October Newsletter Vicar David Reedstrom Ministers: All Members

Church: 278-3317 E-Mail: calvary@hickorytech.net

Web site: www.calvaryrapidan.org

Bible Study at 9:00 am

Worship at 10:15 am

Fellowship/Coffee Hour 10:30 am

A letter from Vicar Dave

Dear Friends, the boundless grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the wisdom of God, and the light

and joy of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.

Wait a minute, does anybody know what happened to September? Wow, did the month zip by

for you as well? As the days and nights become cooler, we can’t help but think about this

colorful fall and what’s yet to come. The thankful season of harvest with the winter season of

joy right around the corner. All four seasons should be about change, hope and joy.

“And wine to gladden the heart of man.” Psalm 105:15 (NRSV)

The changing seasons should remind us of how uncomplicated happiness could be and should

be. For me, uncomplicated happiness is the sound of a lake gently washing against a its shore;

sharing a glass of wine in the company of friends; the comfort of a warm fire with or without a

good book, and the beautiful colors of the autumn or a crisp white blanket of fresh, fallen snow.

At the end of a long day, I try to uncomplicate the day by practicing the art of sharing my day

with my family and having them share theirs with me. Can you relate to the ritual of engaging

family in this type of conversation? When we take time to follow this supportive practice, my

wife and I find ourselves once again grounded into our lives, our marriage and our common

faith. I admit there are times I get caught in the false promises of material pursuit. However, in

reality, this is God’s world, coupled with simple things like being with family, the smell of a

flower, a conversation with a friend, or the beauty of a sunset that provides us with the peace

and comfort of a life that transcends all understanding. Reconnect with God in some way today

and stay grounded in Him.

Following is an article written by a close friend, Wendy Showalter, the President of the Via de

Cristo (Way of Christ) national organization. I wonder if you will relate to Wendy’s message

too.

2 | P a g e

An Agenda That Will Never Satisfy

“For everything there is a season.” Ecclesiastes 3:1a NRSV

I should have been happy. I knew it. I could have listed so many things for which I was

thankful. So, what was this undercurrent of disappointment that ebbed and flowed just beneath

the surface of my more honest moments? I got still and I got sad. I was doing a lot, pouring

myself out for God, but not really spending time getting refilled by God.

Maybe you can relate?

We run at a breakneck pace to try and achieve what God wants us to - yet we do not slow down

enough to receive. He really does have it all worked out. The gaps filled. The needs met. The

questions answered. The problems solved.

And the parts He's purposed for us? They're all perfectly portioned out in assignments meant for

us today. No more. No less. All He asks is that we personally receive from Him before setting

out to work for Him. In doing so, we are fueled by His power and encouraged by His presence.

This is the daily exchange where ministry duty turns into pure delight.

How it must break His heart when we work like we don't believe He's capable. We say we trust

Him but act like everything depends on us. We give all we have to the tasks at hand with only

occasional leftovers of time to slightly acknowledge Him.

Join me in a moment of quiet and peace - receiving all that our gracious God offers us today...

allow His timing and His power and His presence be our agendas.

Wendy Showalter

NLS Board President

October 2019 ©2019 National Lutheran Secretariat

Please join me in Prayer. “Almighty God help us daily to slow down and be reminded of what

is truly important in our own lives. Amen.”

Blessings, Vicar Dave

Please keep the Oslund family in your prayers. Monetta’s funeral is Saturday, October 12th

at 2:00 pm. Visitation will be one hour before.

October 2019 Worship Schedule

October 6th Vicar Dave with communion

October 13th Pastor Gerry

October 20th Vicar Dave with communion

October 27th Ann Koester

3 | P a g e

Preparing for Sundays in October 2019:

Pentecost 17, October 6th

Vicar Dave

Introduction

A little faith goes a long way is our Lord’s point in the gospel. A mustard seed’s-worth

has miraculous potential. The patience, tenacity, and endurance required for the life of

faith are the blessings received in water and the word (holy baptism), bread and wine

(holy communion), the word read and proclaimed in this assembly. Anticipate them.

Receive them with thanksgiving.

Readings and Psalm

Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4

Wicked surround the righteous; wait for the LORD

Psalm 37:1-9

Commit your way to the LORD; put your trust in the LORD. (Ps. 37:5)

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Guard the treasure entrusted to you: faith and love in Christ

Luke 17:5-10

Faith the size of a mustard seed

Prayer of the Day

Benevolent, merciful God: When we are empty, fill us. When we are weak in faith,

strengthen us. When we are cold in love, warm us, that with fervor we may love our

neighbors and serve them for the sake of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.

Amen.

Pentecost 18, October 13th

Pastor Gerry

Introduction

It’s a miracle! Multiple miracles! The waters of holy baptism have healed us. The body

and blood of Jesus in holy communion have made us clean. We have died with Christ and

been raised with him. For all this we have returned to offer thanks. From this place we

are sent on our way rejoicing to share the good news.

