CLEF March, 2020 by FEELC

Dear Brothers and Sisters, Looking out the window there is not much snow on the ground. Although, right this very moment more is coming down so this may change by the end of the day. However, overall we have had a pretty mild winter, although, I know that winter is not quite done yet so I hope I am not speaking too soon. But in many places we can see not only patches of grass but the entire lawn. Unfortunately, it is not a beautiful green color but a sad faded brown. Even though the weather outside is not frightful, it most certainly doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem delightful nor look yet like Spring. It makes me think about the journey we take during Lent. During Lent, we take more time to look inwardly or maybe just simply in the mirror. We have more of an emphasis on self-examination and often as we look into our hearts we find that we are not always filled with the purest of motives, the kindest thoughts or with unconditional love for God and for our neighbors. We see that the areas that are exposed are not beautiful and spotless but that every day we sin, we think and do those things which are not glorifying to God, the drab sad faded brown lawns. We also see that like the partially snow covered lawns that we often try to hide our wrongs, pretend they have not happened, whitewash the mistakes and sins, maybe to try to fool ourselves or others or even God. Yet, we know that God doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see the whitewash we put on our wrongs, He sees the very heart, He sees even under the snowy drifts and the icy covering and knows us for who we truly are. Even though He sees us and sees through us and our unkempt nature, the sin spotted life, He does not come to us with condemnation but with grace and mercy. He greets us with forgiveness, with a true cleansing of our souls so that new life may begin. So that we need not hide our wrongs or turn away from God but turn towards Him in the grace and salvation that He has given to us through Jesus.

As we prepare for the changing of the seasons, for the trees to bud and the grass to green the new start that Spring will soon offer and as we journey through this Lenten time of repentance and acceptance may we rise up in the love of God and follow where He leads, love those whom He loves and live as the renewed resurrected people who we truly are in Christ. Yours in Christ<><

Pastor Sean

WE’RE ON THE WEB

9:30 a.m.

Early Worship

www.feelc.org

9:30 a.m.

Spark Church

11:00 p.m.

Late Worship

MISSION STATEMENT ‘GO, MAKE DISCIPLES’

First English Ev. Lutheran Church 800 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods, 48236-1530 Phone: 313.884.5040 FirstEnglish@feelc.org Fax: 313.884.4460 www.feelc.org

Senior Pastor

Lent Worship -Wednesday’s…. 11:00 a.m. Wednesday Lenten Worship 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Lenten Worship

Thursday Morning Bible Study We will continue to travel with the disciples as they journey into the world after Jesus ascends into heaven. Come join us in studying the book of the Acts of the Apostles throughout the month.

Rev. Sean R. Motley pastorsean@feelc.org

Educ./Youth Coordinator Renata Conger renata@feelc.org Music Coordinator Bob Foster rhfosterjr@comcast.net

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY Please check the calendar at www.feelc.org Grace Circle - Fourth Monday at 2:00 p.m. Peace Circle - First Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. Faith Circle - First Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Check the calendar at www.feelc.org

Facility Use Director

Tonya Bricker facilityuse@feelc.org Pastors Emeritus Rev. Paul Keppler Rev. Dr. Walter A. Schmidt

Not walking because of rain and/or cold? Come walk in the gym and bring a friend, 8:00-10:00 a.m., Monday through Thursday. We measured the gym and 10 times around is about a half mile. 20 times and you've done a mile! 2

N O T E S F R O M R E N ATA

Dates: March 27-28 Goal: $1500 Bring your empty bottles and cans to church to support the cause! Great Lakes Gathering Recap Renata, three high school students, and two young adults from First English joined two hundred of their peers in Kalamazoo, MI from Feb 7-9 for the annual Gathering. Our youth helped lead worship un a unique setting, were drawn closer to God, and grew closer to one another in this unique Christian community.

Puerto Rico Update Thanks to everyone who ordered Super Bowl Subs from the Youth. Due to your generosity, we raised almost $1800 of the $13,000 needed for the trip. Please continue to keep our group and the people of Puerto Rico in your prayers.

Fun and Fellowship to help break up the winter blahs….. Sign-up and enter your best chili or soup recipe!

SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2020 6:00 P.M.

...or just come to taste!!!

