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Church Council

Board of Elders Dan Lange

Jim Tessmer  Dave Lohse

Rodger Marschel Chad Edwards Arvid Green

Board of Education

Scott Anderson Kevin Schmidt  

Bill Radintz Theo Rex

Brian Schmid Dan Smith

Board of Finance

Chad Berkenes Joe Siers

Grant McFadden Bill Reich

Jared Tessmer

Board of Trustees Tim Hallstrom Bill Schendel  Gary Lieder Joel Nystrom

Dave Bechtold Steve Gutknecht

Pastor

Paul Schuler

School Faculty Principal:

Jonathan Beilke

Colton Berger Rachel Berger Lisa Charlson Amanda Kroll

Merry Leerssen

Office Manager Mrs. Stephanie Smith

“Jesus, Savior, pilot me over life’s tempestuous sea … Chart and compass come from thee: Jesus, Savior, pilot me.”

Volume 20, No. 2 December 2015

Pastor’s Message ~The following article was written by a Christian writer named Linda Buxa and was posted online through Time of Grace (timeofgrace.org) on November 10. 2015. May you, too, be like Christ this Christmas and always. ~

Why it's not a red cup's job to keep Christ in Christmas

Have you heard about the Starbucks red cup brewhaha? (See what I did there?) Joshua Feuerstein, a former pastor who uses social media as his pulpit, went online to stir up trouble all because Starbucks’ 2015 Christmas cup is simply red with a logo on it. (Other years’ cups featured ornaments, doves, Christmas trees, snowflakes, carolers, and snowmen.) Calling it a war on Christmas, Feuerstein encouraged Christians not to boycott, but to go into their local Starbucks and say their name is Merry Christmas, so that employees have to write Merry Christmas on their cups.

"Haha, joke’s on them," he thinks. Personally, I think this is just one way for Mr. Feuerstein to get publicity. And if the adage is true that no publicity is bad publicity, I’m sure Starbucks is toasting themselves (with red paper cups) about all this free press. With a slight rewording, Titus 3:8,9 comes to mind: “This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. But avoid foolish controversies . . . and arguments and quarrels about [the color of coffee cups], because these are unprofitable and useless.” I could easily have ignored this faketroversy, but I think this is a good time to look at our own lives and see where we Pastor’s Message Continued from Page 1

Pastor’s Message Continued on Page 2

~Happy New Year~

To thank God for 2015 and to ask His blessing on 2016, please join us for the 7:00 PM New Year's Eve Service.

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might be doing the same thing. (Though probably not to the same extent.)

Where do we create controversies where there are none? When have we isolated ourselves as Christians so that we can no longer be influential with the lives of people around us? When have we made it seem like a large company’s decision to celebrate a “holiday” is a threat to our relationship with our Savior?

We cannot expect a coffee shop or retail store or any company that is designed to provide a service and make money to tell people about the King of glory who gave up glory so you could be glorified. That’s your job. It’s my job. So how about we make a pact not to waste our time on quarrels? Instead, let’s remember that the best way to keep Christ in Christmas is to be Christ this Christmas. Love your enemies. Pray for those who (actually) persecute you. Speak the truth in love—especially when it’s hard. Feed the hungry. Care for widows and orphans. Go. Make disciples. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Serve one another. Pray for each other. And, by all means, wish someone a Merry Christmas. And be prepared to tell the story of the baby in the manger who is the reason for the hope that you have.

Saturday Morning Women's Bible Study ~ Join us for Bible study, breakfast and fellowship. This group meets the 2nd Saturday of

each month at 8am in the Conference Room at school. Starting in January we will be studying our Bible sisters - Eve, Miriam, Sarah, just to name a few. We would love to have you join us ~ all ladies welcome! Please note that the meeting on January 9th is changed to 7:30am due to the Salem basketball tournament that day.

Craft n' Chat Need some time and space to work on your favorite hobbies or get a project done? Bring your favorite project or you might even learn a new one. Join us as we quilt, sew, draw, scrapbook, make cards, knit, or just come to have a cup of coffee and visit for awhile. All are welcome! Watch the calendar/bulletins. We try to meet on the second Saturday of each month in the cozy Salem School Conference Room. Come when you can, leave when you must, anytime between 10am & 4pm.

