PASTORS CORNER In Luke 16:10-11, Jesus says: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?” It is important that we be good stewards of our material resources. I believe that God wants us to be systematic and orderly about how we handle our finances. 1 Corinthians 14:33a says: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace….” Do you want peace in your finances? Would you like some wise counsel on how to financially prepare for the future? A wonderful resource is coming to United Covenant Church. A friend of our congregation, Steve Allison, is going to be with us on Sunday, March 11. Steve is a financial consultant from the Covenant Trust Company. Covenant Trust is a financial institution committed to helping people order their finances and prepare for the future. Steve is an expert on investment management; trust services, IRA’s and retirement investing as well as estate planning. Steve will be sharing with us that Sunday and will be available afterward to meet with anyone who would like some free financial advice. There will be a sign-up sheet in the church foyer if you would like to meet with Steve when he is here on March 11 th . I must admit that I am not someone who has a natural interest in finances or preparing for retirement. Leah and I have met with Steve and he has been a real help and blessing to us in this area of our lives. I highly recommend taking advantage of this free and helpful resource. You can check out the Covenant Trust website at covenanttrust.com . May God help us to be good stewards of all that he has given to us. Pastor Dan CREW HELP SEND OUR YOUTH TO CHIC 2018 THROUGH SCHWAN’S! This July, United Covenant Church youth will attend CHIC at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. We are projecting that about 20 students and four adult leaders will attend, and the expected total funds needed is $21,000 to $22,000. You can help us earn the money needed for this trip through your usual Schwan’s purchases and the super-easy Schwan’s Cares fundraiser! For the first 45 days of our campaign, beginning Sunday, March 11, our youth will earn 20 percent from all orders placed. For the next 90 days, until July 22, they will earn 5 percent from orders Covenant Highlights Volume 39, Issue 2 March 2018
Transcript
PASTORS CORNERIn Luke 16:10-11, Jesus says: “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?”
It is important that we be good stewards of our material resources. I believe that God wants us to be systematic and orderly about how we handle our finances. 1 Corinthians 14:33a says: “For God is not a God of disorder but of peace….”Do you want peace in your finances? Would you like some wise counsel on how to financially prepare for the future? A wonderful resource is coming to United Covenant Church. A friend of our congregation, Steve Allison, is going to be with us on Sunday, March 11.
Steve is a financial consultant from the Covenant Trust Company. Covenant Trust is a financial institution committed to helping people order their finances and prepare for the future. Steve is an expert on investment management; trust services, IRA’s and retirement investing as well as estate planning. Steve will be sharing with us that Sunday and will be available afterward to meet with anyone who would like some free financial advice. There will be a sign-up sheet in the church foyer if you would like to meet with Steve when he is here on March 11th.
I must admit that I am not someone who has a natural interest in finances or preparing for retirement. Leah and I have met with Steve and he has been a real help and blessing to us in this area of our lives. I highly recommend taking advantage of this free and helpful resource. You can check out the Covenant Trust website at covenanttrust.com .
May God help us to be good stewards of all that he has given to us.
Pastor Dan
CREW HELP SEND OUR YOUTH TO CHIC 2018
THROUGH SCHWAN’S!This July, United Covenant Church youth will attend CHIC at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. We are projecting that about 20 students and four adult leaders will attend, and the expected total funds needed is $21,000 to $22,000.You can help us earn the money needed for this trip through your usual Schwan’s purchases and the super-easy Schwan’s Cares fundraiser!For the first 45 days of our campaign, beginning Sunday, March 11, our youth will earn 20 percent from all orders placed. For the next 90 days, until July 22, they will earn 5 percent from orders placed. The purchase of eCertificates is encouraged as we earn 40 percent off those – or $10 per eCertificate sold. Only one eCertificate is allowed per e-mail address, so if you have more than one e-mail address, it is beneficial to purchase more than one eCertificate.The Schwan’s delivery people do all the work – you simply place an order by phone or online at www.schwans.com and the Schwan’s delivery people do the rest, delivering the product to your door, like they normally would. There is no extra cost to you to support this fundraiser. There are three ways to place a fundraising order:•Via Schwan’s Cares at www.schwanscares.com. Find the campaign or fundraiser and choose “Buy Now” to purchase an eCertificate (online only; limit 1 per customer, per campaign) OR choose “Shop Now” to place a food order from Schwan’s. You can support at the campaign level or at an individual fundraiser level.•By phone. Place your order via toll-free number, 1-855-870-7208. Provide your Campaign ID when ordering by phone.
