The HERALD

St . John Lutheran Church

Volume 112, Issue 6 “Growing Community in Christ” August 2012

As I read Rachel Asleson’s (our council president) letter to the congregation, I can’t help but feel excitement for what God is doing with St. John. (See page 2 for Rachel’s article.) St. John has gone through some challenging staff-ing changes this last year and the Vision Team and Church Council have worked very hard to address the needs of this congregation as well as pondering where God could lead us in the next five years. I am truly excited as we assemble a complete staff model that will not only enhance the mis-sion of St. John, but also to have a full staff to create new opportunities for ministry. I continue to invite you into a time of prayer for St. John as we continue to minister to each other. By the end of this month, I will have been here for one year. I don’t know where this year has gone, other than it went fast! But when I look back at this year, I am over-whelmed at the ways you have served this community of faith and the larger community of which we are a part. In the first months I was with you, you ministered through the Homeless and Hungry program, you taught in our Sunday School classrooms, you led small groups in con-firmation, you made quilts for our baptisms, you volun-

From the Pastor: teered to house the homeless, you raised more money for world hunger than any other church in this synod, you compiled news-letters and bulletins, you came and grew through our Lenten sermon series, you gave of your time on many boards and coun-cils, you shared your talents at the youth talent show, you served many meals on Wednesday nights, you sang in choirs and led our worship with bells, you supported the Trax of Faith at the Battle of the Bands, you dug wells for water, you prayed for each other, you brought food to those who experienced a death in their family, and you did countless acts of grace and love through all that you have done. We did all of this because we together are a community in Christ. And all of this happened because of your generosity. You gave of your time and you gave many financial gifts so that all these ministries and more could happen through this com-munity of faith called St. John. As my first year comes to a close, I thank you for all your dedication to this ministry and I can’t wait to see what we can accomplish together in year two. So may God continue to open your hearts as we grow to-gether as a community of faith and may God continue to open your life to serve and share in the mission of St. John. In Christ’s love, Pastor Nathan Keith

20th Annual Corn Feed! Thursday, August 16

5:00-7:00 pm (church basement)

Menu Fresh Sweet Corn ~ Hot Dogs & Brats Lemonade & Coffee ~ Bars & Cookies

~ Free-will offering ~

Proceeds will help pay for liturgical art for the sanctuary, and needs of the choir and worship. More details on page 2

if you are interested in helping out with this event.

Come One, Come All! Bring your neighbors and friends!

The Kringen Accordion Band will provide music during worship on

Sunday, August 19, 9:30 am

Come 15 minutes early to hear

terrific accordion music!

St. John

Outdoor Worship Service

Sunday, August 28

9:30 am

with the Trax of Faith Worship Band

YOUNG at HEART: (YAH)

Thursday, August 9

10:00 am in the parlor

We welcome new & old members!

Parish Health Ministry: Healthy Feet Are "Happy Feet"

The Foot Care Clinic provides foot care performed by trained health personnel. It is particularly helpful to those with foot health issues. We provide foot washing, nail trim and massage. It's also a social time to visit with friends and enjoy a cup of coffee. Next clinic is August 21. Call Cathy Chatelain at 293-6772 or 261-2707 to schedule an appoint-ment. Cost is $16 paid to Sanford Home Care-Fargo. Do-nations are appreciated and go to support this ministry.

MUSIC NOTES! Questions: call or text 388-4200 (Dawn) or email:

dawn@stjohnfargo.com or ldpapenfuss@gmail.com

Worship in August! You won’t want to miss it!

August 5: “A Walk Through the Church Year: Look-Hear-Sing!”

A meaningful service that takes us through each church season (Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Pentecost). Sing one or two hymns from each season of the Church Year. See the paraments and learn why they are a different color for each season. (no communion)

August 12: Hymn Sing

August 19: The Kringen Accordion Band will lead the mu-sic portion of worship. Come 15 minutes early to hear polkas.

August 26: Outdoor Worship with the Worship Band! Meet us on the north lawn for a fabulous day of worship. Come at 9 am to sing with all the prelude music.

