Pastor Kent Krumwiede Phone #’s Church (507) 426-7540 Cell (507) 380-8284 [email protected]CHURCH E-MAIL [email protected]Church website: Www.fairfaxlutheranparish.com Our Savior’s Lutheran Worship/Sunday School Saturday, 5:00 pm Central Lutheran Worship Sunday 9:00 am The Messenger is a monthly publication of the Fairfax Lutheran Parish Central & Our Savior’s Lutheran Churches, Franklin & Fairfax, MN 2 0 2 0 TAKE PASTOR KENT’S THREE CHALLENGES: The first TEN people who call him (find my number in the newsletter [leaving a voice mail also counts]) with the name of the place he mentions SIX times in his article will have coffee and pie at Smokey Hollow with Pastor Kent. DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME STARTS MARCH 8, 2020 SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR BEFORE GOING TO BED ON MARCH 7TH!
TAKE PASTOR KENT’S THREE CHALLENGES: The first TEN people who call him (find my number in the newsletter [leaving a voice mail also counts]) with the name of the place he mentions SIX times in his article will have coffee and pie at Smokey Hollow with Pastor Kent.
DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME STARTS MARCH 8, 2020 SET YOUR CLOCKS AHEAD ONE HOUR BEFORE GOING TO BED ON MARCH 7TH!
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Pastoral Sharings March 2020
Three Challenges “Jesus…went forth with his disciples over the brook Kidron, where was a garden,
into the which he entered, and his disciples.” John 18:1
Easter is coming up and I was pondering this verse recently. The Last Sup-per has just concluded and Jesus goes to the Garden of Gethsemane for a quiet place to pray. He knew what was about to happen. He knew Judas was at that very moment consummating the plot to betray his Teacher.
Jesus could have stayed in the upper room. He could have hidden some-where. He could have tried to escape. But instead he went straight to Gethsema-ne and not just for a quiet place to pray. He went there because he knew he would be easily found by those who wanted to kill him.
It’s impossible for any of us to even to begin to imagine the weight that was on Jesus’ shoulders. He knew what he must do. And even though he implored God in all earnestness for deliverance from the ordeal of crucifixion, he completely yielded his own personal will to God’s divine plan.
Challenge ONE: Run toward the challenge Jesus going forth to face his destiny with courage, faith and supreme trust in
God reminds me of young David running toward Goliath (I Samuel 17:48). David did not try to avoid the challenge before him. Nor did Jesus.
Interestingly enough, there’s another parallel in John 18:1 between Jesus and David. Just as Jesus went over the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives when his life was threatened. David crossed the same brook when his life and kingdom were threatened by Absalom.
“…the king himself passed over the brook Kidron…But David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives and wept as he went up.” II Samuel 15:23,30
Kidron is from the Hebrew word “qidhrōn” meaning “river” from a root word “qadar:” to be dark, or dressed in mourning attire.”
When we are facing challenges, we too must pass over the brook Kidron to meet them head on. We must move beyond mourning and feeling sorry for our-selves because of the challenges we’re dealing with. We go forward to meet the problem with boldness, trusting God to give us strength and courage, to put the right words in our mouths and love and forgiveness in our hearts.
Challenge TWO: Avoiding problems doesn’t solve them? There have been times in my life when I tried to avoid certain responsibilities
or challenges. Funny thing though, avoiding a problem does not solve it but almost always makes it worse. You think I’d learn! Well, actually over the years I’ve got-ten a little better.
Hey, sometimes it’s just facing the dirty dishes or deadlines, and not avoiding them any longer. But often the things we must confront are much more serious
Maybe our actions have hurt someone and we need to apologize. (Okay, what are you waiting for?)
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Of course, often, God has called us to a task, but we doubt our ability to perform it or we are not willing to obey His directions. Or maybe it’s too hard to do.
Congregations face challenges also. Sometime just facing the challenge head on and dealing with it…or them…is the main challenge.
