Emmanuel-Galchutt

Lutheran Parish 2017

Volume 43/ Issue 7

———————- In this issue:

Announcements

Pastor’s Page

Feature Articles:

Led by the Spirit

Notes from

Editor

Church Council

Highlights

Parish Nurse

Column

LWR News

Calendar of

Events

GALCHUTT-EMMANUEL JOINT SUMMER SCHEDULE

Services will be held at 9 AM each Sunday at the following locations:

July 9 - Emmanuel July 16 - Galchutt with communion/baptism July 23 - Emmanuel July 30 - All Faith Community service at

Abercrombie Park Pavilion @ 10:30 AM

Hymn Sings return to the St. John’s Church at 7 PM this summer on these dates!!!

July 19 August 2 August 19

HERO

CENTRAL

VBS 2017

WAS A

HUGE

SUCCESS!!

Cole Kuruc, son of Cynthia Kuruc, was baptized on

June 4, 2017, into the Galchutt

Lutheran faith family. May God

bless Cole.

Hero Central 2017 VBS

God's Spirit leads in mysterious ways. The Bible is filled with stories of God's Spirit leading people through tremendous life experiences. Like Abraham waiting until he was an old man before he saw the face of the son God promised him, only for God's Spirit to request that he sacrifice this son just before he

would be ready to sire his own children. What journey that must have been and what a reprieve when God intervened at the last minute. Or when God's spirit called Moses to lead the people of Israel out of slavery and into the promised land of freedom, wandering in the wilderness for 40 years. How difficult it must have been for Moses to have his faithfulness rewarded with the reality that he would never step foot in the land of milk and honey. Yet, God rewarded Moses greatly and his name is still held in the highest regard to this day. Or when God's Spirit drove Jesus out into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. For 40 days he ate nothing. Yet, filled with God's Spirit, Jesus withstood the devil’s temptations and was ready to make an even greater journey led by God's Spirit. Though death on a cross seems far from godly and far removed from what we understand to be righteous, God works through the depth of our corruption and sin to show us just how far He is willing to go for us. Through Jesus we have been given the name “children of God” and as we learn in Romans, "all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, 'Abba, Father!' it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ." Romans 8:14-17a God's Spirit is always leading us, taking us to places we never dreamed. Yet, the spirit always leads to the same place, which is God. It is with God that we have a promised future, a promise of freedom, and the promise of eternal life.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Michael

Remember your offering this summer if you are away on vacation as the churches still have bills to pay. Also, due to the joint services, envelopes marked “Emmanuel” & “Galchutt” will be placed at each church for any cash donation you want designated to a specific church. Checks received will be given to whichever church is named as payee on the check. Any loose unmarked cash donations will be divided in half between the churches. Thank you!!!

On the Road Together A Report from the 30th Annual Synod Assembly

This year’s synod assembly called on all of us to embrace a diverse world, asking us to expand our perspectives and understanding of others. This gathering has a very multicultural theme with international speakers and music. Many church leaders of other faiths were present at the opening. The theme of Bishop Terry Brandt’s State of the Synod Report focused on reaching out to others. He stated that our synod has embraced other Christian churches that offer open communion and our synod is leading the way in encouraging open communion in the Catholic Church too. Bishop Brandt also reported that our synod is backing initiatives that encourage lay ministry, using not only adults but also our children who want to become involved in church leadership. The synod is offering churches guidance, if they want it, to help with congregational renewal. The bishop added that multi-ethnic ministries and global friendships remain important to our synod. All initiatives presented to the assembly were passed. Linda Kuruc

“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.” Acts 1:8 It seems fitting that “God’s Spirit” was our topic this month. God’s spirit

is a superpower. It is the most powerful force out there. In addition, those who are led by God’s spirit possess great power as well, however this power is directed. Recently we hosted Hero Central VBS. We learned that all of God’s heroes have power. That’s us! We are God’s heroes. In fact, we have many powers. Our VBS Hero Codes gave examples of ways we can put God’s spirit to use and show these superpowers of heart, courage, wisdom, hope, and power. Do good. Seek peace and go after it. Don’t be afraid to let the spirit of God live within you. Let’s all be God’s heroes and use the powers led by God through the Holy Spirit. “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 Kendra Dockter

“ROSE Group” Faith Community Nursing Contact numbers for Marsha Hendrickson RN, FCN (701) 372-3675 (701) 640-0242 mjh617@yahoo.com

If we are led by the Spirit, we are all children of God and that places us in good company. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t times when we feel disconnected from others, sad or lonely, and not a part of a loving community. At these times, it’s important to look more closely at what may be causing these feelings. It may be sadness imposed on us from social media or the news. There are many times when our expectations don't fit reality and we react by feeling unhappy with our lives. Going through changes like a divorce or departing for college often cause us to be anxious and sad. What can we do? Remember the good times spending time reflecting on good memories. Sometimes crying will help a person feel better. Exercise, smile, or maybe listen to music, not to reminisce but something you find beautiful and relaxing. Distract yourself, maybe practice some meditation, mindfulness or yoga. Loneliness is also a common feeling that many of us have to deal with at different times in our lives. Remember, we need each other so when you are lonely, reach out to others, initiate conversation and face time. Also, instead of focusing on yourself, think about the feelings and thoughts of others. Kindness goes a long way. Find others who share your interests and make an effort to spend time with them. Isn't it comforting to know that we are part of such a great community-the family of God? We know that the Spirit is our advocate and is ever present. Like the wind, we don't know where it comes from or where it is going. We just know it is there and we are never alone. There is always someone leading and guiding us. But being a part of this community means we need to take care of each other. Who have you reached out to today? Marsha Hendrickson

If you have an announcement, please send information to: galchuttchurch@rrt.net If you know of an engagement, wedding, birth, or baptism, we would love to include the information, along with a picture in an upcoming issue.