20TH ANNUAL CORNFEED-Thursday, August 16! Proceeds go towards worship and music “extras” (sound sys-tems, paraments, special music, handbells, etc). We need eve-ryone involved in the music program to set this day aside and commit to 3 hours if possible. There are many ways to help, starting at noon (shucking). Washing corn (12-4). Setup of fel-lowship hall (1-3). Serving 4:30-6, 6-7:30. Cleanup continu-ous, but mostly 6pm-8pm. Bring bars/cookies/cupcakes. Email dawn at dawn@stjohnfargo.com to sign up.

YOUNG AT HEART: Please join us for coffee and re-freshments on Thursday, August 9 at 10:00 am in the parlor. We want to reconnect old members of YAH and invite new members. We will be planning our program for the coming year. Contact Marlene Ames or Cathy Chatelain(293-6772) or the church office if you have any questions. Otherwise, just join us and be a part of the fun.

The Parish Health Committee will participate in the Walk to End Alzheimer's to be held on Sat., Sept. 15 at Rendezvous Park, 3420 9th St., West Fargo. This event is intended to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer's care, support and research. 5.4 million Americans suffer with Alz-heimer's. It affects 1 in 8 people age 65 and older. It's cause is not yet known. To participate in this walk, contact Cathy Chatelain (H) 293-6772 or 261-2707 or go to alz.org/walk.

I experienced a palpable sense of the Holy Spirit as I sat at a meeting on July 10. Yes, I did write “a meeting”! I felt clarity, excitement, opportunity and joy in abundance!

How did I get there? Let’s go back in time . . . The Discov-ery Task Force (members listed on page 4) was called in August of 2010. Using specific activities, they spent several months working with the congregation to rediscover the mission that God has for our congregation.

Out of that work came seven goals: 1. Empower laity for ministry 2. Increase awareness and appreciation for members

living the Christian life 3. Intentionally lift up stewardship 4. Enhance communication 5. Enhance the experience of God’s word and presence 6. Expand faith formation opportunities 7. St. John members will work toward implementing

these goals and celebrate the on-going mission of “God’s work, Our hands”

In May 2012, the Discovery Task Force met (renamed as the ‘Vision Team’) to review and prayerfully consider how to balance financial resources with the ministry needs of St. John and to make a recommendation to the Council. With the vacancy of the Faith Community Nurse position in Jan. 2012, St John has financial resources for a ministry staff member. Discussion was extensive amidst the Vision Team. They made exciting discoveries through informal surveys among congregational members asking: “What do

Vision Team Recommendations: by Rachel Asleson, Council President

you see for St. John in 5 years?”

The team found a need to expand current visitation and opportu-nities for members to have that individual-based knee-to-knee prayer and support through counsel. In part, this can be achieved as we “empower laity for ministry” with a Stephen Ministry pro-gram planned for 2013, which is a lay visitation program. To util-ize this year’s budgeted resources, the team recommends hiring a part-time pastor. This role can share in leading worship, provide visitation, grow small-group leadership and coordinate volunteers. I hear God calling someone right now for that very role!

Important to the staffing and ministry discussion is St John’s cur-rent financial situation: each month we pay over $9,000 for a $1.2 mortgage. Every discussion came back to this huge number and the startling realization of what abundant ministry can be done if we free ourselves of this $108,000 annual debt! To that end, the team recommends initiating a capital campaign Fall 2013 to retire the debt and ultimately benefit and grow St John’s ministry. We have the people and the will to do this now!

With additional ministry staff in place, a capital campaign to plan, initiate, and execute, and as St John grows so does the need for qualified support staff. With a few adjustments and minimal effect on the approved 2012 budget, St John can provide a financial/office support position due to the position recently vacated by Trish Wiste. Our support staff provides a foundation for ministry, members, making connections, organizing resources and doing the work needed so that we all can participate in God’s Plan for St John.

Exciting, isn’t it?