•Via www.schwans.com. During checkout, simply type in your Campaign ID to contribute to this fundraiser.Our campaign name is “United Covenant Church Youth to CHIC 2018” and our Campaign ID number is 36973. You can
Covenant Highlights Volume 39, Issue 2 March 2018
view the campaign at www.schwans-cares.com/campaigns/36973-united-covenant-church-youth-to-chic-2018.
If you have any questions about this fundraiser campaign, contact Heidi Clausen at (715) 268-7454 or [email protected]. Thank you for your support of our youth!
THANK YOUThank you for all your prayers, cards and gifts. When you are at the brink of death and God has raised you up all praise to Him and for your prayers are endless.
In Christ-Ruth Sneen
PRAYERSweet Hour of Prayer
Tuesdays 8:00 a.m. in the UCC LibraryAnyone is welcome to come. Please write your prayers, with or without your name, on the prayer cards provided in the pews. Place them in the golden bowl located in the foyer. They will be kept confidential asking the Lord to give you
encouragement, growth in your faith and abound in thanksgiving with praise.
LEADERSHIP TEAM REPORT United Covenant Church
Annual MeetingJanuary 21st, 2018
The meeting began at 12:02 p.m. with Lucas Carlson leading the singing of “Good, Good Father.” Chairman Joel Markuson called the meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. Matt Thayer read scripture from Romans 12 and talked about the goal of having “everyone in the Word every day.” Jim Mohrland led us in prayer.
The 2017 annual meeting minutes were reviewed. Pam Van Heuklom made a motion to accept the minutes, and it was seconded. The minutes were approved. The financial reports were reviewed. Gina Arntz made a motion to accept the reports, Pam Van Heuklom seconded the motion, and it passed. Art Moore talked about the UCC Foundation. The church must approve the 2018 board of directors. Alvin Paulson made a motion to do so; it was seconded and approved.
Gina Arntz gave a youth update in Zach Klein’s absence. Over $1,300 was raised from the recent spaghetti dinner for CHIC. Other CHIC fundraisers will be Adopt-A-CHIC student, a silent auction, Easter breakfast, Wednesday meals and others. Wednesday evening gatherings are going well and have a “Fruit of the Spirit” theme. Activities include games, large group and small group. Susie Thayer and Gretchen Wallberg will help promote Lake Beauty Bible Camp. Feb. 11 is Camp Sunday, giving people a little more time this year to register. There will be a lasagna meal. Gina Arntz shared a thank you to the church family from Little Lambs and expressed thanks to Pastor Dan and Phyllis Luhman for coming in to sing songs and read to the children.
Pastor Dan talked about Revive, offered one Saturday a month, usually at 6:30 p.m. The idea is to spend a little more time in worship and song. Attendance has been low, but it can take a while to get it going, so we will continue. We hope to attract some younger people through these services and may try some other things in the summer months, possibly outdoor activities. Eventually, we hope to offer Revive more than once a month, and it could become another service time.
Joel Markuson thanked Cindy Mohrland for all her work with missions. We’re still seeking someone to head up missions for our church. This person would serve as a connection between us and the missionaries we support (Howes, Littles, Ekstrands, Moores, Galen Johnson, Congo Kids, Samaritan’s Purse, etc.).
Alvin Paulson reported on Friendship Builders. This is one of the church’s older organizations and began at West Clayton years ago as a couple’s club and way to support missions. They would love to see new participants.
Joel Markuson said the Eau Claire church plant is doing well and we have completed our three-year commitment to support it, so we will use that money differently this year. These funds could be directed toward a mission. Suggestions are welcome.
Casey Keller talked about the church’s new mission statement adopted last fall -- “Helping Each Other Make the Next Step in Christ.” This is focused on evangelism, discipleship and missions. He shared some Bible verses about transformation and renewal from Colossians 3 and II Corinthians 4. Think about what’s your next step. Motion to accept reports: Jan Anderson made a motion to accept all reports. It was seconded by Jim Mohrland and passed.