Readings and Psalm

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c

Naaman washes in the Jordan and is cleansed

Psalm 111

I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart. (Ps. 111:1)

4 | P a g e

2 Timothy 2:8-15

If we die with Christ, we will live with Christ

Luke 17:11-19

One leper made clean by Jesus gives thanks to God.

Prayer of the Day

Almighty and most merciful God, your bountiful goodness fills all creation. Keep us safe

from all that may hurt us, that, whole and well in body and spirit, we may with grateful

hearts accomplish all that you would have us do, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and

Lord. Amen.

Pentecost 19, October 20 Vicar Dave

Introduction

Pray always. Do not lose heart. This is the encouragement of the Christ of the gospel

today. Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed. Wrestle with

the word. Remember your baptism again and again. Come regularly to Christ’s table.

Persistence in our every encounter with the divine will be blessed.

Readings and Psalm

Genesis 32:22-31

Jacob’s struggle with the angel: I’ll not let go until you bless me

Psalm 121

My help comes from the LORD, the maker of heaven and earth. (Ps. 121:2)

2 Timothy 3:14--4:5

In the presence of Christ, the judge, proclaim the message

Luke 18:1-8

The widow begs for justice; God grants justice to those who cry to him

Prayer of the Day

O Lord God, tireless guardian of your people, you are always ready to hear our cries.

Teach us to rely day and night on your care. Inspire us to seek your enduring justice for

all this suffering world, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

5 | P a g e

Reformation Sunday October 27th

Ann Koester

Introduction

Genuine repentance and pretentious piety stand in stark contrast in the gospel and all

around us. All creation stands in need of God’s forgiveness. Keep the faith. God’s

people— “all who have longed for his appearing”—shall be accounted righteous for

Jesus’ sake. Our God is merciful to sinners. For all this the assembly glorifies God

forever.

Readings and Psalm

Jeremiah 14:7-10, 19-22

Jerusalem will be defeated

Psalm 84:1-7

Happy are the people whose strength is in you. (Ps. 84:5)

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

The good fight of faith

Luke 18:9-14

A Pharisee and tax collector pray together

Prayer of the Day

Holy God, our righteous judge, daily your mercy surprises us with everlasting

forgiveness. Strengthen our hope in you and grant that all the peoples of the earth may

find their glory in you, through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.

Update:

Due to family concerns, Vicar Dave is not attending Seminary this semester but plans to resume

classes next semester. Synod guidelines state that Pastor Gerry Giese would not be able to

assist Calvary for a minimum of six months after leaving his interim position. However, due to

Vicar Dave’s present family issue, the Synod has agreed to waive the six months wait period

and Pastor Gerry has agreed to cover for Vicar Dave whenever possible. The Church Council’s

Executive Committee has endorsed this action and will recommend it for approval at the next

Council meeting.

Women’s WELCA (Women of the ELCA)

Thankofferings

Thankofferings are a long-standing custom among Lutheran women. We give in

thanksgiving for blessings received–and we do receive so many blessings, don’t

we? And we are so grateful. That’s why we give Thankofferings.

6 | P a g e

Your generous Thankofferings help support the ongoing ministries of the

churchwide women’s organization, including our triennial conventions, the work

of your elected churchwide board, the annual conference of synodical presidents,

our communications ministries, justice and advocacy work, and so much more.

How Thankofferings work o Many women set aside small amounts at home throughout the year and then

bring together their gifts with those of other women at the end of the year.

Others organize a Thankoffering service with the whole congregation, using

our envelopes and bulletin covers to celebrate the ministries of women in a

bold, exciting way.

O An organized annual service is only one way to take part in this age-old

practice among women of faith. Just as we’re grateful more than once a year,

we can make Thankofferings any time the spirit moves us.

THANK YOU!

Time and time again it’s been proven that gratitude is good for us spiritually,

mentally, and even physically. Your Thankoffering is gratitude in action.

Thankofferings will be received at an upcoming worship service. Please stay

tuned and know the women of the ELCA deeply appreciate for your support.

Thank you!

Mission & Outreach: Once again Calvary & St. John’s Lutheran church are gearing

up to offer area farmers a “brown bag” meal as they wait in line delivering their fall

harvest to the Rapidan Elevator. A list of items needed for this wonderfully

appreciated outreach program can be found in the fellowship hall on the kitchen

counter.

Adult Bible Studies

Adult Bible Study on Wednesdays at 6:30 pm. “See Through the Scriptures”

sponsored by Crossways International. These sessions are taught by Vicar Dave.

Come and join us as we follow Jesus during his ministry.