Freewill offering

First English Lutheran Church & Christ the King Lutheran Church Presents the

CHILI/SOUP COOK-OFF Hosted by the First English board of church property • •

• • •

•

Invite your neighbors, friends, and relatives to this fun event • Chili registration with Scott Bricker (248) 894-9647 or facilityuse@feelc.org • Cooking set-up begins at 4:30 p.m. • Beer and Wine will be available for purchase st • Prizes awarded for 1 , 2nd and 3rd place in the chili cook-off Deadline for Registration, March 14th • Registration forms are available on line and in each church office. •

FIRST ENGLISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 800 Vernier Road Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236 (313)884-5040 www.feelc.org

4th

Tuesday Book Club meets on th

5 TUESDAY, March 31, in the lounge at 7:00 PM. We’ll be discussing SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME by Ron Hall and Denver Moore. Described as...”successful businessman Ron Hall and his wife, Deborah, discover a renewed sense of purpose when they begin to volunteer at a local mission in Fort Worth, Texas. Their lives change forever when they develop an unlikely friendship with Denver Moore, a homeless man who inspires them to save their struggling marriage,”…this should be a great read.

“Good Gifts for Good Health” Lenten Drive Thanks to the ELCA Good Gifts catalog, we will never run dry on ideas for improving lives overseas! This year we are focusing on children's health and wellness. Think clinic visits, vaccinations and nutrition. A list of giving ideas with corresponding amounts is below. Please pick up a piggy bank near Pastor’s office and start stuffing (with cash or checks made out to FELC Good Gifts Drive)! Our drive will run until the Sunday after Easter (April 19). Our goal is to raise $1200. Most of us take available healthcare and living to adulthood for granted. You can do your part to ensure it’s a right, not a privilege, for poor children to grow up healthy and strong around the globe.     

Clinic visit for a child - $10 Vaccinations for a child - $30 Stock a clinic for a week - $75 Nutrition for a child for one month - $25 Nutrition for a child for a year - $300

Thank you! Board of Social Action

OFFICERS - 2020 (Officers are members of the executive committee) **President – Mark Berkesch mjberkesch1@gmail.com **Vice President— Waynette Hostetler whostetler814@gmail.com **Secretary – Claudette Momenee cm1ms1@aol.com **Treasurer – John Nyquist john.nyquist@outlook.com **Financial Secretary - Shawn Vinson ssvjfv@aol.com Boards & Council Members Church Properties **Scott Bricker, Dir. ** Ted Bidigare, Asst. Dir. Mark Fett B. Decker Gordon Bush Dave Conger Jeff Gates Alek Wilson

Evangelism **Sue Ulmer, Dir. ** Renee Strobl, Asst. Dir. Carol Erikson Pat Milne Social Action **Diann Ohman, Dir. **Penny Damore, Asst. Dir. Yvonne Winston Nancy Heaphy Shawn Vinson Kay Butler Berkesch Virginia Ditty Claudia Gram Pat Milne BJ Decker Debbie Strandhagen

**Denotes member of the Church Council

Parish Education **OPEN, Dir. **Mia Cassar - Co-Dir. Trevor Clor Jim Feldman Patrick Glynn Andrea Glynn Amy McIntyre Holly Wilson Fellowship **Tonya Pirker, Dir. ** Co-Dir. (open) Miranda Lorence Alexandrea Annas Robbin Vitale Sophia Vitale Katerina Pirker Stewardship & Finance **Dan Rustmann, Co-Dir. **Co-Dir. (OPEN) Curt Sylvester Craig Kohler Waynette Hostetler John Nyquist Sherrill Wolford Youth Ministry **Liz Nyquist, Co-Dir. ** Co-Dir. (open) Elise Nyquist John Nyquist Aleks Powers Sandi Smith Worship & Music **Kyle Clor, Co-Dir. **Dianna Atkins, Asst. Dir Carys Rees-Baker Mark Fett Sandy Ford Bob Foster Chris Judson Pat Palm Jane Stevens Roger Ulmer Yvonne Winston Women of the Church **Waynette Hostetler, Pres.

