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FROM THE DESK OF PASTOR MATT: Question: Hi Pastor, I noticed in Advent that the song right before communion was “Prepare the Royal Highway.” I know that is an Advent song, but I was surprised at all the Palm Sunday references in it. What do Advent and Palm Sunday have to do with each other? Answer: Good catch! Advent is the time we focus on the coming of Jesus, the Son of God. But that immediately begs the question, “Why?” Why would the Creator God want to become a part of the creation? Why would God, who is infinite, want to become finite? Another way to ask that question is: we spend a lot of energy focusing on going to heaven, why would God go the opposite direction?

To answer that question “Why?” also answers your question about Advent and Palm Sunday. Jesus, the Son of God, came to save us. The same Jesus who came into the world as a babe born in Bethlehem is the one who completed that mission of salvation on the cross. On the cross, Jesus said, “It is finished.” On the cross, Jesus took the sins of the whole world onto himself and exchanged them with his own righteousness, as Luther declared. On the cross, Jesus opened the doorway to the resurrection.

The Son of God who came and was born as Jesus—a name which literally means God saves—also came into Jerusalem to do that saving. The folks met him as a king, which he was, but not the kind of king they were looking for. The people were looking for a king who would save, rule and bring peace through military might. Jesus came to bring save, rule and bring peace by changing the hearts of those who follow so that they treat others with acts of love and care. To instill peace and salvation through the military means to rule with fear—either you live like we tell you or the military will be on your front porch. To instill peace and salvation through a change of

heart means to rule in a way that is naturally peaceful, and salvation comes a gift—I now live this way because this is now who I am.

To make that change of heart a permanent one so that we continue to live it, there needs to be a way of keeping the followers of Christ focused on Christ’s ways. Otherwise the ways of the world will divert their way of thinking. At each weekly worship, we gather to rid ourselves of the ways we have messed up the previous week (confession and forgiveness), hear God’s Word and ways spoken to us (readings and sermon), then we partake in the meal. Here the liturgy takes us back to the cross where Jesus opened the doorway to resurrection living. First we prepare ourselves for Christ coming to us to renew us in God’s ways with a greeting that focuses us on what God is about to do: “The Lord be with you, and also with you. Lift up your hearts, we lift them to the Lord. Let us give thanks to the Lord our God, it is right we give our thanks and praise.” We then sing the Holy, Holy, Holy which places us at Palm Sunday—the song includes singing of hosannas just as they were sung when Jesus entered Jerusalem. The Words of Institution that follow take us to the Thursday that followed Palm Sunday by restating the words Jesus spoke at that last meal with his disciples. Our participation in the meal makes us one with all the followers of Christ throughout all time, as Jesus makes us one with him over and over so that our lives stay focused on his ways: “This is my body and blood, take eat and drink, all of you, for the forgiveness of sins…” In the meal we are renewed in Christ…all renewed together. Just as Jesus died and rose long ago, Jesus puts an end to our broken ways (Good Friday) over and over again and restores us to God’s ways (Easter) so that we can continue living according to God’s peaceful ways.

We celebrate Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter every time we take communion. That occurs in all the church

St. Olaf Lutheran Church

The CALLER March 2016

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Seasons—Advent (where we focus on God coming into our lives), Christmas (where we focus on Jesus being born in us), Epiphany (where we focus on Jesus gathering the whole world unto himself to learn and grow in God), Lent (where we focus on Jesus even going to the cross to make our lives better), Easter (where we celebrate the new life in Christ), and Pentecost (where we focus on growing in the ways of Christ). The meaning of each of these needs our renewal for them to work. So yes, during Advent as we journey to Christmas, we also include Palm Sunday through Easter to keep God’s ways alive in us.

God’s Peace,

Pastor Matt

P.S. Please send me more questions.

MARCH LAY MINISTRY SCHEDULE

March Altar Guild: Liz Laack March Counters: Randy Buth, Mary Hershoff, John Roth, June Sumnicht

MARCH ANNIVERSARIES 2 Gregory & Jody Homulos (42) 10 Daniel & Melissa Meier (12) 24 Don & Mary Bender (43)

MARCH BIRTHDAYS 2 Austin Becker 3 Dawn Freiburger, Kyle Klink, Deborah Krahn 4 Glenn Mason 5 Lavonne Christenson, Dolores Johnson, Oscar Kraft, Jennifer Schutze 6 Scott Jaeger, Brian Krassman 7 Austin Brewer 9 Riley Smeaton 12 Nicole Christenson 13 Shirley Kraft 14 Kristina Krassman, Michael Schlehlein 15 Jane Christenson, Rebecca Schuett 16 Haley Roraff, Randy Sikkema 17 Sherri Krueger, Alyssa Schutze 18 Kyle Johnson, Douglas Kreger 19 Jeffrey Dauss, Lisa Iaquinta, John Paul Monnahan 20 Michelle Brenner, Maxwell Roth 22 Carter Meier 23 Lisa Kreger 24 Rachel Savatski, Jerry Schlieve 25 George Birkel 27 Kendra Stewart 28 Kathy Monis 29 Mark Solveson 30 Patricia Rolefson

