Sharon Lutheran Church: November 2007 Newsletter

“Stories to Tell and Gifts to Share” is more than our theme for our annual stewardship campaign. As a community of faith we are trying to gather and tell the stories of our lives and faith. Some stories have been shared in worship, others have submitted their stories to the church office or sent them by e-mail. We have heard stories of family and special events and everyday life. As we celebrate Thanksgiving this month, I want to offer thanks for the gift of God’s word through a story.

I will both lie down and sleep in peace;
for you alone, O Lord, make me lie down in safety. Psalm 4:8

I prepared for surgery and was waiting in the ‘ready room’ for my surgeon to arrive. Everyone had already been in to see me, nurses, anesthesiologists, and chaplain. The only thing left to do was wait for the one who would perform the surgery. It was a bit scary, not knowing for certain the outcome. Two young sons, a husband and other family and friends... and I waited. Lying on the gurney with curtains pulled around granting some small measure of privacy I waited. I waited and nurses came and checked on me. I waited and they came again. More time passed and I waited. I waited for over two hours, because this surgery had to be done. “Are you doing okay?” The question was asked a number of times. Every time I responded, “Oh, yes. I am fine.” And I meant it. You see, that morning I had been given a gift. Psalm 4 had been my reading. These words were my prayer and I know the calm, confidence and peace I felt could only come from the Spirit of God working through these words of Scripture. Ever since that time, over 10 years ago, seeing the words fill me with a sense of comfort and peace.

The book of Psalms is a gift. From times of stress to times of peace the Psalms contain words that will touch you. I share with you the following Psalms for your reflection.
* Going through hard times?...Read Psalms 13, 37, 39 or 42
* Feel wronged by another?...Psalms 10, 52, 109, 137
* Feel safe, blessed?...Psalms 3, 23, 131, 96, 103, 121
* Feel confident, thankful?...Psalms 8, 9, 10, 18, 66, 84, 91, 104, 144-150
* Feel God's absence?...Psalms 6, 22, 55, 69, 102
* Waiting for God?... Psalms 13, 25, 30, 40, 42, 43, 63, 130
* Suffering or suffered abuse?...Psalms 6, 12, 31, 102
* Your sin staring you in the face?...Psalms 6, 32, 38, 51
* Depressed?... Psalms 38, 88, 130

Even simply reading through the Psalms, one a day, can be a gift of faith and life.

So, do you have a story to tell about the gift of God’s word? I would love to hear it.

Our newest addition to Sharon’s worship schedule is our Saturday evening worship. This worship begins at 5:00 pm when worshipers are invited to enjoy a cup of tea or cocoa as they enter the Fellowship Hall. This new day and time may appeal to those who work on Sundays, or those who are looking for a spiritually uplifting beginning for their Saturday evening activities (athletic events, the movies, etc,)

Bibles and ‘With One Voice’ hymnals are provided, along with handouts containing the scripture references for the week and additional songs for worship.

The tone is prayerful, contemplative, informal and relaxed. Much of the music for the Saturday worship comes from the Taiz? tradition, a monastic, ecumenical faith community begun in France in 1940.

Taizé is a unique style of worship music that reflects the meditative nature of the Taizé community. Taizé music emphasizes simple phrases, usually lines from Psalms or other pieces of Scripture, repeated and sometimes also sung in canon. The repetition is intended to aid meditation and prayer.

Probably the most unique thing about our Saturday worship is that the sermon time is really more of a conversation than a traditional sermon. While the pastor will certainly strive to illuminate the good news as revealed to us in the biblical texts for the week, worshippers are also encouraged to share their own thoughts, feelings and experiences as they connect the texts with their daily lives.

If you have not yet found a ‘worship home’ perhaps this is the worship experience you have been looking for. If so, we hope you will join us.

Giving thanks is easy—nothing to it. It seems natural to say thanks to God: “Thank you, God, for fine days and the good, green earth, the abundance of the harvest, the plenty of your garden.”

But how often do I say: “Thanks for staying with me today. Thanks for being love to me in spite of myself. Thanks for caring for me, even when I am uncaring. Thank you for being my friend, though you know me well. Thank you for forgiving me when I do what I said I would not to do and failed in what I had promised.”

Our stewardship theme for this year focuses on “Stories to Tell & Gifts to Share.” We recognize that God has showered us with gifts of grace that literally fill our lives. In response we live, joyfully sharing God’s gifts and giving thanks for all that God has given—especially the gift of forgiveness and life in Jesus Christ.

With a clear focus on God’s grace in our hearts, we can respond as Paul encourages: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

As Thanksgiving approaches, parish planning council and boards are working on their budgets for the coming year. We give thanks for all who have given of their time, talent and financial resources in support of our ministry here at Sharon, and as we conclude our Fall Stewardship campaign, consider what you can do in the future for our church. We are blessed with people who respond to the needs of our church and use their skills for our benefit.

