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THE SALEM CONNECTION

OCTOBER 2013Salem Lutheran Church 21276 Archibald Road PO Box 100 Deerwood MN 56444 Phone: 218-534-3309 Email: office@salemdwd.org Website: www.salemdwd.org

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SUNDAY MORNINGWORSHIPSchedule

Begins OCTOBER 6

Worship – 8:15 a.m.Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.

Worship – 10:45 a.m.

Coffee/Fellowship time will be held each Sunday morning

between Worship services in the Fellowship Hall

Sunday School Begins Sunday, September 29,

2013 10:15 a.m.For ALL Children,

age 3-Grade 6

Beginning Sunday October 6, Salem will have two worship services each Sunday

Traditional Worship Service 8:15 AMAt this worship service, we follow the basic order of “Gather-Word-Meal- Send”, with the various spoken parts either being written specifically for the day, or taken from our primary worship resource: Evangelical Lutheran Worship (ELW) hymnal. Congregational singing will come primarily from hymns and songs in the ELW, which includes a wide range, from the “golden oldies” to “global” music and will be accompanied by organ and/or piano, with other instruments, such as guitar, drums, flute and oboe, joining in from time to time. The choir will sing at this worship celebration twice each month, and the Hand Bell Choir will ring once each month. The sacrament of communion will be shared each week.

Contemporary Worship Service 10:45 AMDuring this time of worship, we do not follow the traditional liturgy, although we do follow the basic order of “Gather – Word – Meal – Send”. Music is provided by a “Praise Team” consisting of singers, guitar, piano, and drums leading the congregation in singing what may be described as “contemporary praise and worship” music. The music is repetitive in nature, so that even if people do not already know the music, they will be able to pick it up. Skits and video clips are frequently part of this worship experience. Though there is no printed worship folder, the entire worship experience is projected on a screen. The leaders do not wear robe. , the message is usually delivered from the aisle, nearer to the people. The sacrament of communion will be shared each week.

FROM PASTOR DAVE

Some movies start at warp speed. Case in point: Star Trek. I rented the latest release in this seemingly never-ending series from the Red Box last week. From the opening scene of “Star Trek: Into Darkness” to the end it barely lets you breathe. God’s Story – the Bible – starts out that way too. That’s one of the reasons I talked about last Sunday being “pre-launch”. Right away God’s story opens with launch force

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and quickly goes into warp speed. The first line reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”(Genesis 1:1).

Right off the bat we find the main character in the story is not you or me. It’s God. And the rest ofThe Story will unfold out of the nature and person of this character. Just ten words in and there is enoughaction to leave you breathless.

It doesn’t take long to find out what God’s great passion is. In Genesis 3:8 we find that God is walking in the Garden with Adam and Eve in the “cool of the day.” As we are now officially in Autumn we are beginning to experience “the cool of the day” - or perhaps more accurately the cool of the night. And yet the “cool of the day” is not the focus. God is, and he is near. He is right with Adam and Eve. And he is right here with us. His simple vision for his creation was to spend time with them every day, to take a walk with them; to do life with them. God’s goal, desire and passion is to be with us. He wants to be with you. He has not forgotten you, even though from our Lower Story perspective it sometimes may feel that way. In fact, maybe as we begin working our way through The Story we might imagine it being like a walk – with one another, but also with God.

This journey has three components:

1. READ. Every week there is a chapter of The Story to read. Copies of the book are available in the church lobby. I like reading. I usually enjoy a face-paced covert action, political suspense thriller. My current favorite author is the late Vince Flynn and his series featuring Mitch Rapp, counter-terrorism operative. I love the read, but when I’m done, I’m done. It doesn’t really have a long-term impact on my life. In contrast, when we read God’s Story – the Bible – and really dwell in it, it has the power to change us. It has the power to reveal to us the Living Word Jesus Christ. It has the power to mold us into living more Christ-like lives. It has the power to give us a vision for living out and expanding the Kingdom of God right here “on earth as it is in heaven.” That’s what we are hoping happens.

2. STUDY – It is not too late to join a small study group! After you’ve read the chapter, these groups help you process together what we’ve learned. One of the things we learn in scripture is that life is meant to be lived and experienced together; together as the Body of Christ; together as the Family of God; together as brothers and sisters in the faith. These study groups are one way of doing this. There are sign-ups for small groups in the lobby of the church.

3. WORSHIP – after you’ve read and studied a chapter of The Story during the week, our worship time together will be focused on the same material. The songs, bible reading and sermon will all be lifting up the same topics we’ve been reading and studying.

I really encourage you to commit to all three of these components of The Story every week for this 31 week series. It will also be the focus of Sunday School for the children, and a youth study every Sunday noon.

* * *

As I am writing this I’ve only been back from a time of sabbatical for about 3 weeks. I’m still catching up and finding out how God has been moving and the people of Salem responding. So many of you – staff and members alike – stepped up to the plate and energetically embraced the ministry that we are so privileged to do together. I was so impressed and blessed as I watched the YouTube clips of the messages given by members of Salem. How wonderful to know that members led worship, provided special music and offered their gifts and passion by leading children’s messages and became active in the visitation ministry of the congregation. I want all of that to continue! That’s how the Body is to function – each of us serving and being involved.

