C H U R C H N E W S L E T T E R

South Zumbro

South Zumbro Lutheran ChurchRev. Mark Schwartz, pastor

4830 120th Ave. S.W. Kasson, Minnesota 55944 (507) 365-8110 – church (507) 365-8892 – home (507) 951-0653 – cell markanne@kmtel.com – emailwww.szlc.org

June 2012

God speaks in the PsalmsThis summer my summer preaching series will focus on the Psalms, the great hymnal of the Bible. The Psalms depict emotions that are universal and touch all of us during our lifetimes. The laments talk to us when we are confused or looking for evidence of God working in our lives. The praise psalms lift us up and speak to the joy that God provides. The worship psalms organize us to remember how to bring our praise to God. There are psalms that remind people of how God has acted in history to support his people and implore the listener to obedience to God’s commands. There seem to be psalms for every purpose a Christian might have.

That is just like our modern hymnal. In our current hymnal we have praise hymns, quiet and meditative hymns, patriotic hymns, seasonal hymns for Easter Christmas or Thanksgiving, prayer hymns as well as hymns for special occasions like baptisms, communions, weddings or funerals. The whole gamut of emotions is included in our hymns, which we copied from how the Bible used the Psalms.

This summer we will look at some of the famous Psalms; 22 which is

used at Jesus’ crucifixion, Luther’s famous Psalm 46, the beautiful Psalm 51, Psalm 100 which we use at South Zumbro for Joyful Noise and other Psalms that perhaps are not as readily known but still speak to us in the moods we find ourselves in.

In his summary to the beginning of the Psalter in 1545, Martin Luther characterized the Psalms in this form. “In my opinion, any man who will but make a trial in earnest of the Psalter and the Lord’s Prayer will very soon bid the other pious prayers adieu, and say, Ah, they have not the sap, the strength, the heart, the fire, that I find in the Psalter; they are too cold, too hard, for my taste!” Let’s give it a try and look at what the

psalms say to us this summer. It might just speak for some of the emotions we are feeling and let God speak to us in return. Time well spent this summer.

Pastor Mark Schwartz

Thank youDear South Zumbro Family,

We would like to thank you all for the prayers, cards, and memorials we received from many of you when Charlotte Cooper passed away. Most of you didn’t even know Charlotte but have continued to ask about her and lend us your support. We continue to be touched and inspired by your demonstration of love- the same love that Christ showed us when He went to the cross. Thank you all, from the bottom of our hearts.

With love,

Keith and Linda Cooper

The WinnerA father of five won a toy in a raffle. He gathered his young children to ask who shout get the present.

“Who’s the most obedient?” Dad asked. “Who never talks back to Mother? Who does everything she says?”

Five shall voices answered in unison. “Okay Dad, you get the toy.”

The Work of a Christian FatherMartin Luther taught that God calls all Christians to use their daily work to serve others. Living in the Middle Ages, he used a rather progressive example to illustrate his point:

“Our natural reason says, Alas must I rock the baby; wash its diapers, make its bed, smell its stench, stay up nights with it, take care of it when it cries…? What then does Christians faith say to this?”

“It says, O God, because I am certain that thou hast created me as a man and hast from my body begotten this child, I also know for a certainty that it meets with thy perfect pleasure. I confess to thee that I am not worthy to rock the little babe or wash its diapers, or to be entrusted with the care of the child and its mother…O how gladly will I do so.”

South Zumbro Bulletin Board

SympathyThe sympathy of the congregation is extended to Keith Cooper on the death of his mother. May God bless Keith and his family during this time of loss. Also, to Steve Larson on the death of his mother. God be with both of you!

Get Well Our prayers are with Maia Hansen, daughter of Mark & Melanie Hansen during her hospitalization at Saint Mary’s Hospital. May God heal her and give his strength to her family!

We also pray for Nick Jurrens as he recovers from ACL surgery on his knee. God bless your recovery Nick!

WeddingCongratulations go out to Rod Bjornson & Annie Meyer who were married at South Zumbro on May 26. May God bless their life together!

Graduates We also congratulate our high school seniors who will graduate from Kasson Mantorville High School on June 3. They are Steven Berge Jr., Emilie Clifford, Adam Herbst, Mitchell Rysavy, and Katie Schnabel. God bless each of you!

Habitat for Humanity

South Zumbro is one of nine local churches given opportunities to help construct a new Habitat home in Mantorville. This is a great local mission of faith for our community. South Zumbro is initially scheduled for Thur June 7, Sat June 9 and Tues June 12. Times are 9 am to 4 pm with lunch at 12 noon. A sign up sheet is available for sign up of a half day or whole day.