Memorials & Honorariums In memory of Marlene Buus: Charlo Shirley, Lois Mayer, Rosalie & Lyle Fritz In memory of Dorwin & Loralee Hansen: Gini & Dave Duval In honor of Jessica Westgard: Ann Erikson & Kyle Kositzky In honor of the Jambalaya Quilters: Nancy & Darrell Burkland

Tony & Amy Batesole 4 Ferguson Dr #202 Stafford, VA 22554

Mavis Reierson Cross 4420 37th Ave S #720 Fargo, ND 58104

2012 Financial Status: (January 1-July 15, 2012)

$ 9,615 Weekly amount needed for 500,000 Annual budget

8,882 Average weekly receipts

257,578 Income-to-Date (through 7-15)

288,450 Budget-to-Date (through 7-15)

Ministerial Acts Baptisms June 24: Samuel Phillip Hugo Wurgler, son of Jennifer & Joel Wurgler July 15: Lauren Louise Burkland Syverson, daughter of Melissa Burkland & Grant Syverson July 22: Jackson Lawrence Fuder, son of Mark Fuder & Shani Dow Deaths: Marlene Buus on June 21

Youth and Family Ministry Jessica Miller, Director of Youth and Family Ministry

701.232.8521, ext. 107 jmiller@stjohnfargo.com

100 Wells Water Carnival We’re building 2 Wells! THANK YOU SOOOOOO much! The Youth

of the ELCA have been challenged to raise funds to build 100 wells in parts

of the world where there is no safe drinking water. We had the most beauti-

fully hot, perfect day, and your response to this challenge was phenomenal!

National Youth Gathering 15 St. Johnnies participated in the National Youth Gathering in New Or-

leans, Louisiana, July 18-22, with 36,000 other ELCAers. Thank you for all

your support and prayers! We had an amazing time, and will be sharing our

experiences on Sunday, September 16. Please join us to hear more!

Save the Dates RALLY DAY-September 9

MIDDLE SCHOOL RETREAT at Castaway Club-Sept. 21-23

A full weekend of fun for youth Gr. 6-8! At Castaway Club, which has:

650 ft. of beach, dorm style housing, 2 giant hot tubs which hold 50 peo-

ple, pool, ping-pong, foosball, frisbee golf, soccer, basketball, tennis, vol-

leyball, a climbing wall & lots more!

HOMELESS & HUNGRY-October 13 & 14

Milestone Ministry We have been working very intentionally over the last several months to

build our Milestone Ministry. Milestone Ministry engages the whole family

in celebrating milestones in your child’s life. We gather to learn how God is

at work in your life at this time, ways that you can practice faith at home,

then we celebrate the milestone during worship, so our whole community

can pray for and support you in your faith journey. Look forward to joining

us for your milestones, and celebrating them this year!

Future Milestones:

Faith Steps for our 3 year olds who will be entering into Sunday School.

Faith Steps will take place on Wed., Sept. 5.

Blessing of the Backpacks, for EVERYONE, September 9

Presentation of Bibles, for 3 year olds & 5th grade, Sept. 16

3 year olds and families will receive Bibles at the 8:45 am service.

5th graders and families will receive Bibles at the 11:00 am service

Sunday School News Sunday School Leadership Team:

Lanelle Vasichek. stjohnfargosundayschool@gmail.com

Is organization your gift? Would you like to find a way to help Sun-

day School more “behind-the-scenes”? We are in need of someone

who enjoys organization to help track attendance, registrations, supplies

for our Sunday School Ministry. If interested, please contact Jessica

Miller at 232-8521.

Sunday School Orientation Meeting: Wed, Sept. 5 at 7:00 p.m.

Sunday School Teachers Needed! We are in full swing getting ready

for the 2012-13 Sunday School year, and we would love for YOU to

share in this ministry! You can be any age, you may have your own

kids, or not, or have grandchildren or great-grandchildren. You may be a

high school student. You may have never gone to Sunday school your-

self. But if you love God, and love kids, and want to help them learn

more about the awesome gift of God’s love for them, then you may be

called to teach in our Sunday School ministry! Teachers use the awe-

some and user-friendly Spark curriculum, to plan their weekly lessons

through opening our Bibles, reading & hearing the stories, and engaging

in fun, faith-filled activities to spark faith in our children! Sunday

School teachers team teach, so you would be paired with another teacher

or two, and would coordinate your teaching schedule for the year.