The time of sabbatical was a blessing for me as well. As I have shared elsewhere I was able to dwell in the Word of God like I have not done for the 21 years I’ve served as a pastor. And what I found

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is that the Word of God is a life-giving Word! That’s not to say I hadn’t spent time in scripture, but normally it has been because I had a sermon or some kind of class to get ready for. It was more “utilitarian” rather than life-giving. This past summer I spent 32 days reading and studying and watching and meditating on the Word using The Story as my focus. And now I get to do that again with you!

I was blessed to be able to worship. It’s simply an “occupational hazard” that pastors rarely worship as we are usually involved in leading worship. I worshipped at least once each week – sometimes multiple times a week – in a variety of settings, including congregations and camps, indoors and out, experiencing different denominations and worship styles. I was blessed.

I was blessed by classes I took through the Kairos program at Luther Seminary, and was blessed in my physical being as I experienced “re-creation” through the training that led up to and then my actual participation in the Habitat 500 bicycle ride. Just this past week I received a card from our local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity thanking me – which really means you! – for the financial support. (I had not told them that I was directing the funds I received in donations to them. They were surprised when the opened the mail that day. Fun!)

As you will see in the minutes from the September meeting of the Congregation Council, I have recommended that Salem’s sabbatical policy be expanded to include not only pastors, but also those who are rostered in the ELCA as an Associate in Ministry. In our setting that would give Greg Meyer, our Director of Care and Outreach the ability to design and request a sabbatical. I feel strongly that this is only right and fair and equitable. But what I am recommending is bigger than Greg. Just as I did not want the Council to grant Pastor Dave a sabbatical, but rather adopt a sabbatical policy that would cover all pastors that serve Salem, I am not saying “let’s grant Greg a sabbatical”. I am asking for the council to expand the policy to include Associates in Ministry under call to Salem. (Greg, of course, would be the first AiM to have the opportunity to request a sabbatical) As I have been blessed by a sabbatical, so I believe, Greg – and/or others would be as well.

* * *Please read elsewhere in this edition of The Connection about the ministry goals the congregation as adopted through the long and multifaceted process of discerning ministry goals. The three goals are 1. Increased involvement from and ministries for children, youth and families 2. Increased volunteerism for current and future ministries of Salem 3. More venues through which we can experience deepening relationships here at Salem. Rather than being my goals for Salem, they are Salem’s goals for the next three years. They were discerned through a process I had little to do with: a survey and responses to “the wall” this summer, and then finally table conversations and voting by members of the congregation. My role, rather participation in the discernment process, will be to keep on publically lifting up these congregational goals, and together with the council to offer encouragement and resources to the groups working on these goals.

It is good to be part of this family of faith!Pastor Dave

FALL STEWARDSHIP EMPHASISEach year at this time we are asked to prayerfully consider what we believe God is calling us to give to support the ministry done in and through Salem Lutheran Church for the following year. As members and partners of the congregation we are typically asked to return an Estimate of Giving card so that the leadership of the congregation can put together as realistic a budget as possible.

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This year is no different, but what is different is that the Congregation Council has chosen not to purchase a program or resource to educate us and to encourage us in giving. Because most members of Salem know the routine and the importance of sacrificial giving to further God’s work, we are putting together and sending out our own letters to members of Salem, making an appeal and asking them (you!) to partner with their congregation. The first letter looked at the spiritual/faith aspects of generous and sacrificial giving. The second letter will look at more of the practical/worldly aspects of our giving. An Estimate of Giving card will be included with the second letter. Members of Salem are asked that those cards be returned to Salem by Sunday, October 13. Thank you!

PRAISE TEAM DIRECTOR

After deciding to return to two worship services the Congregation Council began work on creating and filling the position of Praise Team Director. The person filing this part-time position would work with the Pastor to oversee the selection, presentation and direction of the music incorporated in the contemporary worship experiences at Salem. This person would be responsible for recruiting, rehearsing and scheduling vocalists and instrumentalists to lead worship as part of a Praise Team. Positions Descriptions and applications are available in the church office and are also available on the congregation’s website (www.salemdwd.org). Applications will be accepted through October 9th. If you know someone you think may be interested in learning more about this opportunity, tell them about it!

SALEM 101 OCTOBER 13 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM

This is a four hour Sunday afternoon class for all people interested in joining Salem It’s a time to learn about the history, present and future of the church. Ministries and programs of the church are introduced and explained. We cover the basics of Christianity from a distinctly Lutheran perspective and how that is lived out in and through Salem. We share some of the foundational pieces of this congregation including the Mission Statement and the six Marks of Discipleship. It’s a time to ask questions, hear preliminary answers ,and meet other people. Please call the church office to indicate your interest no later than October 9th. A minimum of 6 participants needed for the class to proceed.

