1 April 2020 Volume 24, Issue 3 Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church and School Newsletter The Pilot Salem Lutheran Church 9655 Pioneer Trail Greenfield, MN 55357 Paul T. Schuler, Pastor (763)498-7281(office) (920)284-0172 (cell) pastorschuler@ salemwels.org Paul M. Kuehn, Pastor (763)486-3397 (cell) pastorkuehn@ salemwels.org Brenda Berkenes, Church Secretary (763)479-9161 (cell) [email protected]Salem Lutheran School 9615 Pioneer Trail Greenfield, MN 55357 Ryan Randall, Principal rrandall@ salemwels.org Tracy Schuler, School Secretary (763)498-7283 (office) [email protected]Faculty Ryan Randall (7 & 8) Eric Hahn (5 & 6) Jodi Brandel (3 & 4) Merry Leerssen (1 & 2) Rebekah Bohlmann (K) Lisa Charlson (PreK) Shelley Kromschroeder Kari Paul (Band Director) www.salemwels.org Confidence Through God’s Word Uncertainty. A fluid situaon. Breaking news. A rapidly evolving situaon. Stay calm. Don’t panic. These words and phrases have become very famil- iar to us over the past few days and weeks. And perhaps people are growing weary of hearing them. These words can cause fear and stress the more they are repeated. Even the encouragement to stay calm, ironically, can have the opposite effect the more it is used. But what other advice and encouragement can the world around us offer as it aempts to stare blindly into the future? If we are humble and honest, we must admit that even as believers in Jesus we are almost as blind to the future as the rest of the world around us. Almost. In His Word, God reveals to us what lies ahead at the end of the future, an eternity of joy in heaven with God, fully paid for by Jesus. Jesus even points out some of the signs along the path that show that future drawing closer to the pre- sent. Disaster, war, famine, disease. But what spe- cifically stands on the path ahead for each of us, between where we are now and that future that Jesus promised? The future is God’s realm. He alone knows exact- ly when and how events will happen, and he caus- es the future to happen as he determines. Like the world around us, believers have that future re- vealed to them one step at a me. Aside from the promise of what lies at the end of the path, we can’t claim that we have leapt ahead of the rest of the world in our knowledge of the future. Though we do not know how long or short a me our cur- rent concerns will remain for, we have the certain promises of God’s Word to go to in mes of uncer- tainty. Amid the words I menoned before, words that have become all too familiar, I would like to throw another word back into your vocabulary. A word that seems to be in short supply. Confidence. Confidence is what every pastor prays that peo- ple would have as he shares God’s promises with them. Confidence as they walk through life. Confi- dence as they look to that day... 14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confi- dence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16) “Confidence Through God’s Word” continued on page 3 By Pastor Paul M. Kuehn Salem Lutheran Church
ahead at the end of the future, an eternity of joy
in heaven with God, fully paid for by Jesus. Jesus
even points out some of the signs along the path
that show that future drawing closer to the pre-
sent. Disaster, war, famine, disease. But what spe-
cifically stands on the path ahead for each of us,
between where we are now and that future that
Jesus promised?
The future is God’s realm. He alone knows exact-
ly when and how events will happen, and he caus-
es the future to happen as he determines. Like the
world around us, believers have that future re-
vealed to them one step at a time. Aside from the
promise of what lies at the end of the path, we
can’t claim that we have leapt ahead of the rest of
the world in our knowledge of the future. Though
we do not know how long or short a time our cur-
rent concerns will remain for, we have the certain
promises of God’s Word to go to in times of uncer-
tainty.
Amid the words I mentioned before, words that
have become all too familiar, I would like to throw
another word back into your vocabulary. A word
that seems to be in short supply. Confidence.
Confidence is what every pastor prays that peo-
ple would have as he shares God’s promises with
them. Confidence as they walk through life. Confi-
dence as they look to that day...
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest
who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the
Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we
profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who
is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses,
but we have one who has been tempted in every
way, just as we are—yet was without sin. 16 Let
us then approach the throne of grace with confi-
dence, so that we may receive mercy and find
grace to help us in our time of need.
(Hebrews 4:14-16)
“Confidence Through God’s Word”
continued on page 3
By Pastor Paul M. Kuehn
Salem Lutheran Church
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A Campaign With Greater Purpose
Let us consider how to provoke one another to love and good deeds, not ne-
glecting to meet together…but encouraging one another, and all the more as
you see the day approaching.—Hebrews 10:24-25
The capital campaign is off to a great start and some members have already made commitment! We had planned to ask the entire congregation for pledges in April. With the COVID-19 situation, Sa-lem has decided to postpone. We plan on monitoring the situation and adjusting as needed.
Please know that we have every intention of continuing the capital campaign and achieving our building projects. We are excited to share that Building Phase I has already begun as improvements are currently being made to the gymnasium! (See pictures below)
We ask that you continue your regular giving for church operations and if you are ready to make a capital campaign commitment, please do so. Vanco can be used for both by following the instructions below:
1. Go to Salem’s website: www.salemwels.org
2. Click on the “Donate Online” red button on the bottom right
3. Then Click on “Create Profile” on the bottom right
4. Save your account info and choose the funds you wish to donate to. You can change this info at any time!
We will continue to update the congregation on timing and process. Please keep the campaign and those who are working on this effort in your prayers.