To name a few: Leon Fjestad & Paul Lester for their gift of snow removal, Happy Grass for their gift of Lawn Care, Bergstrom Electric for their gift of lights, House of Vacuums for their gift of service.

These are just a few of the examples of gifts received by the church from individuals and businesses in the congregation, and there are many others that provide products and services to Sharon Lutheran at a discount. We give thanks for all of these people and the gifts they bring.

I must also give thanks to God for the pastors, staff, committees, board directors and members that serve our congregation. It is a privilege and honor to serve with these people, and they are a gift to our ministry. Thanks be to God, for He has blessed us abundantly!

We are near the end of the calendar year. However, the church year begins with the first Sunday in Advent. This year the season of Advent and the new year begin on Sunday, December 2. Advent is a time of preparation and expectation that occurs in the four weeks before Christmas.

The word 'advent' means coming or arrival. It is a season of preparation that looks both to Bethlehem and the final coming of Jesus Christ at the end of time. The color of Advent is blue, symbolizing hope. The color purple was used previously, the royal color of the coming king. The color purple also linked Advent with Lent as a penitential time in the church year.

It is always tempting to focus solely on the "BIG DAY" of Christmas. We have many traditions and ‘stories’ in our families about Christmas. But what about Advent? Do you have a story to tell about preparing for the coming of Jesus? Share your story. Drop it off in the “Story Telling Place” outside the church office or .

These items are distributed by Samaritan’s Purse to needy and hurting children around the world. Pick up a pamphlet & necessary labels at the table in the narthex. Suggested items: dolls, stuffed animals, yo-yos, pens, pencils, crayons, writing pads, toothbrush, comb, washcloth, hard candy, gum, socks, etc.

Please do not send: breakable items, war-related items, chocolate or food, liquids. Please return your gift box to the church during the week of Nov. 4th-11th.

Remember to tune into “Grace Matters” each Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. on KCNN Radio (1590 AM). Sharon Lutheran’s support of the broadcast is sponsored for the month of Nov. by Sonja and Kevin Nelson, in memory of her mother, Jean Olson, whose birthday was Nov. 19, and in honor of their grandson, George Aaron Olson, who will be two on November 2. Go to www.gracematters.org for previews of upcoming programs or to listen to past programs. The month of December is still available for sponsorship on the poster near the church office.

Church in Society: Karen Axvig, Director

Grand Forks Mission Trip-Nov. 9-11.

Mission Fair-Nov. 18.

“Bless This House” project to gather items for local refugees.

Stewardship: Wayne Zink, Director

Evangelism: Teresa Dahlstrom, Director

We welcomed 7 new family units to Sharon Lutheran during the month of October. The next New Member session is scheduled for January 2008.

Offering a discount for “The Lutheran” magazine to Sharon members.

Youth: Marsha Vistad, Director

Calling Scrapbooker’s & Computer pros. The Youth have digital pictures from 2002 to present and would like to make a scrapbook, powerpoint presentation and place them on the Face Book page. If you are interested in helping to develop this, please contact the Youth Office, 772-3122 or Marsha Vistad. No experience needed.

Lay Ministry: Alice Senechal, Director

Considering new welcome/communication card formats for both worship spaces.

Thank you to those who are picking up communion bread from Dakota Harvest Bakers & delivering it to the church each weekend.

Parish Fellowship: Barry Branvold, Director

Organizing the “White Elephant “ sale for the Bazaar on Nov. 3.

Serve coffee & donuts each Sunday morning-please say yes when asked to help.

We welcome ideas for fellowship events in 2008.

...on Sunday mornings, at 9:00 a.m., worship in the sanctuary, using a new hymnal, a familiar liturgy, some new hymns and some familiar hymns, with music led by the organist and choir or other vocalists, or

...on Sunday mornings, at 9:00 a.m., worship in the fellowship hall, with music led by Higher Ground, or

...on Sunday mornings, at 10:30 a.m., worship in the sanctuary, using a new liturgy from the new hymnal, with music led by the pianist and choir or other vocalists, or

...on Sunday mornings, at 10:30 a.m., worship in the fellowship hall, with music led by Higher Ground, or

...on Wednesday evenings, at 6:15 p.m., worship in the fellowship hall, with music led by Younger Ground, or

...on Saturday evenings, at 5:00 p.m., worship in the choir room, in a contemplative service, with music led by a pianist and/or guitarist.

If you haven't yet worshiped at one of the new services (10:30 in the sanctuary and Saturday evening in the fellowship hall), we encourage you to take advantage of these new worship opportunities at Sharon Lutheran!