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We have begun our 31 week marathon journey through “the greatest story ever told”. Hopefully you have already read Chapter one and been part of a small group study to discuss it. But even if you have not yet started it’s not too late You can begin right now! The Story books and participant Guides for the small group studies are available in the lobby. You can still sign up to be part of a small group. Sign ups are also in the lobby. In fact you can join the ones happening at Salem Thursdays at 10:30 AM or at 6:30 PM any week. The more the merrier for those in particular, as we will watch the DVD in the worship space as a large group, and then afterwards break into small groups meeting throughout the church. Date Chapter # from The Story and Topic Focus Biblical Text9-29 #1 The Beginning of Life as We Know It Creation Genesis 1 -8

10-6 #2 God Builds a Nation Abraham Genesis 12-13, 15-17, 21-22, 32-33, 35, Romans 4, Hebrews 1

10-13 #3 Joseph: From Slavery to Deputy Pharaoh Joseph Genesis 37, 39, 41-48,50

10-20 #4 Deliverance Moses Exodus 1-7, 10-17

10-27 #5 New Commands and A New Covenant Moses Exodus 19-20, 24-25,32-34,40

STUFF FOR YOU(TH)MIDDLE SCHOOL YOUTH GATHERING “God Just Knows” November 22-23, 2013 Cragun’s Resort, Brainerd grades 7-9This year’s focus , “God Just Knows” will remind us that there is no right or wrong way to pray. God knows what is in our hearts, even when we don’t have words. “God Just Knows” about that bully...your family issues...that clique in school…your struggle to fit in...the never ending pressures from peers...and all the other issues with which you wrestle. “God Just Knows” and wants to listen and assure you that you are not alone. “God Just Knows” and wants to share your burdens and perhaps give you an answer you didn’t expect.Registration forms will be distributed at FINK October 2nd and are due back to Pastor Dave no later than the next FINK night, October 19th. No exceptions. Cost is $63 per person, but the Youth Team will cover $30 each, making your cost $33.Let’s all go to this great event. It’s soooooo fun! Pastor Dave and Gayle Anderson will be the chaperones and if lots of youth sign up we may need more adults, and perhaps drivers.

TEEN EDITION OF THE STORYThe Story isn’t just for adults, and it’s not just for kids in Sunday School (although it is for adults and kids too) it is for YOUTH as well! There is a teen edition of The Story and a youth study too. Join Pastor Dave every Sunday at noon at Salem for a study geared for teens. Copies of the Teen Edition of The Story will be handed out September 29th. Read The Story every week! Meet together with other youth and with PD every Sunday at noon for the study. And worship every week, as the songs, bible reading and message will be about that week’s chapter of The Story. Open to youth grades 7-12, and really hoping post-FINK age youth will participate!!

WORKSHOP FOR 10TH GRADERS AND PARENTSOn Saturday, October 5th, from 9:30 am– 2:30 pm we will be holding our annual workshop for 10th graders preparing to affirm their baptism (aka “confirmation”) Just like FINK, we will be doing this together with Immanuel Lutheran. This year the workshop will be held at Immanuel in Crosby. By the conclusion of the workshop students will have a very complete outline for the Faith Statement Paper they are to write.

FINK– 7, 8, & 9TH GRADE YOUTH

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FINK NIGHTS at Salem 6:30 pm – 8:00 pmOctober 2 10 Commandments: Honoring ParentsOctober 16 NO FINK as it’s the beginning of Education MN breakOctober 23 10 Commandments: No KillingSMALL GROUP GATHERINGSEach FINK small group is to meet for 4 Fellowship Events and 4 Service Projects this FINK year! These are to be decided upon and planned by each small group and Guide. These are so important for building common experience’s and relationships within each small group. And we serve, well, because Jesus served and calls us to “love and serve God by loving and serving people.ACOLYTE TRAININGOne of the components of FINK, as outlined in the registration material, is that FINK students are to be part of the rotation of acolytes for worship. On Wednesday October 2 Pastor Dave will hold acolyte training for all FINK students who have not yet been trained immediately following FINK. Please plan on staying at Salem for this training. We will be done at about 8:20 PM.

PRACTICE DISCIPLESHIP WORKSHOPS: Developing Leaders

Through the online resources and local trainings offered in our synod, we are seeking to help people like you, who are already serving and leading in all areas of ministry think more critically about how we do ministry in our settings. Our culture has changed, and we need to adapt how we share the message of the unchanging love of Christ in a world that is changing on a daily basis. There are three “rounds” of two workshops each, and you are invited and encouraged to take part in them! AND They are free! For more information and to register: www.nemnsynod.org/discipleship And/or talk with Pastor Dave

ROUND ONE: October 1st at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, Duluth or October 3rd at Bethlehem Lutheran, Brainerd 9:30am – 3:00 pm

If Necessary, Use WordsBy now, you've likely been admonished by some t-shirt, poster, or bumper sticker to "preach the gospel and, if necessary, use words."  The slogan (inaccurately attributed to St. Francis) appears to turn the Theology of the Word on its ear.  On the other hand, the slogan resonates in a culture where explicitly religious speech is met with suspicion or even outright hostility.  Still, if "faith comes through hearing" and "God's Word does what it says," then should we not also be speaking up for the spoken, preached Word?  Along with Scripture, we'll look at past and present resources from Lutheran and other traditions to guide our investigation.

Walking Together in Solidarity: A Theology of AccompanimentThe ministry of accompaniment is the sacred act of being in authentic relationship with others.  The purpose of this ministry is to allow individuals, groups and organizations to grow in love and compassion towards each other. Accompaniment calls congregations to listen deeply to their contexts in order to discern how best to walk alongside the community. This accompaniment provides a reciprocal relationship of giving and serving that builds the bond between the community and the congregation. This way of being in relationship calls the congregation to take the needs and the wisdom of its context seriously.

