900 Lake Avenue • P.O. Box 642 Detroit Lakes, MN 56502 218-847-4609 www.detroitlakesucc.org [email protected]@UCCDL CONGO COMMENTS The Congregational Church of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, United Church of Christ REMARKS She’s been big in the news and popular media. I even heard an interview with her on NPR. I’m talking about a woman named Marie Kondo, and her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Her advice is to toss out anything that doesn’t “spark joy” in us. I haven’t read the book. Nor do I intend to do so. I did watch one episode of her show on Netflix. I don’t know much about Ms. Kondo. As a result, my opinion might be completely unfair. I fully acknowledge this. The impression I have as far as what she’s encouraging is that it’s aimed at economically upper-class people who need storage units to hold all their excess stuff. Having grown up in a fairly poor family (to this day my cousin refers to our childhood neighborhood as a German ghetto), I’m pretty confident that what she’s advocating doesn’t speak to families who live below the poverty line. The idea that everyone can tidy up by ridding themselves of things that don’t make their hearts sing is, well, classist. If it doesn’t give you joy, get rid of it, means one thing to a family that’s comfortably able to replace that thing with a newer model, and something else to a family for whom that is not the case. The poor among us would likely be very happy to have what the wealthy among us no longer find joy-giving, but those things are rarely the nicest or best available. The poor among us keep yellowing bedsheets not because they give them joy, but because they otherwise would sleep on a bare mattress. I didn’t know my family was poor when I was growing up. Jesus, however, knew his poverty. He once said to someone who offered to follow him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Human One has nowhere to lay his head. When he died, the only thing Jesus owned of any value was the seamless robe the soldiers gambled for at the foot of the cross. It’s the life of Jesus that challenges me to reassess the things I own – things that sometimes own me – not Ms. Kondo’s message. She might have many valid and valuable points, but it seems to me reevaluating our lifestyle of consumption makes more sense when we consider how much good we could do with the money we spend on things we don’t need. Both Testaments in our Bible call us to identify with the poor, and to do what we can to combat income inequality. Today, there seems to be a war on the poor rather than a war on poverty. We who call ourselves Christians might do well to recall the poverty of the Rabbi we claim to follow. SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS! September, 2019 More happenings on page 5 MEN’S BREAKFAST Saturday, September 7 th , at 8:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn. WOMEN’S BREAKFAST Saturday, September 14 th , at 9:00 a.m. at the Holiday Inn. Grace and Peace, Rev. Mark Hello September: Thanks for the reminder that change can be beautiful.
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900 Lake Avenue • P.O. Box 642
Detroit Lakes, MN 56502 218-847-4609 www.detroitlakesucc.org
CONGO COMMENTS The Congregational Church of Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, United Church of Christ
REMARKS
She’s been big in the news and popular media. I even heard an interview with her on NPR. I’m talking about a woman named Marie Kondo, and her book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up. Her advice is to toss out anything that doesn’t “spark joy” in us. I haven’t read the book. Nor do I intend to do so. I did watch one episode of her show on Netflix. I don’t know much about Ms. Kondo. As a result, my opinion might be completely unfair. I fully acknowledge this.
The impression I have as far as what she’s encouraging is that it’s aimed at economically upper-class people who need storage units to hold all their excess stuff. Having grown up in a fairly poor family (to this day my cousin refers to our childhood neighborhood as a German ghetto), I’m pretty confident that what she’s advocating doesn’t speak to families who live below the poverty line. The idea that everyone can tidy up by ridding themselves of things that don’t make their hearts sing is, well, classist. If it doesn’t give you joy, get rid of it, means one thing to a family that’s comfortably able to replace that thing with a newer model, and something else to a family for whom that is not the case. The poor among us would likely be very happy to have what the wealthy among us no longer find joy-giving, but those things are rarely the nicest or best available. The poor among us keep yellowing bedsheets not because they give them joy, but because they otherwise would sleep on a bare mattress.
I didn’t know my family was poor when I was growing up. Jesus, however, knew his poverty. He once said to someone who offered to follow him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Human One has nowhere to lay his head. When he died, the only thing Jesus owned of any value was the seamless robe the soldiers gambled for at the foot of the cross.
