Sharon Lutheran Newsletter

It Is A Good Time To Be The Church

It is a good time to be the church. In our world, our nation, and our community, people are hurting. Fear and uncertainty surround us. It is a good time to be the church. It is a good time to reach out to our world, our nation, and our community. It is an opportunity to offer hope and healing. It is an opportunity to offer fellowship and support. It is an opportunity to share the good news of God’s love.

It is not an easy time to be the church. Around the world, around the country, around the community, the church is called to respond to many needs. It is not an easy time to be Sharon Lutheran Church. We have so many opportunities to reach out, limited only by financial resources.

As a congregation, we decided to challenge ourselves to strengthen our ministries. Our 2009 plans for ministry will require $1,128,828 (including funds raised through youth projects and registrations, but not including our giving to Fulfilling the Dream). That's an eight percent increase over our giving for operating expenses in 2008. That amount will allow us to meet increased expenses for utilities, restore custodial staff to previous levels, compensate our staff competitively, and pay increases in staff medical insurance coverage. This budget is a challenge. It is a challenge we can meet.

At our February 8, 2009, congregational meeting, we adopted that budget, subject to a number of conditions: 1) that we, as a congregation, regularly and often give thanks for and recognize the abundant gifts of God in our lives and in the life of Sharon Lutheran, 2) that the Board of Stewardship continue its work to encourage faithful and generous financial support of the ministries of Sharon Lutheran, including, but not limited to increased participation in Simply Giving and on-line contributions, 3) that every household be contacted to encourage greater involvement in Sharon's worship, service, and learning opportunities, 4) that the Parish Planning Council, Finance Committee, and Sharon staff provide regular and timely information to the congregation about gifts received and expenses of Sharon's ministries, 5) that the Board of Stewardship and the Parish Planning Council implement special appeals as necessary to meet financial needs for operating expenses (e.g., second offerings, adopt-a-bill, and fundraisers for giving to synod or other needs), 6) that the Parish Planning Council and Boards review gifts and expenses on a quarterly basis (or more often as needed), to determine whether any expenses must be decreased and/or ministries eliminated, including possible staff reductions, 7) that every household be encouraged to prayerfully review their financial commitment and strive to make a difference through their gifts to Sharon Lutheran, 8) that Parish Planning Council and Boards continue work to increase worship attendance and to increase giving for current ministry expenses to best serve God, the ministries of Sharon, and the people of this congregation, 9) that the Finance Committee establish a procedure, with approval by the Parish Planning Council, for the use and replacement of the operating reserve account established by Fulfilling the Dream, prior to the use of any funds from this account.

We ask your prayers, and your financial support. Together, we can meet the challenges of 2009. It is a good time to be the church. And it is always a good time to do God’s work.

• Parish Planning Council
• Pastor Deanna, Pastor John, and Pastor David

Board of Church in Society Lenten Project

This year we will use the 40 day calendar created by the ELCA. It is designed to raise awareness, commitment , and funds for the ELCA World Hunger Appeal, Stand With Africa, and ELCA Disaster Response. It includes devotions and suggested activities. We encourage you to participate as individuals and families. God's math doesn't just add up, it multiplies. We are asking you to bring a penny for each day of the week that your household used the calendar and place the pennies in our collection container. The congregation will be able to see how God's math multiplies. If you give a monetary gift when it is suggested, see the reverse side of the calendar for instructions. The calendar will be distributed on Ash Wednesday and will also be available in the weeks after.

Mark your own calendars for March 28 when our congregation will volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul food cupboard. This is the day that the Boy Scouts will be collecting items, so help will be appreciated.

When to Call the Pastor

Sometimes it’s hard to know when to call the pastor. Here are some helpful suggestions:

• death of family members (or friends), near or far
• illness or hospitalization
• surgery
• shut-ins
• birth of children, grand-children, great grand-children...etc.
• employment issues
• family concerns
• family successes/good news events

The list could go on, but you get the idea. The pastor won't always visit. The pastor won't always stay away. But, you will always be remembered in their prayers.

I always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in my prayers, constantly remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Thess.1:2-3)

Getting the News!

Did you know the weekly announcements and monthly newsletter available through e-mail. For some people, this is a wonderful way to receive information about Sharon Lutheran and its ministry. If you have any questions, please contact Joan or Molly in the church office.

"Fulfilling the Dream" March 2009

The elevator is coming! The elevator is coming! What an exciting time it is to see our ministry in action, to see our dreams fulfilled. Thanks to each and every one of you supporting Fulfilling the Dream for your generosity which has allowed us to fulfill yet another Sharon dream!