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MINISTRY GOALS DISCERNED

We have just completed a process of discerning ministry goals for the next three years that began at the beginning of summer. The three goals (each with “champion” listed, who will convene the first meeting of the working groups) are

Increased involvement from and ministry with and for children, youth and families. (Diane Meyer)

Increased volunteerism for current and future ministries of the congregation (Chuck Lubowitz) Increased venues for the deepening of relationships among people of Salem (Mary Erickson)

There were three main components of this process, which was guided by Mary Jo Wimmer. 1. The Wall – members and guests had the opportunity to respond to 3 different questions or

comments over the course of the summer. 2. A Survey - All members confirmation age and above were invited to respond. In addition to the

questions requested by Mary Jo we also asked for additional input concerning the number of worship services and times and styles people preferred.

3. Congregation Meetings – On September 10 and 17 members of the congregation filled the fellowship hall, engaging in guided conversations. These discussions were shaped by Mary Jo based on the answers to the questions.

Because the responses to the wall and to the survey questions submitted by Mary Jo were to help shape the rest of the process and to inform the content of the congregation meetings “results” were disseminated though “word clouds” and some lists of Assets and Challenges.

What are we known for in the community?

In 5 years what do we hope to be known for?

Why are we part of Salem? (Assets)

For Salem to “be successful” what needs to be addressed now? (Challenges)

At the second of the congregation meetings each table group was able to lift up for consideration two possible goals. After that each participant was able to “vote” – all had three stickers and could place as many of them next to the goal(s) they felt most passionately about. Below is the list of potential goals, together with the number of “votes” each received.

31 Increase activities and programs for and involvement of children, families and youth by 100%27 Increase volunteerism of church members by 50% or have sufficient volunteers to meet our

needs27 Hire a youth pastor24 Youth involved in worship service, choir and church planning18 Create venues to get to know each other and deepen our relationships14 Support and strengthen social ministries13 Monitor and follow-up on those missing13 Salem members tell the story of Jesus in the community 4 times/year12 Increase the number of active members and attendance by 20%12 Start a pre-school5 Develop a God Squad5 Worship opportunities other than Sunday morning1 Improve our financial health1 Programs for singles1 Reaching out to the community, example: Lunch bunch

You can see that the goals with the first, third and fourth highest number of votes were combined into one goal: Children, Youth and Families. The combined vote total for that goal is therefore 82. These are to be Salem’s ministry goals for the next three years. They should be the focus of our attention and energies in all aspects or areas of ministry. Education. Social Ministry. Worship. Evangelism. Fellowship. Outreach (social and evangelistic) Discipleship training. There may well be budgetary implications for them as well in the 2014-2017 budgets.Many thanks to the many people who participated in the process by writing on the wall, returning a survey and taking part in the congregation meetings. We hope that you can get caught up in the excitement and energy and enthusiasm that were definitely present during the congregation meetings. And we encourage any and all of you who have an interest in one or more of the goals to contact the “champion” and ask when that working group is meeting and tell them you want to be part of the team working on that goal.

Elaine Greene, Shirley Midthun, Roger PrillMembers of the Congregation Council who worked on the discernment process

OCTOBER WORSHIP PARTICIPANTS

USHERS Oct 6 8:15 Ed & Sherri Godfrey, Tom & Margaret

Lunacek10:45 John & Raye Cragun, Elsa Ray, Ken Schultz

Oct 13 8:15 Randy Holmvig, Helen Ryan, Marv & Mary Jo Schoenike

10:45 Ernie & Mary Erickson, Dean & Pat SylvesterOct 20 8:15 Roger & Gloria Johnson, Ralph Carlson

10:45 Jay, Sue, Jane and Joey StrombergOct 27 8:15 Larry & Mary Birtzer, Jim & Shirley Harker

10:45 Renee Gilmer, Laurie Ogard, Roger & Marlene Prill

READERSOctober 6 8:15 Peggy Blistain

10:45 Arlene RadachOctober 13 8:15 Polly Pflepsen

10:45 Lisa SlepicaOctober 20 8:15 Nancy Meyer

10:45 Roger PrillOctober 27 8:15 Kay Bendorf

10:45 Sue Stromberg

COMMUNION10/6 8:15 Peggy Blistain, Chuck Lubowitz, Karla

Peterson10:45 Wilbur & Arlene Radach, Judi Smith

10/13 8:15 Tom Lunacek, Jerry & Polly Pflepsen10:45 Jon & Becky Rauen, Lisa Slepica

10/20 8:15 Jessica Jones, Ron & Nancy Meyer10:45 Roger & Marlene Prill, Becki Zender

10/27 8:15 Kay Bendorf, Lynn Hansen, Shirley Taylor

10:45 Renee Gilmer, Jay & Sue Stromberg

SUNDAY WORSHIP ATTENDANCESept 1 180Sept 8 260Sept 15 239Sept 22 189

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS1 Aliyah Kellerman2 Charlie Anderson, Shirley Huxford, Jon Ross

Rick Stirewalt3 Richard Leino, Mitchell Stangel4 Dean Sylvester5 Kris Schmidt6 Joe Fields, Carole Nystrom, Polly Pflepsen7 Brett Arneson, Anika Bautch, Hayden Fort,