LENTEN ECUMENICAL SERVICES Services will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the

following churches: Feb 17th - "Holy Name of Jesus Evangelical Catholic Church" (at Zion Lutheran)

Feb.24th- "St Catherine's of Alexandria Catholic Church" (Mapleton)

March 2nd- "St. Olaf's Lutheran Church" (Alderly)

March 9th- "St. Paul's Episcopal Church" (Hwy P, Ashippun)

March 16th- "Zion Lutheran Church" (Ashippun)

(Food & Fellowship to follow each service)

Date Asst. Minister Acolyte Sat., March 5 5:00 p.m.

Dave Johnston

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Sun., March 6 9:00 a.m.

Scott Siegrist

Logan DeBack

Sat., March 12 5:00 p.m.

Dawn Freiburger

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Sun.,March 13 9:00 a.m.

Marie Galbraith

Andrew Hoffmann

Sat., March 19 5:00 p.m.

Shirley Kraft

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Sun.,March 20 9:00 a.m.

Jenni Guenther

Elizabeth Lee

Thurs.,Mar. 24 7:00 p.m.

Cindy Schlieve

Abigail Hoffmann

Fri., March 25 7:00 p.m.

Jane Christenson

Catherine Lee

Sat., March 26 5:00 p.m.

Scott Siegrist

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Sun.,March 27 7:00 a.m.

Jane Christenson

Sam Millikin

Sun.,March 27 9:00 a.m.

Mary Hershoff

Acolyte: Carter Meier Cross:Samantha Cameron Banner: Tyler Christenson

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NEIGHBORHOOD LENTEN WORSHIP Wednesday, March 2nd St. Olaf will host the Neighborhood Lenten Worship. Please plan to worship with your neighbors this Lenten season.

The tradition is that the host church serve snacks and desserts after the worship to encourage conversation among members and visitors. Please join others from St Olaf and the neighboring churches to worship during Lent and, on March 2nd , bring a snack or dessert to serve at St. Olaf after worship.

HOLY WEEK AND EASTER SERVICES

Palm Sunday, March 20, 9:00 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion Maundy Thursday, March 24, 7:00 p.m. Worship with Holy Communion Good Friday, March 25, 7:00 p.m.

Tenebrae Service Saturday, March 26, 5:00 p.m. Easter Vigil Easter Sunday, March 27 7:00 a.m. Worship with Holy Communion 9:00 a.m. Celebration Worship with Holy

Communion

5TH ANNUAL WINE & BEER EVENT On Saturday, March 19th from 6pm-9pm, we will be hosting our 5th Annual Wine and Beer Event. It is a wonderful event that brings the community together and raises monies for St. Olaf's. Last year, along with the raffle, we raised over $8500 which went to different causes. This year our funds will be allocated for the general fund with the purpose of paying our debt to the mortgage fund. We hope you can volunteer, attend and/or donate something to the event. Price is $30 in advance/$35 at the door (must be at least 21 years old). For tickets, contact John Christenson or buy them on the website www.st-olaf.org. For more information, contact Gene Eggert, 414-315-4156 or Roger Johnson, 920-474-3168

SCRAP METAL DRIVE St. Olaf’s has been doing a metal scrap drive on a continuous basis. Money collected has been and will continue to be applied to many church projects. Everyone is urged to place metal items in dumpster located in the church parking lot.