As you know, Fulfilling the Dream gifts will be used to improve our financial stability as a congregation, strengthen our ministry through improving our building, and for mission support outside the walls of Sharon. As decided by the congregation, we will faithfully give away ten percent of all Fulfilling the Dream gifts. The organizations designated for gifts in the last quarter of 2008 (as decided by the Boards of Stewardship and Church in Society) were Lutheran Disaster Relief, the Community Violence Intervention Center, and the Northlands Rescue Mission. Gifts received through Fulfilling the Dream thus far total $251,866.20 through January 31st, 2009. Overall, pledged gifts to date total $851,276.97.

Fulfilling the Dream gifts will also be used for other strategic ministry priorities. Boards will begin the process of identifying what these priorities might include at the all-boards planning session coming up in March. We’ll keep you posted as this process unfolds and we begin to identify priorities as a congregation.

Thanks again for your continued support of the dream!

Brent Jiran and Kristi Hall-Jiran

Simply Giving

It can make a difference for you, for the congregation, for the ministries we support far beyond our walls. Simply Giving is choosing to have your financial gifts to Sharon Lutheran be made electronically. You may make your entire commitment in this way, or a portion of it. You may make gifts weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. It makes a difference for you… you practice regular giving (even when unable to be in worship) and experience giving to God’s work first.

It makes a difference for Sharon… faithful, regular gifts assist in ministry planning and budgeting. The fluctuations of season and week are lessened, allowing better decisions to be made concerning how we accomplish God’s call to us.

It makes a difference for ministry beyond our walls… faithful, regular giving means we can respond to special requests in a timely way. In addition, we can better fulfill our benevolence commitments throughout the year. It is simple. It is giving. For more information contact Joan in the church office or sign up on-line.

Faith Food for Thought

The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. - Psalm 24:1

Look all around you… all you see, all you have, all you are… everything belongs to God. How do you respond to this Biblical truth? In your living and your giving? In your loving and your serving? Everything belongs to God! Look all around you… how blessed you are! What will you do?

Grace Matters

“Grace Matters” is a weekly radio program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Pastor Peter Marty hosts this program which airs on Sunday mornings at 7:00 a.m. on the local radio station KCNN, 1590 AM. The program is sponsored by six local ELCA congregations along with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Sharon Lutheran is one of those sponsoring congregations. The funding for that sponsorship ($50/month for Sharon) will be paid by memorials given in honor of or in memory of someone. A poster near the church office lists the months of the year with blanks for members to indicate they would like to provide the sponsorship for that month. The $50 may be given to Sharon and specified as “Grace Matters”. Each month that memorial will be included in the Sharon newsletter. Make “Grace Matters” your Sunday morning wake-up call.

Board Highlights

Lay Ministry: Ray Pollard, Director

• We continue discussion on increasing attendance and member participation.

Church Properties: Stan Vistad, Director

• Gary Adsero was hired as a part-time custodian.
• Elevator installation is progressing.
• Rummage Sale is scheduled for May 15 & 16.

Youth: Rebecca Green, Director

• Please join us for dinner on Wednesday nights during Lent.
• Look for Raffle Baskets in March!

Stewardship: Steve Moser, Director

• We have completed data entry for the Time & Talent Survey in Microsoft Excel.
• We have started discussion on the Fall Stewardship Campaign.
• Focusing the next few months on ways to help Sharon members connect or reconnect with the church.

Church in Society: Jane Winter, Director

• Thank you for the contributions on Souper Bowl Sunday. The “Score” was $920 and 540 food items.
• Coming March 28: Sharon Lutheran volunteer day at the Food Cupboard.

Parish Fellowship: Mary Adams, Director

• March Events will be decorating Easter Baskets and an Easter Egg hunt.

Christian Education: Vicki Ronkowski, Director

• Gospel of Mark celebration for 4th graders is March 4th from 7:30-8:30pm.
• March 25th there will be Ice Cream Floats for 10th graders and their Mentors from 7:30-8:30pm.

Public Relations: Kristen Shea, Director

• Public Relations is beginning individual meetings with each board and all staff regarding auditing communication materials used. When the information is compiled, our board will create and present a new communications plan to implement in the Fall and throughout 2010.

Evangelism: Kristi Houska, Director

• The “Welcome Center” committee has met and is making progress.

Exedutive Committee: Alce Senechal, Executive Director

• Thank you to Kathy Lill, Elaine Brinkman, and Cindy Bang for serving as our financial review committee. Our Constitution provides that a review be done every year.