Council Minutes January 19, 2020 Mark Berkesch called the meeting to order at 7:35 pm. Sue Ulmer led the council in an open prayer. No devotional. Mark Berkesch welcomed the council members. He presented his view for the council to be more rule based in future proceeding. He then distributed a copy of ‘Roberts Rules of Order’ and a copy to each Board their descriptions as described in our Constitution. He also plans to re- establish the following standing committees as defined in our Constitution: Nominating committee, Revision committee and George Polson will chair that committee. The third committee already actively exists is the Audit committee. SECRETARY REPORT – Claudette Momenee motioned to accept the November & December meeting minutes, with some spelling and phasing corrections, Waynette Hostetler 2nd and the motion carried. TREASURER REPORT – John Nyquist – distributed financial reports for November, December and YTD, then motioned to accept the reports, Scott Bricker 2nd and the motion was carried. There are plans to convert financial entries from ‘Quick Books’ to ‘Church 360 Bookkeeping’ system. FINANCIAL SECRETARY – Shawn Vinson – the YTD member statements are complete and can be picked up in the hallway, those that are left will be mailed by the end of January. BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE –No report. BOARD OF CHURCH PROPERTY – Scott Bricker, March 21 will be the Chili Cook-off. They are looking into the costs for maintenance to the stained glass windows in the Sanctuary and prioritizing the most urgent ones that need repair. Review of storage areas and their uses continues. BOARD OF EVANGELISM – Sue Ulmer, Jan 24 7:00 PM in the Youth room there will be a movie night on ‘Dietrich Bonhoeffer’. Greeters are needed to sign-up in February, March and April. The Shepherding program continues to be rolled out. There has been an official church logo developed for use. BOARD OF SOCIAL ACTION – Penny Damore – 74 children received giving tree gifts, 24 families received food baskets. Our pantry is now partnering with Christ Iroquois Church pantry. Need empty copier sized boxes for the February 19 Sandwich project. BOARD OF FELLOWSHIP –-Tonya Pirker would like to encourage anyone to join their board. Lenten mid- day services and lunches will be coordinated once again with St. Paul church. Lent starts February 26. All Lenten service will be held at 1st English Lutheran Church. Future activities are: craft days, and a Princess themed event. BOARD OF PARISH EDUCATION – Mia Cassar – Weekend of Jan 18 was the winter retreat, 11 Youth participated along with Pastor Sean and Renata Conger. 23 Youth participated in the Christmas pageant. Planning Lenten pageant on Palm Sunday. BOARD OF YOUTH MINISTRY –Mia Cassar reported that the work trip destination has not been finalized, it will be either Tennessee or Puerto Rico. BOARD OF WORSHIP & MUSIC – Dianna Atkins – There was $1500 profit from the concert in November, which was donated to World Relief/Hurricane and to the Youth for their work trip to Puerto Rico or Tennessee. Planning a talent show for May details TBD. A reminder for any future events that the church now has the ability to accept credit card payments which are deposited directly into the church’s checking account. WOMEN OF THE CHURCH – Waynette Hostetler- There was good attendance for the Christmas Tea. PASTOR’S REPORT – Pastor Motley –Expressed a Thank you for the stole he received for his 25th anniversary. After returning from the Youth retreat he attended an Ecumenical meeting. He is planning a Spring Council retreat to discuss how to improve congregation membership numbers. This summer there is a group called ‘Youth Works’ who is partnering with Life Builders and would like to work with our church. Organ update: the insurance company is in process of doing a closing report for status of organ parts to close the claim. OLD BUSINESS – not discussed NEW BUSINESS – not discussed John Nyquist motioned to close the meeting, Scott Bricker 2nd and the motion carried. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer at 9:15 pm. Respectfully submitted: Claudette Momenee

From your Board of Evangelism… Greeter Schedule We are still in need of some greeters for the Sunday’s below. Sign up on the Greeter Board in the hallway/lounge. And remember to trade Sunday’s if you are unable to greet on your specified day. Your warm smile and friendly greeting will make everyone feel welcome who comes through the church doors! Thank you for serving in this important ministry. MAR 1 8 15 22 29 30

APR. 5 12 19 26 MAY 3 10 17 24 31

Renee Strobl __________ Amy McIntyre Carol Erickson __________ __________ __________ Susan Ulmer __________ Carol Erickson __________ Judy Leo Renee Strobl Carol Erickson __________ __________

JUNE 7 14 21 28

__________ Miranda Lorence Carol Erickson __________

JULY

5 12 19 26 AUGUST 2 9 16 23 30

Judy Leo Carol Erickson __________ __________ Renee Strobl __________ Judy Leo __________ __________

Invite your friends and neighbors! Stop by the welcome desk in the gathering area to pick up a postcard listing the Lenten and Easter worship services and events. This is a great way to reach out and start a conversation!