It’s the life of Jesus that challenges me to reassess the things I own – things that sometimes own me – not Ms. Kondo’s message. She might have many valid and valuable points, but it seems to me reevaluating our lifestyle of consumption makes more sense when we consider how much good we could do with the money we spend on things we don’t need. Both Testaments in our Bible call us to identify with the poor, and to do what we can to combat income inequality. Today, there seems to be a war on the poor rather than a war on poverty. We who call ourselves Christians might do well to recall the poverty of the Rabbi we claim to follow.
01 – Julia Held & Judy Dey 08 – Julia Held & Judy Dey 15 – Anita & Ron Row 22 – Anita & Ron Row 29 – Claire & Dick Wilson
SEPTEMBER USHERS
01 – Miriam & Dave Moen 08 – Miriam & Dave Moen 15 – Sherlene Williams & Heather Schmit 22 – Sherlene Williams & Heather Schmit 29 – Judy Dey & Cookie Welder
SEPTEMBER FRIENDSHIP TIME
01 – Nancy Hayle & Mary Ault 08 – Dianne Bailey & Nancy Nereson 15 – Nancy Swedberg & Sally Oja 22 – Niki & Jim Strom Family 29 – Sonja Kolnes Family
SEPTEMBER ALTAR FLOWERS
01 – Sharon & Jim Sinclair 08 – Mary & Walter Kulberg in honor of Mary’s birthday 15 – Open 22 – Open 29 – Jean McDonald in honor of family
COURTESY GROUPS
Leaders for July, August and September
Nancy Hayle and Linda and Richard Hennings
Guidelines for Courtesy Group members
1. Every local church member and family is assigned to a Courtesy Group.
2. Your Group serves Friendship Time three consecutive months of the year and you will be asked to take a turn serving Sunday Friendship Time. Assignments will be sent to you prior to the month you serve.
3. Your Group Leaders may contact you to provide food or service in case of a funeral or special event, if your Group comes up in rotation.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS:
9:00 to 12:00 noon on Mon., Tues., Wed. Call ahead if you need to enter the church at another time.
Renee Holm, Music Director Joy Herbst, Custodian Rev. Mark Kuether, Minister
CHURCH OFFICE: 218-847-4609
David Moen, Moderator Lynn Anderson, Vice Moderator Karen Rosby, Clerk Gini Kleingartner, Financial Administrator
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
10:00 a.m. Worship 11:00 a.m. Friendship Time
BLESSINGS TO YOU
Because we, Robbinsdale United Church of Christ, are covenant partners in the ministry of the
Minnesota Conference, United Church of Christ, each week we pray for one of our partner
congregations as they spread light, plant seeds, follow the spirit, sing hymns and spiritual songs,
serve Christ, and worship God. We, the members of Robbindale United Church of Christ, lift up in
prayer your ministry and members. Blessings and Love on your ministry. T. Michael Rock
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Ron Row, was kind enough to agree to being featured as our
Member Profile in this issue of the Congo Comments. If you
would be willing to be profiled in an upcoming issue, please
contact the church office. Ron writes….
I was born 2-1-1937 in Cando, North Dakota. I grew up with
my parents, an older and a younger sister. My family moved to
Devils Lake before I started the first grade. My father had a
general insurance agency and my mother was a nurse.
I attended my first twelve years of school in the public schools,
participated in football and basketball and was active in the
Presbyterian Church. In the 7th grade I became a member of
the Devils Lake Governors Band, playing an alto saxophone,
and went to Bismark to participate in a concert for the Governor’s inauguration.
I graduated from high school in 1955. Anita was in my same class and we started spending a lot of
time together our junior year.
After high school I attended the community college for one year and then transferred to
Jamestown College. After my sophomore year, 62 years ago, I spent the summer in Fairbanks,
Alaska. I worked for the sewer and water department. As was the plan I returned by August 20th
and Anita and I were married on August 24th, 1957. Together we returned to Jamestown College.
Anita worked at James River National Bank and besides being a full time student I drove a school
bus. I was paid $75 a month for the next two school years. During the summer I worked on a
section crew for the Midland Continental Railroad.