Debbie Sundsvold, Connie Lou Swanson8 Diane Meyer, DeMar Wanstrom9 Marshall Anderson10 Michelle Muggli11 Lynn Hansen12 Mary Huntley, Brad Johnson, Shirley Midthun14 Kris Davis, Dean Hansen, Josef Slepica15 Art Anderson, Steve Holmvig, Logan Peterson16 Janet Nelson, Mina Nystrom17 Zach Champagne18 Beyla Goble, Ruth Hansen19 Ron Kretlow20 Mary Birtzer, Steve Thomas21 Eleanor Petterson22 Ayden Farrell, Gary Guida23 Rachel Bundy25 Casey Blake26 Mike Miller27 James Cragun, Sarah Hart28 Jan Danger, Henry Hutchison, Barb Schoon29 Marlee Zender31 Mike Bodle, Marlys Keefe

OCTOBER WEDDING ANNIVERSARIES1 Joel & Kathy Hartman (1994)2 Tim & Kim Coughlin (1999)10 Tim & Nancy Herberg (1970)12 Bruce & Connie Lou Swanson (1991)14 Pete & Laura Newton (2006)14 Dean & Pat Sylvester (1967)15 Myron & Shirley Midthun (1966)18 Cecil & Barb Schmidt (1958)20 John & Kris Davis (1990)

Shayne & Louise Johnson (1984)25 Mark & Carla Kewatt (1998)31 Gene & JoAnn Cordie (1964)

If you do not see your October birthday or anniversary listed here, it may be because we don’t have that information in the church office. Please call us!

THANK YOU!(The following thank you message was inadvertently missed in the September Salem Connection)…As the camping season has come to an end we want to thank everyone who supported our Salem campers. The Butterbraid sales was a great help. Thanks also to our wonderful Salem families who suppported our staff through a very difficult summer. Our trust in God through these last two months has given us peace. Your prayers and support are appreciated. VLM changes the lives of our young people and God's promise of peace is ever-present. Check out our bulletin.... It will put a smile on your face.Parents of campers: If you have not done a survey remember to go to vlm@vimcamps.org. Your feedback is important to VLM staff.

Raye Cragun

Thank you for the prayer shawl and all of your prayers.

Mona Taylor

The Mustard Seed – Deb Selk, ManagerHappenings at the Mustard Seed:As always we’ve been quite busy at the store. Therefore we are looking for more volunteers to help out. I am also trying to set up a schedule for Salem West Volunteers. Needed: Wed.- Fri. help with dishes, laundry and unpacking. If anyone is interested in helping out at either place Please give me a call 534-2945. Fall is in the air as we decorate the store with Fall colors. Mark your calendar its time again for our Social Ministry Volunteer Recognition Supper. This will be held Thursday, October 24th at 5:00 pm at in the fellowship hall. We would Like to invite all of our volunteers and their spouses. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to me at The Mustard Seed (534-2945) or Pat at Salem WEST (534-4962) by Friday, October 18th. The rest of the building has been painted – be sure to check it out! It now looks complete and very attractive.

Blessings, Deb

Jesus told them another parable. The Kingdom of Heaven is like what happens when a farmer plants a mustard seed in

a field. Although it is the smallest of seeds it grows larger than any other

garden plant and becomes a tree. Birds even come and rest on its branches.

Matthew 13:30-32

LIBRARY NEWS     Checking out library books: Your library check-out is an honor system. After you select a book, video, DVD, CD. or game, please write your first and last name on the card from the pocket on the item to be checked out. Stamp the due date on the card and the date due slip. You may keep a book for 4 weeks and other materials for one week. We have a great variety of reading material in the library - something for everyone's reading tastes: Biographies, Devotionals, Christian Life, Fiction, Church History, Young Adult, Children's Books, Bibles, Music, Movies, and Games. We accept suggestions and donations to buy new books. We will also look over books you may want to give away and decide if they are appropriate for the Salem Library. If we have duplicates or do not need them, they are donated to other libraries, the jail ministry, or the Mustard Seed.

The changing of the seasons and weather may be a good time for all of us to reflect on our lives and blessings. Seasons may includes periods of our lives as well as times of the calendar and church year. Some serious reading and Bible study may be helpful for our spiritual growth. The SundaySchool children and the congregation will be reading and learning from "The Story". As we use "The Story" in church and Sunday School, the Library Team will be displaying appropriate books to encourage you to learn and "dig deeper". The "Bible section" and Christian Life books are located on shelves on the south wall. The next Library Committee meeting will be October 15 at 3 p.m. Anyone is welcome to join us.