GoodSearch-Internet Search Engine

You can support the ministry of our congregation by searching the Internet with GoodSearch.com. Last year, search engines generated close to $6 billion in revenue from advertisers. With GoodSearch part of this revenue will be directed to Sharon.

We hope that not only will you use GoodSearch as your main search engine from here on out, but will also pass this message on to your friends and family. The more people who use this, the more money will go to support our ministry.

GoodSearch donates half its revenue, about a penny per search, to the charities selected by its users. The pennies quickly add up. For example, if 1,000 people searched just twice a day, we would receive an estimated $7,300 per year.

What's great is that you use GoodSearch just as you would any search engine. Again, it's powered by Yahoo!, so you get proven, high-quality results.

Just go to www.goodsearch.com and enter Sharon Lutheran as the charity you want to support. The more people who use this site, the more money we'll earn so please spread the word! Just go to http://www.goodsearch.com to get started or download their toolbar at http://www.goodsearch.com/toolbars.aspx to load GoodSearch directly into your Internet browser. Together we can search the Internet and make a difference.

Remember you do not have to be a member of Sharon Lutheran to participate. Consider asking your family and friends, co-workers and neighbors to participate.

We recently received a check for $188.61 for our GoodSearch partnership. Thanks to everyone who has made a choice to use GoodSearch.

Sharon Lutheran Church Rummage and Auction Sale

May 15 and May 16 at Sharon Lutheran Church. 1720 S. 20th St. Auction @ 1:00pm on Saturday, May16 Grand Forks. Volunteers are needed for Rummage Sale set-up which begins the week of May 11th and cashiers for the days of the sale as well as take-down after the sale. Look for sign-up sheets in the narthex. Your assistance is greatly appreciated! We will accept donations for the sale at Sharon Church beginning May 11. If you need any larger items picked up, call the church office. Board of Church Properties

Go Green!

In an effort to be good stewards of the earth, the church office will be working with the provider of our offering envelopes to reduce waste. If you are a participant in Simply Giving you will no longer receive offering envelopes. This process will take place as soon as possible as we work within the schedule of our provider. If you participate in Simply Giving and would like to continue receiving envelopes please contact Joan in the church office.

Cell Phone Recycling Drive

If you have used, deactivated cell phones taking up space in your home, or if you plan to get a new phone soon, consider giving them to The Good Deed Foundation. Collection boxes will be placed around the church to collect phones from now until May 1. Why would you want to donate to this cause? The Good Deed Foundation and the Women's Funding Network have launched a nationwide cell phone recycling program that will generate much needed funding to: 1. Support programs that lift women and families out of poverty; 2. Help provide lasting solutions for climate change, a major contributor to povertyworldwide; and 3. Provide 911 emergency phones for senior citizens and people at risk. Phones will either be refurbished for resale, programmed to dial 911 and donated to those in need, or recycled according to EPA standards. The nationwide goal of the Good Deed Foundation is to collect 250,000 phones by May 1. Please help us reach that goal! This drive is sponsored by the Women of Sharon. To learn more, go to www.gooddeedfoundation.org or watch the bulletin for cell phone facts!

Seeking Volunteers to Teach English to New Americans

No Experience Necessary! Seeking volunteers to teach English to New Americans. Visit the home of a New American once or twice a week to teach basic English and experience another culture right here in Grand Forks. Materials Provided. Call now to get started and be introduced to an eagerly waiting friend.

Memorial Cards

Valley Memorial Homes Memorial Cards are a way for individuals to extend their sympathies to a loved one or friend while providing for the residents and tenants of Valley Memorial Homes. Each card provides the opportunity to donate funds to Valley Memorial Homes. Memorial cards are available for your convenience near the church office or sanctuary. The cards and envelopes are complementary. Inside the card you will find a pre-addressed gift envelope for Valley Memorial Homes. Simply fill in the memorial card for the family and fill in the gift envelope for Valley Memorial Homes. If you have any questions or would like more information please contact Sue at 787-7984.

Support for Adult Survivors of Suicide

S.A.S.S. (Support for Adult Survivors of Suicide). This support group is designed to offer hope, healing, and a safe place to explore your feelings and work through the grief of losing a loved one or friend through suicide. The group meets the 3rd Thursday of each month from 7:00-8:30pm at Sharon Lutheran Church. S.A.S.S. is sponsored by T.E.A.R.S. (Together we Educate About the Realities of Suicide) And Altru Health System.

