Sharon Lutheran Newsletter

Holy Week

April 9, Maundy Thursday Services: 12:00 & 5:15 p.m. in the Sanctuary. 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.

April 10, Good Friday Services: 12:00 & 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

April 12, Easter Sunday Services: 7:00 a.m. Sunrise Service, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Traditional Service, 9:00 & 10:30 a.m. Contemporary Service.

Holy Communion celebrated at all Worship services.

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee of Sharon Lutheran meets regularly to review and monitor the gifts received and expenses of ministries of the congregation. For 2009, the congregation approved a budget requiring an 8% increase in gifts. Through our capital campaign gifts, we have now accumulated an operating reserve account of almost $90,000, but we do not want to use those funds without replenishing that account.

Since January 1, the monthly offerings received have been less than what was budgeted and expected. It has not been sufficient to meet expenses. The monthly deficit has been $7,000-$10,000. We have been able to meet our obligations by cutting or delaying expenses, closely timing payments, and the use of limited cash carryover from past years. Expenses have been reviewed regularly, and all staff and leadership continue to be diligent in managing the costs of ministries. Without an increase in financial support, program elimination and staff reductions will need to be implemented

As a congregation, Sharon Lutheran continues to provide wonderful worship, education, fellowship and service opportunities. In order to continue our work, the financial support must increase.

The most significant possibility for making our financial ministry more stable would be broader participation in Simply Giving. This is making your monetary gifts through an automatic transfer from your bank account to the congregation. The regular nature of these gifts is critically important in the summer months as many spend time away from Sharon and are unable to give their offering during worship.

We are asking every household to consider Simply Giving. You can give a portion of your offering in this way, or the entire amount. The gifts may be in whatever amount you choose and be transferred as you decide. It would make a significant impact on our financial situation if each household participated in Simply Giving, even in a small way. The gift of $10 twice a month, given regularly in addition to the offering received in worship would have a positive impact on our ministries. If you already participate (and over 200 households do), thank you. You may sign up for Simply Giving (or change the amount you give) on the church’s web site, by completing a form found in the narthex, or by contacting Joan in the church office at 772-3122.

The budget approved by the congregation included measures to address the need for increased gifts. As a result of the current financial situation the following steps are anticipated:

• 1) The Adopt-a-Bill opportunity will begin earlier (April 1 instead of mid May)
• 2) Second Offerings will likely be taken after Easter Sunday

Thank you for your concern and continued support for Sharon’s ministries.

• The Finance Committee:
• Kim Votava, Tresurer
• Alice Senechal, Joan Enright, Steve Burian
• Brian Overby, Allen Dahlen, Pastor Deanna Wildermuth

Some members have asked about the possibility of refinancing Sharon Lutheran's mortgage, in light of current interest rates. The finance committee reviewed the terms of our current mortgage, and believes refinancing would not be warranted at this time. We refinanced the mortgage with Thrivent Financial in 2003, for 25 years, at a rate that is adjustable every five years. The current rate is 5.5%, years which is still a good rate for a church mortgage, and that rate will remain in effect until 2013. The current mortgage balance is $1,899,738.98.

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)

Your help is needed to support these activities sponsored by the Board of Church in Society

Soup Bowls created by Don Miller are offered for purchase on April 1. Members from Sharon have helped create these at the UND studio. Don donates the time and materials so that the total proceeds will go to the Refugee Coalition in Grand Forks. A $20 donation is suggested. Any remaining bowls will be offered for sale at a later date. Matching grant funds provided by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

The Love Feast is served by Sharon on April 29. It is a meal that is offered on the last Tuesday of the month to the public at no charge so that anyone who would like to have a free, nutritious meal and fellowship may do so. Zion United Methodist Church hosts the event. The tradition was begun several years ago and is usually sponsored by area churches. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans provides grant money that covers a large portion of Sharon's expenses. We need about 5 persons to put out the place settings on the 28th, and about 10 people to help serve the meal on the 29th. Watch the Board of Church in Society Kiosk for more information, or contact Jane Winter.

"Thrivent Builds" is partnering with Habitat for Humanity again this year to build a duplex in June. Sharon committed to a $1200 donation to Thrivent to help make this happen. Funds will be donated using proceeds from the Noisy Offering, and from the signing of building materials that will take place in May. We need volunteers to help with the Build, and to provide food at that time. Look for more details and sign up sheets to come. If you remember how it worked last year, it will be much the same again this year.