Bob Balle (11.20.19); Josie Herrington (11.25.19); John Logan (11.26.19); Carol Stanow (1.9.20) have entered life eternal. “None of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord; so then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” Romans 14:7-8

Caitlyn, Claire and Ethan Plumridge received the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. Their parents are Beth & Bryan Plumridge. Welcome to the Lord’s family.

The 125th Anniversary of First English is only two years away! Now's the time to start planning. Anybody interested in being on the planning committee please contact either Jeff Gates (gator613@hotmail.com) or Mark Berkesch at (313) 886-4866 or mjberkesch1@gmail.com), we would like to get started as soon as possible. In the meantime, even if you don't want to be on the committee, please search for church related photographs or memorabilia. Most items can probably be scanned and returned to you.

THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS We continue to receive your “Thrivent Choice Dollars” gifts! Thank you to all of our members who have directed their “Thrivent Choice Dollars” to support the mission and ministry of First English. Over $2,000.00 was donated last year to First English through this program. If you are a Thrivent policy holder you are eligible to also direct your support to First English. The rules have changed a bit in that now the gifting of the “Thrivent Choice Dollars” must be done annually. You can direct your gifts to First English by calling Thrivent at 800THRIVENT (800-847-4836) and state “Thrivent Choice” or on line at Thrivent.com. Again, thank you for your support; it is greatly appreciated! SCHEDULES & CONTACT NUMBERS Pastor Sean Motley can be contacted by e-mail at Pastorsean@feelc.org. His day off is Friday and in an emergency can be contacted at (715) 297-9991. Facility Coordinator is Tonya Bricker and can be reached at facilityuse@feelc.org 9

First English Lutheran Preschool is accepting new students for the 2020-21 school year. Our preschool offers a caring, Christian setting to help parents prepare their three or four year old for their kindergarten and elementary years. Students will develop their social & intellectual abilities as well as a positive self-image. Our program includes*Art *Music *Language *Math *Science *Bible lessons *Beginning reading concepts *Physical development Contact Beth Cueter at preschool@feelc.org

The price of a niche is $1,800.00 plus the cost of the urn, the engraving of the marble front and shipping. The niche holds two urns. If you are interested in purchasing a niche, please contact the church office.

YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO RE-ENROLL EACH YEAR….SIGN UP ONCE AND YOU’RE DONE!!!! Please take the time to go online and sign-up with your Kroger card and make your donation designation to First English (#83535). It doesn’t cost you anything. Our fundraising efforts, by participating in the Kroger Community Rewards Program, have added up to significant money - just by purchasing your weekly groceries! If you have never signed up – please go to Kroger’s website krogercommunityrewards.com and follow the prompts and AGAIN you no longer need to register every year…...ONCE AND DONE!!! You will need your Kroger card. Remember - It doesn’t cost YOU anything (It's A DONATION FROM Kroger)……..the only thing it costs you is a little time to register your card. 10

30 Janet Keppler Jennifer Barger Lauren Nehls

16 Joshua Bricker Mark Seppala

15 Brian Campbell Carlye Trowbridge Rick Gram

29 Andrew Glynn Christopher Crowe Gregory Parsons

9 Barb Schreiber Justin Conn

8 Giana Fett Gretchen Busam

23 Noah Simone

2 Anna Nyquist Michael Seppala

22 Amelia Todd Andrew Arsenault Patty Jackson

Monday

Sunday

31 Alexa Andary

24 Bailey Elsinger Debra Gurney Jay Holsinger Matthew Reck Nicholas Gassenfeit Sean Motley

17 Carolyn Cassar Pippa Hull

10 Benjamin Bloom Christine Kline Cora Schram Shelley Breckenridge

3 Lisa Caputo

Tuesday

25 Jenny Scherer Lara Engebretson

Wednesday

26 Aaron Motley

19 Mark Berkesch Mark Fett

12 Jack Gurney Nathan Davey

Thursday

27 Jennifer Ritts

20 Andrea Bloom Dagmar Tonn Julie Thomas

13 Karen Mancini Mario Bologna

Friday

28 Eric Balle Nancy Tilford Nancy Tuuri

21 Amy McIntyre

14 Robert Simone

Saturday

GREETERS 9:30 a.m. 1-Mar

11:00 a.m.