Money Matters

Staff and leaders of Sharon are responsible stewards of all the resources of this congregation. We appreciate the care and concern that has been shown by many as we are moving to become a stronger and healthier community of faith. The challenges are many, but the blessings are greater. Thank you for your continued support as together we grow in faith, love and obedience to the will of God.

	2009 Monthly Actual	2009 YTD	2009 Monthly Budget	2009 YTD Budget
Jan. YTD Gifts for Current Operating Youth Gifts Designated Gifts Total	$66,646.03 $2,077.75 $30,625.44 $99,349.22	$66,646.03 $2,077.75 $30,625.44 $99,349.22	$80,731.81 $5,916.66 $0.00 $86,648.47	$80,731.81 $5,916.33 $0.00 $86,648.14
Jan. YTD Operating Expenses/Debt Service Youth Expenses Designated Expenditures Total	$103,907.67 $0.00 $30,000.00 $113,879.73	$997,337.14 $0.00 $30,000.00 $113,879.73	$85,824.21 $5,858.33 $0.00 $94,913.91	$978,590.98 $5,858.33 $0.00 $94,913.91
Difference	-$14,530.51	-$14,530.51

To meet the budget that the congregation approved our 2009 non-designated giving must be 8% higher than our giving in 2008. The gifts in January were below budget resulting in deficit spending of around $14,000.

At the same time we rejoice in the generosity of one household which made a $30,000 gift designated for benevolences.Regular, sustained giving – As people of faith, Scripture teaches us to give regularly, proportionately and first to God (first fruits). Participating in Simply Giving provides that opportunity. Your offering can be made to Sharon Lutheran through an electronic transfer of funds. Weekly, once or twice a month you can offer first to God. It is a wonderful way to grow in consistent faithful offering and it is a blessing to the church in its reliability. Forms are available on-line or at the church or contact the office. You can also sign-up online.

Baptism Celebrations

The Sacrament of Baptism marks a significant moment in the life of an individual as well as the family and the congregation as God joins us to Christ and declares us to be children of God. Sharon Lutheran Church highlights this sacrament in some very specific ways. One is by offering a “Welcome to Baptism” orientation on the first Sunday of each month at 2:30 PM. This one-hour class, led by a pastor, offers information on the theology and practical aspects of baptism for the family anticipating a baptism.

The second method of highlighting the sacrament is by focusing on baptism the second Sunday and the following Wednesday of each month. Baptisms may be scheduled at any of the services that day, and adequate time and emphasis will be devoted to the sacrament. Occasionally, because of family circumstances, a baptism may be scheduled at another church service during the month, but the encouragement is to plan ahead, in consultation with the pastors and church office, to schedule the baptism celebration on the second Sunday (or following Wednesday) of the month. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the pastors or church office.

Welcome to Baptism

To prepare for the celebration of Baptism. These important helps are offered on the first Sunday of each month from 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. for those anticipating a baptism (scheduled or not yet scheduled).

“Welcome to Baptism” is intended for:

• Those expecting the birth of a child.
• Those who have recently given birth,
• Older children not yet baptized.
• Adults not yet baptized.
• Family members of those to be baptized.
• Sponsors for those being baptized.

“Welcome to Baptism” is designed to answer common questions about baptism including:

• What is baptism?
• What happens at the service of baptism?
• What is my role as a parent, sponsor, family member of the baptized?

"Welcome to Baptism” will be led by Sharon Lutheran pastors. If a baptism in your family has already happened, those involved are also welcome to participate.

Pastoral Acts

Baptisms:

• 01-25-09 CARTER CHARLES CARLSON; Christopher & Laura Carlson
• 01-25-09 GAGE DANIEL HEFFERNAN; Josh& Melissa Heffernan
• 02-08-09 KACEY FERRY; Dennis & Debby Ferry 02-08-09 HOPE ISABELLA FERRY; Matthew& Kacey Ferry
• 02-08-09 DUSTEE JO BALEK; Michael & Kelle Balek
• 02-08-09 TARA LOUISE BAUER; Everett& Chrystal Bauer
• 02-08-09 VANESSA MAXINE SULLIVAN; Craig & Kristie Sullivan
• 02-08-09 JULIA ELIZABETH BIBY; Tim Biby& Melanie Parvey
• 02-15-09 MILEY MARIE BIES & MAX DAVID BIES; Jason & Robyn Biest

Weddings:

• 01-24-09 Vyrn Davies Muir III & Trish Renee Chyle
• 02-14-09 Michael John Berlin & Margaret Elizabeth Ann Milton