When you are called to face a challenge, God is demanding of you to step forward and cross the boundary of the Kidron. You must go beyond the dark place of your mourning, self-depreciation, self-pity, guilt, and fear, to face squarely the task God has given you.
CHALLENGE THREE: TAKE A MOMENT TO LISTEN. Is there something that you know God is calling you to do that you are
avoiding? Don’t be afraid. He loves you and has seen the good that is in your heart and knows you are able to do all He asks of you.
It’s not that God won’t give you more than you can handle. But think about it. When you have had challenges earlier in life, faced them head on, wrestled with them, and, by the grace of God, succeeded, you were stronger and more re-silient. You grew!
Take a moment to think about the things God might be calling you and I and us to do. Big or small, it doesn’t matter. You might find it’s helpful to write this stuff down in a journal or on a piece of paper. It helps us see it and get a grip on it.
After you’ve written it down, write the sentence, “How do You want me to do this, God?” or “Show me what to do first, God.”
Then be quiet and listen. And write down [maybe even doodle] whatever comes to you. Then do what God shows and/or tells you. He will give the cour-age and the strength…and the growth to go with it.
God bless you and I and US!
Pastor Kent
Mondays @ Church Bible Study [MAC] We are studying the Gospel text around the Gospel
reading for the following Sunday
MINISTRY OPPORTUNITIES?! What are some things we can do to be about the good works we are called to do for the sake of God’s world?
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WORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Worship Schedule for March-April 2020
March 2020 April 2020 Our Savior’s LC, Saturdays, 5 PM Central LC, Saturdays, 5 PM Central LC, Sundays, 9 AM Fairfax UMC, Sundays, 9 AM Fairfax UMC, Sundays, 10:30 PM Our Savior’s LC, Sundays, 10:30 AM
Note the Lenten & Holy Week Schedule listed elsewhere in the newsletter.
* Central Council members have offered to give rides to worship at Central if the weather conditions make you uncomfortable driving alone at night in the winter.
ONE LAST SONG Lent has begun. I am looking at a theme for Lent under the title of “Planning for the Inevitable.” On the first three Wednesday evenings of Lent, we will hear from two hospice
nurses, a funeral pre-arrangement director and a synod financial planner. Week four will pull everything together.
Week five is where I need your help: If you were to have the opportunity to sing one last song/hymn before death,
what would it be? There will be a collection box in the entry with recipe cards for you to submit your song/hymn. On Week five, our gathering will be a hymn sing using these songs/hymns that you submit. Thank you in advance.
Lenten Schedule Ash Wednesday, February 26 th, OSLC Lenten 1 March 4th OSLC Lenten 2 March 11 th FUMC Lenten 3 March 18 th CLC Lenten 4 March 25 th OSLC Lenten 5 April 1st FUMC Seder Meal April 8 th OSLC Fellowship Hall This is a free, family event, but RSVP’s are needed by April 1st in order to plan the meal. The Triduum: Maundy Thursday, April 9, FUMC Good Friday, April 10, CLC Vigil Saturday, April 11 OSLC Fellowship Hall Easter Sunday is April 12th 7 AM FUMC at Peichel Hill – Sunrise Celebration 9 AM OSLC Enhanced Worship 10:30 AM CLC – Traditional Worship
The Make-Easter-Fuller Challenge
Attend all the Lenten & Easter events!
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Our Savior’s Lutheran Church Council Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2020
Members present: Ryan Lee, Iris Runck and Tom Runck President Ryan Lee called the meeting to order. With only 3 members present, no formal meeting was held. Old Business Equipping Congregations day will be on February 29, 2020 in Willmar. Open positions - following the annual meeting we still have open positions on the council
for these positions: Deacon, Trustee, Vice President, Parish Education Committee and Stewardship Committee. We do have some possible volunteers for Trustee and Vice Pres-ident. We will continue to post in the Sunday bulletins and newsletter to fill the open posi-tions. We are also in need of more head ushers.