The Pilot is a monthly newsletter of Salem Lutheran Church and School. Shelley Kromschroeder serves as editor. The Pilot serves to inform Salem members and families of our school of the events that are taking place in our congregation. There are many organizations within our congregation and keeping the communication lines open is very important. Your comments are welcomed. Salem’s Web Page location is http://www.salemwels.org. You may e-mail Shelley at kromschroeder@gmail.com.

Time of Grace Ministry – Sundays, 6:30 a.m. KMSP Channel 9

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PTC News PTC would like to thank all Salem families that helped out by supporting our first year of Operation Christmas Child. Over 65 shoe boxes were adopted by Salem families to help give another child a wonderful Christmas this year! The shoe boxes were filled with awesome things ranging from toys, games, toiletries, candies, photos of students, all packed along with a personal note from the Salem students and a Bible activity book or Bible verse. The filled boxes were collected in early November and were then taken to a collection site for distribution around the United States and world. Our 2nd annual Harvest Bowling Party was also a success! Salem earned over $200 from this event to help benefit our students needs! If you weren't able to join us in the fall, look for another opportunity coming up this late winter or early spring! It's a great afternoon of bowling, food, laughs, and fun for the whole family. Basketball season is underway, which means there are still opportunities for you to join the fun of working in the Concession Stand for our Salem Home Games! The dates and shift times can be found by looking online at www.signupgenius.com. Search for PTC Concessions and Katie.schmidt.com.

Salem Family Story Time On Friday, January 15, Salem Lutheran School will start up the Family Story Time for 2016. Children from birth to 5 years old are invited to come with an adult. It will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. The story time will give families a time to play, sing songs, a story, craft, and snack. It is a great opportunity to meet new friends and invite friends of your own. Please mark your calendars for the following dates:

January 15 February 26

March 18 April 15

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Charlson at lcharlson@salemwels.org or 612-961-5042 or contact Angela Pittman or Jodi Brandel.

Salem Lutheran is a member of an association of congregations supporting West Lutheran High School. West Lutheran is located at 3350 Harbor Lane North in Plymouth Minnesota. We have a number of students from Salem attending at West Lutheran. For more information, call 763-509-9378 or visit at www.wlhs.net

Salem is a part of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.

www.wels.net

Finances: Year-to-date as of December 13, 2015

Budgeted Envelope Offerings: $ 163,846

Received Envelope Offerings: $ 156,502

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Salem Pioneer News On November 10th the Pioneers met at the Kids against Hunger / Youth with a Mission facility in Buffalo. There were approximately 30 kids and adults that participated from Salem along with 30 others from another local group, together they packaged 39 boxes of food which had 36 bags per box, and there is enough food for 6 meals per bag. So together they fed 8424 hungry kids in Haiti. So each person packaged enough food in one hour to feed 140 kids. Each person packed $33.14 worth of food. The kids all enjoyed the service project and learned to respect the food they take for granted.

On December 8th the Kids meet to do a Christmas craft. There were two different ornaments they made, the 1st one was making a star out of clothes pins, and the 2nd was an angel made out of a paper clip. The older kids in the group helped make extra’s to deliver to the members we visit when out Caroling!

On December 13th approximately a group of 30 of us went caroling to members from the church. The kids did a wonderful job sharing their voices, in return seeing the smiling faces from our visit.

Top picture - Left side: Megan Sherwood, Barb Sherwood, Audrey Radintz , Katie Smith, Lilly Gutknecht. Right Side: Samantha Gutknecht, Lilly Radintz. Left Picture- Left side: Ben Radintz, Lilly Gutknecht. Right side: Aaron Ernst)

Pioneer Fun with

Community Service Project

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Meet your New Pastor

Pastor Paul T. Schuler was born on June 17, 1972 in Vienna, VA to Melvin and Shirley Schuler. He attended Grace Lutheran Church and School in Falls Church, Va. and was confirmed into the Lu-theran Church on June 1, 1986. Paul has 2 siblings, an older sister Barb who lives in Minneapolis and a younger brother, Mark who lives in Midlothian, VA.