"Fulfilling the Dream" April 2009

We continue to give thanks to God as we celebrate reaching more of our Fulfilling the Dream goals! The big news continues to be the elevator and all the wonderful ways we will use it for greater unity and service. Thanks to all of you for your part in bringing this dream to life!

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 Boards of Stewardship and Church in Society have the honor of deciding what organizations receive these gifts and we have asked them to help us to highlight different organizations throughout the next few years so we can all share in the joy our gifts are bringing to some of our brothers and sisters most in need. The Board of Stewardship recently asked if the Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) would share what the Fulfilling the Dream gift meant to them. Here is what CVIC staff had to say:

“Thanks to Sharon Lutheran support, we were able to help people like Laura, who “graduated” from our Hope Transitional Housing program last fall. She came to CVIC with her two young children, fleeing extremely violent physical and emotional abuse, in which she had practically been a prisoner in her own home and suffered abuse such as strangulation.

In the beginning, every challenge felt overwhelming to Laura, like a continuation of the crisis she lived in for years. She had entered our program with $2,000 in debt, and she lived in anxiety because of the calls from collection agencies. But Laura was extremely motivated, and took every opportunity offered her to better her life and the lives of her children. We worked closely with her on budgeting and money management, and by the time she completed our two-year program, she had paid off her debts, did not use a credit card and left with a clean slate. She also received extensive counseling at CVIC and transformed her outlook, gaining confidence and independence, and bringing stability to her home. Now she is on her own, grateful to CVIC, supporting her children and loving her new life!

Because of organizations like Sharon, hundreds of women just like Laura are being offered hope and healing at CVIC, and the opportunity to provide their children with a safe and peaceful home.”

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.

Safe Kid's Sunday

The Sharon Lutheran Health Ministry team will be sponsoring a Safe Kids’ Sunday on May 3, 2009 from 9 am – 12 noon. A Safe Kids team from Altru will have a booth with summer safety information as well as life jackets and bike helmets for sale. The Grand Forks Police Department will also be present and will be making Child IDs. The Child ID form can be completed at home and brought to the church Sunday morning to save waiting time. The Child IDs are produced at no charge. Please join us in making this a safe summer for our children!

Grace Matters

“Grace Matters”, hosted by Pastor Peter Marty, has been the radio voice of the ELCA and has been broadcasted on radio stations across the country. It has been heard on KCNN Radio (1590 AM) each Sunday morning at 7:00 a.m. and has been sponsored by Sharon Lutheran Church as well as other ELCA churches in the Grand Forks area and by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Unfortunately, because of necessary programmatic cuts in the ELCA, Grace Matters will present its final program on Easter Sunday, April 12. Thanks to all of you who have been faithful listeners over the years and who have supported Sharon’s sponsorship of the program on a month-to-month basis. Special thanks to Henry and Joann Eslinger who provided the April sponsorship.

Board Highlights

Lay Ministry: Ray Pollard, Director

• Working on adding a Wedding Coordinator position. This would be a budget neutral position with no additional cost to the church.
• Senior Choir Director, Carol Geiszler, is resigning after 18 years of faithful service. A celebration is being planned for Carol. More details to follow.

Church Properties: Stan Vistad, Director

• Elevator installation is progressing.
• Rummage Sale is scheduled for May 15 & 16.

Youth: Rebecca Green, Director

• Look for Raffle Baskets between worship services. There are some wonderful gifts.
• Youth Board’s Dinner & Silent Auction will be held @ 6 p.m. on Sunday, Apr.5th
• Look ahead to May when the Youth & Applebee’s will sponsor a Pancake Breakfast. Thank for your support of Youth Ministry.

Stewardship: Steve Moser, Director

Church in Society: Jane Winter, Director

• Thank you to those who donated to the Noisy Offering on Mar. 29th, to those who helped with the Soup Bowls, and to our Food Cupboard volunteers on Mar. 28th.

Parish Fellowship: Mary Adams, Director

Christian Education: Vicki Ronkowski, Director

• VBS Sunday, May 31st - Wed., June 3rd (Registration begins in April)
• Church School & Confirmation Registration for 2009-2010 begins in April. Registration packets will be mailed directly to Church school/Confirmation families the week of April 15th.

Public Relations: Kristen Shea, Director

• Calling all graphic designers & artists! Watch for the Sharon Lutheran Logo Contest coming soon!

