Kris D. H. Ferkin, Senior Interim Pastor
Faithful Steps in a Season of Change
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings to you in the name of the Risen One! May is one of those months of great transitions—from graduations, to school ending, summer vacation starting, planting of fields, brown furrows to green rows, and to the many road construction projects starting up. Like signs we see along the roads that tell us what to do, we saw signs along the way on our Pentecost journey that show us the way to be Christ to one another. The season after Pentecost Sunday is filled with the witness of Jesus’ disciples making their way in the world, taking faithful steps in proclaiming the
kingdom of God is at hand, by sharing, caring, learning, and loving those on the way.
During the month of May, we will offer a fourweek video series during coffee hour called “How to Take Your Next Faithful Steps.” The disciples didn’t stay in the upper room and they didn’t hang out in the temple coaxing people in, they didn’t build a new building to worship in—they got out into the villages, the countryside, and met people where they were. In this video series we are challenged to do the same. How do we get into the community, how do we show up in the places people are gathering, how do we have spiritual conversations with people around us, and how do we help others encounter the love of Jesus in us?
The month of May is jam-packed with gatherings and events where we can be listening to how people are experiencing God in their lives. In the workbook, there are conversation
starters to use, places for notes, and ways to engage our neighbors in fruitful conversations. You are encouraged, if you haven’t already watched the videos, to do so, as we will continue after coffee hour each week during May to hear the stories from the community.
For the next 40 days we will be with Jesus as he meets with his followers.
Over and over again he will show them that he is alive— in the flesh! He will continue to be with us on our journey, meeting with many of you on the road, in the restaurant, at the grocery store, in the barbershop, in the park, on the street corner, at the gas station, in the conversation over the fence with your neighbor, and who knows where else.
* Faithful Steps in a Season of Change
* Springing into Faith and Service
* Remembering the Life of Brian Williams * Register for First Communion Worshop
Video 1: Follow God into a Faithful Future: watch the video series at www.faithlead.org/faithfulstepvideos
Video 2: Core Tasks and Spiritual Practices
Faithful Steps in a Season of Change
Jesus said to his followers, “Get to work!” He taught them about the kingdom of God. He gave them work to do: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” He proved to them and to us that he is alive.
Get to work, he says, and remember that your work is not done in vain. Your work has meaning and purpose because I am alive! Your work of transition is an opportunity to see your faith journey in a new light, perhaps new directions and with new energy.
Blessings,
Pr. Kris D. H. Ferkin
The Video Series Workbook PDF can be accessed under the video series.
Or scan the QR code with your phone’s camera app to watch on your phone.
Video 4: Take Your Next Faithful Step with Even More Clarity
Video 3: Four Key Pivots for Effective Ministry in Today’s Evolving Culture
Springing into Faith and Service
Lyn Meany, Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries
How can it be the middle of March already? Time sure flies by when you are planning for Lent.
The youth are busy doing the pre-Easter fun. Sunday School has been learning the Lord’s Prayer and understanding what it means as well as why we say it. We just had a unit in Confirmation classes, and it was a struggle to have them understand why we say it. Every age level of class digs a bit deeper to explore our thinking of why and how it affects our faith. To see the insight grow in the kids’ eyes is very rewarding.
If we ever have mentor conversations this Lent, we will discuss deeper questions from the past and present Small Catechism discussions. It will be interesting to hear how differently the mentors will add to the discussion of the Lord’s Prayer, the Commandments, the Creed, and our baptism and our communion experience. What a learning opportunity for both sides. We will also be doing a service project for the Salvation Army, the Austin Packer Pantry, and the church’s homebound.
We have started up again the children’s choir along with the Sunday School choir. Other volunteers have stepped up to play and plan the songs for the kids. It was imperative to continue Brian’s mission to fill kids with music. Thank you to those who found it within themselves to be passionate about music and kids.
Easter Celebration is almost ready to go. We still have room for more families. The scheduled hour goes by so fast, filled with laughter, love, and radiant smiles. Be prepared to hear those giggles from coffee hour on March 30th.
I have very few pictures from February and March
to share with you. That hour every week also goes by so very fast.
