REJOICE REFLECTIONS OCTOBER 2015

Rejoice Lutheran

Church 1155 County Rd 75

P O Box 307

Clearwater, MN

55320

Worship Schedule

8:30 am Worship

9:30 Fellowship

10:30 Worship

Holy Communion

is served the second

& fourth Sundays

Inside this Issue:

Council Minutes

Stewardship

Financial Recap

Celebrations

Fall Festival

Young at Heart

Notices

Grow & Go!

October Calendar

October Servants

from Pastor Laurie Weis

“Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift is from above, coming

down from the Father of Lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow

due to change.” James 1:17

LOVE

A neat package tied up in string. The outside looks good;

Bring it here, but don’t unwrap it. it should.

You might tear the paper It’s been re-wrapped

or break the ribbon. again and again;

The mystery is what makes it unique. until when

Speak about love. it’s opened for good

Ponder what’s inside… and set free

but hide to be

the curiosity. all it’s supposed to be.

Tempting, tempting Let’s see!

to shake it, break it The wrapping’s undone,

lift up the lid, but won’t it be fun

forbid all those feelings to see what’s really inside?

that might escape and arise Surprise!

so disguise It’s empty.

them in pretty tissue or foil

continued next page

Pastor Laurie Weis continued

I wrote this poem nearly twenty-five years ago at a time in my life where there was struggle. And as the years

have passed, I can appreciate the emptiness of the box as a gift in itself, see it as opportunity to fill it with the

love God has given us all; offering it back to God and neighbor.

Within the gift of love God has for us, lie other gifts, too. Some we might describe from a stewardship

perspective as gifts of time, talents, and treasures. How do we un-wrap and offer them a gift so the mission of

God is carried out and a greater good in Jesus’ name is accomplished through you and me? How do we

express our gratitude in gifts of time, talent, and treasures out of all God has given and done for us?

One way is through the body of Christ, as we proclaim and bear witness to the world. As people of God,

people of Rejoice Lutheran Church, we can accomplish much more as a congregation, as a community of

disciples, than we could ever do on our own. Gathering to worship, learn, celebrate, mourn, and carry out the

mission and ministry of God’s kingdom is compounded when we generously give of our offerings of time,

talent, and treasures together.

Our stewardship emphasis during October is Consecration Sunday, culminating with Consecration Weekend

on Sunday, October 18th

. (Please see Paul Amundson’s article about Consecration’s spiritual emphasis

on gratitude and our response to God’s generosity rather than meeting a budget in order to pay the

bills.)

The Bible verse from James is a call for us to live our lives wisely and generously with the gifts given us,

knowing it all comes from God and belongs to God anyway; trusting, too, that what undergirds it all is God’s

steadfast love, a gift given freely in Jesus Christ, who emptied himself through his death and resurrection for

the sake of us all! With gratitude for all of you,

Pastor Laurie

from the Rejoice Church Council

Council Meeting Condensed Minutes

September 8, 2015

Members Present: Chari Ahrenholz, Paul Amundson, Carolyn Bissell, Denise Kantor, Kay Krogstad,

David Lindberg, Janelle Rudningen, Ruthie Seidenkranz

Members Absent: Becky Brzinski, Jim Eich

Advisory Member: Pastor Laurie Weis (present)

Ex-Officio Members: Rhoda Senkler (present)

• Council approved donation of $1,200 from Thrivent Financial Choice Dollars Fund to get Young at

Heart group started.

• Stewardship campaign reviewed; first letter to congregation will be mailed on Thursday, September

24.

• Council discussed 2016 wedding services and implementing weekly communion. No changes will be

made in policy/procedure prior to hiring new lead pastor.

• Two education leaders are needed for 7th

grade confirmation students and one for Sunday School. Also

looking for more musicians for traditional worship service.

We Are Church Together

Consecration Sunday is coming…..

Rejoice Lutheran approaches financial stewardship from a Biblical perspective. We do not view the

money members tithe to the church merely as a weekly bill payment. Rather, we see financial contributions

as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting God’s ministry with a

percentage of their income.

Our congregation’s stewardship committee has selected Consecration Sunday as a way to share the

biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving. Consecration Sunday is based on the Biblical philosophy

of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than the need of the church to

receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who pay dues, we intend to treat our

members like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. Consecration

Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What

percentage of my income is God calling me to tithe?”

Consecration Sunday at Rejoice is scheduled for October 18th

. During morning worship, we are asking

our members/friends to make their financial commitments to Rejoice’s ministries: benevolent, educational,

and missional in this community and around the world.

Every friend and member who completes an Estimate of Giving does so voluntarily during morning

worship. For those who feel opposed to completing an Estimate of Giving, the invitation is done in such a

way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out an estimate. During morning

worship Pastor Laurie will offer help and direction followed by members making their commitments as a

confidential act of worship and gratitude for all God has given us.