Microphone System – Ryan Lee spoke with Rhapsody Music in Mankato. The final bid
for new equipment and labor to install it will be $ 3,050.00. Ryan will notify Rhapsody Music to proceed with the bid and have it installed. Memorial monies have been approved to pay for the equipment and labor to install it.
The updated Constitution for Our Saviors was approved at the annual meeting. Ryan will
check with Secretary, Carol Johnson, to see if there is any more follow up needed with the Synod regarding the Constitution.
New Business Pastor’s Installation date – no information available at this time Lenten Service Dates Ash Wednesday – February 26th at Our Saviors, Community Meal preceding service. March 4th – Our Saviors – Coffee and bars will be served following services. April 1st – Our Saviors – Coffee and bars will be served following services. Line of Credit – We will continue to keep the line of credit open at First National Bank. Upcoming Schedule Joint Council Meeting will be held on March 16, 2020 at 7:00 pm, at Central Lutheran. Next Council Meeting for Our Saviors will be held on March 9th at 7:00 pm. Minutes Submitted, Iris Runck
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Central Lutheran Church Council Meeting February 16, 2020 Minutes
Members present: Angela Evenson, Jamie Case, Carol Case, Dave Distad, Paul Bengston, Rick Nesburg, Pat Hanson, Pastor Kent Members absent: Larry Hanson, Russel Danielson, Meeting was called to order by Angela Hanson Secretary’s Report – Report reviewed Treasurer’s Report – Report reviewed. Pastor’s Report – Pastor gave his report. OLD BUSINESS: Delegates for SWMN Synod Assembly: Assembly is being held in June at Gustavus; no
one has volunteered. Will have Carol put this in the bulletin and newsletter that the council is looking for 2 volunteers to attend the Assembly.
Equipping Congregation Day: Dave Distad is interested in attending and will let Carol know.
Methodist Church: Contact the Methodist Church to get more information on the food shelf and clothing closet.
Parsonage Rent: Council is wonder ing if there is an Agreement in place between Central Lutheran Church and United Methodist Church for parsonage rent. Will check with Carol if there is such an agreement.
NEW BUSINESS: Heat & Sidewalk: Dave will take care of heat and sidewalks from February 24 thru March 1;
Angela will take March 2 thru 22, 2020. Calling Tree: There a few numbers on the Calling Tree that did not work when last
used. Will contact Carol to send out a request for members to update their phone numbers, and also put this request in the bulletin and newsletter.
Church Phone Message: contact Carol if it can be added to the phone message about worship dates and times.
Altar Committee: Since Central no longer has an Altar Committee the deacons will need to setup for communion. Will review this after a few months.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Joint Council Meeting – March 23, 2020,7:00 pm @ Central
Next meeting will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2020 following worship and Potluck dinner. There being no further business, Paul Bengston made a motion to adjourn; seconded by Carol Case. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer Submitted by Jamie Case
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Our Savior’s will once again be collecting soaps and paper products during the month of March for the Renville County Food Shelf. The Food Shelf gets laundry soap, dish soap, and bar soap from Second Harvest, so they would prefer we give more personal items such as body wash, shampoo, toothpaste, Kleenex, paper towels, etc. Money is also appreciated. During the month of March a portion of your donation is matched by MN Food Share. The Soap Drive will start March 1st and end on March 29th.
FRIENDS AND FAMILY COMMUNITY MEAL March 25, 2020. 5:00—6:30 pm
Fairfax United Methodist Church will be preparing and serving this month’s Community Meal. Joint Lenten Worship at 7:00 pm at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church following the meal.
Our Savior’s is looking for anyone interested in coordinating Meals and Wheels. Our Savior’s delivers meals every February, June and October. If you are interested, please contact Pastor Kent or the church office.