Having expressed an interest in the public ministry, Paul was encouraged by his home Pastor, Walter Beckmann, his grade school teachers and the church’s Vicars to pursue a career as a Pastor. To begin that formal journey, Paul attended Northwestern Prep in Watertown, WI. He graduated in 1990. He continued his formal education by attending Northwestern College in Watertown WI, graduating in 1994.

On June 1 of 1996, Paul married the love of his life, Tracy Heiman, daughter of Gary and Karen Heiman of Milwaukee, WI. Shortly after they were married they moved to Hustisford, WI where Paul served his Vicar year (1996-97). Then in May of 1998 Paul graduated from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary with his Masters of Divinity. Upon graduating from the Seminary Paul was assigned to serve as the Pastor of Mountain View Lutheran Church in Great Falls, MT. On July 12, 1998 he was ordained and installed into the Pastoral Ministry.

On August 2, 1998 Pastor and Tracy were blessed with their first son, Andrew Paul. Then on April 29, 2000 they were blessed with their second child and only daughter, Jordan Kay. During his time in Montana, Pastor Schuler served as a part time vacancy Pastor for congregations in Melstone and Winnett, MT. He was also blessed to assist a core group of Christians who were looking for a conservative Lutheran Church in Lewistown, MT. On Palm Sunday of 2003, Christ the King Lutheran Church held its first worship service in Lewistown, MT. This congregation continues to be served today on a part-time basis by the Pastor of Mountain View in Great Falls, MT.

In August of 2003 Pastor Schuler received and accepted a call to serve as Associate Pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church and School in Appleton, WI. He served St. Matthew for 12 years before receiving and accepting the call to Salem

Lutheran Church and School. On January 16, 2004 the Lord blessed

Pastor and Tracy with their second son and third child, Jacob Allen and then on November 25, 2005 the Lord blessed them with their third son, Aaron John. So as of today Pastor and Tracy have been married 19 years and their 4 children are 17 (Andrew), 15 (Jordan), 11 (Jacob) and 9 (Aaron).

Tracy, who was 1993 grad of Northwestern Prep, worked in the travel industry before they were married and through Pastor’s Vicar year. Since then she has worked numerous part-time jobs as her busy home life allowed. Most recently she worked in the accounting department of McMahon and Associates (an Engineering and Architectural Company) in the Appleton area. Currently she hopes to serve as a stay-at-home mom (her dream job) and looks forward to serving her Lord in a variety of ways at Salem.

Andrew is currently a junior at Luther Prep in Watertown, WI and is considering a career as a Pastor. He is passionate about playing guitar and is active in all the school’s theater productions. He plans to be home for the summers and wants to find work on a local farm. Jordan is a sophomore and is enrolled at West Lutheran. She currently has her sights set on a career in the area of sports medicine. Jo is active in playing piano as well as volleyball, basketball and track, but has a real love for horses and other animals. Her hope is to also work on a local farm where she can tend to horses. Jacob is in 6th grade and wants to be an NFL quarterback (go Chargers!). He loves football and has played flag football for a few years now. He also enjoys drawing. Aaron is in 4th grade and has dreams of being a pilot. Aaron has many athletic and musical gifts. He loves playing soccer and basketball and has also been taking piano lessons for a couple years now. Both Jacob and Aaron will attend Salem Lutheran School. And of course, the final piece of the family puzzle is Gunner, the family dog.

Pastor Schuler and his family enjoying spending time with their immediate family as well as their extended families by taking in God’s creation while camping.

Meet your Pastor continued on Page 6

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Meet your Pastor continued from page 5

They try to attend annual family campouts and Christmas gatherings as often as possible. They all enjoy water activities like skiing, wake-boarding and tubing. Pastor and Tracy also enjoy taking motorcycle rides and have enjoyed two longer tours over the past few years on a rented Harley. Pastor dreams of someday owning his own Ultra Classic. Pastor also enjoys hunting and the occasional fishing outing.