NEWS ABOUT LAYLA SCHLIEVE As you have been watching the weekly prayer list, you will have seen Layla’s name there for the past year. Some of you know her story, but not everyone, so I thought I would provide an update on her health. Layla is the granddaughter of Jerry and Cindy Schlieve. She is 6 ½ years old now. On January 9th of 2015, she had a brain tumor removed at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. The tumor was cancerous, but was completely removed with no signs of cancer anywhere else in her body. The treatment protocol for her type of cancer included 6 weeks of proton radiation followed by 9 chemo treatments. Our son and his family took Layla to Chicago for the radiation treatments and stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for those 6 weeks in February and March of 2015. Once they returned home to Oconomowoc, the chemo treatments began in April of 2015. Layla’s final in-hospital chemo treatment was February 23, 2016; her final chemo treatment (via a shot) is set for March 3, 2016. We will have a celebration for sure on that day! Through all of this, we have had so many blessings! First, we are so thankful that Layla’s doctor was persistent in trying to find out what was making her sick. Then, once the tumor was discovered, the head surgeon at Children’s Hospital performed the surgery. The faith community has been absolutely wonderful to us and to my son and his family. We have all received gifts and many kindnesses during this time of worry, stress, and fear. I would also like to note that the Ronald McDonald House was absolutely fabulous in assisting our family. The Ronald McDonald Houses are such a blessing to any family dealing with cancer. If anyone is looking for a place to send a monetary donation, please consider them. Layla is a beautiful child who has shown enormous strength and will to recover from this devastating illness. By and large, things have gone smoothly for her, though there have been issues that needed to be addressed. We have a wonderful gift to look forward to in May. Layla’s wish through the Make a Wish foundation was to go to Disneyworld in Florida. She and her father, mother, and brother will be going as guests of Make a Wish. Other members of the extended family will also be going and staying separately. That includes Jerry and me. We are very excited about this opportunity to

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celebrate Layla and her completion of treatments and being able to get back to a more normal life. We would like to express our sincere thanks to everyone who has kept us in their prayers. Please continue to keep those prayers going for Layla, since the recovery will continue for some months until all the chemicals have left her body. Blessings and peace to you all, Jerry & Cindy Schlieve

SIMPLY GIVING IS A GOOD THING

Simply Giving is a way to make your offerings to the general and building funds through electronic fund transfer. Many families already utilize electronic transfer of funds from their checking accounts for other purposes. Others have never tried it and may be wary of the process. We want to get all the information to you and ask you to consider Simply Giving. You have heard Pastor talk of the First Fruits concept. Simply Giving is an effective and easy way to give of your first fruits.

THE ADVANTAGES OF "SIMPLY GIVING" TO YOU ARE:

• No more thinking about how much you should put in the envelope this week

• No checks to write • No more writing checks or looking for cash

at the last minute • No playing catch-up at year's end • Safer than writing a check

THE ADVANTAGES OF "SIMPLY GIVING" TO THE CHURCH ARE:

• The church will know that a certain amount of money will come in each week regardless of snow storms, flu outbreaks, summer holidays, or whatever.

• Helps the counters and makes church's book keeping easier

• Encourages individuals to evaluate their giving habits and maybe make some positive changes

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT SIMPLY GIVING:

• You pay no fees. • You determine frequency of your pledge

withdrawals. • You can choose deducting from a checking

or savings account.

• No one can deduct money from your account unless you authorize it.

• Simply Giving is good for almost everyone. It is especially good for those who have steady income, do a lot of weekend traveling, go south for the winter or up north in the summer.

• Simply Giving may not be good for you if your financial situation fluctuates wildly throughout the month, you anticipate being laid off, or your income is from part time or seasonal work.

• Those who would like to put an envelope in the plate, can still do so. Simply Giving stamps will be provided at your request for the empty envelopes you put in the plate.

IF I'M INTERESTED, WHAT SHOULD I DO? Those families that use it, like it very much. Ask them. Simply Giving brochures and applications are on the table in the foyer and also attached to the March Caller email. If you have questions, ask George Monis, Dave Johnston, or John Christenson. Complete the authorization form & return to church office. Don't mail it to Vanco.

ST. OLAF LUTHERAN CHURCH ENDOWMENT AND SPECIAL

EDUCATION FUND St. Olaf’s received an endowment for the Scholarship Fund to give college scholarships to worthy students for their further educational needs. This fund is overseen by the ESPT Committee, Karl Monis and John Christenson. The funds are dispersed to students yearly by the Scholarship Committee, consisting of Jenni Guenther, Tiffany Brewer, Carolyn Roraff, Connie Kreuser, Becky Schuett and Justine Cadena.

The beginning fund balance was $60,431.34 on the account and the year-end balance for 2015 was $58,033.97. There is a growth component and an income component to the portfolio. Our administrative fee was $605.22. We earned $1856.10 in interest and dividends, but, realized an investment performance loss of -$3648.25.

The reasons for the downturn was the market volatility in the 3rd and 4th quarters, though the market did rebound towards the end of the year. The strategy is for the long-term with short term fluctuations common. Performance over the past

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20 years has been varied with most years being positive, which has helped us sustain our scholarship giving yearly. Yours in Christ John Christenson, Treasurer

MAPLE SYRUP – HELP NEEDED The maple syrup season will start in late February or early March. Being in the woods is fun, good exercise, and is an excellent way to get acquainted with other members of the church and community. We can also use help with the bottling operation in the house. If you would like to see how it's done, participate as you are able, or educate your children, we can put you on our group email list so you will know what we're doing each day of the season. Contact Roger Johnson at farmstone@aol.com or 414-651-3915.