What is Gideon doing when the angel of the Lord appears to him with God’s call to lead Israel’s fight against the Midianites?

A. Threshing wheat B. Harvesting grapes

C. Keeping sheep D. Making a sacrifice to the Lord

Answer: A (See Judges 6:11.)

A huge big Thank You to everyone for making VBS 2017 “Hero Central” a huge success! From, Kendra Dockter & Lou Ann

Lee, VBS Coordinators

Thank you to the following for their monetary donations:

Pete & Karen Krump Karen Halverson Wes & Shirley Berg Gloria Rezac Leslie Hulne AJ Arth Glenda Adams Roger Miller Curt & Sheryl Ask

Jennifer Wulfekuhle Craig & Deb Syvertsen Clifton & Donna Stedje Loretta Hendrickson Kati & Chad Ulven Stuart & Sheila Gunness And to all who gave cash donations at the program

Thank you to the following for donating their time and talents and helping and/or teaching at Hero Central!

Pastor Michael Tabitha Hass Courtney Satter Emma Bellmore Sara Bellmore Pamela Loff Cassie Boelke Anna Loff Tessa Tschakert Stephanie Steger DeeAnn Gorder Tegan Amundson Katy Erickson DeeAnn Gorder

Abby Boelke Hans Weinmann Deb Syvertsen McKenzie Johnson Annamae Niemi Zafarie Syvertsen Gail Haarstad Amaria Syvertsen Johnny Kuruc Shelly Fixen Loretta Hendrickson

Heartfelt thanks to

the following for

their recent

memorials &

donations:

In memory of Ardell Schuldeisz Glenda Adams Ruth Hagander In memory of Donald King Mark and Jodi Long Emmanuel General Fund Clifton & Donna Stedje

The summer is well underway and VBS fun, activities and learning are now in the past. School will be here all too soon for many. As you start your school shopping, won't you consider purchasing items for the School Kits that we will be shipping in the fall. Here is the list of things needed for the kits. (We have a supply of the bags for this year.) FOUR 70-sheet notebooks of wide or college-ruled paper, approximately 8” x 10 1⁄2”; no loose leaf paper ONE 30-centimeter ruler or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other ONE pencil sharpener ONE pair of blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well) FIVE unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a rubber band FIVE black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a rubber band ONE box of 16 or 24 crayons ONE 2 1⁄2” eraser Quilting will resume on the second and fourth Tuesday of July. We look forward to making many quilts for those in need at home or abroad. Ellen Rittenhouse

Thank you to Steve and Shelly Fixen for cutting and painting several of the craft projects for VBS this year!

Thank you to Jennifer Wulfekuhle for sponsoring all the t-shirts for all the VBS kids again this year!

The councils of Galchutt and Emmanuel met in a joint meeting on June 12, 2017, at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, with the following members present: Pastor Michael Buller, Mitch Kinneberg, Lou Ann Lee, Wes Heyen, Austin Heyen, Gail Haarstad, Tabitha Hass, Courtney Satter, Brice Bellmore, Kendra Dockter, Mardee Besette and Larry Wold. Members absent: Luke Hendrickson, Ron Julson and Cathy Fixen. Emmanuel council president Mitch Kinneberg called the meeting to order. Pastor Michael led with a reading and prayer. Secretary’s Report – The minutes from May 8, 2017, joint meeting were read and approved. Pastor’s Report – Pastor read his report, highlighting some events in May. Pastor brought up that he had forgot to mention at the last meeting that he attended the Bethany Homes shareholders meeting on April 4th. He attended continuing education at Boundaries Workshop in Fergus Falls and the Wahpeton Conference Retreat. He was able to tour the new Sanford Medical facilities in Fargo. He also was able to attend a meeting regarding the winter retreat in Verona in 2018, as well as the 2018 ELCA National Youth Gathering. Pastor, Joe Hass (Emmanuel) and Doug Kuruc (Galchutt), attended the EaND Synod assembly on June 3rd-4th. Pastor presented his mileage for May which was approved. Stewardship Committee – Pastor Michael, Mitch Kinneberg, Kendra Dockter, Lou Ann Lee, and Tabitha Hass met prior to the joint council meeting. Pastor shared a power point presentation that he presented at the Synod Meeting about “What is Stewardship?” We discussed goals for 2017 with Galchutt possibly introducing electronic giving and Emmanuel reminding members of this option. Education Committee – Update on VBS, which will be held June 27-29 at Emmanuel. There are 54 kids signed up to attend. Education Committee will meet prior to the next Joint Council meeting. Worship Committee – Hymns were chosen for services through September. The Hymn Bracket has been set up again and voting started June 4, 2017. Treasurer’s Report & Property Committee – Will be discussed separately by each council. Old Business – Discussion on whether postcards were ever sent out regarding summer Sunday worship dates, times and locations. There have been posters placed on the door, as well as a schedule placed in the ECHO. The Longest Day Service will be help June 21st as part of the Hymn Sing scheduled at St. John’s Church. Pastor wanted to clarify his expectations in regards to the church and he stated he believes he is not an employee of the church, but rather an independent contractor. New Business – Joe Hass presented on the EaND Synod Meeting. He discussed that one of the main voting opportunities this year had to do with Global Warming and that this was more ecologically based, rather than scripturally based. He also brought up a proposal to look into RIC (Reconciling in Christ), which is regarding making it clear that our doors are open to all, specifically stating the LGBT community. He discussed that this would be a long process if undertaken. Pastor is questioning what our position is regarding the Bethany Retirement Community Shareholders Meetings. We are not giving financially, so do we want to continue to be part of their sponsorship/support? Pastor also mentioned that he had purchased custom made Eternity Candles as a gift to both churches. These candles are filled with slow burn kerosene fuel and were supposed to be self-extinguishing, however, they did not come with this piece. The idea is that the Eternity Candle should be lit at all time to represent Christ’s presence in the church. Since Galchutt is locked, this would not be expected to be lit at all time, but Emmanuel will have to decide on this option further. Councils broke out to individual council meetings.