During my senior year, I was contacted by the Presbyterian Church at Westhope, ND. They asked if
I would help them with Sunday services, as they were without a pastor. I agreed and we made a
number of trips in the months to follow. It was a wonderful experience but 428 miles round trip. In
the years to follow, I filled vacant pulpits in Devils Lake, Minnewaukan, Bisbee, Webster and Wing.
While living in Bismarck I was asked by the pastor to help out in some small Presbyterian churches
but I had to decline. My life had become very busy.
I graduated from Jamestown College in May of 1959 with a major in sociology and a minor in
Christian education. We were expecting our first child and I thought it best to find a full time job. I
accepted a position with the Benson County Welfare board in Minnewaukan, ND. I spent
considerable time on the Fort Totten (Spirit Lake) Indian Reservation. Our first son, Jeffrey, was
born in September. We became very involved in this community of 500 people. We attended the
Presbyterian Church and were very active, teaching senior high Sunday School and we worked with
the senior high youth group.
In late August 1960, our family moved all of our belongings to Iowa City, IA. I attended the
University of Iowa for the next two school years. Anita stayed at home to be a full time mother.
The state of North Dakota gave us $200 a month for living expenses and paid my out of state
tuition ($70 a semester). The second year we spent in Des Moines where I worked at the veterans
administration mental hygiene clinic for six months. After returning to Iowa City, I worked part-
CONT…
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University of Iowa for the next two school years. Anita stayed at home to be a full time mother.
The state of North Dakota gave us $200 a month for living expenses and paid my out of state
tuition ($70 a semester). The second year we spent in Des Moines where I worked at the veterans
administration mental hygiene clinic for six months. After returning to Iowa City, I worked part-
time at the University of Iowa psychiatric hospital to earn enough money to get back to North
Dakota. I graduated with a Master of Arts degree in social work in May 1962.
We lived in Devils Lake from 1966 until 1970. It was during that time that our second son, David,
came to join us.
In 1970, I was promoted by the public welfare board of North Dakota to be director of field
operations. This involved overseeing the eight area social centers. In 1972, I decided I wanted a
different experience so I went to work for Lutheran Social Services of North Dakota in Bismarck a
as community services representative. I was involved in “The Friends” volunteer service program,
worked with un-wed parents, and adoption. In 1973, I returned to the state public welfare board
where I worked on some special projects in planning and program evaluation. At the same time I
started working part-time as a psychiatric social worker at St. Alexius Medical Center and
eventually became director of social services.
Anita and I moved to Detroit Lakes and lived on Pickerel Lake. After three months, I started
working for Becker County Social Services and with staff under the direction of Matt Casey. In July
1975, I worked for Lakeland Mental Health until I again retired in February 2000. It was at that
time that Anita and I started going to Green Valley, AZ. We returned to Detroit Lakes in the
summer. I worked one summer at Merit Care and three summers for Lakeland Mental Health.
In 1989, I was involved in giving primary testimony before a house legislative committee which
eventually resulted in clinical social workers being eligible for insurance payments for outpatient
mental health services. I was named social worker of the year in 1989 by the North Dakota chapter
of the National Association of Social Workers. In September 1999, I received a distinguished
service award for 40 years of outstanding and dedicated service in the field of social welfare.
I have been active in the Presbyterian and Congregational Churches. I have taught Sunday School,
served as a youth advisor, sang in the choir, was a deacon, was on a pastoral search committee
and was an elder in the Presbyterian Churches in Minnewaukan, Devils Lake, and Bismarck. For
several years I was an assistant Boy Scout Leader in Minnewaukan and Devils Lake. For seven
summers my wife and I were volunteers for one week for the Theodore Roosevelt Medora
Foundation.
My wife and I have been constant companions and often have camped with family in Yellowstone,
the Tetons, or other National Parks. We often involved children and grandchildren. The years that
we spent on Pickerel Lake and the twenty years we spent in Green Valley, AZ, have always been
special. What has been most special has been the 62 years I have been married to Anita. She has
been the most wonderful person to have ever come into my life. On August 24th, we will have
been married 62 years. Married by a blind Presbyterian minister in a Lutheran Church.
CONTINUED MEMBER OF THE MONTH PROFILE…..