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Confidence Through God’s Word– Continued when they will stand before God, ready for
eternity because of our Savior, Jesus. Confi-
dence is what we pray for each of you as you
trust in the Savior’s Word to feed your souls
and the souls of your family. Such confidence
is ours through Jesus. He knows our weak-
nesses, our uncertainties, and our fears. He
understands the dangers that we face and
our inability to face them. Jesus himself
faced all those temptations as our Savior. He
conquered them for us. And he urges us now
to come with confidence into his presence
for help with every physical or spiritual un-
certainty that we face.
It is not the proud confidence that comes
from what we believe, hope, or wish will be
true about the future. It is the humble confi-
dence that comes from knowing that the
future is held in the hands of our loving
Shepherd. Picture David’s words in Psalm 23,
especially when he says “Even though I walk
through the valley of the shadow of death (v.
4).
Both believer and unbeliever step forward
blindly into the darkness of the future, una-
ble to see what lies directly ahead. The
difference is this: the unbeliever sees the
future as nothing but a dark, shrouded mist.
Glimmers of hope and prediction try to light
the way. But no one is guiding the path. No
one holds watch to make sure the way is
kept safe. Each step forward is a step that
falls on uncertain terrain. The believer? The
believer’s gaze is lifted higher looking at the
promises of God shining from eternity. The
future may be shrouded in darkness, but
God’s Word illuminates each step, revealing
obstacles and dangers and guiding us safely
around them. Even when the way forward
seems darkest, our Shepherd is close by with
rod and staff guarding the way. Each step
forward falls with confidence on a promise of
God.
Remember what those promises are. God
does not promise the believer a smooth
road. God does not promise the believer
immunity from sickness or calamity. God
promises the cross (Matthew 16:24). God
promises that he will never let go of your
hand even when he asks you to endure
(Hebrews 13:5). God promises in all things,
good and bad, to work for your good
(Romans 8:28). At times that may mean turn-
ing the danger completely away so that it
does not happen. At times that may mean
trusting in his loving care to bless in sickness
and distress. And at times, our Shepherd may
demonstrate his protective care by asking us
to honor the 4th Commandment and listen
to the advice and admonition of the repre-
sentatives that God himself has appointed
(Matthew 28:18, Romans 13:1-5). It is with
that confidence that we listen to the authori-
ties God has placed over us concerned with
our welfare and care as we live in this world.
The future is God’s realm. We have the end
of the path in our sights through God’s
Word. But God, through the darkness and
unknown of the future, will reveal the path
ahead one step at a time. There’s no need to
try to rush ahead. And no need to fear the
path. Our Shepherd is close by.
Remember, confidence! Now for life.
Prepared for eternity. We have it in Jesus!
Setting Up Vanco - Electronic giving
1. Navigate to Salem's Website: salemwels.org
2. Find and click on the Donate Online option in the red box on right side
3. If this is new, see on the bottom right, create a profile with an email ad-
dress and password
4. Select the funds you wish to give to, the frequency, etc and save. These can
be edited at any time
5. Don't hesitate to contact Melissa DeRosier, finance manager, for help at
Salem Lutheran Church exists to support, encourage and train God’s people in
Christian discipleship at every age level and ability
Salem Lutheran Church News
Member News
Welcome New Members
Jon & Carol Anderson - transfer from Ascension Lutheran Church, Plymouth, MN
Barrett & Karen Kirchenwitz - transfer from Heritage Lutheran Church, Apple Valley,
MN
The Salem Pioneers have been busy the last few months preparing their cars for the Pine car Derby. Salem held their Pine Car Races on Sat-urday Feb 29th in the Gym.
There were 15 cars that raced and did their best at designing cars in the craft area.
The top cars this year were: Top Cars for Speed: 1st – Conner Arnold 2nd – Carson Arnold 3rd – Charles Huth
Top 3 cars for Craft in Grades K-3rd 1st - Avalyn Kuehn 2nd – Max Kuehn 3rd - Keagan Randall
Top 3 Cars for Craft Grades 4th – 8th 1st – Conner Arnold 2nd – Carson Arnold 3rd – Charles Huth
The Salem Pioneers were invited to attend the North Star & Viking District Pine Car Derbies on Saturday, March 14th at King of Grace in Golden Valley. There were a total of 64 cars form the District that participated, with 6 from Salem.
We had some winners from Salem: Boys: Connor Arnold took 4th place for speed boys division Max Kuehn took 1st place in Craft for the younger boys division Girls: Avalyn Kuehn took 4th in Craft for the Sunbeams (younger girls)
The Craft cars will advance on to the International Pine Car Derby at Lakeside Lutheran High School in Lake Mills, WI. At this time, the Derby has been postponed and will be scheduled at a later date.