Jim Mohrland and Lucas Carlson are going off the Leadership Team this year. Scott Carnine and Mike Pickard are willing to replace them. Jim Mohrland has agreed to serve on the nominating committee. Keith Anderson made a motion to take accept these nominations for both the Leadership Team and nominating committee. It was seconded by Cindy Mohrland and passed by a unanimous voice vote. Thank you, Jim and Lucas, for your contributions to the Leadership Team.
Regarding the 2018 budget, we have three areas of Designated Funds: Youth/Christian Education, Deacon/Benevolence and Facilities. If someone gives and does specify one of these areas, it will go into the General Fund. We will continue to keep those records for specific areas, but the actual funds will go to the General Fund to simplify the process and reduce money moving. Alvin Paulson put in a request for larger print so this can be read more easily. Elaine Erickson made a motion to accept the budget, with a second by Casey Keller, with the change made in the mission ($2,400 that was going to Eau Claire church plant). The motion passed unanimously.
Delegates are needed for the Northwest Conference and Evangelical Covenant annual meetings, as well as LBBC meeting. Pastor talked about some of the things happening within the overall denomination lately, including the departure of the president of North Park over actions regarding the approval of gay marriage. There is a small group within the Covenant pushing for that. However, the Northwest Conference remains steadfast. Be in prayer for the denomination. The denomination is going in a good direction, he said, but a small faction wants to sidetrack things.
Keith Anderson reported on the parking/ticket sales effort at this year’s Polk County Fair. We are committed to doing both again this year. The fair board has secured a driveway permit for the north end of the fairground, which will be an exit. This will ease traffic flow and lower our labor force. We need commitments from people to help.Susie Thayer and Karna Markuson will be church auditors for the upcoming year.
Scott Carnine suggested the church direct mission funds to messianic ministry for the Jewish people, perhaps through Mike Evans. A Christian museum has opened, along with apartments for Holocaust survivors. There are blessings in
doing this, he said. There is prosperity that comes with blessing the Jewish people. There are other suggestions and the Leadership Team will consider them, then present soon for approval of the church.
Pastor’s Report: Pastor asked members to be in prayer about missions and suggested the church consider going on a mission trip. We are looking for suggestions. He thanked Joel Markuson for his service as chairman, as he is stepping down this year but remain on the Leadership Team one more year. We will miss Jim and Lucas and are excited to have Scott Carnine and Mike Pickard come on board. As a church, we need a larger mission, he said. Past successes include the food pantry, Ridgeview and Little Lambs. This church has vision, and it’s time for the next thing. May the Lord impart that to us. Last year, Pastor went to Cleansing Stream in the Twin Cities, a ministry that helps people Biblically understand the Father. We have the opportunity to host a Cleaning Stream here. It would be a six-week course/study held evenings and ending with a one-day Saturday retreat. We need to gauge the interest here. He hopes to include the other area churches. This likely would start in March. Pam Van Heuklom said our church is blessed to have Pastor and Leah. Thank you. Pastor expressed his hopes that this will be a year of getting more traction and building momentum. He closed in prayer. Sue Spurrell made a motion to adjourn at 1 p.m. It was seconded by Alvin Paulson, and the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,Heidi Clausen, Secretary
United Covenant ChurchLeadership Team meeting
February 13th, 2018
Present: Joel Markuson, Matt Thayer, Scott Carnine, Pastor Dan, Mike Pickard, Jan Anderson, Heidi Clausen and Jen Tanner. Absent: Casey Keller.
We begin about 6:15 p.m. with reviewing pastor evaluations and reviewed a summary of these with Pastor when he arrived at 6:40 p.m. Pastor shared copies of the book “Lasting Impact” and suggested we read one chapter a month. Goals include more communication, a mission trip maybe every other year and opportunities for healing. Pastor also expressed a need for a more organized method of offering prayer for people, such as formation of a prayer ministry team or teams. Prayer training could be made available. We need more organization with greeting people before and after services. Hospitality is important. We also talked about the desire for more intergenerational mingling and possible mentoring of youth by adults.