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SEPTEMBER HIGHLIGHTS
September 7 –
Men’s Breakfast 8:00
September 8 –
Homecoming Sunday
September 11 –
Boards 5:30
September 14 –
Women’s Breakfast 9:00
September 18 –
Council 5:30
If you have something you would like to share in the Congo Comments, you can drop it off in the office or email it to [email protected]. Information for October’s issue must be received by Sunday, September 22nd.
THANK YOU
It is with sincere sadness that I announce my resignation as the administrative assistant. An opportunity was presented to me that I couldn’t pass up. As many of you know I also teach at the White Earth Tribal and Community College in Mahnomen, MN. I was asked to take on a few additional classes. With this, I will also be working on a new program for students and community members who need a little extra love. The program is in the process of being developed and I will share more with you as I get more details. I am very excited for this but also very nervous as it is a path I have not crossed before. I was surprised when I looked back, that December would make it three years here! It doesn’t seem that long ago. I have truly enjoyed my time here with all of you. It’s been fun getting to know everyone, sharing stories, prayers, joys, sorrows, and remodels. I’ve heard this said before and I’ll say it again, the members of this congregation are so open, kind, and welcoming. It is because of you that this felt like home. If you are ever in need of a refresher on computers, a few art classes or would just like to learn something new, I encourage you to come check out the college. It is open to anyone. There are free classes during the summer, elder (55+) waivers per semester and other opportunities to participate in a variety of classes and workshops. My last day will be/was August 28th. Thank you all for your time, talents, and friendship. Hopefully, I’ll see you around town. If you’d like to stay in touch my email is [email protected] and I’ll check in on Facebook from time to time as well. Thanks again and God Bless, Carlene Hisgun
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are looking for
volunteers to pick up
and/or take home
members that are unable to
drive themselves to church
or church functions. If you
are able to do so please
contact Lynn Anderson at
218-847-9114. THANK YOU – Jonathan D. Ryan, Executive Director
Dear Friend,
The work RAICES undertakes helps thousands of people immigrating into the United States by
providing low-cost or free legal services. Many of our clients are children, families, and asylum seekers.
Your donation assists in our goal to promote justice for underserved immigrants and refugees.
Your gift of $1,211.55 on 8/13/19 allows us to provide services such as legal consultations, post bonds
for those detained, and help DACA recipients stay in the country. Support from donors like you makes
it possible for RAICES to provide these necessary legal and social services.
Your support directly affects lives. Thank you for enabling RAICES to continue to grow the scope of our
Note that this is a combined review of June and July. The numbers are very good. There are two additions to the summary, both of which are mission funds to be used for special programs. The RAICES proceeds are the result of a
successful “use them again” items donated for a table(s) at Shady Hollow Flea Market hosted by the Social Justice Team. The proceeds are donated to RAICES, a fund to assist the children held captive at the southern border of U.S.
Thank you to the committed and busy team for this need. Second, the Salad Luncheon hosted by the Congregational Life Board members was a very good luncheon and generated notable funds for the Board mission projects. Both were
busy summer events.
A final note: The above summary would suggest that our members and friends have been very dedicated to our needs and we are grateful. Thank you, thank you.
“What Shall We Bring?” STEWARDSHIP, 2019
Marv Enslin, Board for Stewardship
HELP
Feed My Starving Children - Detroit Lakes Area MobilePack
Saturday, September 14 (various shifts available)
DLCCC
Team up with 500 volunteers in the Detroit Lakes area as we pack
101,000 meals for starving kids around the world! Along with packaging
meals, we have a goal to raise $24,261 to cover the cost of those meals.
This is such an awesome opportunity to make huge impact in the lives
of children around the world. To donate or register to volunteer,
visit give.fmsc.org/detroitlakes.
BECKER COUNTY FOOD PANTRY
We collected 67 Toothbrushes, 36 Tooth Paste, 6 Deodorants, 1 Dental Floss during the month of July. We also collected 7 dish soap, 1 laundry detergent, 10 hand soaps, 2 cake mixes, 4 boxes of macaroni in August.
In September, we will collect razors. Please keep this in mind as you are shopping. Thank you for your generosity!