Memorial Gifts

General Fund:

• In Memory of: Ed Adams, by Sharon Solberg; Violet Waslien, by Clifton & Lois Waslien; Colleen Tulibaski, by Lyle& Yvonne Nelson

Elevator Fund:

• In Memory of: Betty Allmaras, by Herman & Sharon Vettern

Bible Study Opportunities

WEDNESDAY AM BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday morning Bible Study with Pastor John continues each week in February. The current theme is “Women of the Bible”. Each week we look at various women of the Bible to understand something of their personality, how they related to God/ Jesus, and what we learn from that relationship in our own lives. Everyone is welcome to join in the study (even if you weren’t part of a Wednesday study before). The hour-long study begins at 9:45 AM each Wednesday in the South Hall. The coffee pot is always on and quite often snacks make their way into the room as well. Come and invite a friend to join you.

Education Ministry News

NURSERY NEWS: Nursery care is provided each Sunday morning from 8:45-11:45 a.m.& Wednesday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Care is also provided for monthly board meetings and all congregational meetings. OUR CAREGIVERS: Ashley Carl - Sunday first shift. Katie Ronkowski & Kate Reich - Sunday second shift. Mary Peterson - Wednesday. Jenna Shallman - Board Night.

Each month Rachael, along with the Board of Education, will be reviewing the needs and care of this ministry.

CHURCH SCHOOL OFFERING: In the month of March our offering will be collected for our friend JoAnn Dahlen. JoAnn was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She is currently undergoing treatments. JoAnn, along with each member of her family, volunteers in several areas of ministry here at Sharon. Thank you for taking the time to teach your children about passing on God’s blessings through their weekly church school offering.

PARENT RESOURCES: Education Ministries is excited to provide parents with a monthly resource called, Parent Link. Parent Link is a monthly newsletter produced by Group Publishing. As a part of our Education Curriculum we have purchased the rights to share this publication with you each month. Some months’ articles are utilized in our Church Newsletters.

However, since this resource has several pages we are unable to include all the articles and information each month in the Church Newsletter. We do think many families would benefit from this resource. So, starting in February and each month through the rest of 2009 we will be making copies of the resource available to families. Copies can be picked up from the brown file folders hanging on the wall between the Main office and Sanctuary. For the very latest information and insight into the most current movies, music, and video games, I recommend you check out the Culture & Trends page. I really liked the way the publisher shares a current movie, it’s rating, a synopsis of the story line, and faith based questions to ask your children after seeing the movie. We hope you take a moment to check out this resource and we welcome your feedback. Please email your comments to Rachael in the Education Office.

NO CHURCH SCHOOL: There is no Church School on Sunday, March 1st.

Confirmation News

During Lent it is expected that students (along with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult) will attend weekly Lenten Worship – including Holy Week services on Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. Each week students need to fill out a Lenten worship note. Because students are attending worship they will not be meeting weekly in their small groups. Each small group will be assigned to serve as greeters and ushers at one of the weekly Lenten service. Students will receive a postcard prior to the week their group is scheduled to serve.

Mentor Event: Wed. March 25th 7:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing all our 10th Grade students & Mentors there. This is our last group Mentor event for the year.

Attention 5th Grade Students and Parents

First Communion instruction begins in March. Please mark your calendar with the following dates: Sunday, March 8th 4:30 – 6:00, Sunday, March 15th 4:30 – 6:00, Sunday, March 29th 4:30 – 6:00. Parents and students should attend all sessions together.

Attention 4th Grade Students and Parents

Here at Sharon Lutheran Church we support your faith journey with weekly church school and a yearly special Confirmation Learning event. In 4th Grade we ask our students along with their parents to read together the Gospel of Mark. This reading takes place over a series of weeks. More information and your reading schedule will be presented to you at the Confirmation Learning event held on Wednesday, March 4th 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Sharon Lutheran Book Group

Sharon Lutheran Book Group meets the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Join us once or many times. We enjoy conversation and fellowship, sometimes challenging ourselves and almost always having fun! Take a look and see if there’s something you want to read in the coming months. For more info contact .

Mar 3: Take This Bread, A Radical Conversionby Sara Miles

Raised as an atheist, Sara Miles lived an enthusiastically secular life as a restaurant cook and a writer. Them early one winter morning, for no earthly reason, she wandered into a church. “I was certainly not interested in becoming a Christian,” she writes, “or, as I thought of it rather less politely, a religious nut.” But she ate a piece of bread, took a sip of wine, and found herself radically transformed.