Another passion of Pastor Schuler’s is serving as a mentor and coach for other Pastors. He currently serves our Synod’s Seminary on the Lead Team of the Pastor Partners Mentoring Program. This past summer he served as a delegate to our Synod’s 63rd Biennial Convention which formally adopted this program. He has served as a mentor himself for the past 4 years and hopes to continue serving in this way for many more years. He is also an active member of the Crosstrain Coaching Network which is a growing partner ministry of Grace In Action. As a member of this coaching network Pastor Schuler is supported and encouraged toward spiritual resiliency as well as works to do the same for his brother Pastors. He looks forward to remaining an active member of this coaching network. Pastor and his family are excited for this new adventure in ministry and life. They want to thank the members of Salem for their warm welcome. They look forward to many years of new friendships and joint work in ministry.

Lutheran Mobile Clinic – Malawi Africa – November 2015 After Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, they wandered the desert for 40 years. During that time, the Lord provided manna and quail to sustain them. Just as the Lord provided for his people in the desert, the Lord provides for his people in Africa today.

One way the Lutheran Mobile Clinic, through the Lord, provides for the African people is through our Nutrition Program. We work with the World Food Program to be a distribution site for SuperCereal and we also run a Supplemental Feeding Program to assist those who are malnourished within our clinic areas. In fact, our clinic sites Msambo, Suzi, and Thunga are the only Supplemental Feeding Programs within the Chiwamba catchment area. That means, if LMC stopped providing our nutrition services at those clinics, they would not be able to access assistance close to home if they became malnourished. And there are approximately 81,608 people within that catchment area!

Lutheran Mobile Clinic (LMC) Nutrition programs enrolls malnourished children under 5, orphans, and pregnant and lactating mothers. Participants are enrolled using a comparison of height, weight, and arm circumference. These comparisons are able to tell us how severely the person is malnourished and for which program they qualify.

World Food Program partners with us to distribute SuperCereal. SuperCereal is a maize and soya flour fortified with milk powder, vegetable oil, vitamins and minerals that is used to make porridge. If the score of malnutrition is low enough and the participant is under 5, the child is given SuperCereal. If the child’s score isn’t low enough to qualify for SuperCereal, they will be enrolled in our Supplemental Feeding Program and will be given maize (corn) and soya (soy bean) flour, which will be made into a similar porridge to the SuperCereal. Each person enrolled in the Supplemental Feeding Program receives 3 kilograms (6.6 lbs) of Maize and 1.5 kilograms (3.3 lbs) of Soya. Every two weeks, the patient’s arm circumference, height, and weight are measured to evaluate their progress. If they are not progressing appropriately, they will be referred for more intensive treatment. If their scores have reached “normal” and remained there for two weeks they will be discharged from the program.

The Malawian Vulnerability Assessment Committee reported in July 2015 that “2.8 million Malawians—about 20% of the country’s population—face starvation this year due to

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shortage of the grain occasioned by dry spells and drought that hit some parts of the country”. With this kind of dire situation predicted we will likely have a full nutrition program.

We are truly grateful to all of you who support CAMM with your prayers and donations. You make our programs possible. Thank you.

Your Sister in Christ, Amanda Oswalt (Nurse In Charge)

Deuteronomy 8:3 “He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. “

**Special thanks to Miss Jean Kanyemba, our Nutritionist, for taking the time to answer all my questions about our Nutrition Program.

Pioneer and Sunday School Caroling

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Salem Ev. Lutheran Church and School 9655 Pioneer Trail Loretto MN 55357-9694 Address Service Requested

Located in the City of Greenfield, 2 miles south of Hanover on County Road 123

Pastor’s Office: 763-498-7281 Church/School Office: 763-498-7283

Fax: 763-498-7835 Website: www.salemwels.org

Congregational Officers: Chairman: Joel Nystrom

Vice-Chairman: Dave Lohse Secretary: Theo Rex

Worship Services:

Sunday mornings 8:00 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Family Bible Hour 9:05a.m.

Wednesdays 7:00 p.m.

A member of the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod

Inside: Pastor’s Message, page 1

Meet your New Pastor, page 5

Fun Pictures, pages 4 & 7

Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage

PAID Permit No. 20 Loretto MN