Adult Bible Study and Confirmation sessions are being held on Sunday mornings

at 9:00 am. All are invited to participate with us as we learn more about Martin

Luther and the small catechism. Coffee and conversation are encouraged.

THANK YOU!!!

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone who helped make Calvary’s 145th

Anniversary

Celebration a success on September 8th

. Your efforts were dutifully noted and

greatly appreciated!

7 | P a g e

Thank you to Erica Kittelson, Jodie Miller and Lucille Doss for their tremendous

efforts in organizing and publishing our new pictorial directory. What a class act!

Stop in the church if you haven’t picked up your copy.

Thank you to Cleo Matzke, Jenny Schultz and Jodie Miller in re-establishing our

Sunday School program. Exciting news with three children and we’re open for

more. Contact one of these ladies, or Vicar Dave, if you have a grandchild or

know children in your neighborhood who might enjoy learning about Jesus and His

ministry.

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS OCTOBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES

1 Carllie Wingen 7 Darrell & Dianne Ziegler

3 Esther Kunz 25 Jennifer & Ray Eilerman

4 Will Howieson

5 Dezare Gabrik, Dana Ziegler

7 Sarah Matzke

8 Monica Grannis

9 Vivian Strand, Tim Howland

12 Wayne Koester, Erica Kittelson

14 Dennis Gremel

20 Carla Diesch, Chad Ostermann

21 Steve Larvick, Kole Ziegler

23 Sarah Wingen

27 Jacqueline Nelson

8 | P a g e

Stewardship Matters WE BELIEVE THAT STEWARDSHIP IS A RESPONSE TO ALL THAT GOD

HAS DONE FOR US. WE ARE BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING

TO ONE ANOTHER AND THE WORLD.

AS ACTS OF STEWARDSHIP WE…

Pray for the ministry of Calvary Lutheran Church

Worship regularly and actively invite others to join us in the worship life of

Calvary. Actively share gifts, talents, and abilities within the ministry of Calvary.

Give financial support of the ministry of Calvary.

Weekly

Budget

9/1

9/8

9/15

9/22

9/29

Total

September

Need

September

Actual

Attend.

23

58

20

38

36

$1,834

$870.00

$1,778.00

$665.00

$1590.00

$1,060.00

$ 7,336.00

$5,963.00

September Worship Assignments DATE GREETER LECTOR COFFEE

HOUR

USHERS ACOLYTE Communion

Assistant

10/6

Jason &

Tanya

Junker

Heather

Pasbrig

Betty &

Theresa

Laborde

Dylan

Pasbrig

10/13

Brian

Tryhus &

Mary West

Brian

Tryhus

Brian

Tryhus &

Mary West

Brian

Tryhus &

Mary West

10/20

Shelly

Wingen

& Lily

Richards

Tim

Howland

Tim &

Jeanne

Howland

10/27 Heather

Pasbrig Iris Nelson

Dylan

Pasbrig

9 | P a g e

Calvary Lutheran Church

19216 Rapidan Avenue

Mankato MN 56001

Vicar: Dave Reedstrom

Phone: 507-278-3317

Email: calvary@hickorytech.net

Website: www.calvaryrapidan.org

Council Meeting Minutes

August 20, 2019 @ 6:39 pm

A. Call to Order – Bob D

B. Attendance & Quorum

President Bob Diesch, Vice President Heather, Secretary Carla Diesch, Matt Preis, Erica

Kittelson, Jolene Anderson, Jodie Miller, Shelly Wingen and Vicar Dave Reedstrom.

C. Opening Devotions – Vicar Dave, on Wisdom in Proverbs, does not speak much of God.

Ecclesiastics, Proverbs and Job are the “wisdom” books.

D. Vicar Report

a. Seminary Status – Is learning how to explain what is said in the Bible. He is

struggling to learn how to read the Bible and tell what the text says in writing.

E. Old Business

a. Review & Approval of July Minutes – Shelly Wingen was absent last meeting,

and Dave is not off until September. Motion made by Jodie Miller and

seconded by Shelly Wingen, motion passed by voice vote of the council.

b. Review & Approval of July Treasurer’s Reports – Motion by Heather and

seconded by Jolene. We did not have an opportunity to approve the June

Treasurer’s Report because Erica was absent. Motion made by Jodie Miller and

seconded by Cleo Matzke.

c. Review & Approval of July Financial Secretary’s Reports – We received copies

of both the June and July reports. Motion by Jolene and seconded by Heather.

d. Anniversary Committee/Planning for 145th

Update - Change in food plan – Bob

has been asked to do pulled pork, and we would get sides from The Thunder.