Evangelism: Kristi Houska, Director

• Next New Member Orientation is Sunday, Apr. 19th. We will welcome New Members on Sunday, Apr. 26th and Wed., Apr.29th.

Exedutive Committee: Alce Senechal, Executive Director

• Quarterly Congregational Meeting, Sunday, May17th @ 11:45am. Meal will be served.
• Thanks to Karin Walton for leading the recent Board Goal Planning event.

Eastern North Dakota Synod Assembly

The Eastern North Dakota Synod’s 22nd Annual Synod Assembly will be held at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks on May 2-3. This annual gathering of clergy and lay delegates from all the ELCA congregations of the Eastern North Dakota Synod is for the purpose of worship and conducting the business of the Church in our synod. Under the leadership of Bishop Bill Rindy, this assembly is meeting under the theme of “God’s work. Our hands.” Along with worship, workshops, Bible studies, celebrations of Milestones in Ministry, greetings from Craig Settlage, Director for Mission Support in our ELCA Churchwide office, there will be business matters of elections and voting on pertinent resolutions as well as adoption of a budget. Sharon’s representatives to the Assembly, in addition to the three pastors, includes: Allen Dahlen, Bob Winter, Sharon Branvold, Kristi Houska, Beth Carlson, Pat Carter, Pete Tunseth, Rhonda Eppelsheimer, and Henry and Joann Eslinger. Keep them in your prayers as they attend this assembly and conduct the business of the Church.

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.

Thank You

Dear Colleagues of Sharon Lutheran Church,

I am writing to inform you that I will be resigning my position of Senior Choir Director as of June 30, 2009. It has been my immense pleasure to direct the Senior Choir for the past 18 years and to have been a part of this amazing congregation for these years. I have loved working with my choir members and with the staff and congregation of Sharon Lutheran. I look forward to serving the congregation in other capacities in the future.

Sincerely,

• Carol Geiszler

We want to thank Carol Geiszler for her wonderful eighteen years of faithful service as our Senior Choir Director and therefore a special celebration is being planned. Please look for further information in the near future.

• The Board of Lay Ministry

Senior Choir Concert

“HE’S ALWAYS BEEN FAITHFUL”, Sunday, April 26. The Senior Choir will present their spring Choir Concert, “He’s Always been Faithful,” at both 9:00 and 10:30 a.m. traditional services on Sunday, April 26th. The concert will feature anthems focusing on our God who is our ever-sure source of strength and comfort throughout our walk of faith in our daily life. Music is a God-given gift that emphasizes our trust in God’s faithfulness throughout our lives. Many of the anthems are memorial gifts given in honor of loved ones who had lived their lives in service to this God of faithfulness. The concert will combine anthems with Scripture, congregational singing, piano and organ accompaniment, and many instrumentalists. Please join the Senior Choir in celebrating God in service and song on April 26th.

Senior Choir Director Position

Sharon Lutheran is looking for an individuals to be our Senior Choir Director. A job description is available at the church office. If interested, please submit your resume to the Board of Lay Ministry at the church office or email your information to

Valley Memorial Homes

Did you know... Valley Memorial Homes operates five living facilities on three campuses? Valley Eldercare Center, a skilled nursing facility is located near Altru Health System at 2900 14th Avenue South; Tufte Manor, an assisted living and basic care facility is located at 3300 Cherry Street and the 4000 Valley Square complex which provides a full continuum of care from Country Estates, an independent living facility, to assisted living at Wheatland Terrace, to skilled nursing at Woodside Village. For more information visit our website at www.valleymemorial.org or call Sue at 787-7984

Board of Stewardship

The Board of Stewardship has asked that the Time and Talent Survey be included in the newsletter this month. The Board, with help from Joann Eslinger, has created a searchable Excel file to assist those interested in finding members interested in contributing to Sharon Lutheran in specific ways. The data entered thus far included all collected surveys from the spring of 2008. Now that we have a method to fully utilize the data entered in the Time and Talent Survey, we ask that you fill out a copy of the survey if you have not done so already or if you would like to modify the information that you entered earlier. We are committed to making sure that we enter the data promptly and use it to make sure that we fully utilize the time and talent of Sharon members. Thanks for your interest in this project, we appreciate it.