The coffee bar is being worked on. There will be temporary set-up soon, with a more finalized set-up later. The lighting consultant is coming tomorrow morning for analysis and will put together proposals for the Leadership Team to review.
Financial reports were reviewed. We need to ensure that designated funds are specified. Matt made motion to accept
the reports. Jan seconded it, and the motion passed. Consent agenda/review was completed. Mike nominated Matt to be chairman and Casey to serve as vice chairman. Matt will step off the diaconate board, and Scott will come on in his place with Margaret Peterson. Erin Carlson will be approached about serving in Congregational Care.
Burt Beebe has mentioned the need for a microphone upgrade. It would cost about $2,000 for five microphones. We probably would hold off on the new subwoofer also mentioned. Matt made a motion to get the microphones, with money coming from the Building and Equip. Maintenance fund. Mike and/or Casey will serve as Communications Officer. Jen mentioned the need to replace some pew Bibles. We would go with the NLT version; the current Bibles are obsolete. This would be a good purpose for memorial funds from funerals, and labels could be put inside Bibles to indicate memorials.
We talked about Polk County Fair signage indicating that the church does parking/tickets. The fair board wants to see a mock-up of the signage before approving it. The sign would incorporate our church emblem. The fair board will discuss parking/tickets at their meeting Feb. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Clayton Town Hall. As follow-up to our recent emergency training, it was brought up that the Foundation may be able to invest in more secure entries as it runs the daycare and has funds available. A fire extinguisher will be put in the sound booth, and we need to improve first aid availability.
Mike made a motion that we start our meetings at 6:30 and end by 8 p.m. Joel seconded the motion, and it passed. We talked about where to direct the funds that had been going to the Eau Claire church plant. We postponed that decision as we want to have a stronger feeling about it and keep sharing ideas among the team. Missionaries Tim and Wendy Moore will be taking a furlough. We closed in prayer about 8 p.m.
March 25th: Palm SundayMarch 29th: Maundy Thursday Service @ 6:30 p.m.
Supper is at 6:00 p.m. March 30th: Good Friday Service 7:00 p.m. @ UCCApril 1st: Easter Sunday Service @ 10:00 a.m.
Easter Brunch @ 8:30 a.m. LAKE BEAUTY BIBLE CAMP
Early Bird Discount Deadline for all Youth and Family Camps…April 9th. Go to www.lbbc.com to register your child(ren).
UCC Youth scholarship information: “According to our policy, each student is eligible to receive a church sponsored scholarship for one (1) Camp sponsored event and one (1) Conference sponsored event each year. For each event that the scholarship is used for, guardians are responsible to pay a $75 non-refundable deposit.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY….
1st: Delany Vold 7th: Dave Clausen9th: Ila Mae Newville 10th: Grace Grahovac12th: Leah Pearson13th: Jane Solberg, Joel Markuson, Hendrick Carlson19th: Abigail Markuson, Pete Cogbill, Alicia Peterson21st: Carter Carlson22nd: Peggy Hagstrom 23rd: Michael Elmer25th: Samantha Anderson
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY…12th: Dan & Gretchen Wallberg28th: Bill & Katie Elmer
March 2018-10:00 a.m. Worship ScheduleMusic Team: Service Leader: 4th: 1 4th: Derrick Meyer11th: 2 11th: Cary Eastvold18th: 3 18th: Casey Keller25th: Youth 25th: Jim Mohrland
Reader: 4th: Lynn Schone 11th: Mike Pickard18th: Tami Linden 25th: Sue Spurrell
Greeters/Ushers: Larry Benson/Jack Tanner 1st: Cary/Bonnie Eastvold 8th: Jason/Jenny Tanner15th: Doug/Norma Otto22nd: Matt/Susie Thayer29th: Jan/Keith Anderson
ATTENTION!!!If you would like to be a greeter, reader, or help in the nursery, please contact Gina at the church. Call 715-263-2665, or email [email protected]. Thank you!
Forward In HopeNorthwest Conference Annual MeetingFriday, April 27th – Saturday, April 28th
Buffalo Covenant ChurchBuffalo, Minnesota
We can send up to 3 delegates from our church. If you are interested talk with Pastor Dan.
March 11th
If you are interested in attending tal with Lynn Pickard ASAPI
