St. John Lutheran Church
The HERALD Volume 113, Issue 1
“Growing Community in Christ”
Lent 2013 ASH WEDNESDAY: February 13 Worship: 7:00 pm Lenten supper from 5:30-6:45 pm
On Ash Wednesday, we will focus on the role of ashes. On that day, we hear the words, “you are dust and to dust you shall return.” In today’s culture, the media loves to lift up stories of celebrities who have ‘crashed’ but were able to rise up from the ruins. There is something about the human condition that brings great change through crisis and for many of us, new birth comes out of the ashes. Join us on Ash Wednesday with mass choirs and violinist, Jane Capistran. Remember to wear black as we reflect together on ashes.
Lenten Worship at 7:00 pm
Lenten suppers from 5:30-6:45 pm on Wednesdays
February 2013
St. John Annual Meeting Sunday, January 27 at 12:30 pm
With a luncheon served at 12:00 noon. (free-will offering) All confirmed members are encouraged to attend!
New Member Gatherings If you are interested in becoming a member of St. John, join us at 10 am on the Sundays of February 24, March 3 & 10 New Members will be received into the congregation on Sunday, March 17 during the 11 am service. For more information, contact the church office at 232-8521.
Bible Study in the Library Beginning Friday, February 1, at noon, Pastor Leslie will offer a weekly
February 20: Hammer February 27: Chisel March 6: Measuring Tape March 13: Paint Brush March 20: Biscuit Joiner From the Pastor: This Lent, I am excited to offer another sermon series on faith. This year’s theme is the “Tool Bag.” All of us know that we need tools to thrive in life. We need certain tools to have good relationships, we need tools to reach out to our neighbors in faith and we need tools to build and to take down. One of my hobbies is woodworking, and with this hobby comes the need for tools. Tools can help us perform a task with ease and tools can help us bring out the beauty that is within. I am also, always interested to see what tools archeologist have discovered in our early beginnings. Tools are essential to human beings, so join me this Lent as we talk about tools and how we use them in our everyday lives. Pastor Nathan Keith
Bible study over the lunch hour. You are welcome to bring your own brown-bag lunch; Bibles will be provided. No previous experience in Bible study required, just come with a desire to learn about what God might be up to in your life, the life of the church, our community and world as revealed to us today in Holy Scripture.
St. John Christian Preschool Open House & Registration for 2013-2014
Monday, February 18 5:30-7:00 pm Questions, call/e-mail Jana, Preschool Director, 261-9920; preschool@stjohnfargo.com. Now taking registrations for Fall ‘13 for all preschool families and St. John members. Registration open to the public beginning Friday, February 15. Come on down and see our preschool!
MUSIC NOTES!
Questions: call or text 388-4200 (Dawn) or email: dawn@stjohnfargo.com or ldpapenfuss@gmail.com
Reminder for Ash Wednesday: WEAR BLACK! Particularly if you are singing in the choir! Choir Schedule: Feb. 3: 8:45 & 11:00 Dan Mahraun & Handbells Feb. 10: Worship Band Wed. Feb. 13: ASH WEDNESDAY-St. John Choir & mass choir for “First Song of Isaiah”. Anyone who has ever sung this is welcome to come up. Please wear black! Feb. 17: 8:45 Open; 11:00 St. John Choir Feb. 24: 8:45 Children’s Choir/offering, SS/end of service 11:00 beginning of service/SS kids; St. John Choir March 3: 8:45 Gospel Group (possibly also at 11:00) Children’s Handbells may play for the Lenten service on Wed., Feb. 20 The Children’s musical is in progress! 22 kids are working on “Nic at Night”, a musical about a follower of Jesus that many of us know very little about. Performance: April 7, the Sunday after Easter.
St. John ‘World Hunger Emphasis’ drawing to a close!