Dave will call Jenny regarding the sides. Pies will be donated by Calvary

members. Jodie will get pickles, catsup, mustard, mayo, etc.

e. Church Directory Update – Erica indicated the directory has gone to

production. She passed around a proof, and it looks amazing.

f. Building Committee Update – Heather reported on and went through the list of

items that they came up with. Mitch provided an unofficial estimates, the type

of window we currently have are VERY expensive. We need official estimates

from at least three companies. Jolene indicates that Andy has been replacing

light bulbs to LED. He needs the tax exempt number for the purchases he is

making. They will be meeting again on September 4.

10 | P a g e

g. Guiding Hands Committee Update – Dave put the minutes in the August

Newsletter, they talked about fundraising, how we are going to pay for the

projects, etc. Making new banners for newer members. They will meet again

on September 18 at 7:00 pm.

h. Other Committee Reports – Shelly Wingen has been asked to freshen up the

black letters on the stone cemetery sign.

i. Education Committee (currently don’t have)

Worship Committee (Deb, Carla and Dave) met on Sunday, August 18th

following worship. Dave went over the things that we discussed. Dave is

looking into pulpit supply. He is also asking members if they are interested in

doing Lay preachers, like Ann Koester, Brian Tryhus and Amber Gabrick.

F. New Business

a. Worship Schedule for September (bottom)

b. Dave asked Shelly Wingen to do a new logo for the 145th

Anniversary. Dave

showed us Shelly’s proof, with a few little fixes to be made.

c. Bob received a letter from Green Lake Ministries. Jodie made the motion and

Shelly seconded. Motion passed by voice vote of the council. What color T-

Shirt do we want this time. Dave will get the a list of colors.

d. Dave brought to our attention that we are having problems with the copier

again. He made a call for repairs. The repairs have been made. Dave called a

sales person asking for a quotes on newer machines. He asked for a

maintenance agreement, he was offered one maintenance visit per quarter.

I. Announcements:

J. Next Meeting: Tuesday, September 17, 2019 @ 6:30 pm

K. Adjournment:

Worship Schedule:

August 25th Pastor Paul Meierding.

September 1st Vicar Dave Reedstrom w/Holy Communion

8th

Vicar Dave Reedstrom – Time Change (no Bible Study)

15th

Vicar Dave Reedstrom w/Holy Communion (Bible Study)

22nd

Vicar Dave Reedstrom

29th

Pastor Paul Meierding

11 | P a g e

Jesus said to Simon Peter,

"Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?"

He said to him, "Yes, Lord; you know that I love you." Jesus said to him, "Feed my lambs."

- John 21:15

I know that it has happened to you, too. As you enter onto a freeway ramp, or approach a stop sign, there is a man or woman, standing or seated, holding a

cardboard sign that announces his or her misfortune. Homeless. Lost my

job. Disabled veteran. Cancer. Hungry. My kids are hungry. Please help!

If, like me, you often avert your eyes and roll by, you may have flashes of

shame, alternating with flashes of self-righteousness or concern that anything you give will be misspent on drugs or alcohol. You may be conflicted for a block

or two and mutter, "How is it that this can happen in the richest country in the

world?" Then, you are on to your next task or destination.

Often, it takes the innocent question of a child to bring us up short: "Why is that

man (or woman) hungry?" "Don't we have an extra bed at our house?" "Could

you give them a job?"

So what could we do, as a family or faith family or circle of friends, to make a

difference?

If your congregation, workplace, or school has a day of service, this works well. You can add it to any congregational meal or gathering, Sunday school

class, retreat, youth gathering, quilters' group, or family Thanksgiving Day meal.

Ahead of time, tell your group what you are doing and request donations,

sharing a list of possible contributions.

12 | P a g e

Gather supplies, all shelf-stable, not requiring refrigeration, which can include:

large self-sealing plastic bags small water bottles and/or juice boxes

small bags or boxes of dried fruit

individual packages of nuts individually wrapped cheese and crackers or peanut butter crackers

granola bars or power bars

individual bags of chips or crackers or cookies toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, soap

white tube socks

coupons for a fast food restaurant in the area anything else you can think of!

Set out paper, markers, and crayons on a table. Invite anyone who would like to participate to draw a picture or make a card with words of

encouragement for the person who will receive the bag.

Arrange the supplies on one or two rectangular tables, with people on

both sides of the tables. Mix the people by age and gender. Invite them to

share stories of times they were hungry or of someone who shared with them. Read John 21:15-19 and ask, "What do you think Jesus wants us to do

to care for his family?"

Beginning with one person opening the bag, pass the bag to the next

person, with each person adding an item or two.

The second to the last person adds a card or picture.

The last person closes the bag and brings it to another large basket, box, or table.

All gather and ask God's blessings on those who will receive these bags.

Invite each person to take two bags for each car they drive.

Now, when you enter onto that freeway ramp, or approach a stop sign, and

someone with a sign wants you to give money, open your window, smile, and hand them a bag, wishing them a blessed day.

Now you are feeding Jesus' lambs!