The Board of Stewardship (specifically Pam Elmquist, Thanks Pam!) has also developed another giveaway basket to encourage more members to sign up for Simply Giving. Simply Giving is even easier to initiate now as sign up is available through the Sharon Lutheran website. Simply Giving provides you with the opportunity to give to the church even when you are unable to make it to services. It also assists you in budgeting by having the dollars automatically transfered, when you would like them to be transferred, out of checking or savings. Finally, the church benefits from having a more predictable funding pattern. Please consider signing up for Simply Giving if you have not do so already. The basket will be given away during church services on Sunday, April 12th.

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
Feb. YTD Gifts for Current Operating Youth Gifts Designated Gifts Total	$66,268.29 $10,827.25 $9,675.83 $86,771.37	$132,914.32 $12,905.00 $40,301.27 $186,120.59	$77,731.51 $5,916.66 $0.00 $83,648.17	$158,463.32 $11,833.32 $0.00 $170,296.64
Feb. YTD Operating Expenses/Debt Service Youth Expenses Designated Expenditures Total	$84,963.51 $946.31 $8,694.44 $94,604.26	$168,843.24 $946.31 $38,694.44 $208,483.99	$98,890.68 $5,858.33 $0.00 $104,749.01	$182,724.18 $11,716.66 $0.00 $194,440.84
Difference	-$7,832.89	-$22,363.40

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:

• 03-15-09 AIDEN MICHAEL MORELAND; Michael & Alicia Moreland
• 03-15-09 CHASE MICHAEL MORELAND; Michael & Alicia Moreland
• 03-15-09 MADDOX JAMES MILLER; Andrew & Angela Miller
• 03-15-09 ARIANNA JAELYNN MILLER; Andrew & Angela Miller

Weddings:

• 02-21-09 David Beehler & Ellen Hegge
• 03-13-09 Nathaniel Snyder & Erin Sturlaugson

Memorial Gifts

General Fund:

• In Memory of: Fern Harrison, by Howard & Marion Hove, Alan Hearonemus; Erling Gravseth, by Kim & Brett Urnessn

Health Ministries:

• In Memory of: Jess Carl, by Karen & Rich Axvig

Bible Study Opportunities

WEDNESDAY AM BIBLE STUDY

The Wednesday morning Bible Study with Pastor John continues each week in March. 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

CHURCH SCHOOL OFFERING:In the month of April we will continue to collected offering for our friend JoAnn Dahlen. JoAnn was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. She is currently undergoing treatments.

Thank you for taking the time to teach your children about passing on God’s blessings through their weekly church school offering.

$697.00 was sent to Brittany Dvorak’s family from our Jan./Feb. Church School Offering.

Please continue to keep both families in your prayers as both Brittany and JoAnn continue to undergo treatments

CHURCH SCHOOL REGISTRATIOn 2009-1010: Families will receive a registration packet mailed directly to their home in mid April

We will receive your registrations in person on Sunday, April 19th, 26th and Wednesday, April 22nd, 29th. All families who register during these dates will be entered into a drawing for a free family supper at one of the great restaurants here in Grand Forks.

Your early registration ensures the opportunity for your child to be registered in your 1st choice time. Any registrations received after April 29th can not be guaranteed to receive their first choice.

No registrations will be taken over the phone. Registrations will be received in the mail or you may drop them off at the Church Office. Be sure to mark a first and second choice time on your form.

Reminders will not be sent out so please be sure to mark down what time you have registered for. We will only contact those who do not receive their first choice.

NO CHURCH SCHOOL: There is NO CHURCH SCHOOL on Wed. April 8th & Sun. April 12th Easter Break. The last day of Church School is Wed. April 29th & Sun. May 3rd. Thank you for sharing your children with us!

Confirmation News

Students should continue to attend the Lent services on Wednesday, April 1st 5:15 or 6:30. There is no Lent service on Wednesday April 8th because it is Holy Week.

In Holy Week students need to attend worship on Maundy Thursday (12:00, 5:15, or 6:30) and Good Friday (12:00 or 6:30).

Students are also expected to complete worship response forms for both the Thursday and Friday worship services.

Weekly Confirmation resumes on Wed., April 15th at 7:15.

The last week of Confirmation is Wed., April 22nd. 2009-2010 Registration packets will be mailed directly to families in the middle of April. Please watch your mail box for this time sensitive information.

Attention 5th Grade Students and Parents

5th Graders will be making their 1st Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 9th. Maundy Thursday Worship will beheld at Noon, 5:15,& 6:30 p.m. Please be sure to check in at the table before you attend worship.

