The Echo UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

2122 University Avenue Grand Forks, North Dakota 58203

How was Detroit? This is a question I have had a lot in the past few days. As you likely remember, we traveled with

32 youth and 7 adults from Grand Forks to Detroit and back for the ELCA Youth Gathering. The journey as a whole

was amazing! We had fun. We worshiped. We danced. We prayed. We served. We were served. Here are some

fun details:

We saw the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 7-1 at Target Field. We helped prepare 32,859 meals for Feed

My Starving Children in Eagan, Minnesota. We were at Six Flags near Chicago riding rides from opening to close.

We took a boat tour of the Detroit area on the Detroit River. We helped move some of nearly 600,000 diapers into a

gymnasium, diapers which were collected by ELCA congregations for poor families in Detroit. We worshiped 5 days

in a row with 30,000 people, and danced at every service. We sang table grace, “The Lord is good to me”, at a

Denny’s, and several locals sang with us. We took a car ferry across Lake Michigan, our bus in the cargo portion of

the ship, and us enjoying a fabulous sunset on deck.

As usual, my favorite time of day was the 45-60 minutes we spent with our youth at the end of the day in devotions.

Their reflection on Scripture and on the themes of the days were faithful. Their willingness to find positive moments

even in some of the less than amazing speakers or musicians was mature. Their participation in prayer each night

was beautiful. I wish everyone who reads this could have experienced the prayer times with us, and appreciated

how the youth offered their own earnest and heartfelt petitions.

One night we had devotions in a hotel lobby. This was at the Holiday Inn near Six Flags.

Just about the time we began, a meeting let out and the lobby became kind of noisy and full

of distractions. At first, I was a little annoyed, but then I saw what was happening. The

people were listening to our devotions. The people were listening to our youth talk about

faith and the Lord. And when we prayed, a hush came over the lobby. But if you think that

is cool, well, the best is yet to come. When we all prayed the Lord’s Prayer, a bunch of the

people joined with us, and then clapped when we were finished. I’m not exactly sure how we

impacted people that night, but it sure felt like we were publically witnessing to faith in Jesus that night.

Another interesting story is the homeless people we encountered on the streets. We decided as a group, with the

challenge of our president, Kevin Meyers, not to ignore them, but to approach them first. So we gave them money,

but more importantly, we talked to them and heard their stories. It was, on the one hand, very normal. People

having completely normal conversations. It was, on the other hand, eye-opening. We met people who had literally

only the clothes on their backs and a cup with a little bit of money in it. I will never forget Ivan for the rest of my

life, because Ivan asked us to remember him and to pray for him. I will!

Finally, when our bus broke down, we met these wonderful people in Lyon Township, Michigan. They noticed our

trouble and took time to care for us. They brought us cold water, gave our youth free tickets to their weekend

carnival, helped us to find a hotel to stay in, and didn’t even mind that we left a large pool of oil in the parking lot of

a local business. To top the whole thing off, we will be in the next issue of their newspaper. The amazing thing is,

that after serving people in Detroit, we were served in Lyon Township. God really is good, and surprising too.

Thank you, Heather, for planning an amazing journey! Thank you, youth and adults, for being such a solid and

faithful group of people throughout our time together. I have two final thoughts I want to share with you about the

gathering. First, ULC, we need to take more time to pray together. It is awesome! Second, I wonder who are the

people around us whose troubles we ought to be noticing so we can care for them. Keep your eyes open!

You are in my prayers,

AUGUST 2015

August Worship

Here are a few details about worship in August. We will worship together on both Sundays and Wednesdays all month long.

Vacation Bible School Program

Our VBS program will be our order of worship on Wednesday, August 5, at the 6:00 p.m. service. Our theme for this year is, “Wanted 2: Now More Than Ever”, and the service gives opportunity for you to see our youth in worship leadership positions as they share what they are learning this year at VBS.

Please note that there will be no supper before worship this evening (August 5) due to our VBS schedule. We will, however, have ice cream after the service!