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2nd Macy Lee 5th Darla Albrecht 6th Corey Albrecht 7th JoDell Lund Kathy Schmitz 8th Steve Elmer Lisa Knoll 9th Burton Case Nancy Olson 10th Anthony Valdez 12th Duane Nesburg 14th Nicolas Meyer 15th Tanner Kokesch 16th Kris Guggisberg 17th Mason Bleick 18th Bryce Olson 20th Claire Albrecht 21st Shannon Murphy 23rd Sara Steinbach 26th Justin Grams Tony Weikle 27th Ryan Albrecht Ayden Weber 28th Doug Pomplun 31st Mike Kemkes Dennis Valdez Madison Valdez Brooklyn Geisler
11th Ryan & Kim Lee 19th Robert & Faye Lee 23rd Ellsworth & Pat Sather 24th Don & Luci Lee
Let us remember the following in our prayers:
Dan Berntson, Dianne Burmeister, Corinne Danielson, Alpha Evenson, Mark Isaacson, Phyllis Iverson, Kevin and Deb Johnson, Cindy LaFrambroise, Don Lee, Dwayne Lee, Geneva Loverude, Duane & Gwen Nesburg, Earl Peterson, Ellsworth Sather, Mike Palmer and family, Maria Cuff, Henry Albers; David Worth.
Lord hold them in Your loving hands.
Central’s Calling Tree: There are several phone numbers listed on the current calling tree that are no longer in service. If you have changed your phone number, or you no longer have a land line, please contact the church office, or one of the council members with your new contact information. If you provide a cell phone number, you will receive a text message if church is cancelled and will not need to contact anyone on the calling tree.
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Our Savior’s Council President: Ryan Lee Secretary: Iris Runck Treasurer: Harlan Helgren Deacons: Val Rieke Ruth Benedict Trustees: Tom Runck Chris Lee
Central’s Council President: Angela Evenson Vice President Pat Hanson Secretary: Jaime Case Treasurer: Larry Hanson Deacons: Carol Case Dave Distad Janet Hagen Trustees: Rick Nesburg Russ Danielson Paul Bengston
OUR SAVIOR’S IS LOOKING TO FILL VACANT COUNCIL SEATS:
VICE PRESIDENT DEACON TRUSTEE
THERE ARE ALSO VACANCIES TO FILL ON THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, WORSHIP COMMITTEE AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE. PLEASE CONTACT RYAN LEE OR PASTOR KENT IF YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED IN FILLING ONE OF THESE POSITIONS.
Central is also looking for two volunteers to attend the SWMN Synod Assembly. The Assembly will be meeting June 12 and 13, at Gustavus Adolphus. If you are interested in attending and representing Central Lutheran Church at the Assembly, please let Pastor Kent or one of the council members know.
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Central
Communion Servers: March: Dave Distad April: Janet Hagen Ushers: March: Rick Nesburg* Carl Buboltz Dale Hanson April: Larry Hanson* Scot Pioske Will Pioske (* denotes Head Usher) Flower Committee: March: Lisa Lee April: Becky Olson
CENTRAL FINANCIAL
At the Annual Meeting of Central Lu-theran Church, a budget of $52,104.00 was approved. With this budget a weekly offering of $1,002.00 is needed to meet this budget.
At the end of February 2020, we are running approximately $2,870 behind in meeting this budget.
Our Savior’s
Communion Servers: February 29: Val Rieke March 14: Ruth Benedict April 5: Val Rieke April 12: Ruth Benedict & Val Rieke (Easter Sunday)
Ushers: March: ____________* Jodie Coleman & Gage Coleman Gary & Marcia Lee Alternate: Nancy Blumhoefer Offering Counter: _____________ April: Lois Gilles* Paul Schroedl Family Deb Nelson Alternate: Val Rieke Offering Counter: _____________ (* denotes Head Usher) Please note the Head Usher will now be assisting in counting the offering fol-lowing worship. If you are unable to serve, please ask someone to fill in for you.
Our Savior’s Financials
At the Annual Meeting of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, a budget of $76,542.00 was approved. With this budget a weekly offering of $1,472.00 is needed to meet this budget.
At the end of February 2020, we are running approximately $5,613 behind in meeting this budget, and we have had to borrow from the Savings Ac-count to pay bills in February.