4th Grade Gospel of Mark Students:

Recognition will be held in all Worship services on Sun. April 19th & Wed. April 22nd. Please plan to attend worship so we can celebrate the completion of your reading with you.

Vacation Bible School

VBS 2009 - Where Fearless Kids Shine God’s Light. Sun. May 31 - Wed. June 3, 6:30-8:30 P.M. 2008 - 2009 Lambs through Grade 5.$20 suggested donation to cover the cost of t-shirts and supplies

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 .

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

“POWERFUL...Father Emilia Sandoz {is} the only survivor of a Jesuit mission to the planet Rakhat, ‘a soul...looking for God.’ We first meet him in Italy...sullen and bitter...But he was not always this way, as we learn through flashbacks that tell the story of the ill-fated trip...The Sparrow tackles a difficult subject with grace and intelligence.” (from the San Francisco Chronicle)

June 2: The Mighty and the Almighty by Madeleine Albright

Madeleine Albright, the former secretary of state,...offers a thoughtful and often surprising look at the role of religion in shaping America’s approach to the world. In this illuminating account, she argues that, to be effective, U.S. policy makers must understand the power and place of religion in motivating others and in coloring how American actions are perceived. Defying the conventional wisdom, Albright suggests not only that religion and politics are inseparable, but that their partnership, when properly harnessed, can be a force for justice and peace.

Golden Age Club

The Golden Age Club will gather again on Friday, April 3 at 2:00 PM in the South Hall of the church. Note that this deviates from our normal meeting schedule (the second Friday of the month) because Good Friday falls on the following Friday. Ted Jellif will be on hand to share slides and stories of his trip to Russia. Plan to come for a fun and informative afternoon. Rose Marie Monteith, Millie Everson, and Beverly Haugen will provide the goodies.

Soap Sundays

April 19 & 26 We challenge every member to bring a bar of soap! All soap will be distributed through Lutheran World Relief.

Grand Forks Cluster Meeting

Calvary Lutheran Church, Saturday, Apr. 25, 9am—2pm. (Dress in casual wear-tennis shoes) “Mind, Body and Soul” In-Kind Offering. Items for Northland Rescue Mission (Personal hygiene & paper products, towels, washcloth, twin sheets, gloves/mitten, caps, etc.)

Women Circles

Mary-Martha Circle

• April 21, 9:00 am - meet at the church.

Rachel Circle

• April 21, 7:30 pm - 2424 17th Ave S. Hostess: Avis Nelson/Angie Berger

Ruth Circle

• April 21, 2:00 pm @ Parkview

Hannah Circle

• April 14, 7:00 pm. Hostess: Kristi Houska.

Elizabeth Circle

• April 21, 7:30 pm - 4649 Homestead Cir. Hostess: Eva Bergstrom.

Sarah Circle

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

Jesus, Justice, Jazz

Join the Celebration at our Dinner - Auction - Raffle Sunday, April 5, 2007 The revelry begins at 6:00pm Fellowship Hall Cost: $10 per person tickets only available in advance All proceeds benefit Sharon Lutheran 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 will be providing matching funds up to $1000. All the proceeds benefit summer youth activities & programs. EVERYONE IS WELCOME! Take a night off from cooking and join us for a great meal & fellowship.

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. April 20th - Welcome Back!, April 27th - Knock-Knock.

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. April 15th, April 22nd.

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! April 14th, 21st, and 28th.

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. Aprli Meetings: April 6, 13, 20, 27.

Shine!

(3rd, 4th, and 5th grade) meets Tuesdays from 4:45 - 5:15 pm in the choir room. April Meetings: April 7, 14, 21, 28.

Bright Lights

(Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade) meets Wednesdays from 4:45 - 5:15 pm in the choir room.April Meetings: April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29.

Upcoming Events

Youth Gathering Meeting 3:00 pm - 5pm. Youth and Adult Leaders Meet in South Hall.

Middle School Mission Trip Meeting 2:00 pm - 3:15 pm. Youth and Adult Leaders Sharon Lutheran Sanctuary.

Summer Bible Camp

There are a variety of camps in the area that offer many different weeks of camp for your child’s age group—please feel free to select the camp & week that works best in your summer schedule. There are camp brochures located in the narthex of the church, outside the church office, which will help you select the right camp and week for your child. All camp registrations should be sent directly to the camp.