Thur June 7th has been set up for youth. So if you are 16+, please consider this opportunity.

Sat June 9th, please join Lynn Knutson for a day of fellowship and work.

Tues June 12th, please join Pastor Mark and Anne for a day fellowship and work.

No tools or equipment are required. A supervisor is always on site to give job assignments (to your capabilities) and instructions. A signup is also available to provide lunch for the workers on those days. The sign up has 3 listed in hope they could coordinate a menu for the day. If needed, arrangements can be made to pick up your dish that day.

The house is located on west 6th St in the city of Mantorville. If on main street heading up the hill past the Hubbell House, 6th street is before getting to the court house. Turn left (west) on 6th, to the end of city limits (or about six blocks).

Joyful Noise 2012!

Joyful Noise 2012 is in the works! We had our first planning meeting where we shared about last year’s event and what we need to continue or change for this year. Joyful Noise becomes what it is supposed to be each year and it just keeps getting better. For those of you new to South Zumbro this is our 7th Annual Joyful Noise Music Festival. It started with our own Cabin Fever sharing their musical talents with bluegrass and Christian music. The event is planned around our music groups and this year will include Courier, Cabin Fever, and the Alzen family. Alzens were new to our event last year and they were a hit! In fact they booked right away to be here again this year. Talk about talent! You will have to come and see for yourselves their talent and wonderful testimony to their Christian faith. Each week from now until Joyful Noise August 25th and 26th someone will make an announcement during church about Joyful Noise. You will hear from the many people involved what goes on and what Joyful Noise means to them. Saturday is the big day with our musical guests, Bake Sale, Silent Auction, our Hog/Turkey meal and ending with our Pie Social. Sunday Worship will be more music from our church family members and following worship the Luther League will serve coffee and rolls. When Joyful Noise first started we had a vision of what could be in the future. Our event was held in the Kasson Park the first 3 years until our church fellowship hall was built. Now that time is here and we have the space not only for our church family but for our community also. Joyful Noise is an event for everyone who comes. We want to share it all with our neighbors in joyful music and fellowship. Mark the dates; invite your families, friends,

South Zumbro Church Council Minutes

May Church Attendance172, 145, 111, and 96

May Offerings April 29th Home Budget $2271, Missions $10, Building Fund $425, Good Samaritan Fund $655, Memorial Fund $30 - in memory of Randy Fortier

May 6th Home Budget $4143, Building Fund $665, Good Samaritan Fund $410, Hymnal Purchase $55, Malaluca $65, Church rental $150 (Blue Grass group) Cemetery Fund $20, Missions $25

May 12th Home Budget $1691.69, Building Fund $350, Church Rental $500 for Lindberg wedding (WOW $300), Missions $35, Good Samaritan $105

May 20th Home Budget $2641, Building Fund $450, Missions $50, Hymnals $11, Good Samaritan $25

May 8th, 2012Attendees: Steve Jurrens, Marilyn Aarsvold, Michele Stromme, Lynn Knutson, Mike Coats, Don Ness, Walt Wyttenbach, Brian Herbst, Ed Gillis, Pastor Mark

Meeting called to order: President Steve Jurrens

Devotions/Prayer: Brian

Secretary’s Report: April minutes were read/approved with one clerical correction

Treasurer’s Report: Reviewed/approved with the following balances:

Savings–Medical Co Pay $3,664.98

Checking–Building Fund $16001.35

Checking–Home Budget $34,828.50

Total Assets $54,494.83

Pastor’s Report: Business/Visitation miles: 698

Items of Note:Baptisms: April 15th – Hallee Jane Ness, June 10th – Spencer James Brossard

Confirmation: May 10th, Mot/sec to approve Allison Taylor Borge, Dehn Andrew Boyum, Aaron Joseph Herbst, and Brady James Larson for confirmation and receiving of their first communion.

New Members: Mot/sec to approve Grant and Kate Brossard with Braeden and Spencer as new members to be welcomed on June 10th.

Summer Worship time: 9:00 am starting June 3rd. Some discussion on even earlier start time tabled for Annual meeting.

Pastor is thankful for the time off to go to France. Will be off late July/early Aug. for Mackinac Island trip.

Committee Reports:Landscaping: Marcia Bungum and Julie Boyum will be joining

Memorial: 6 handicap chairs ordered, Lynn looking into cost of automatic door openers for main entrance

MOB: Men of the Bible (men’s group); Habitat for Humanity work dates are June 7th, 9th and 12th

Old Business: Benevolence assignment: RCTC Navigators

LCMC in Denver discussion tabled for June meeting

Walt – updated on some maintenance/repair issues (women’s bathroom and AC unit)

Reviewed financials relating to mortgage principle

New hymnals are in – let Pastor know if you would like to sponsor and have a memorial label in one.