Salvation Army meals are going well. We have had families involved as well as established members helping with other food preparation at the same time. The satisfaction of working with all these people and knowing that we are feeding hungry people is heartwarming for all of us. Thank you to all of you who have stepped up to help with all the many details that are floating around in the office. Many hands make light work when creating a caring and welcoming community.
Remembering and Celebrating Brian Williams’ Life
Brian Arthur Williams, 63, passed away peacefully at his home in Austin, Minnesota, on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, after nearly 15 years of living with metastatic kidney cancer. He was surrounded by family and his beloved cats.
Brian is survived by his father, Wayne Williams; his sister, Dawn Williams; and his husband, Thomas Hiniker. He was preceded in death by his mother, Vera (Stewart) Williams.
Born Dec. 7, 1961, in Des Moines, Iowa, Brian moved with his family to Wisconsin in 1966, and later to Independence, Missouri, where he graduated from Blue Springs High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree in organ performance from the University of Kansas and a master’s degree from the University of South Dakota.
Brian began his musical ministry at Calvary Episcopal Church in Rochester, Minnesota, where he served for nearly 23 years as director of music and arts. He led choirs of all ages, including a bell choir, and contributed to many aspects of worship planning and volunteer coordination.
In 2022, Brian became director of music and worship at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin. He continued his work as organist and choir director, including directing the bell choir. He also helped with service bulletins and volunteer coordination. A passionate expert in pipe organs, he was involved in the rebuilding of the instruments at both Calvary and St. Olaf. As a composer, Brian wrote psalm settings and songs for children, and he frequently performed on organ, piano, and harpsichord for worship services and recitals.
His musical legacy lives on in the many people whose lives he enriched—musicians, students, and listeners alike—through his artistry, kindness, and humor.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 5, at St. Olaf Lutheran Church, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m. and a lunch reception to follow.
To read the full obituary, visit: www.austindailyherald.com/2025/03/brian-williams-63
Join
Communion Workshop
Families are warmly invited to take part in our First Communion Workshop on Wednesday, April 16, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. This workshop is specially intended for youth in grades 2–5, though anyone eager to explore the meaning of Holy Communion is encouraged to attend.
We’ll begin the evening with a shared meal at 5:00 p.m., followed by engaging conversations about the promises of Jesus in the Sacrament of Communion. Participants will also help bake the communion bread to be used during Holy Thursday’s worship service.
Families participating in the workshop will be honored during the Holy Thursday service as part of this meaningful faith milestone.
To register, please visit the church website at www.solc.org/communion For questions, reach out to Pastor Ferkin or Lyn Meany.
Let’s grow in faith and fellowship—together!
Gifts & Memorials
Backpackers
IMO Charles Larson, Chuck & Mary Moline, Dale Rosenthal, Janice
Krambeer, Linda Johnson