Salem’s HeritageBy Lynn Hansen

The Salem Library In the 1970's and early 1980's, Evelyn and Burdette Nelson lived on Placid Lake and were members of Salem. Evelyn was a retired librarian and she had a vision and mission for a library at Salem. When the addition of the education wing and family room was being considered, Evelyn requested room for a library. The 1976 addition to Salem Lutheran Church was completed in September of 1976. The corner Sunday School room was assigned as the library. Shelf brackets and shelves were placed on two walls. A desk, chair and bulletin board were on the wall next to the door and the fourth wall had the window. These were the humble beginnings of the Salem Library. Evelyn donated many of the first books. Children's books were purchased when money was available. In 1981, Evelyn got our church involved in the Granite City Chapter of the Lutheran Church Library Association. The group was very active at that time with meetings twice a year to learn from librarians, authors, and other churches about library ministry. The National Lutheran Church Library Association had annual meetings. Many were held in Minnesota so Salem Library volunteers were able to attend. Salem Lutheran Church has been blessed with dedicated volunteers in library ministry. The following people have served and some continue today: Evelyn Nelson, Myrtle Mattson, Evelyne Johnson, Peg Kangas, Agnes Christensen, Marcia Anderson, Doris Carlson, Debbie MacKay, Edna Sorensen, Carla Barker, Joyce Kohnen, and Eileen Leino. In 1988, the office addition was built and the library moved to a larger, brighter space. In 1990, the Library Committee decided to replace the temporary shelves in memory of Pastor Paul Carlson, Evelyn Nelson, and Melvin Hullar. Here is a quote from the 1991 Annual Report: "February was an exciting month for us because Doug Schmidt installed the new shelves and the dictionary stand! Thanks to the generosity of Edna

Hullar and the Memorial Committee with funds from Mildred Swanson, who had been a devotee of the library since its beginning." The desks were given in memory of Esther Goepfert by her sister, Agnes Christensen. The supply cupboards were given in memory of Augusta Bamford by Willette Miller from the Bamford estate. The desk chair was purchased in memory of Donald Johnson and Evelyn Nelson. When planning the present building, we were able to use the furnishings from the previous location. The new location looks out into the Memorial Garden and has a cozy fireplace with chairs for reading and relaxing. In addition to over 2000 books, there are videos, DVD's, CD's, audio books, and games available for check-out. A collection of Outreach Resources are available for life's crises and do not require sign-out to respect privacy. The Salem Library continues to be blessed with gifts, donations, and memorials. There is a selection policy used to aid in selection and weeding of materials.

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry

Camp Hiawatha and Camp Vermilion have been providing opportunities for Christ-centered spiritual growth, leadership development and outreadch in God’s great Northwoods for over half of a century. Youth, families, adults and groups from all over the country are part of that rich history. Our community and programs are open to all. We are an Outdoor Ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) that provides a varity of year-round and summer programs. We also operate as an outfitter in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through our Voyageurs Canoe Country program.

Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Upcoming EventsOctober 13 Family Fall Festival, Camp Hiawatha,

Deer River, MNDecember 8 Celebration of Light and Music, Camp

HiawathaCheck out the VLM website VLMcamps.org

CURRENT EVENTS / ANNOUNCEMENTS                     (See Coordinator of Children’s Ministry article for a listing of events for children, age 3 – Grade 6)             QUILTING MINISTRY takes place on Tuesday mornings in the fellowship hall at 9:00 a.m. We are looking for individuals to provide child care on Tuesday mornings to enable young mothers an opportunity to come learn how to quilt. Perhaps your babies and grandbabies are all grown up and you miss those playful times with young children? Or maybe you just enjoy children and would be willing to serve as a caregiver in our nursery a couple of Tuesday mornings, a month? If this is something you would enjoy, call the church office and speak to Connie Lou Swanson.

Salem Social Ministry Celebrates 20th Anniversary!Everyone is welcome to come and celebrate Salem’s Social Ministry’s 20 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY at a special dinner on Sunday, October 6th at 5pm in Salem’s fellowship hall. Space is limited so please RSVP by October 3rd to: greg@salemdwd.org or by calling the Salem church office (218-534-3309). Musical entertainment will be provided. Come and celebrate God’s Hands at Work in Deerwood and the surrounding community!

DIAPER MINISTRY – Come and help cut t-shirts for Salem’s Diaper Ministry on Wednesday October 9th at 9:00 a.m. in the fellowship hall.

INSIDE/OUT WORKDAY – Everyone is encouraged to come to the church on Tuesday, October 15th, 8:00 a.m. – Noon to complete projects inside and outside at Salem’s three locations.OCTOBER CIRCLE GATHERINGS

SARAH – Thursday, October 10th, 9:30 a.m. NAOMI – Thursday, October 17th , 1:30 p.m.

at Heartwood RUTH – Thursday, October 24th , 6pm

THE STORY – please see a complete listing of all study groups on the lobby kiosk.

Please refer to the October Salem Calendar online at our website: www.salemdwd.org. A copy of the calendar is also included in the printed edition of the Salem Connection.

COMING Events… TRUNKS FOR TREATS - October 31st. Read more in

Connie Lou Swanson’s newsletter article Annual Thanksgiving Potluck – November 13, 11:30

a.m. Ecumenical Thanksgiving Eve Worship at Salem –

November 27, 7:00 p.m. The Heart of Christmas Candlelight Dinner for

women – Saturday, December 7, 5:30 p.m. Christmas Cantata by Salem/Community Choir –

December 8, 10:45 a.m. & 4pm Annual Women’s Advent Luncheon – December 12

at Noon

Overview of Mortgage & Building FundAugust 2013

MortgagePrincipal Balance $ 2,117,940.66Monthly Mortgage Payment (Principal & Interest) $ 15,408.00Additional Principal Pymt $ -

Building FundBeginning balance 08/01/13 $ 270,020.36Income August 2013

Gifts $ 12,645.00Interest $ 24.91

Expense August 2013Mortgage Payment $ (15,408.00)

Additional Principal $ -

Ending Balance 08/31/13 $ 267,282.27

COORDINATOR OF CHILDREN’S MINISTRYConnie Lou Swanson

connielou@salemdwd.org

The Cartoon Song Participants – Singing Hallelujah in a whole new way!Thank you to the following kids for their participation in the Cartoon Song – Singing Hallelujah in a Whole New Way: Alex Schmidt and Jasmine Siliznoff (Fred & Wilma Flintstone); Hannah Schmidt and James Stirewalt (Scooby Doo & Shaggy); Anna Coughlin (Jetson’s dog Astro); Brody Bodle (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle); Lily Peterson (Kermit the Frog); Sam Coughlin (Elmer Fudd); Ayden and Adam Farrell (Bullwinkle and Rocky); Breanna Stirewalt (Yogi Bear); Josef Slepica and Madilyn Bodle (Smurf and Smurfette).