Please join us for a Celebration Luncheon immediately following the Consecration Sunday service. This

is a catered brunch, and not a potluck, for all congregational friends and members. It is a time to celebrate

how richly God has blessed us and our congregation and a small Thank You to the members / friends of

Rejoice for their faithfulness.

Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events,

Paul Amundson, Stewardship Chair

August 2015 Financial Recap

August giving almost covered expenses for the month. A return to Fall programs and activities will

hopefully improve our bottom line.

Our biggest fundraiser, our annual Fall Festival on September 26th

, is an important component

of our financial health. Please support this event in any way you are able. Attend with your family and

friends. Promote and enjoy the day. Sell raffle tickets. Partake of our celebrated Lutefisk & Swedish

Meatball dinner.

Our annual Stewardship campaign will finish up in October. Hopefully you are prayerfully

considering your commitment to Rejoice, especially during this time of transition.

Rhoda Senkler, Treasurer

General Fund Income Expenses Gain/Loss (-)

August $21,751.14 $22,613.99 -$862.85

YTD $171,172.18 $207,201.97 -$36,029.79

Mortgage Fund Income Expenses Gain/Loss (-)

August $7,963.50 $7,845.00 $118.50

YTD $61,373.50 $62,760.00 -$1,386.50

Sunday School Update The children will be singing at both devices on Sunday, Oct. 4.

FALL FESTIVAL DONATIONS

If you’re making a donation to the Fall Festival, please try to drop off by Friday, September 25 if possible.

The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 am-4:00 pm. It will also be open on Thursday (24th

)

evening from 6:00 pm-7:30 pm, and Friday from 7:30 am-7:00 pm. Donations are accepted for Bake Sale,

Silent Auction, Granny’s Attic, Crafts & Gifts, & Produce. Everything that is dropped off needs to be priced

and placed and that takes time. Thank you.

We ask that you be prudent about your donations to Granny’s Attic. We have to deal with unsold items

and have no disposal options for large electronics, old appliances, broken toys, chipped dishes, etc. Please use

good judgement.

RAFFLE TICKETS

Some of you paid for your raffle tickets when you picked them up but have not yet turned in your

completed stubs. By law, each raffle ticket must be accounted for. Please turn in your completed stubs as soon

as possible.

The more we can do before the day of the Fall Festival, the better the day will be. We appreciate your

cooperation!

Raffle tickets will be for sale as long as there are any left or until about 30 minutes before the drawing time

of 5:00pm on Saturday. Our goal is to sell them all.

October Celebrations

Birthdays

2 Emma Marx 8 Richard Bender 14 Kody Kantor 20 Allen Bissell

2 Hailey Michalski 8 Doug McRae 14 Nick Schaeffer 21 Joanne Simon

2 Adelyn Driggs 8 James Miller 14 Jody Trovall 21 Jonette Tschida

3 Abigail Frahm 8 Owen Plath 15 Alan Gross 23 Les Feist

3 Mark Doering 9 Kennedy Bican 15 Jeff Michakski 23 Taylor Anderson

3 Emily Titcomb 10 Linda Boie 16 Brent Johnson 24 Addison Rodenborg

3 Kirsten Nickolauson 10 Josh Linder 16 Rory Graham 25 Edith Johnson

4 Laura Bender 10 Alicia Zavaleta 17 Katelyn Lindberg 26 Lindsey Fruth

4 Gail Dunderi 11 Alisha Brust 17 Steve Ziebarth 27 Austin Paul

4 Elaine Niesche 11 Tina Bunting 17 Lora Bissell 28 Mindy Rinkenberger

6 Kim Ferrell 12 Liz Smith 18 Areeya Smith-Coleman 29 Heidi Peper

7 Sara Miller 12 Joshua Rodenborg 19 Trace Hogie 30 Doris Scharmer

7 Riley Peper 13 Tyler Anderson 20 Rose Weber 30 Dan Krippner

7 Brooke Peper 13 Carter Gjevre 20 Carrie Olson 30 Kortney Hogie

7 Jolene Frank 20 Teigen Neubert 31 Lee Monk

7 Emily Combs

7 Alana Hollenkamp

Anniversaries

3 Shane & Tabitha Allen 10 Mike Barrett & Diane Prickett

4 Brian & Julie Johnson 11 Jim & Carol Eich

5 Kyle & Tracy Peterson 13 Wally Westerberg & Mary Bergeron

5 Anthony & Alicia VanVickle 16 David & Pam Moening

7 Richard & Bonnie Duea 20 Nick & Trisa Schaeffer

7 Tim & Tammy Totz 22 Jeff & Alisha Brust

7 David & Christine Lindberg 25 Allen & Angie Bissell

9 Gene & Kay Krogstad 26 Jeff & Lori Johnson

10 Ron Kobow & Deena Monk-Kobow 28 Fred & Marge Varner

REJOICE LUTHERAN CHURCH

LUTEFISK & SWEDISH MEATBALL DINNER & FALL FESTIVAL

Join us on Saturday, September 26th

, for our day of fun and fellowship, an outreach to our community, a

celebration of our heritage and a fundraiser for our church. Doors will open at 10:00 am. Please use the entry

doors by the office. If you are helping on this day, please park in the back of the church and enter through the

education wing. There is something for everyone.