There was no new business. It was mot/sec to adjourn the meeting and the meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Council went into closed session.

Submitted by,

Ed Gillis

***

Office HoursPastorPastor Mark’s office hours are Wednesday thru Saturday 9 am to noon.

SecretaryOur church secretary, Michele Stromme’s office hours are Fridays from 10 am to 12 noon.

Church Council MembersCouncil President:Steve Jurrens 398-7102 jurrens@mayo.edu

Vice President:Marilyn Aarsvold 365-8402

Deacons:Jeff Bernards 634-4561

Brian Herbst 634-7529

Michele Stromme 634-4022

Trustees:Mike Coats 365-8817

Dan Roth 635-5273

Walt Wyttenbach 635-5625

Secretary:Ed Gillis 365-8720

Treasurer:Don Ness 365-8101 ddness@kmtel.com

Financial Secretary:Lynn Knutson 365-8175

* * *Cemetery newsTo aid mowing the cemetery, please remove all decorations from the grass by July 1st. This does not include urns or anything that is out of the way of the mower. Thanks!

– The Cemetery Board

Are we there yet?This age-old refrain of young travelers is followed by a second question: How much longer?

How similar those queries are to the psalmist’s oft-repeated cry, “How long, O LORD, how long?” (Psalm 6:3b, NIV).

Patience is an uncommon virtue these days. We’re anxious to get where we’re going or to get what we want. But think how much we miss while wishing we were elsewhere! In our rush to reach a destination, we fail to grasp lessons that can be learned only along the way. What blessings might you be overlooking in the here-and-now and the right-where-you-are?

– Kari Myers

WOW Meeting MinutesMay 17, 2012Co President Sara Johnson called the meeting to order.

The WOW purpose statement was read.

Sara shared a message about the practice of crossing oneself and tied it to the Bible verses in Ephesians Chapter 6 that refer to dressing in the full armor of God.

Secretary report from the April 2012 meeting was read. A motion to accept the minutes as read was made and seconded. Motion passed.

Treasurer’s report was read. The current balance is $1438.58.

A motion to accept the Treasurer’s report was made and seconded. Motion passed.

Old Business:

Confirmation – WOW gift this year was a packet of 52 cards with Bible verses on them. The flowers this year were red roses instead of carnations. The roses were more readily available at the florist than the red carnations. A comment was shared that there were no altar flowers this year. A discussion was held about the expense of florist flowers.

Baked Potato Dinner – Everyone agreed that this was an easy meal to prepare, and very good to eat. Some of the potatoes were not as done as others. A concern about the left oven not being true to its temperature was raised. Oven thermometers will be used to check this out.

Church Cleaning – The first Saturday we had a good crowd and a lot of cleaning was accomplished. The Basement kitchen area is one area that did

not get cleaned. Otherwise most of the church was complete.

Sara will contact the High School Graduates and arrange a Recognition Sunday. They will be asked to share their future plans with the congregation on that Sunday. A small gift of recognition will be given to each graduate.

Coffee Fellowship sign up sheet is filling up nicely. There was a conflict of two groups asking for the same date, Faith Circle was willing to change their date.

New Business:

A nonmember wedding will be held in our church on June 2nd. They will be using the fellowship hall and kitchen. A sign up sheet was passed around for people willing to be at church during the event to be available to answer questions.

Summer Picnic? If there is an interest in holding the summer picnic contact Sara.

• A Wedding Shower for Joshua Bernards and Stephanie Vosberg will be held August 4th in the afternoon, as this is the weekend of the Dodge County Relay for Life.

• Esther Circle will cover Memorial Day Coffee this year.

Business Meeting was adjourned.

Esther Circle continued with the program for the evening. Lisa Carlson shared information on a Cancer study that people can participate in. The sign up will take place at the Dodge County Relay for Life event in August.

Cindy Bernards led the group in devotion focusing on the garden theme.

Becky from the Perennial Barn gave a presentation on Butterfly Gardens and fielded questions from the group.

Sandy Ness played piano while the Women sang “In the Garden”

The evening ended in the Lord’s Prayer.

Thank you to Esther Circle for serving the garden salads, and putting together the Garden theme program.

Respectfully Submitted by,

Sandy TjadenWOW Secretary

South Zumbro WOW (Women of the Word)

~Happy Summer ~ Spring has sprung bringing showers, plantings, and new growth renewing our land and hearts. After a winter season of ‘rest’, our energy is quickened by the longer days with activities that pull us outside-soaking up the sun and beauty.

May our minds, hearts, and souls soak up the Son, being restored, refreshed, renewed in serving Him from the depths of our hearts.