THANK YOU FOR THE SUPPLIES Update on Maple Syrup Fundraiser

Thank you to those members who contributed lids and screw tops for canning maple syrup. A BIG thanks goes out to one family that donated several boxes of lids and screw tops! Because of this, we now have our required amount for the project; pint jars are still welcome.

LEARNING LUKE’S MESSAGE Luke was a physician. As such, he cared for other people. Luke was also a teacher. He wrote both letters—Luke and Acts—to teach the story of how Jesus also takes care of others and the world around us. Sometimes we look at the Gospel message of Christ Jesus in a more general sense: how we learned it and heard it growing up in a basic way. We have an upcoming opportunity in an Adult Bible Study to hear Luke as he wished it to be read. We will look at some of the themes of what Luke was getting at when he put together the stories of Jesus and how he wants his readers to learn and grow in the care of Christ Jesus. The dates for these classes are February 7, 14, 21, March 6, 13, 20, and April 3rd. They will be held on Sundays at 10:15 a.m. after worship. Please mark your calendars and join us!

PACKER CAR RAFFLE The raffle drawing will be held at the Wine and Beer event on March 19th at 9:00pm. You can get more information by going to www.st-olaf.org The Packer car raffle tickets can be obtained from Roger Johnson, Jerry Bohen, John Christenson or Shannon Lutz.

TUESDAY MORNING QUILTING Come and help! No experience needed.

"Many hands make light work." Tuesday mornings, 9:15 a.m., we make quilts. Many of our quilts are donated to Lutheran World Relief. LWR is a nonprofit organization that works with local partners to provide lasting solutions to poverty, injustice, and human suffering. Our quilts are made to provide warmth, but often find additional uses. Need more encouragement? Questions? Call Elaine Monis 414-840-4629.

2016 ST OLAF PIE AUCTION Sunday March 13th at 10:15 a.m.

Bid on your favorite piece or a whole pie. Fun had by all.

Our annual Pie Auction will be held after worship service at 10:15 a.m. on Sunday, March 13, 2016. Proceeds will help support our summer mission trip to South Dakota, summer camp, and other events. Students, families, and others are asked to bring 2 pies each. No Confirmation Class that morning.

SCANDI BUTIK

Thank you to everyone who purchased items at the "Scandi Butik" during the Lutefisk dinner. We had a very successful day of sales for our first attempt. All proceeds went to the Women of Grace. Some items, which were not sold, are now available at the Neosho Co-op, 238 S. Schuyler St., So come on over and have a beverage and check out the Scandinavian items. All proceeds go to the Women of Grace.

WE’RE MAKING RESURRECTION EGGS On Palm Sunday we will be making Resurrection Eggs--eggs (the plastic ones) that contain special

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symbols that lead up to Jesus' death and resurrection. The children will each pick eggs, number them and place the items in the eggs and have a hands-on reminder of the Easter story. During Sunday School on Palm Sunday, we would like to have adults to help guide the students to put together this craft. We could also use a few more egg cartons, so save them up and bring them to church.

ADDRESSING QUESTIONS ABOUT CHURCH FINANCES

by Roger Johnson, Finance Committee Chairman

Since the subject of church finances has been a topic of discussion lately, questions have been asked by several members that I will attempt to answer here:

1. What funds does the church have, and what are their purposes? 2. Why do we always seem short of money with all the income from fundraising coming in? 3. What happens to all the money from fundraising?

The General Fund holds the money to pay the costs of operating the Church. This includes payroll, benefits, utilities, maintenance, benevolence, etc. This fund is supported by the plate offerings designated to the general fund and is administered by the Finance Committee. As is the case with the other funds administered by the Finance Committee, it is reviewed monthly by both the Leadership Team and the Council. The annual ministry plan (budget) is supported by the General Fund. The ministry plan is developed by the Finance Committee, reviewed by the Leadership Team and Council, and voted on at the annual meeting. The ministry plan includes the amount necessary for the operating expenses of the Church plus what it would cost for ministries we would like to do if the offerings are adequate.

The Mortgage Reduction Fund is dedicated to paying off the mortgage for the new addition. It is supported by the plate offerings designated to the Mortgage Reduction Fund and is administered by the Finance Committee. The goal is to have the mortgage paid off by the 175th anniversary of the congregation on December 8, 2019. When the

mortgage is paid off, this fund may or may not revert back to what it used to be called i.e. the Building Fund. The purpose of the building fund is to hold money to eventually be used for capital expenditures for the church structures.