KIDZ KARNIVAL 11:00 – 3:00 Surprises are in store for our youngsters with professional clowns, face painter, balloon animals and games.

Don’t worry, there will be a bounce house too. Invite your friends!

SILENT AUCTION (closes at 4:45) Get a bidding number and check out the goodies available to the highest bidder. Donations from our

congregation, community and business friends present a great variety.

RAFFLE (drawing at 5:00) Great prizes give you lots to offer as you’re out selling our raffle tickets. We ask each Rejoice family to be

responsible for the sale of at least 1 book (10) of tickets. Thank you!

CRAFTS & GIFTS Think Christmas, birthdays, etc. and surprise your recipient with a quality Rejoice made gift.

PRODUCE We never know what will be available at the end of our growing season, so come and check it out. Produce,

plants, fall décor, and I guess we’ll find out!

BAKE SALE & LEFSE Get there early for the best selection. This is where you find the good stuff!

BOOK SALE Check out our library and the books offered for sale. Proceeds benefit our library fund.

GRANNY’S ATTIC We could call it “garage sale extraordinaire”! Stop in and find a bargain.

OLE’S OUTDOOR GRILL & BEER GARDEN You’ll find lunch or a snack under the entry canopy. A grill type menu including pork chops, hamburgers,

brats, beverages & extras will be available beginning at 11:00. Beer will be available to anyone with a wrist

band (show ID). No beer will be allowed inside the church.

LUTEFISK & SWEDISH MEATBALL DINNER (Reservations available at 3:30 and 5:00, call 320-558-6851)

Our lutefisk dinner is a favorite of lutefisk lovers. If you’re not a fan, our Swedish Meatballs are a delicious

alternative. Or have both! This is a complete sit-down dinner with real mashed potatoes, and all the extras

including beverage and Scandinavian desserts.

PLEASE JOIN US AND SUPPORT OUR CHURCH!

from the Clearwater Clear Lake Food Shelf

In the month of August, Rejoice contributed $500.00, 103 pounds of food, and 15 pounds of school supplies.

Thank you! We are grateful for your support! Together, we are caring for neighbors in need.

Please note:

2016 Giving Envelopes are in your mailbox. Please note that your mailbox is

located BELOW your envelope number.

Notices

New Member Reception

The Outreach Ministry at Rejoice will be hosting a new member reception Sunday November 8th

from 9:40am

until 10:30am in the fellowship hall. If you are looking for a new church home, are thinking of joining, or

have any questions, please let us know.

Chari Ahrenholz

Outreach Ministry

320-654-8397

Thank You We would like to thank you for all the prayers and expressions of sympathy with the passing of my mother

Lila Lubke. It was greatly appreciated. We know that she is at peace with her Lord!

Mary & Ray Wilson

from Kidstop

Rejoice Lutheran Church,

Thank you so much for allowing Kidstop to use the church facilities for the summer.

You have been so pleasant and helpful throughout the summer, it helped our crew be very successful.

Your willingness to work with us is very much appreciated!

Thanks again,

Geri Bechtold - Kidstop

Do You DARE …

Study the Bible? Does this question …

Surprise you?

Puzzle you?

Shock you? Is it possible that the contents of the Bible and our faith might not be for “the faint of heart?

Mark Twain said: “It ain't the parts of the Bible that I can't understand that bother me,

it's the parts that I do understand.”

Contemporary American writer Annie Dillard said: (Church)

“ Ushers should issue life preservers and signal flares; they should lash us to our pews.

For … (God) may draw us out to where we can never return. ”

Jesus shocked people and was executed as a danger to the state. The first Christians were persecuted as a

danger to social order. Can we comfortable, maybe complacent Christians find again the dynamic, risky and

sometimes fearful nature of the “fear of the Lord.”

This is the hope for a

Study of the Bible

to be held this Fall each

Thursday at 9:30 AM

in the Library

We will look at the Bible as Luther did: as the manger, with all its splinters and bend nails but still the place

where we find Christ Jesus.