Sunday, January 27 is the designated day for the financial ingathering for our World Hunger emphasis. Please make checks payable to “St. John Lutheran Church” and on the memo line “ELCA World Hunger”. If it is not convenient for you to give by Jan. 27, please contribute as you are able. The same is true for the “God’s Global Barnyard” coin boxes distributed to the children. A $6,650 “challenge gift” to the rest of the congregation has been put up by some of our families. Help us meet this challenge in these remaining days of our world hunger emphasis. Our thanks to everyone who has already or who will be a part of this mission outreach. World Hunger Sub-Committee
During the Sundays in Lent, Pastor Leslie will be preaching on the Psalms.
Some of these Psalms might be familiar to you. For instance from Psalm 91, you will hear the refrain: God is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. Sound familiar? We sing “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God”, ELW 503-505, with text/tune written by Martin Luther and inspired by Psalm 91. And from Psalm 27, The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom then shall I fear? or Psalm 126, used as Psalm of rejoicing, (and for those of you who might remember the old hymn, “Bringing in the Sheaves” this Psalm will have special meaning for you). Or if you wonder how some of the more contemporary hymns use the Psalms, why not turn back to Psalm 91 for the hymn, “On Eagle’s Wings”, which is #787 in the ELW.
PARISH HEALTH MINISTRY!
Healthy Feet Are "Happy Feet"! Our Foot Care Clinic provides foot care performed by volunteers and trained health personnel. It is helpful to those with foot health issues. It's also a time of fellowship. Next clinics: Tue., Feb. 19. Call Cathy Chatelain at 261-2707 or 293-6772 to schedule an appointment. Cost is $16 paid to Sanford Home Health Care-Fargo. Donations appreciated and go to support this ministry. For the “Young at Heart”: Feb. 8, 11:00 am “It’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Abraham Lincoln Join us for Christian fellowship. We are changing our meeting date to the second Friday of the month. Our next meeting will be Feb. 8 at 11 am in the parlor. It will be a potluck, so bring your favorite dish. Pastor Leslie will be joining us. Program to be announced. Contact Marlene Ames, 235-0241, Cathy Chatelain, 261-2707, or Gini Duval, 306-3454, if you have questions. All are welcome. ADULT FORUMS in February & March! Sundays at 10 am in room B-11.All are welcome! February 3: Guest Jeremy McIntyre will speak about his life and faith formation as he has lived with Apert Syndrome, a genetic disease in which the seams between the skull bones close too soon in a baby’s development. Jeremy offers a wonderful, positive example of how his family, friends, physicians and God have brought deep meaning to his life during times of fear, struggle and daily living. February 17: Join Dave and Gini Duval and others as they present information about the wonderful ministry opportunities of Stephen Ministry as we prepare for this new opportunity for deepened, intentional peer ministry in our congregation. March 3: ELCA pastor, Rev. Holly Johnson, will present on the Project F-M (making space for 20/30-somethings to love God and neighbor by cultivating an open-minded, curious faith.) It is a shared ministry of the Eastern North Dakota Synod and the Northwest Minnesota Synod as well as the ELCA. For more info: www.theprojectfm.org March 17: Join Pastor Leslie for a study of the Psalms used during Lent. Psalms include: 27, 63, 82, 91 and 126. There are, of course, many ways to use the Psalms. Some find singing them, praying them or just reading them a wonderful way to explore the gift of faith. As Martin Luther said: “The Psalms might well be called a little Bible. In it is comprehended most beautifully and briefly everything that is in the entire Bible. It is really a fine enchiridion (or hand book). I have a notion the Holy Spirit wanted to take the trouble himself to compile a short Bible and book of examples of all Christendom or all saints, so that anyone who could not read the whole Bible would here have anyway almost an entire summary of it, comprised in one little book.” (Luther’s Works 35:254). The Psalms that will be used during Lent are: 27, 63, 82, 91 and 126.