Given by Dianne Barrett, James & Mary Herrick, Janet Lees, Karen Goembel, Marie King, Marie King, Pat Hulet, Ronald & Nancy McAllister, Stephanie Grotbo
Building
IMO Andrew Anhorn
Given by Gayle & Lavonne Bergstrom, Marie Cano, Randall & Wendy Kramer
Decorating
IMO Mary Anderson
Given by Darrell & Diane Ingvaldson
Endowment
IMO Carl Jech, Carol Bulson, Charles Larson, Dale Rosenthal, Duane Gullickson, Esther Anthonisen, Gayler Jensen, Glenn Bakke, Ilene Carroll, Janice Krambeer, Larry Priebe, Shirley Groff, Terry Mattson
IN HONOR OF Pastor Chelberg, IN HONOR OF Pastor Mark Niethammer,
Given by Darlys Smith, David & Diane Dammen, Janice Krambeer, Norma Wangen, Paul & Joanne Worlein
Foundation
IMO Bob Koch, Carol Bulson, Carol Bulson & Glenn Bakke, Charles Larson, Donald Sunberg, Esther Anthonisen, Glenn Bakke, Glenn Mair, Harry & Ruby Larson, Ilene Carroll, Joel Gullickson, John Jensen, Larry Priebe, Lillian McPherson, Mary Moline, Robert Loewen
Given by Aimee Sue Larson, Barbara Mair, Daniel & Carla Conradt, Darlene Koch, Dave Sylte, Deanna Bakke, Dwight Larson, Friends & Family, James & Jeanine Nelson, Renae Bakke, Renae, Tracy & Gabe, Thomas & Gwendolyn Morem
General
IMO Bette (Braaten) Martin, Carl Jech, Carol Bulson, Carol Bulson, Charles Larson, Chuck Larson, Dale Rosenthal, David & Peggy Tollefson, Dick Cummings, Duane Gullickson, Enid Thompson, Esther Anthonisen, Gary Boettcher, Gayler Jensen, Glenn Bakke, Janice Krambeer, Jerry Johnson, Joan Stowell, Judy Dandurand, Judy Jacobsen, Larry Diggins, Larry Priebe, Lillian Engen McPherson, Marilyn Brehmer, Mark Braaten, Mary
Anderson, Mary Moline, Maxine “Mickey” Duble, Patricia Magee, Revie Lilleid, Robert Koch, Ryley Colligan, Shirley Groff, Given by Brenda Davis, Jean & Rich Schwartz, Wanda & Will Pollitt, Georgia Brenden, Barbara Mair, Barbara Meany, Barry & Theresa Duellman, Bernard & Vernice Bishop, Brian & Ladonna Boettcher/Friends & Family, Brian & LeAnn O’Donnell, Burnell & Coleen Hanson, Charles McPherson, Charles and Sharron Mills, Cheryl Dunlap, Collen & Bob Weimer, Craig Johnson, Dana & Suzanne Miller, Daniel & Rebecca Astrup, Darlene Koch & Family, Dave & Mary Crandall, David & Brenda Raffelson, David & Connie Simonson, David & Kathy Bjorge, David & Mary Jo Swoboda, David & Nancy Olson, Deanna Ashley, Dennis & Joy Blaser, Dianne Barrett, Donald & Darlene Austin, Donald & Kathleen Huston, Esther Antonisen, Frederick & Roberta Westendorf, Friends & Family, Gary & Darlene Nordland, Grant & Mary Johnson, Greg & Amy Baskin, Helen Ashley, Helen Hecimovich, James & Jeanine Nelson, James & Mary Herrick, James Braaten, James Weber, Janet Lees, Janet Tiegen, Jeanette Ramseth, Jim Braaten, Joette Anderson, John & Janet Westendorf, Judith Bungum, Judy Lee, Karen & Linda Baier, Karen Herreid, Karen Magee, Keith & Sharon Barnes, Kenneth & Doris Hagen, Kenneth & Margaret Silvey, Kyle & Kersten Tollefson, Larry & Joyce Crowe, Larry & Sherry Andersen, Lawrence & Joyce Crowe, Lois Gunderson, Lora Lee Bauer, Lowell & Gail Sim, Marie King, Marilyn Johnson, Marjorie Jacobson, Marlene Fiala, Marlene Paulson, Mary Greenman, Maureen Steenblock, Michael & Karen Lewis, Michael Ruzek, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Kyllo, Nancy Allen, Neal & Cindy Grotsun, Norma Brown, Page Petersen, Pat Hulet, Pat Schulke, Patricia Hulet, Paul & Joanne Worlein, Paul & Sally Wahlstrom, Ralph & Kimberly Haefner, Randall & Wendy Kramer, Renae Bakke, Richard & Jan Chuick, Richard & Judith Bergen, Robert & Debra Morgan, Robert & Karen Pedersen, Robert & Nancy Schneider, Robert Soiney, Rodney & Sandra Friedrich, Ronald & Alice Anderson, Rosalie Seltz, Rose Folken, Ruth Christopherson, Sandra Bonnes, Sarah Shaw, Scott & Elaine Hansen, Sharon Mills, Sharron Mills, Shirley Jendersee, Steve & Barb Kime, Steve & Cheryl Greenman, Steve Bjoraker, Tamara Underwood, Thomas & Barbara Heiny, Thomas & Gwendolyn Morem, Thomas & Jody Nygaard, Tom & Jane Slupe, Tom & Lynelle Brown, Vicki Wolfe, Walt & Sharon Alms