The Story for Sunday School Each Sunday morning, 9:30-10:30 a.m., beginning September 29th.We have begun our journey on a wonderful adventure through the Bible with The Story curriculum, in Sunday School and as an entire congregation! We are looking forward to the amazing stories of God’s entry into the lives of men and women in the Bible, all the while learning that He is at work in our lives too.

THE STORY TeamPlease take the time to thank these wonderful teachers and helpers who have committed to walking through these Bible stories with children at Salem Lutheran Church! Please pray for them throughout the year!PreK-Kindergarten – Jacki Steege and Lindsay Nichols, assisted by Hannah Schmidt1st – 3rd Grades – Dee Dee Frahm and Jessica Jones4th – 6th Grades – Lisa Slepica and Krista BordwellCo-Director: Marlene PrillSupport Staff: Mary EricksonMusic: Noreen Steinbrecher, Beth LavanSkit/Storyteller – Debbie MacKay

Substitute teachers: Joyce Juracek, Nancy Meyer, Laura Guimont

The Story Team will meet on Thursday, October 17th at 6:30 p.m. If you are in need of childcare, please call the church office and speak to Connie Lou Swanson.THINGS FOR SUNDAY SCHOOL CHILDREN AND THEIR PARENTS to remember…

We are inviting parents to take turns being classroom assistants this year. Please give this serious consideration and let your child’s teacher know if you can help once a month or every other month. Children love having their parents involved with what they are doing.

CHILDREN’S BIBLES are available for use at home. Each age group has a different Bible, These are as follows:PreK-K – The Story Bible for Little Ones (suggested donation of $10)1st – 3rd - The Story Bible for Children (suggested donation of $10)4th – 6th - The Story Bible for Kids (donation of $5)Use of these Bibles is not mandatory, of course, but very helpful. If suggested donation is a hardship, please feel free to give a smaller amount or accept it as our gift to you and your family!

PARENTS - please time each week to read the upcoming Bible story with, or to, their children. Of course older kids can read the story to you! Please refer to the The Story Schedule (blue sheet) that was handed out in Sunday School. Please call the church office if you did not receive a schedule.

The Sunday School Mission Project will be decided upon by the children. They will share ideas in their classrooms; teachers will bring those suggestions to the teacher meeting on October 17 where we will select 3 or 4 options. Children will vote on November 3. Offerings are welcomed and encouraged even before the votes are cast.

Please note! We will not be serving a snack in the classroom, as in the past! IF your child would like a snack, please come early or stay after SS and get one in the fellowship hall

Children will gather in the sanctuary for an opening each Sunday, then disperse to classrooms. Please be prompt in getting your child to the sanctuary by 9:30 am so we can start our openings on time! Teachers cherish the short time they have in the classrooms with their children, so please help us stay on schedule!

CREATIVE KIDS will meet Oct 2, from 3:30 to 5:00 pm. We will make placemats from recycled greeting cards. This program is for kids in K though grade 6. Check out the sample on the Children’s Table and sign up to join us! Adult help is needed; please call the church office or email Connie Lou Swanson.

TRUNKS FOR TREATS – Thursday, October 31st, 4:30-6pm It is time to sign up to host a space in our parking lot for this popular community outreach event! (Sign up sheets are on bulletin boards, and also on Children’s Table.) We are preparing for 200 participants this year. You might consider hosting a space with a friend to double the fun and divide the expense of treats or tokens.

Decorating your vehicle and/or dressing up in costumes is optional, but really adds to the fun! Last year we had 20 parking spaces filled with costumes, decorative themes and generous Salemites providing a safe and fun activity for area families.

What a great way to celebrate Fall and All-Saints Eve! One year we had “Moses” and his wife dressed up and in our parking lot. No scary costumes, please!

Monetary and candy donations are always welcome if you cannot participate! Questions may be directed to Connie Lou

THIRD GRADE BIBLE CLASSES will take place in November (6, 13, 20). These classes are for 3rd graders and their parents. Watch for a mailing soon containing specific information.

LOOKING AHEAD: DECEMBER EVENTS MAKE & TAKE – Begins with lunch at

noon, the Make & Take Event will be from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM PRACTICE - Saturday, December 14th, 11am-Noon

SUNDAY SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAM – Sunday, December 15, 10:45 a.m.

SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCHCouncil MeetingSeptember 19, 2013

MSC = The motion was seconded and carried

Present: Ken Stebbins, Eileen Leino, Shirley Midthun, Elaine Greene, Paul Tesdahl, Roger Prill, Tom Lunacek, Lynn Hansen, Randy Holmvig, Greg MeyerStudy Topic: Make JAM by Gathering Midweek for Education and Worship

Secretary’s Report: Report submitted by Eileen Leino MOTION to approve August 2013 council Minutes.