The Capital Fund is where gifts, bequests, or transfers from other funds are held for the purchase of additional equipment and for large maintenance expenses and improvements of the church buildings and grounds.

The Endowment Fund is currently utilized only for scholarships. Only the interest and dividends from this fund are paid out for the scholarships. This fund is administered by the Finance Committee. Scholarships are awarded by the Scholarship Committee.

The Memorial Fund holds donations from people in memory of another. Money in this fund is to be used to purchase items to improve the religious activities or atmosphere of the Church. This fund is administered by the Finance Committee.

The Good Samaritan Fund is overseen by the Pastor and is utilized by him to assist needy members at his discretion.

The Youth Group has checking and savings accounts directed by the Youth Ministry Team.

The Women Of Grace has its own bank account.

The SCRIP program has a checking account overseen by Laura Lee. Transfers of funds from this account are periodically made to the General Fund.

When you read in the bulletin that the previous week's offering to the General Fund were less than needed, it simply means that, after the operating expenses were paid, there was no money left to support the rest of the ministry plan. St. Olaf's is able to survive with a weekly deficit in plate offering to the General Fund for several reasons: 1. Money budgeted for committee expenses, planned expanded ministries, continuing education, etc. often does not exist after the bills are paid and therefore is not spent. 2. Money to pay operating expenses is being borrowed from a reserve fund within the Mortgage Reduction Fund. This cannot continue because plate offerings to the Mortgage Reduction Fund

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are also very often inadequate to make the mortgage payments. So the reserve fund is often dipped into to make a mortgage payment. If this continues, at some point, the reserve fund would be used up. 3. The General Fund and Mortgage Reduction Fund are being supplemented by matching fund drives, end of life and other gifts, and profits from community events and fundraisers. The ELCA advises that a Church cannot be run indefinitely on fundraisers. This position is well taken. The income from fundraisers is sporadic while the bills and mortgage payments must be paid on a regular basis. People who devise and run fundraisers are rare and will eventually burn out. Furthermore, people who run fundraisers are not inspired to do all the work of running a fundraiser only to have the church leadership mandate that the profits be used to pay the salaries or electric bills that the members should be supporting through their plate offerings. People who run fundraisers are motivated to do so by the ability to designate their profits to paying down the mortgage or to specific ministries or improvements to the church building for which there is no money in the general fund. Lastly, there is a disincentive for members to support their Church through the offering plate when they see the Church being supported by fundraising. Therefore the purpose of having community events with resulting profits was never to pay the operating expenses of the Church. The primary purpose of community events is outreach and to put the Church back into the center of the community. A secondary purpose is to generate income, a significant portion of which comes from non-members, to pay down the mortgage and pay for improvements that the Church could not otherwise afford. As an incentive for people to organize community events and fundraisers, they can designate any profits to a fund, program, or project approved by the Council.

While there have been community events such as the lutefisk dinner and ice cream social for years, a real emphasis on these events began in 2008 when church leadership began to encourage and support members who found a talent within themselves and were willing to use that talent to help put the Church back into the center of the community and, in the process, turn their talents

into financial support for paying down the mortgage or improvements to the facility. Paying down the mortgage has saved us a lot of money, and the improvements to the facility would never have occurred without fundraising because there is never money in the general fund to move forward on them.

Despite the original intent of fundraising, the deficiencies in the general fund in recent years have forced some people who do fundraisers to designate significant event profits to this fund. It may surprise the people, who think we should stop asking for money because of all the money being spent on improving the facility, that since 2008 only 19% of fundraising money has gone to facility improvements. The breakdown is as follows:

Mortgage Reduction fund 31% General Fund 28% Facility Improvements 15% Benevolence 11% Youth Group & Sunday School 8%

Facility improvements financed by community events and other fundraising projects include: office computer, capital fund, outdoor lighting, gathering area lights & serving counter, new pews and audio / visual system. In addition, funds have been started for: an outdoor sign, heritage hallway, and kitchen improvements.

NEW MEMBER CLASSES The adult education committee is offering classes for those who would like to join St. Olaf’s. There will be three weeks of classes that will offer prospective members the opportunity to learn about what a Lutheran is; the history of St. Olaf’s; your personal spiritual gifts and ways that they can add to our community of faith here at St. Olaf; plus, other valuable information that will help in becoming part of the St. Olaf family.

The classes will be held on the following Sundays, April 10, 17, and 24, from 10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. New members will be welcomed into the congregation on Sunday, May 1st during the 9 a.m. worship service, with a reception to follow. The classes are open to current members and you are invited to attend to offer encouragement and insight into our congregation for the

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prospective new members. Committee chairpersons are encouraged to attend as well. Please RSVP to Pastor Matt (262-224-5047) or Cindy Schlieve (920-474-7134). We look forward to offering this opportunity to learn about St. Olaf, the Lutheran Church, and gain an understanding of our own spirituality in the life of our congregation.

