:

In an effort to have a larger attendance at the Annual Meeting, a motion was made to

change the time to 9:30am, falling between the two worship services. Den Na Lee

Fewson made a motion to approve, John Pake seconded. Motion passed.

The 2014 First Lutheran Operating Fund Budget was preliminarily passed by council during

December’s meeting. Ratification will occur by the congregation during the Annual

Meeting.

REPORTS:

Pastor Lee’s report – 1 baptism, 1 funeral

Pastor Jack’s report – 1 baptism, 1 committal service. Pastor Jack held worship services

and communion at Edgewood and Mandan Living centers.

Pastor Chris’s report – 1 baptism

Special Events – The Christmas Program on Sunday went very well with considerably less

students than Wednesdays. The Wednesday Program didn’t go as well and will be

revised considerably to accommodate such large numbers of students in 2014.

Stewardship – no report.

Worship – no report.

Parish Education/Youth – no report.

Evangelism and Outreach – Janet has turned the Evangelism and Outreach yearend

report.

Property and Management – The condensate pump boiler has a warranty, which is good

news. Waiting to determine where leaks are before proceeding.

Website/Facebook/Twitter – no report.

CORRESPONDENCE:

A thank you letter was received from Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center for our

contribution of $195.45.

Received a thank you letter from Lutheran Social Services for our support during 2013.

They also asked us to prayerfully consider partnering with them again in 2014 and

included a Declaration of Support form to return.

Motion to Adjourn/Lord’s Prayer:

Tammy Lapp-Harris moved and Den Na Lee Fewson seconded to adjourn the council

meeting. Motion passed. The meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Submitted by: Den Na Lee Fewson

PAGE 6 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH MARCH 2014