We celebrate Holy Communion at every service, using grape juice and bread, with gluten-free wafers available. There are opportunities to serve at each service by reading the lessons, preparing Holy Communion, or ushering. At each of the Sunday morning services, children attending Sunday church school are dismissed after the children's message, so families can worship together.

There is new and easy way to raise money for Sharon Lutheran just 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 advertising revenue will now 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!

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 Systems.

In mid-October, during our regularly scheduled maintenance of our heating/AC system, it was discovered that our furnace that heats the sanctuary needed repairing or replacing. Because of the age and repair history of the unit, the Board of Properties recommended that we replace it. The Parish Planning Council with the Financial Committee agreed, and the decision was made to replace the unit at a cost of approximately $15,000. We were able to pay for this out of our cash reserves that we have accumulated this past year, due to our continued attention to our financial condition and your generous contributions. We ask for your prayers and continued financial commitment to Sharon Lutheran as we care for our facility and our ministry.

The Board of Evangelism is organizing a congregational plan to offer a reduced rate subscription to The Lutheran magazine. The Lutheran is the magazine of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) and provides up to date information about what is happening locally, nationally and globally with ELCA ministries. The congregational plan offers a 1 year subscription for $7.95 which is a 50% reduction in cost over the individual subscription rate. This reduced rate will be offered to members of Sharon Lutheran during the month of November.

If you would like to sign up for a 1 year subscription to The Lutheran for $7.95, a table will be set up in the Narthex on Sunday mornings during the month of November to process your subscription. Please note payment is due at the time of order with checks made out to Sharon Lutheran. If you have any questions or need a subscription order form mailed to your home, please contact Teresa Dahlstrom.

Grand Forks Mission Trip. Sharon Lutheran, Calvary Lutheran and Christus Rex are planning a local mission trip for Nov. 9-11. Friday & Saturday nights will be spent @ St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. The weekend includes service projects, education, worship & lots of FUN. For more information check the kiosk in the narthex or contact Karen Axvig. Please sign up on the kiosk by Oct. 21.

“Bless This House” Tote project for Refugees. The Board of Church in Society is sponsoring a project to help refugees in our community. We will be gathering household and personal care items in totes to give to the refugees as they settle in our community. Watch for more information on the kiosk in the narthex area of the church or call Karen Axvig.

Mission Fair. Again this year the Board of Church in Society is sponsoring a Mission Fair on November 18. Watch for all the opportunities available in our community where we can provide assistance through our time, talents and treasures. Displays will be set up in the narthex on Sunday, November. 18.

In celebrating Holy Communion, we are currently using whole-wheat bread which is a gift from Dakota Harvest Bakers. If you shop there, thank the owners for the gift.

If you would like to serve Sharon Lutheran by picking up & delivering the bread on Saturdays, please contact the church office.

A choir specifically designed for Kindergartners, 1st and 2nd graders. Bright Lights members learn basic music fundamentals and begin the art of creating a beautiful singing tone. Their choir experience will be in an atmosphere where they are recognized as a loved child of God and an important part of our church family. Bright Lights rehearses on Wednesdays from 4:45 - 5:15 p.m. and sings approximately one Sunday and/or Wednesday per month.

A musical experience for third, fourth and fifth graders. This group focuses on expanding their knowledge of music fundamentals, begin part-singing and explore the use of "hands-on" instrumental accompaniments. Shine! members utilize their musical gifts in a variety of ways throughout the year! Shine! rehearses on Wednesdays from 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. and sings approximately one Sunday and/or Wednesday a per month.

By Grace is for middle school kids and serves as a unique opportunity for youth to create and build relationships with their peers and their church through the arts. By Grace provides experience for musical and spiritual growth, as well as a regular opportunity for service. By Grace determines when rehearsals occur and perform approximately every six weeks. Check bulletin board for rehearsal date and time.

Staff and leaders of Sharon have been working hard to be 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.

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 at the church or contact the office.

Capital Campaign – Undertaking a capital campaign was approved at the congregational meeting held August 15. This financial appeal will address reducing long term debt (mortgage), and other important things such as an elevator, an appropriate sound system and furnishings for the sanctuary and other facility needs. The possibility of developing new ministries/outreach and supporting any additional staff would also be a part of planning for this campaign.

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.

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 designed to answer common questions about baptism including:

"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.

Baptisms:

10-14-07 SAVANNAH KATHERINE SULLIVAN; Craig & Kristie Sullivan

10-14-07 RYAN THOMAS PETERSON; Jason & Stephanie Peterson

10-14-07 BRODY OMAR LAFFERTY; Jeramy & Kristyn Lafferty

10-14-07 VIOLET GRACE ZIRNHELT; Matt & Tara Zirnhelt

Weddings:

10-06-07 Brian Cofer & Kelly Moore

10-20-07 Derek Nolte & Annette Shervold

Funerals