WOMEN OF GRACE Our most recent meeting of the Women of Grace was held on February 8, 2016. Several projects and ideas for the future were discussed. One of the upcoming opportunities for women will be on Saturday, May 14, 2016. A women’s tea is being planned, with a guest speaker. Details will be provided in the next month or so. Another upcoming opportunity is the creation of a book discussion club. Please contact Jenni Guenther, Mary Hershoff or Connie Kreuser if you have ideas or suggestions for a book discussion club.

Additionally, those present were provided with a list of the recipients of the money raised at the Lutefisk dinner bake sale and Scandi Butik. There was $3,400 to distribute. There were 17 recipients who received $200 each. They were: The Mt. Mero coffee project, Lutherdale Bible Camp, Lutheran Indian Ministries, P.A.V.E., ELCA Disaster Fund, Lutheran World Relief, ELCA Global Missions, World Hunger, ELCA Fund for Leaders, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Outreach for Hope, Family Promise, Lutheran Social Services, Lutheran Bible Translators, Crossways Camping Ministry, St. Olaf Youth, Zachariah’s Acres. The Women of Grace extend a huge thank you to everyone who baked or bought in order to raise the funds that would be distributed to missions.

The next meeting of the Women of Grace will be on March 14th at 6:00 p.m. All women of the congregation are invited to attend. Refreshments will be provided. Suggestions for projects or ways in which we can assist others are always welcome. Please feel free to contact Cindy Schlieve, president, if you have any questions or ideas you would like to share.

THANK YOU!

* A big thank you to everyone who has donated large pieces of fabric for the LWR quilting

projects. We especially thank the person who donated the large polar fleece sheet set. Polar fleece and flannel make great warm fillings. Large sheets make good backings for quilts. COME on TUESDAY MORNINGS lend a hand and see what we do.

* Many thanks to all the members who helped with family promise. Thank you to all those who prayed, stayed overnight, fixed meals, donated food, cleaned up and set up, and more.

YOUTH TO SPONSOR “Elia” from Bolivia with Food for the Hungry

Some youth have decided to sponsor another child, this time with “Food for the Hungry”, which is very similar to Compassion. We supported our last child for 10 years, from age 8-18. Our monthly commitment is $35 and will be ongoing. We are asking the congregation if they would like to help us in this mission. You will hear more and from our youth. If you would like to help us out, please put your donation in the offering plate clearly marked for "Elia" or use an "Elia" envelope from the pew.

LUTHERDALE SUMMER CAMP FOR ALL AGES

Anyone planning on going to summer camp? Registration discounts apply in March. Women of Grace are offering $100 toward each St. Olaf youth that signs up for camp. There are registration forms on the Youth News board in the hallway with information on all the different dates and types of camp weeks available. Any questions, ask Justine or Elaine.

FORMED BY FAITH The Other Reasons People Give to Church

Communities

Sean Mitchell What inspires people to give to church communities? For decades, many have searched to find answers to this question. The good news is there is information to be found. Studies are providing data. We are now in the presence of a variety of helpful resources. Action items appearing on such lists include, “preach on stewardship more than once a year” and “produce quarterly statements as a way to remind members

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of their commitments and inform them of how the church is spending the money.” These lists can be helpful, and I encourage implementing several of the best practices found in them.

An alternative practice is to think of a different type of list. This list involves the systemic items influencing the giving habits of the average church member. These items are not on the agenda of most stewardship or generosity committees, but they do shape generous members in churches and need attention.

Consider this visual: Imagine a circle with the words financial stewardship and giving in the center. Now around the circle are the standard best practices, but outside this concentric ring is an additional ring. This outer orbiting ring of items has items in it that have as much to do with stewardship and generosity as the inner ring. The other ring is both financial and holistic. Here is the short list of those:

1. Develop membership involvement. Asking people to give money is a best practice for developing generosity. But almost everyone agrees, and studies back this up, that the members who give of their money are also the members who give of their time. Some statistics suggest that the likelihood for giving jumps even higher if the member is involved in more than one church ministry. The takeaway for churches is to formulate strategic and thoughtful ways to ask members to give their financial resources. However, be as strategic with asking members to give their time as well. For example, which members have not served in a ministry in the last year or two? Who knows them? Where might they be a good fit to serve if invited? Develop this ask. Pour time into it. This ask is just as important as the ask for money.