Youth and Family Ministry Jessica Miller, Director of Youth and Family Ministry 701.232.8521, ext. 107
jmiller@stjohnfargo.com
3-6TH GRADE WINTER RETREAT, Feb. 8-10 at Luther Crest Bible Camp. Registrations are due Jan. 30. Contact Julie Kloster for more information: 701-388-6130. SNOWFLAKE DINNER will be held February 10, with your last chance to buy tickets on February 3! See our ticket booth in the narthex between services and enjoy a fantastic evening of delicious food and fellowship, while supporting our youth ministry. Youth and Parent help needed to sell tickets, set up and serve the meal. Sign up on the youth board, or contact Tracy Aaker for more info: 701-200-5316. LENTEN MEALS, The St. John youth will serve the Lenten meals on Feb. 13 & Feb. 27. Please sign up on the youth board to bring a salad or dessert and to help serve one of these meals. THE ANNUAL ST. JOHN TALENT SHOW & AUCTION IS COMING SOON: MARCH 10! Talents and acts of all sorts are welcome! If you’d like to sign up for the talent show, contact Marcia Stubstad at 388-6625. New, gift items and baked goods are very appreciated for the auction. Gift items can be brought to the church office starting Feb. 3, and baked items can be brought on March 10. ST. JOHN NIGHT AT THE ALL-STAR is Sunday, April 10 Save the date and plan on bringing your family over to the AllStar Bowling Alley in Moorhead for a fun evening of bowling and fellowship.
Confirmation Ministry Confirmation Class for Gr. 7&8 is Wednesday, Feb. 6 from 6:307:30 p.m. During Lent (Feb. 13-March 20), you should worship with your family, then meet with your small groups for a 15minute check-in. Reminders to: 1. Do 20 Taking Faith Home sheets; 2. Complete your 20 worship notes; and 3. Sign up for your 10 service opportunities. Confirmation Gathering for Gr. 9 and mentors will be Wednesday, Feb. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Keep practicing your new ministry skills “Outside the Walls”. If you are interested in participating in our Confirmation Ministries, we welcome you to join us! Please contact Jessica Miller for more information.
Weekly Youth Ministries hands & feet for Gr. 6-8 meets Sundays, 10-10:45 in the youth room. This month, we explore other faith beliefs and practices. Feb. 3: “What does it mean to be born again?” Feb. 10: “What if my friends aren’t Christian?” Feb. 17: Church visit, meet at 10 a.m. in Youth Room; return by noon. Feb. 24: Service Activity. High School Bible Study, Gr. 9-12, Sundays, 10-10:45 in The Nook by the Parlor. Come find out more about our New Testament Ancestors, and join us for the Church Visit on Feb. 17, 10 a.m.noon, to learn more about another set of faith beliefs and practices. Crossroads for youth in Grades 9-12 meets on Wed., Feb. 6, 7:30-8:30 p.m. in the youth room. We will not have regular Crossroads during Lent. Instead, we encourage you to worship on Wednesday nights with your families. For more information on these weekly ministries, please see the Youth Board or website.
facebook group: St. John Youth Headquarters
Milestone Ministry Milestone Ministry engages the whole family in celebrating milestones in your child’s life, while passing on the Christian faith. Please see our Milestone Ministry brochure or our website for a full outline of Milestones celebrated here at St. John. Coming up soon, are these Milestones: Apostle’s Creed, 3rd Grade, February 10. Family Gatherings on January 27, Feb. 3 & 10, 10-10:45 a.m. Milestone Celebration Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. worship. First Communion, Any Age, Maundy Thursday, March 28. If your child is asking about and wants to participate in this holy meal, they are likely ready! God says all are welcome at his table, and this definitely includes our children. We suggest that children participate in this milestone by Grade 2, but any one of any age can certainly participate as you feel comfortable and ready for this Milestone. Family Gatherings will be Wed., March 13 & 20th. There is a $15 material fee. So we can plan accordingly, please register with the office by March 3.
Sunday School News Sunday School Leadership Team: Lanelle Vasichek, Heather Stephens, Bethany Grahn, Becca Sandell stjohnfargosundayschool@gmail.com
We are so proud of all of the children who participated in the Christmas program and we would also like to say a big Thank You to all who helped to make this year’s program a success. 2013 brings several events that we are excited to share. Here are some of the things you can look forward to: ~Jan 27-Feb 10: 3rd grd Milestone Ministry – Apostles Creed ~Feb 24: 3 year olds - 5th graders sing at the 11:00 service ~Mar 24: 3 year olds - 5 graders sing at the 11:00 service ~Mar 31: Easter Sunday (no Sunday School) Milestone meetings will be at 10am. Posted signs will give location of the meetings. In the classroom, lessons will focus on the life of Jesus and the journey through the season of Lent.