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Council Meeting - June 12, 2017 Treasurer’s Report – Lou Ann presented a report showing where we are as far as the yearly budget. The parsonage overage is due to the electrician’s bill. Money from Lenten services ($849.72) for Cops for Kids still needs to be paid out. Bank balance is $4,177.08 as of 6/11/2017. The treasurer’s report was approved. Old Business – Ice cream bars/treats will be handed out during as dessert at the All Faith Service the Sunday of Aber Days. New Business – Austin states that the cooling system has been switched over from heating. This has become a process, as these have to toggled over every time and need to consider something different, to make this easier in the future. He also purchased a large quantity of LED bulbs and he will put in the entry way prior to VBS. Wes states that Matt has been contacted again to fix laminate countertops. The two councils joined together and closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Next meeting will be July 17, 2017*, at 6:30 PM at Galchutt Lutheran. (*This date was later changed to July 13th due to conflicts).

Ju ly 2017

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

Pastor on

vacation

2

No worship

Pastor on

vacation

3

Pastor on

vacation

4

Independence Day

Pastor on

vacation

5

Pastor on

vacation

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

6

Pastor on

vacation

7

Pastor on

vacation

8

Pastor on

vacation

9

Worship at

Emmanuel 9 AM

Pastor on

vacation

10

Pastor on

vacation

11

Pastor on

vacation

Quilting at

Emmanuel 2-5 PM

12

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

13

Joint Church

council at

Galchutt 6:30 PM

Education 6 PM

14

Pastor day off

15

16

Worship at

Galchutt 9 AM

with Baptism &

Communion

17 18 19

Hymn Sing @

St. John’s @ 7 PM

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

20

Bible Study at

Parsonage 7 PM

21

Pastor day off

22

23

Worship at

Emmanuel 9 AM

24 25

Quilting at

Emmanuel 2-5 PM

26

Emmanuel: AA Mtg @ 7 PM in Upstad Room

27 28

Pastor day off

ABER DAYS

29

ABER DAYS

30

All Faith Worship

at Abercrombie

Park Pavilion

10:30 AM

followed by

potluck

31

GALCHUTT-EMMANUEL MINISTRY Emmanuel Lutheran Church Galchutt Lutheran Church P. O. Box 119 105 Galchutt Avenue Abercrombie, ND 58001 Galchutt, ND 58075

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Pastor Michael Buller Cell Phone: (701) 892-4603 Office Phone (701) 553-8546 E-mail: pastormbuller@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pastormbuller Website: http://galchuttemmanuel.weebly.com/

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT # 101 ABERCROMBIE, ND 58001

2017 CHURCH COUNCILS

This month’s issue of The Echo is sponsored by

Dona Edlund Duffy

In Loving memory of

Grace and Selmer Edlund

and James L. Duffy

GALCHUTT

Evangelism & Worship *Doug Johnson *Scott Fixen Education Kendra Dockter *Pamela Krump Stewardship Courtney Satter Kendra Dockter Property Brice Bellmore Larry Wold Ron Julson Cathy Fixen Luke Hendrickson

EMMANUEL

Evangelism & Worship Gail Haarstad Mardee Besette Tabitha Hass

Education Lou Ann Lee Tabitha Hass

Stewardship Mitch Kinneberg Mardee Besette Tabitha Hass Lou Ann Lee * Tessa Tschakert Property

Wes Heyen Austin Heyen

* Josh Kinneberg

Denotes Congregation President * Denotes non-council committee member