2. Gift people with community. We are made to belong, contribute, give, and receive. Focus on ways to connect members within smaller communities of your community. Some churches have Sunday school, while others have similar communities called small groups that meet in homes. Insure every member is invited in to one of these communities and experiences the relationships and caring these communities provide. Emerging findings suggest people who are participating in one of these communities of

belonging are more likely to give money to their church communities.

3. The discipline of reading. We have heard it said again and again that the Bible talks about money more than any other subject. Yet, what does it actually say? We need to read, interpret, discuss, and respond to the Scriptures. Congregational leaders should be regularly challenging congregants to practice regular reading and re-reading of the Scriptures. Again, and there is no surprise here, but we are freshly learning that those who engage the Scriptures on a regular basis are more likely to give to their churches.

More influencers of generosity reside in this concentric. Each of these items demands the attention of congregational leaders. They are key to the development of a person maturing in the ways of Jesus, one such way being generosity.

What other disciple-making influencers do you think are in this concentric? How can your leadership pay more attention to these actions and engage them with deeper intention? Remember, this list is as important to the development of stewardship ministry as are the best practices.

St. Olaf Sunday School presents Doubting Thomas

March 6, 13, April 3, 10

For three years Thomas follows Jesus as a disciple. But Thomas is a pessimist. Some people rejoice to see a glass half full, but Thomas sees it half empty. Oh, he's full of courage, but also possesses a streak of fatalism. Once, when Jesus and his disciples hear about their friend Lazarus's death near Jerusalem, the center of Jesus' opposition, Thomas comments darkly, "Yes, let's go there that we might die with him." His words are almost prophetic, and soon, his world falls apart. Thomas sees Jesus arrested in the Garden and he flees for his life. On Good Friday he watches at a distance as they nail his friend to a cross. As Jesus' life drains away, so does Thomas's hope.

On Saturday he is in shock. On Sunday he is so disillusioned that he doesn't gather with his fellow disciples for an evening meal. Thomas is dazed,

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hurt, bitter. The disciples go looking for Thomas to tell him what happened in his absence. "Thomas, we were in that upper room. We locked the doors for protection. Yet, all of a sudden, Jesus appeared. 'Peace,' he said. Then he showed us his hands. There are jagged holes where the nails had been. He pulls back his tunic and shows us where the spear penetrated his chest. But he wasn't weak or sick or dying. He is alive, raised from the dead!"

"I don't believe it," barks Thomas. "I don't believe a word of it. You're seeing what you want to see. Jesus is dead. I saw him die, and part of me died with him. But he's dead, and the sooner you accept that fact, the better off you'll be. Give it up!” Peter pleads with him. "Thomas, I saw him myself, I tell you, and he was as real as you are!” Thomas refuses to believe. "Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it."

The next Sunday evening he is eating with his fellow disciples in the same locked room. Suddenly, Jesus stands among them once again and speaks "Shalom, peace be with you.” Jesus turns to him and says "Put your finger here, see my hands." Jesus holds out his scarred hands for him to examine. Thomas recoils. Not out of fear, really, but from a mixture of amazement and revulsion. Jesus begins to open his outer garment and says, "Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe."

Thomas is weeping now and then begins to sob out loud. Jesus reaches out and puts a hand on his shoulder. Then Thomas slips to his knees and says in awe, "My Lord and my God!" Jesus replies, "Because you have seen me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe."

• In the Oasis Café we will cook and realize how Jesus turns our doubt inside out.

• In Colors of Faith we will make find ways that Jesus brings peace into our lives.

• In Creation Exploration we will learn about wounds, scars and belief.

• In Jammin’ with Jesus we will play some games that show us Jesus is alive!

Our focus verse: Jesus said to him, “Do you believe

because you see me? How happy are

those who believe without seeing!” John 20:26

EASTER FLOWER ORDERS It’s time to be thinking about decorating your church for Easter Services. Use the order form in this caller (they have also been placed in your church mailbox). Please get your order and payment to the church secretary by no later than 3/13. If you would prefer to purchase a plant on your own and drop it off at church you can do that too! Please drop them off at the office by 3/23. You can take the donated plant home with you after the late Easter Sunday service.