Lenten Supper Schedule: served from 5:30-6:45 pm Feb 13: Youth, Scalloped Potatoes and Ham Feb. 20: Parish Health Committee Feb. 27: Youth, BBQ Pulled Pork March 6: Social Concerns Committee, Chili March 13: Music March 20: THANK YOU all so much for your kind Christmas greetings, beautiful cards and notes, and generous gifts. You have made our first Christmas Season in the Red River Valley so special. May God continue to bring peace and joy in the coming year. Pastor Leslie & Dan Mahraun ARE YOU TRAVELING SOUTH FOR THE WINTER?
If so, please give us your winter address & phone number before you leave us! Call the office (232-8521) with your new address and the date you will be leaving! We would love to keep in touch with you!
Stephen Ministry Is Coming to St. John! Do you want to follow the teachings of Jesus and care for your neighbor? Who is your neighbor and what could you do? Stephen leaders will be trained April 7-13 in St. Lewis, MO. Training is available at other times in other cities. Then Stephen Ministers will study here to learn how to be effective caring listeners and supporters. If you’d like to help people find meaning in their lives of crisis, you will also need 50 hours of training. If you want to be involved in this worthy, Christian program, talk to our Pastors, listen to temple talks Feb 3rd and 10th and come to the Adult Forum Feb.17. Members who have signed up for this training are: Pastor Leslie and Gini & Dave Duval. What is God calling you to do? ‘SHELTERING the HOMELESS’ VOLUNTEERS NEEDED St. John will shelter the homeless for one week: February 17-23 (Sunday night through Saturday night) as part of the F-M area effort to help the overflow from the established homeless shelters. We are in need of volunteers for 3 shifts each night: 8:30 pm-12:30 am; 12:30 am-4:30 am; 4:30 am-7:30 am. We are also in need of people to help with clean-up each morning beginning at 7:30 am. Please sign up on the schedule sheets at the visitors information center (outside the church office.) If you wish to volunteer and have not yet taken the required training, training sessions will be held: -Saturday, Feb. 2 (1-3 pm) at First United Methodist (906 1st Ave N, Fargo) The training will include: 1) How volunteers will run their church host site: 2) Instruction on establishing relationships and effectively communicating with our guests. All participants will receive a Volunteer Training Manual. Please help make this winter season an effective sheltering project. February’s Mission of the Month: NDSU Lutheran Campus Ministry Our February Mission of the Month is the NDSU Lutheran Campus Ministry which is located at 1201 13th Ave. N., about a block from the eastern edge of campus. It is a ministry that is supported in part by the Eastern Dakota Synod of the ELCA; its mission is to offer spiritual guidance and counseling in a Lutheran Christian setting for students, faculty and staff at NDSU. This ministry has experienced challenges over the past two or so years that have been magnified by not having had stable pastoral leadership. Notably in this regard, as of January 1, the NDSU Lutheran Campus Ministry is pleased to announce that Dan Heath has accepted a call as pastor on a half time basis. Since May of 2012, the Eastern North Dakota Synod Office has been located at the NDSU Lutheran Center; the presence of the Synod Office there has helped the campus ministry with its expenses and also has provided it with the services of a receptionist and bookkeeper. Through our Missions of the Month, it is our intent; not only to generate some needed financial support for these ministries, but also to create a greater awareness about faith based ministries that serve a vital purpose in our local, state, national and world communities. Memorials & Honorariums