We will find in the Bible a journey of God’s people over thousands of years to find, understand and be faithful

to God.

As British playwright Christopher Fry put it (long before Star Trek !)

“The enterprise is exploration into God.”

We will recall our own faith journey of exploration to a more mature faith and to boldly let God

“draw us out to where we can never return.”

Do you DARE? Come on, I dare you.

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child;

when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. (I Corinthians 13:11)

For more information contact Jan Nairn at (320)558-8118.

Children’s

Ministry

Rejoice Lutheran Youth & Family

Team

GROW & GO!

Youth Ministry

Youth Group

When: Wednesdays 6:30-8:00

Who: Youth grades 9-12

What: Come hang out with friends and grow in Christ

Cappuccino

Bible

Study

Every Sunday

@ 9:30 a.m.

Youth Room

Open to all youth

in

grades 6–12.

Grow your faith,

relationships and

learn how to

apply it all to

your life.

November 20-21

Jr. High youth gathering Watch for more details

‘Like’ the Rejoice Youth Team Facebook page to keep up-to-date with youth events!

KIDZ KARNIVAL 11:00 – 3:00

Sept 26, 2015 at the Fall Festival Surprises are in store for our youngsters with

professional clowns, face painter, balloon animals

and games. Don’t worry, there will be a bounce

house too. Invite your friends!

October 2015

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

HC – Holy

Communion

MR- Music

Rehearsal

. 1 9:30a Adult Bible

Study

2 3

4 8:30 Worship

9:30 Fellowship,

S.S., Cappuccino

Bible Study, Adult

Ed

10:30

Worship/Baptism

5 9:30a Library

7:00p Y&F Mtg.

6 9:15a Women’s

Bible Study

11:00a Staff Mtg.

7 7:00a Men’s Bible

Study

6:30p Conf, Adult

Ed, Youth Group,

MR

7:15p MR

8 9:30a Adult Bible

Study

9 SR. High Retreat

10 SR. High Retreat

11:00a Private

Anniversary Party

11 8:30 Worship/HC

9:30 Fellowship,

S.S., Cappuccino

Bible Study, Adult

Ed

10:30 Worship/HC

12 9:30a Library

13 11:00a Staff Mtg.

6:30p Council

Mtg.

14 7:00a Men’s Bible

Study

NO Classes

15 9:30a Adult Bible

Study

11:00a Young at

Hearts

MEA

16

MEA

17

18 8:30 Worship

9:30 Fellowship,

S.S., Cappuccino

Bible Study, Adult

Ed

10:30 Worship

19 9:30a Library

4:30p Clear Lake

Lioness Mtg.

20 11:00a Staff Mtg.

21 7:00a Men’s Bible

Study

5:30p Conf.

Banquet

7:15p MR

22 9:30a Adult Bible

Study

23 24

25 8:30 Worship/HC

9:30 Fellowship,

S.S., Cappuccino

Bible Study, Adult

Ed

10:30 Rite of

Affirmation of

Baptism/HC

26 9:30a Library

27 11:00a Staff Mtg.

28 7:00a Men’s Bible

Study

6:30p Conf, Adult

Ed, Youth Group

7:15p MR

29 9:30a Adult Bible

Study

30 31

October Servants

OCT 4 8:30 am

OCT 11 8:30 am

OCT 18 8:30 am

OCT 25 8:30 am

GREETERS Karie Monk-Gohman Jeff & Lori Johnson Brad & Martha Johnson Don & Mary Kemkes

USHERS Randy & Jodi Pawlicki & family

Mary Wilson, Janelle Hennen,

Monie Nielsen, Dianne Stute

Jim & Carol Eich Ron & Lynn Schneider

Nick & Hope Luberda & family

READER OPEN Lee Monk Kevin Sanders Ken Maehren

COMMUNION SETUP

Mary Wilson Karie Monk-Gohman

FELLOWSHIP

Linnea Lindquist Ramona Nielsen

Krogstad family 50th Anniversary Celebration

Carolyn & Darrell Bissell Barbara & Jorn Commers

Betty Loehr

OCT 4 10:30 am

OCT 11 10:30 am

OCT 18 10:30 am

OCT 25 10:30 am

GREETERS Jon & Kristy Bigalk Shane & Tab Allen Bill & Gail Bradford John & Erin Woodman

USHERS

READER Chari Ahrenholz Denise Kantor Jonette Tschida Sharon Long

COMMUNION SETUP

New Member Reception

The Outreach Ministry at Rejoice will be hosting a new member

reception Sunday November 8th

from 9:40am until 10:30am in the

fellowship hall. If you are looking for a new church home, are

thinking of joining, or have any questions, please let us know.

Chari Ahrenholz

Outreach Ministry

320-654-8397

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 Director

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.