LAY READERS 9:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m.

Renee Strobl

8-Mar 15-Mar

Amy McIntyre

22-Mar

Carol Erickson

29-Mar

USHER

9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

1-Mar

Allie McIntyre

Jane Stevens

8-Mar

Liz Nyquist

Yvonne Winston

15-Mar Holly Willson 22-Mar Luke Kohler

Mark Fett

29-Mar Sue Ulmer

Mark Berkesch

COMMUNION ASSISTANTS

1-Mar Team #5 McClendon Team #6 Fett/Ulmer 8-Mar Team #8 Jackson

Team #7 Zwicker

15-Mar Team #2 Berkesch

Team #1 Guest

22-Mar Team #4 Donahue

Team #3 Fett

Dan Rustmann

1-Mar

9:30 a.m.

11:00 a.m.

Judy Freund

Mark Berkesch

Gianna Fett

Kathy Jevons Waynette Hostetler

29-Mar Team #6 Fett/Ulmer Team #5 McClendon

8-Mar

Joe Clor

Patty Foster

Mike Garrisi

Alice Rustmann Dan Rustmann

4-Mar

Lent

Team #2 Berkesch

11-Mar

Lent

Team #3 Fett

18-Mar

Lent

Team #4 Donahue

25-Mar

Lent

Team #5 McClendon

15-Mar Kelley Bidigare Jack Bidigare

John Blohm Nate Judson Rosemary Yake

22-Mar Penny Damore Evan Smith

Waynette Hostetler Kathy Jevons Barrett Nelson

COUNTERS

1-Mar Team #6 Kyle Clor

29-Mar Alek Willson

8-Mar Team #7

Holly Willson

15-Mar Team #1 Waynette Hostetler

Mark Berkesch Charles Jackson

Patty Jackson

22-Mar Team #2 Nancy Heaphy

COFFEE HOUR

29-Mar Team #3 Ruth Engle

1-Mar Grace Circle ALTAR GUILD

8-Mar VOLUNTEER NEEDED

Anna Unit: Kathy Jevons

15-Mar Worship & Music

Lydia Unit: Kay Butler-Berkesch/Amy McIntyre

22-Mar Faith Circle 29-Mar Bd. Of Fellowship 12

9:30 Worship Service 9:30 Spark Church 11:00 Worship Service 7:00 GP Young Persons AA

9:30 Worship Service 9:30 Spark Church 11:00 Worship Service. 7:00 GP Young Persons AA

9:30 Worship Service 9:30 Spark Church 11:00 Worship Service 6:30 Board & Council Meetings 7:00 GP Young Persons AA

9:30 Worship Service 9:30 Spark Church 11:00 Worship Service 7:00 GP Young Persons AA

Sunday

8:45 Preschool 3:30 Music Lessons 7:00 Grace Circle

8:45 Preschool 2:00 Grace Circle 3:30 Music Lessons

CLEF ARTICLES DUE

8:45 Preschool 3:30 Music Lessons

Monday

10:00 Tai Ch1 10:30 GPN Pizza Lunch 11:00 Faith Circle 2:45 Music Lessons

10:00 Tai Ch1 11:00 Faith Circle 2:45 Music Lessons 7:00 4th Tuesday Book Club

10:00 Tai Chi 10:30 GPN Pizza Lunch 2:45 Music Lessons

10:00 Tai Ch1 10:30 GPN Pizza Lunch 2:45 Music Lessons 7:00 Bd. Of Church Property

10:00 Tai Ch1 10:30 GPN Pizza Lunch 11:00 Faith Circle 2:45 Music Lessons

Tuesday 4

8:45 Preschool 11:00 Lenten Worship + Lunch 3:30 Music Lessons 5:30 Youth Group 5:45 Lenten Dinner 7:00 Lenten Worship 6:30 Confirmation Class 7:00 Peace Circle

Wednesday 5

9:30 Bible Study 4:00 Music Lessons 6:30 Good News Singers 8:15 Good News Ringers

Thursday

5:30 Sports

8:45 Preschool 5:30 Sports

Friday

Saturday