If you are interested in helping with this ministry,

contact Bethany Grahn at 364-5656.

Address Changes

Otto & Violet Unterseher 1315 University Dr S Manor Care Health Services Fargo, ND 58103

Come to KIDLIB to celebrate the creation of the Pat-

rick and Martha Smith Center in Liberia on Wednesday,

August 22 at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall. You can

help 8 orphan children attend school for the first time. We

need support and prayers for school uniforms, food, fuel,

and a truck. Menu: Liberian and American food. Checks

can be made to: Patrick H. and Martha K. Smith Welfare

Center, Inc.

Sunday Morning Coffee/Fellowship Hour! You may have noticed that the August Service Unit is

not listed in this space! That is because we are putting

together a new process to organize our coffee hour!

On the East wall in the parlor you will find a signup

sheet with four slots for each Sunday service. You will

see that we will need two servers/1 family and two other

people/families to bring cookies, bars, fruit, etc. for our

coffee/fellowship hour. We separated those duties to

make it easier for people to serve and also for those who

love to bake goodies for their community of faith. If a

family so desires they could sign up for both sides of the

shift!

Our fellowship hour cannot happen without our mem-

bers providing the food and service. The fellowship hour

is a major ministry that keeps us connected together in

ways that will continue to enhance all other ministries.

Please support this crucial ministry where members

connect on family joys and sorrows and help us continue

to provide a time where this community can support each

other in faith. Let us continue to build a community cen-

tered on Christ.

St. John Lutheran Church

1710 South 5th Street

Fargo, ND 58103

‘THE HERALD’ August 2012

Published 10 times/year

Vol. #112, Issue #6

Non-Profit Org.

US Postage Paid

Permit #1040

Fargo, ND 58102

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

St. John Lutheran Church 1710 5th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103 701-232-8521

e-mail: office@stjohnfargo.com; www.stjohnfargo.com

The Ministry Team of St. John: All the People of God,

along with-Rev. Nathan Keith, Pastor

Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music/Organ

Jessica Miller, Director of Youth & Family Ministries

Rikki Fugleberg, Finance

Judy Haugo, Secretary Richard Henderson, Custodian

Jana Bruhschwein, Preschool Director

Connie Tranby, Kellie Knodel, Preschool Teachers

Jeri Ekstrom, Wedding Coordinator

Peggy Hammerling, Recorders Jessica Westgard, Handbells

Robert & Bonnie Ames, Gospel Group

Dean Froslie, Web site manager Editor: Judy Haugo

Articles accepted before 1 pm on Friday, August 10 ‘12

for the September ‘12 ‘Herald’.

St. John Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 9 am-4:30 pm

Friday: 9 am-2 pm

To receive this St. John monthly newsletter by email, go to www.stjohnlutheran.com, click on ‘View latest newsletter’ and follow the links to sign up.

Café is a small group for young adult women who want to build Community, participate in Advocacy, strengthen

Faith, and strive toward Enlightenment (CAFE!). Check out our monthly conversation topics at www.boldcafe.org and join us at 8 p.m. on Monday, August 18 at Granite City (West Acres)! Questions: Jessica Miller at 232-8521.

*The Discovery Task Force/Vision Team Members: Keith Burck, Cindy Bloom, Stephanie Christeson, Dave Duval, Diane Edwardson, Sarah Franson, Rikki Fugleberg, Joel Kangas, Jessica Miller, Larry Papenfuss, Rachel Asleson.

2012-2012 Executive Committee Members Rachel Asleson, President;

Frayne Olson, Vice President of Ministry;

Stephanie Christeson, Vice President of Support;

Rikki Fugleberg, Secretary

2012-2012 Church Council Committee Assignments Education/Youth: Skip Bye

Mission/Social Ministry: Scott Pryor

New Members: Lanelle Vasichek, Carol Stevens

Parish Health: Cheryl Urbach

Preschool: Stephanie Christeson

Property: Steven Edwardson

Stewardship: James Botnen

Worship and Music: Marcia Stubstad

Community Life: We will see about moving forward with rolling this

into Education/Youth