Treasurer’s Report – report submitted by Sandy Beyer, explained to council by Paul Tesdahl. August giving was down. Summerfest Funds – proceeds to be split 50/50 with Social Ministry amounted to $31,943.91. Carpet throughout the church building was professionally cleaned in August. Starting to get estimates on new refrigerator, repairs on existing one have been @$1,400.00 since 2011. As

discussed at a previous meeting this is an item we will need to budget for unless we receive special donations for this purpose

Pastors Report: Thanked council and congregation for sabbatical, very happy and excited to be back. Suggested that sabbatical policy be extended to include all ELCA rostered employees. The Story will be prelaunched on Sept 22 suggested reading should be done –as should the small group studies -

the week leading up of chapters being covered by Sundays message. Discerning Ministry Goals: After a long and multi-faceted process members of Salem have discerened and

agreed upon three ministry goals for our congregation to focus on for the next three years. o increase involvement of families with children, Diane Meyer is the “champion”. o Increased volunteerism, Chuck Lubowich is the “champion”o looking for venues to get to know one another .Mary Erickson is “the champion”

Ground work was laid to celebrate Thanksgiving Eve 7 PM November 27th with Salem, Cascade United Methodist, St. Joseph’s Catholic, Crosby Assembly of God and Immanuel Lutheran taking part, followed by a pie and ice cream social. This will be held at Salem.

With 2 worship services there is a need to hire someone to direct/rehearse/lead the praise team/work is being implemented on this project.

We need to assess the continued use of mailed offering envelopes or returning to the packet/box of envelopes that have been used previously.

A draft of the budget should be prepared by the week of October 27th – Nov. 1st.

Social Ministry: CEP employee started at Salem West Sept 1st working 5 hour days 5 days a week. Sept 17 meeting with Hallett Foundations, toured the Mustard Seed and Salem WEST. Facilities Coordinator is doing a good job.

Children’s Ministry Getting geared for Sunday school Sunday School rally day Sept. 29th. Pastor Dave will be using the position description as the basis of his performance evaluation of the Coordinator

of Children’s Ministry.

Facilities Team: When all light bulbs have been replaced we may receive a $2000,00 rebate from the power co. There will be @ a $1.00 per hour savings per bulb. Will have a report from Ernie Erickson at the next meeting.

Lynn Hansen is working on an article about the Library for the October connection. The banners will be the topic for the November connection and the December article will cover the Wood carvings.

Motion was made seconded and carried to provide the Gold Plus health care plan for Pastor Dave which is recommended by the ELCA, and most closely resembles the plan the ELCA and predecessor bodies have offered for years gone by. Because of the Affordable Care Act the ELCA/Portico will begin to offer 4 different levels of health care coverage, to mirror the four levels soon to be available on the exchanges. Each year congregations will need to select which level to offer for the subsequent year.

Executive board has been empowered to draft a job description and hire a Praise Team Director.

Stewardship plan: Two stewardship letters will be created and sent out by the Council

Nominating Committee: Randy Holmvig and Pastor Dave will meet w/ the nominating committee.

Suggestions, Observations, and Solutions: Discussion on 2 completed SOS forms that were received. The first had to do with the number of worship services we offer weekly.( As this may have been submitted prior

to the Council decision about worship on September 5 it was decided that the SOS form needs a line added for a date.)

The second expressed displeasure with the sabbatical and terms of the sabbatical granted to Pastor Dave, and offered suggestions for compensation adjustments for the staff of Salem for 2014.

President Randy Holmvig will be contacting those who submitted the SOS forms.

Meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully Submitted,Eileen Leino, Secretary of the Congregation Council

SALEM STAFF CHURCH COUNCILPastor – David N. Anderson Elaine Greene 218-764-3140Director of Care & Outreach – Greg Meyer Lynn Hansen, VP 218-678-2051Office Manager – Deborah Carlson Randy Holmvig, President 218-527-0123Financial Secretary – Sandy Beyer Eileen Leino, Secretary 218-534-3502Coordinator of Children’s Ministry – Connie Lou Swanson Tom Lunacek 218-678-2926Custodian/Facilities Coordinator – Glen Helm Shirley Midthun 218-546-6922Organists/Pianists – Becky Klingelhofer Roger Prill 218-764-3383Choir Director – Scott Ruffing Ken Stebbins 218-764-2587Handbell Choir Director – Kevin Edstrom Paul Tesdahl, Treasurer 218-546-5036Kitchen Coordinator – Kathy SchultzSalem WEST Facilitator – Pat BauerSalem WEST Program Assistant – Amanda Meier EMAILThe Mustard Seed Manager – Deb Selk Salem Church Office office@salemdwd.org

Pastor David david@salemdwd.org Greg Meyer greg@salemdwd.org Connie Swanson connielou@salemdwd.org Sandy Beyer finance@salemdwd.org

MINISTRY COORDINATORS Salem WEST west@salemdwd.org Wedding Coordinator – Kim Coughlin The Mustard Seed mustardseed@salemdwd.orgCradle Roll – Jessica Jones Glen Helm facilities@salemdwd.org