Apr. 7: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by Barbara Kingsolver

Novelist Barbara Kingsolver once wrote, “If we can’t, as artists, improve on real life, we should put down our pencils and go bake bread.” In Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, she manages to do both, applying her literary skills to a new food environment. In her seamless diary narrative, Kingsolver tells how she and her family relocated to southern Appalachia after suffering through years of drought in Arizona. The purpose of the move was simple: The Kingsolvers sought to “live in a place that could feed us” by growing their own food and living among a community of local organic growers.

May 5: The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell

June 2: The Mighty and the Almighty by Madeleine Albright

Golden Age Club

The Golden Age Club will gather again on Friday, March 6th, at 2:00 PM in the South Hall. Please note that this is a week earlier than our normal schedule. For our program we will view an acclaimed documentary which showcases the magnificence and beauty of God’s creation. You will come away amazed at how this world is intricately and incredibly tied together. Sherryl Weisenberger, Inez Knain, and Ann Bakke will provide a lunch. Invite a friend and come and enjoy a fun afternoon.

Easter Basket Decorating & Easter Egg Hunt

March 22 @ 1:00 p.m. All children need to pre-register. Watch for more details and sign-up sheets coming soon!

“Just For Women- Movie Night”

March 10th @ 7PM. in the Fellowship Hall. Enjoy a great movie complete with treats! Bring your own beverage. Price? A toiletries item for a man or woman to be donated to the Northlands Rescue Mission.

Women Circles

Mary-Martha Circle

• Mar. 17 9:30am-meet at the church.

Rachel Circle

• Mar. 17 7:30pm—Tba

Ruth Circle

• Mar. 17 2:00pm - Meet at the church. Hostess:Lois Burian.

Hannah Circle

• Mar. 10 7:00pm. Hostess: Karen Axvig.

Elizabeth Circle

• Mar. 17 7:30pm. 3720 Cherry St I-36. Hostess:Lu Boyer.

Sarah Circle

• Meets once a month on a Wednesday afternoon. Watch for details.

Jesus, Justice, Jazz

Dinner, Raffle,& Silent Auctio. April 5, 2009. Look for ticket sales and raffle baskets in the narthex starting March 22! Raffle tickets - $1 each or $20 for 25 tickets. All proceeds benefit summer youth programs

Lenten Meals 2009

Dinner will be served from 5:00-6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans-Grand Forks County Chapter #31342 wil be providing matching funds up to $1000. All the proceeds benefit summer youth activities & programs. Everyone is welcome!

Suggested Prices Adults -$7.00. Youth (ages 3-11) - $3.00. Youth (2 & under) - free

Fast Pass Ticket Sales, Sun., February 15th - Wed., February 25th. 7 Lenten meals for the price of 6! $42.00.

A La Carte

Come and enjoy a meal at Sharon during the Wednesday schedule. This is designed specifically for you and your busy schedule on Wednesdays! The following items will be available for purchase: pizza by the slice, chips, apples, carrots & ranch, soda, and candy. Food is served from 5:00—6:30 p.m. in the South Hall.A La Carte is not served during Lent.

Crossroads

Crossroads is a weekly gathering of youth in grades 6-8 on Mondays from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Gathering in the youth room (lower level), it’s a time for fellowship, learning and games. It’s a time to hang out with friends and talk about faith. It’s for you and your friends. Crossroads does not meet during Lent.

Reel World

Reel World is for youth in grades 9-12. Reel World meets downstairs in the youth room each week on Wednesdays from 8:15—9:15 p.m. (NEW TIME!) Reel World is a time to get together and get real! It’s a time of conversation and food, fellowship and fun, media and faith. Bring your friends. Reel World does not meet during Lent.

3-4-5 Alive!

A weekly afternoon program for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to gather together in community for Bible learning fun through stories, games, food,& friends! This group meets on Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 - 4:30 pm. Join us and be a part of 3-4-5 ALIVE! 3-4-5 Alive! does not meet during Lent.

Music Ministry News

Sharon Lutheran Church offers the following music ministry opportunities…

By Grace

(6th, 7th and 8th grade) meets Mondays from 6:15 - 7:00 pm in the choir room. Does not meet during Lent.

Shine!

(3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) meets Tuesdays from 4:45 - 5:15 pm in the choir room. Does not meet during Lent.

Bright Lights

(Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade) meets Wednesdays from 4:45 - 5:15 pm in the choir room. Does not meet during Lent..