The kids had a wonderful time hosting the Lenten meal on Wednesday, March 4th. They learned how to help serve our Lord and our con-gregation by preparing food, serving and cleaning up, as well as making some wonderful table center pieces for the tables.
The Pioneers will not be meeting on April 14th. Due to the precautions for the Covid19.
If you have any questions regarding the Pioneers program or events,
Please contact the office, Tracy Gutknecht at: 763-682-2286 or Scott Anderson: 612-418-3287.
News from Pioneers
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Salem Lutheran School News
Last month I started our tour of the school in the library. I would
like to go back to that room again. It was designed for students to
look for books to check out and read, hence all the books and
shelves. Then we modified it to work as a classroom. By the way, this
was not the first time we did this.
At the end of the day, the library changes once again. This time not
to a classroom or a library but to an after school kid care room. This
is where students go after school to wait for their working parents to
pick them up. Since our early dismissal came into effect (2:15 p.m.),
it is very difficult for parents to arrange their working schedules to be
home so early in the afternoon. So our after school care has become
very popular.
I wish I had a picture to show you how full this room is during the
winter months. Imagine your family room filled with 20 – 30 children
ages ranging 7-13. Now imagine those children have been in school
for 6 hours roughly. There is a lot of energy just waiting to be let
loose! Where can they go? In the winter they can only go outside if
everybody has winter gear to put on. Usually someone doesn’t have
snowpants or boots, hats and gloves aren’t always available either.
So inside they must stay. The gym is not available to run around in
because of sports practices. That leaves the library!
Jeni Ritari and Krista Billman have done an awesome job with the
task before them. They have quiet time for the students to work on
homework. They also offer a snack. But most importantly they make
a difficult situation workable for the time being.
At present, Salem school is crowded to say the least. Enrollment
numbers may not be as high as we would like (that’s a different arti-
cle), but what we offer for our members and the community require
more room than what we presently have.
Thankfully Salem has a great plan going forward. Building on
Salem’s Legacy of Faith the members of Salem are working to change
this crowded situation. Please consider giving to the Capital Cam-
paign so that these changes can start making a positive impact on
our members’ children and the children of our neighboring commu-
nities.
No Room in the Inn (I Mean School) Part 2
By Merry Leerssen
1st & 2nd Grade Teacher
Salem Lutheran School Mission
Salem Lutheran partners with families, providing Christ– centered education of children while nurturing
lives of honor and service to the Lord.
Passages of Comfort
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Board of Elders
Tom Bursch
Joe Siers
Kim Class
Keven Schmidt
Arvid Green
Lynn Jurrens
Board of Education
Scott Anderson
Chad Vik
Eric Quist
Lee Brandel
Jerome Meyer
Board of Finance
Tony Klein
John Ritari
Doug Beise
Grant McFadden
Chad Berkenes
Board of Trustees
Kerby Desens
Brandon Jochum
Mitchell Anderson
Derek Leider
Steve Gutknecht
Kenny Meyer
Salem Lutheran Church Council
Salem Lutheran Church News Continued
Got Email? Not Getting Salem Emails?
It’s fast and easy to subscribe to receive emails with valuable information on upcoming events, news and other updates from Salem Church & School. You can even use your cell phone to subscribe! Go to Salem’s website www.salemwels.org -click on the resources tab at the top of the home page -click on "email list subscribe" in the drop down -follow the prompt and enter your preferences. (there are only a few fields) Note: If you subscribe to the Salem emails, you can unsubscribe at any time in the future.
CANCELED: 2020 WELS International Youth Rally – “Vision 2020”
It is with a heavy heart that WELS has decided to cancel the 2020 WELS International Youth Rally, scheduled for June 23-26 in Knoxville,
Tenn. We know this opportunity is important for our youth as a way to get and stay connected to God’s Word. However, as it’s unknown
how long and significant the impact of COVID-19 will be along with the financial toll this crisis is taking on families and congregations, it
was decided, in the best interest of our congregations and you, to postpone the event until the next scheduled rally in 2022.
The WELS Commission on Discipleship is exploring options to make resources available online from the key presentations that were
scheduled for the rally for youth groups and members to use. We will do our best to bring the rally to you.
“Seeing Christ Clearly. Serving Christ Boldly” was the theme for the rally. This theme for Christian living is more relevant now than ever.
Through resources, Bible studies, community service ideas, and more we hope to make available this summer, our prayer is that WELS
youth will still be able to receive this important message and use it as motivation and inspiration to share the light of Christ at home and
in their communities.
It is unfortunate that in such unprecedented times we must make these difficult decisions. Praise God that we know he is in control of all
things in heaven and on earth. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called ac-
cording to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
Salem School Spring Book Fair Update The spring Scholastic Book fair originally scheduled for this coming April has been moved to an online fair starting April 1st (no fooling). Watch for details posted on the Salem School Facebook page with a link to the fair!
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New Pilot Email Address
Over the past month, the Pilot has acquired an official email address! For all future article submissions, inquires,