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Decorate Your ChurchDecorate Your ChurchDecorate Your ChurchDecorate Your Church

with Easter Flowerswith Easter Flowerswith Easter Flowerswith Easter Flowers

Order Form

Quantity Price

_____ Easter Lily, single stem, 6 ½ “ pot $10.00

_____ Daffodils, 6 ½“ pot $10.00

_____ Tulips, assorted colors, 6 ½“ pot $10.00

_____ Hyacinth, assorted, 3 blooms, 6 ½“ $10.00

_____ Mums, 6 ½“ pot $10.00

_____ Azalea, 6 ½“ pot $15.00

_____ Hydrangeas, 7“ pot $17.00

Total price: __________

Please make checks payable to: St. Olaf’s Lutheran

Church. Order forms and payment may be turned in to the office. **

Name ______________________________________ Phone ______________________________________

If this is in memory of a loved one or in honor of a special event, please note how you would like it mentioned in the bulletin. ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Order Deadline: Sunday, March 13, 2016

**You can take the flowers home with you after the last Easter service.

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NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS regarding Opportunities for YOUTH & Familiesregarding Opportunities for YOUTH & Familiesregarding Opportunities for YOUTH & Familiesregarding Opportunities for YOUTH & Families March, 2016 Mark your calendars so you won’t miss outMarch, 2016 Mark your calendars so you won’t miss outMarch, 2016 Mark your calendars so you won’t miss outMarch, 2016 Mark your calendars so you won’t miss out Those in their 2nd year of Confirmation Class - Please remember to send 6 pictures of yourself from baby till now for the Confirmation Class video. If you can, please give your pictures to Justine on a CD, USB, or email them to stolafyouth@gmail.com Direct any questions to Justine

Mission Trip to Pine Ridge, South Dakota July 9-16, 2016 - 2nd info meeting in March. Questions? See Justine

PIE SOCIAL/AUCTION – A Cross-Generational -all church event SUNDAY, MARCH 13TH at 10:15 A.M. (after worship)

Set up will be on Saturday at 6:00 (after worship) Confirmation Class students get 1 pt. for youth event

Youth, Families, & Congregation Members: Come and enjoy some conversation, laughs and of course, pie. Proceeds will help support our youth programming, our summer mission trip to South Dakota & other events. PIES ARE NEEDED. Students, families, and others are asked to bring 2 pies each. Confirmation class students are needed to help run the event. Be here by 8:00 a.m. High School students & everyone else, please come and bid, eat pie, and help with clean up. Come to worship at 9:00 and stay for the Auction! PLEASE bring your pies to church on Saturday, March 12th or by 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, March 13th. No Confirmation Class that morning.

Confirmation Class & High School Youth - INDOOR MINI-GOLF 1 point for Youth event

On Sunday, March 13th after the Pie Auction. Would anyone like to go and have some laughs together at the indoor mini-golf place in Hartford? Time for some relationship building. If you are interested, please let Justine know via e-mail, text, or sign up on the Youth board in hallway. We would leave after cleaning up from the Pie Auction. Let me know who is available to go. We will need a parent to drive & go also.

Teens Encounter Christ = TEC REUNION – March 19 At Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Wales from 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. We will meet here at 9:15 a.m. for a ride. All those who have ever attended a weekend in the past are invited to the reunion. We will need a parent to pick up the youth from Bethlehem Church since Justine has a wedding to attend in the afternoon. It’s a great time to reconnect with those you met on your weekend and also watch the video of you in action serving on team. Let Justine know if you are planning on going.

Youth to sponsor “Elia” from Bolivia with Food for the Hungry Some youth have decided to sponsor another child, this time with “Food for the Hungry”, which is very similar to Compassion. Other youth said they wanted to do this together as a youth project. Our monthly commitment is $35 so the youth talked about bringing a small donation each time they came to class or to church on Sat. or Sunday. If we all participate with a small weekly donation, we will have no problem meeting our commitment. We already received a letter and picture from Elia. We are asking the congregation to help support us in this very important mission project. See for the poster with Elia’s info. Please remember to bring your donations and put them in the Sunday offering clearly marked for Elia or put it in the basket in class.

Remember & mark your calendar: Sunday, April 3 Visit Family Promise Center with parents/mentors & Lunch (Pr. Matt on vacation) Sunday, April 10 Roadside Clean up day for youth & families and congregation members after worship. Lunch will be provided. Bring your work gloves and dress appropriately for the weather. Saturday, April 16 Possible day for a “Star Wars” Theme event Friday, April 22 Confirmation Class Banquet/pictures at 6:00 p.m. for 2nd yr. students & families Sunday, April 24 Confirmation/Affirmation of Baptism Worship Service will be at 9:00 a.m. Be here at 8:15 a.m. More detailed info will be e-mailed at a later date .

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St. Olaf’s Annual

Pie Auction / SocialPie Auction / SocialPie Auction / SocialPie Auction / Social

Sunday, March 13, 2016

10:15 a.m. Pie Auction

Encouraging ALL youth, families and members of St. Olaf to participate.

Invite your friends and neighbors to share the fun!

Special bidding time for youth

SAY YES TO SUPPORT OUR YOUTH!

St. Olaf members & families: donations of pies are needed

Please have them to the kitchen by 9:00 a.m. Sunday, March 13

Proceeds will help defray the cost of our summer mission trip & other events