Sunday School Fund: In memory of Tania Goos: Bruce & Lois Nelson Parish Health: In memory of Alden Knatterud: given by Jane Nissen In memory of Eileen Johnson: Don & Carolyn Thue In memory of Orville Dahkad: Marian Prim In memory of Sue Roseth: Lowell & Sue Erickson, Jeri Ekstrom, Lois Mayer, Fred & Judy Haugo In memory of Henry Kruse: Jeri Ekstrom, Mary Ann Walen, Fred & Judy Haugo In honor of Bea Ihlenfeld and Clarine Erickson: anonymous In honor of Clarine Erickson: Brenda Bauer Quilters: In honor of Clarine Erickson: Adelle Salveson, Ruth Kautzman Address Changes Dan & Julie Altenbernd 3619 Rivershore Dr S Moorhead, MN 56560 Joe & Nicole Bosch 3110 5th St E West Fargo, ND 58078
Ministerial Acts: 2013 Baptism: January 13: Astrid Allyn Grunhovd, daughter of Cory Grunhovd & Audra Hagen Grunhovd
Deaths: Sue Roseth: January 2 Henry Kruse: January 6
St. John Lutheran Church 1710 5th St. S., Fargo, ND 58103 701-232-8521
e-mail: office@stjohnfargo.com; www.stjohnfargo.com The Ministry Team of St. John: All the People of God, along withRev. Nathan Keith, Rev. Leslie Mahraun, Pastors Dawn Papenfuss, Director of Music/Organ Jessica Miller, Director of Youth & Family Ministries Jackie Jabens, Finance/Office Manager Judy Haugo, Secretary Richard Henderson, Custodian Jana Bruhschwein, Preschool Director Connie Tranby, Kellie Knodel, Cheryl Dietz, Preschool Teachers Jeri Ekstrom, Wedding Coordinator Peggy Hammerling, Recorders Jessica Westgard, Handbells Robert & Bonnie Ames, Gospel Group Editor: Judy Haugo Articles accepted before 1 pm Friday, Feb. 15 for the March ’13 ‘Herald’.
St. John Lutheran Church 1710 South 5th Street Fargo, ND 58103 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
‘THE HERALD’ February 2013 Published 10 times/year Vol. #113, Issue #1 St. John Office Hours: Monday-Thursday: 9 am-4:30 pm Friday: 9 am-2 pm
Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Permit #1040 Fargo, ND 58102
On Friday, February 1 at 7:30 pm, St. John is hosting the faculty voice recital of MSUM professor and St. John member, Daniel Mahraun! Pastor Leslie's husband is Director of Choral Activities at MSUM and has toured the country as a baritone in the professional music group The Rose Ensemble. The program will include Shakespeare songs and a cantata by 20th-century British composer Ralph Vaughan Williams. The highlight of the recital will be a cantata J. S. Bach composed for the liturgical feast of the Presentation (February 2)--the fortieth day after Christ's birth, when Mary and Joseph presented the boy Jesus in the temple to the elderly Simeon. Dan will be joined by pianist Sue Nagel and additional instrumentalists from the faculties of Concordia and NDSU. The whole congregation is invited to this free performance. SNOWFLAKE DINNER! Sunday, February 10 at 5:30 pm Do you have a valentine? Do you need an excuse to have an evening out while the kids are entertained by someone else? Would you love a great meal, planned and prepared for you? Do you feel called to support our Youth and Family Ministry programs? The Annual Snowflake dinner is Feb 10th ~ Come and enjoy a delicious meal, great fellowship, and entertainment. Plan a date with your spouse, a significant other, or a good friend. When: Feb 10, 2013. Social begins at 5:30 pm, dinner served promptly at 6 pm in the St. John Fellowship Hall. Cost: $17.50 per person/$35 a couple Babysitting: $5 will include supper, supervision and fun. Preregistration is required when you purchase your tickets. Tickets will be sold January 20th, 27th, and February 3rd.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES at St. John! Volunteers are needed for tidying up the pew racks in preparation for Sunday worship and special events. Time commitment is about one hour per week. If interested or have questions, call the church office and talk to Judy, 232-8521. Volunteers are needed to help replenish the Rainbow Activity Bags. These bags are available for young children on Sunday mornings and so need to be refilled on a weekly basis. Tari Wieers and family members have graciously filled this role for the past 8 years. Time commitment is about 20 minutes per week and can be done during Sunday School hour or on Wednesday evenings. Talk to Tari for more details or call the church office, 232-8521. A big thank you to Tari and her family for volunteering these last 8 years!