Kithchen
IMO Esther Anthonisen
Given by Judith Bungum
Music
Gifts & Memorials
IMO Carol Bulson, Terry Mattson
Given by Darrell & Diane Ingvaldson, Sonia Larson
Our Home
IMO Carol Bulson, Charles Larson, Esther Anthonisen, Glenn Bakke, Pastor Madison Chelberg, Pastor Mark Niethammer, Ilene Carroll, Janice Krambeer, Larry Diggins, Teckla Baskin
Given by Alan & Alice Holst, Barbara Mair, Craig Johnson, Darlene Aakre, Darlene Koch, Darlys Smith, Dave & Brenda Raffelson, Deanna Bakke, Doug Carroll, Duane Dahlback, Friends & Family, Friends and Family, James & Jeanine Nelson, James Braaten, Jane Johnson, Janice Krambeer, Jerry & Marilyn Johnson, Judith Bungum, Keith & Sharon Barnes, Keith and Carolyn Eilertson, Ken & Donna Larson, Kieth & Carolyn Eilertson, Larry & Sherry Andersen, Lawrence & Joyce Crowe, Lois Gunderson, Marlene Paulson, Mary Clark, Nancy Allen, Paul & Joanne Worlein, Richard & Mary Daniels, Richard Wehseler, Robert & Susan Petersen, Ronald & Lois Peters, Sharron Mills, Walt & Sharon Alms
Prayer Shawls
IMO Larry Priebe, Glenn Bakke
Given by Judith Bungum
Radio
IMO Glenn Bakke
Given by Arthur & Sharon Nott, Deanna Bakke, Mr & Mrs Raymond Kyllo
WLC
IMO Charles Larson, Glenn Bakke
Given by Frank & Faye Learn
Sunday School/Youth
IMO Terry Mattson, Janice Krambeer
Given by Darlys Smith
WLC
IMO Charles Larson, Esther Anthonisen
Given by David & Nancy Finley, Ronald & Marilyn Reuter
Debt
IMO Carl Jech
Given by Larry & Sherry Andersen
Brian Williams
IMO Brian Williams
Given by Benjamin & Sarah Scott, Carl & Rosemary Most, Dain Waters, Daniel & Hannah Borup, David Inwards, Ellen Sassenberg, James Hammann, Jonathan Thoreson, Kaye Lange, Larry & Sherry Andersen, M.A. Mangan, Michael & Susan Cizek, Patricia Dahl, Paul & Jennifer Packard, Paul & Laura Ehling, Paul & Sally
Wahlstrom, Peter & Sandra Soli, Philip & Catherine Karsell, Phillip & Susan Einspahr, Rev Paul Walker, Steve & Barbara Kime, Tanya Petterson/H Scott Bauer
A Glance Ahead
April 13, 2025: Palm Sunday Worship | 8:15 a.m. + 10:45 a.m.
April 16, 2025: First Communion Workshop from 5 p.m. (grades 3-6)
April 17, 2025: Maundy Thursday Worship at 6 p.m.
April 18, 2025: Good Friday - Worship with Stripping of the Altar 6 p.m.
April 20, 2025: Easter Sunday Worship at 8:15 a.m. + 10:45 a.m.
June 8, 2025: Baccalaureate Worship for Graduating Seniors at 10:45 a.m.
July 21 - 25, 2025: VBS | 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Check us out on our social media pages!
WORSHIP WITH US!
Sundays In-Person: 8:15 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.
Online: 8:15 a.m.
Radio Broadcast 99.9 FM: 10:45 a.m.
St. Olaf Staff
Pastor Kris D. H. Ferkin
Interim Senior Pastor pastorkris@solc.org
/stolafchurch
@stolaflutheranchurchELCA
@stolaflutheran
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Eric Buntrock Business Administrator ericmb@solc.org
Lyn Meany Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries lynm@solc.org
Mark Metcalf Custodian markm@solc.org
Sarv Mithaqiyan Communications Coordinator sarv@solc.org