Thank you to all for ‘stepping-up’ and cleaning our church. Much was accomplished and it is evident. Some of the deeper corners that got missed will be addressed next cleaning season. Applause to all who showed their love to the Lord in this capacity.

Confirmation is over, yet our prayers will continue for these young adults as they continue their journey of faith in Jesus. We are bound together by the love of Jesus who constrains our hearts to carry each other in prayer and words of encouragement.

Congrats Seniors of South Zumbro!So with that, our graduating Seniors will be recognized Sunday 10th. by the WOW ladies. May they go forward in Faith in Jesus, with our prayers carrying them.

June will be our last month for circle-Bible study until the Fall. Purpose to stay as we were encouraged to do at the Garden party given by Esther circle. It was a lovely night, Thank you.

Watch for the coffee hour routine, after 9:00 service. The sign- up sheet is posted on bulletin board if you need to be reminded of duties.

Have a blessed month of June!

Sara Johnson and Wendy House

WOW CalendarJune 2012Naomi Circle has Duties Service Group Leaders: Brook and Bill Santjer

June 3 – (White)

June 5 – Circles Meet

Esther @ 7:00 pm, Hostess: Mary Sue Sandeno, 11 Riverview Road, Mantorville – 507-635-5605

Faith @ 1:30 pm, Hostess: Carol Meyer, 3131 County Rd 150 SW, Byron – 507-365-8417

Naomi @ 7:00 pm, Hostess: Kathy Vanderheyden, host at church, 507-358-5522

June 10 – (Green)

June 7 – (Green)

June 24 – (White)

ABC’s of MelanomaOne in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can spread very rapidly. Melanoma is caused by changes in cells that produce the skin pigment melanin. Melanin is responsible for skin and hair color. Melanoma can appear on normal skin, or it may begin as a mole or other area that has changed in appearance.

This made me wonder if skin cancer occurred during Bible times. When I went searching for skin, I found references to leprosy, which was more common then, but I think that there are some parallel situations between the skin diseases of the Bible and nowadays. This led me to 2 Kings 5 and the story of Namaan, a captain in the Syrian army who was healed of leprosy because he was simply obedient to the prophet Elisha’s counsel to wash in the Jordan river 7 times. He was furious until his servants asked him, “If he had asked you to do something great, would you not have done it?” I ask you the same question. If simple prevention can “heal,” why don’t we?!

The risk of developing melanoma increases with age. You are more likely to develop melanoma if you:

• Have fair skin, blue or green eyes or red or blond hair (sounds like a Norwegian!)

• Live in sunny climates or high altitudes (Norway?)

• Spend a lot of time in high levels of strong sunlight

because of a job or other activities (gardening?!)

• Have had one or more blistering sunburns during childhood (I remember 2 at least!)

• Use tanning devices

• Have a weakened immune system due to disease or medication.

Wow! I quickly found out I am at risk because I have 4 out of 6 risk factors. Good thing I do everything I can to prevent melanoma from developing. Avoid the most intense sunlight between 10 am and 4 pm. I apply sunscreen with SPF of at least 15 (usually I buy 40 SPF!). I also look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB light. I use a waterproof formula, apply it 30 minutes before going outside, and I reapply it frequently, especially after swimming. I even use sunscreen in the winter and on cloudy days. One thing I learned as a teenager was to avoid surfaces that reflect light like water, sand, concrete (by the pool), and white painted areas. Dangers of sunlight are greater closer to the start of summer (now!). Also avoid sun lamps, tanning beds, and salons. I have to admit the hardest thing for me is to wear a hat, long sleeves, and pants when I garden.

A mole, sore, lump, or growth on the skin can be a sign of melanoma or other skin cancer. A sore or growth that bleeds or changes in skin coloring may also be a sign of skin cancer. How does one remember all these possible symptoms?

A: Asymetry – one half of abnormal area is different from the other half.

B: Borders – the edges of the growth are irregular.

C: Color – changes from one area to another, with shades of tan, brown, or black and sometimes white, red, or blue. A mixture of colors may appear within one sore.

D: Diameter – the spot is usually but not always larger than 6 mm diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).

E: Evolution – the mole keeps changing in appearance.

The doctor may suggest a skin biopsy when part or all of the growth will be removed and examined under a microscope. A nearby lymph node could also have cancer. A CT scan may be done to see if the cancer has spread further. Treatment is difficult when melanoma has spread to other organs. Therefore, the best treatment is prevention. What will you choose to do to prevent melanoma from harming you?

Your Parish Nurse,

Cindy Bernards

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S O U T H Z U M B R O L U T H E R A N C H U R C H

2012