Service of the Word for Healing

The Service of the Word for Healing will be our order of worship on Wednesday, August 26 at the 6:00 p.m. worship service and Sunday, August 30 at the 10:00 a.m. service. This service includes liturgy and prayers centered on healing and wholeness. There is also opportunity for people to come forward for the laying on of hands and anointing with oil. As you come forward that morning, believe it is the Lord Jesus Christ who is the source of all physical, emotional, relational and spiritual healing.

Rescheduled, As Promised ☺

Movie Night at ULC

As part of our summer fun family fundraising events, this year we are presenting a movie night here at ULC. The movie we are presenting on Sunday, August 9, at 6:30 pm is “Soul Surfer”.

Soul Surfer is the incredible story of teen surfer Bethany Hamilton, who lost her arm in a shark attack and courageously overcame all odds, by her determination and faith, to become a champion again. The films all-star cast features Anna Sophia Robb and Helen Hunt, with Carrie Underwood in her film debut, and Den-nis Quaid. In the wake of the life-changing event that took her arm and nearly her life, Bethany's feisty forti-tude and steadfast faith spur her toward an adventurous comeback that turns her loss into a gift for others. Soul Surfer is a triumphant true-life tale with a God-centered emotional punch. It's a perfect film to inspire viewers of all ages and to open conversations about the power of faith, hope and God's love.

We will show this movie on our new screen in the sanctuary. Appropriate refreshments will be served, including popcorn. We encourage ULC members and friends to give a free will donation to cover costs for the event and to support our general fund. Everyone is welcome! Invite your neighbors, friends, classmates and coworkers!

Wednesday Meals:

August 12: Hot dogs August 19: Chicken patty August 26: Taco-in-a-bag

Women’s Summer Bible Study

No Catchy Slogans

Does the subject of giving—especially financial giving to the church—make you a little uncomfortable? Do you feel awkward when conversations or sermons about money come up? This summer’s Bible study, “No Catchy Slogans,” looks at Scripture passages about giving. The third and final session is called, “God Loves a Cheerful Giver”. We will meet on Friday, August 14, 10:00 am in the lounge to discuss the Apostle Paul’s short and upbeat slogan about giving. Does giving to church make us cheerful? All ULC women and friends are welcome!

Calling All Men

How to Pray: The Importance of Prayer

This summer we have been having a conversation about prayer! Our topic for August is, “Who and What Else Do We Pray For? We will meet on Saturday, August 29 (PLEASE NOTE THE DATE CHANGE), 8:30 am, in the fellowship hall for breakfast pizza, prayer, and a conversation about what it is that God wants us to pray for each day. Please join us and bring a friend!

Food for the Week Sharing Food and Loving Neighbors

Want to help out with local families who are needy and struggling hard to make ends meet? Here are items we are collecting for the Salvation Army Food Pantry in August:

August 2 and 5: School supplies of all sorts August 9 and 12: Juice boxes and fruit snacks August 16 and 19 Macaroni and cheese and other boxed meals

August 23 and 26: Canned fruits of all sorts August 30: Bring something you would like to eat!

TAKE A KID FISHING

Several church members are willing to give kids ages 5-12 a fishing experience.

They will fish from a boat at Devils Lake on Saturday, August 15, weather

permitting, with an alternate date of August 16. There is limited space available,

so sign up as soon as possible. All equipment will be provided. Parents must

give permission and sign a release. Sign up with Heather by calling the church

office (775-4745). Contact Gary Olson (775-6927) with questions.

The Stephen Ministers are available to ULC members and friends to

actively serve you on a personal basis with visits of concern, care,

and/or just simply to share. If you are in need of someone to talk

with, please reach out. Or if you know of someone you want us to

reach out to, we will. Contact Bonnie Peterson, Program Coordinator

or Pastor Tom with your requests. And know that with God’s

guidance the Stephen Ministry Program is here to help you through

the difficult moments and the happy moments of your lives.

I command you be strong and courageous!

Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you

wherever you go. Joshua 1:9

FALL IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER! Mark these important dates on your calendar:

♦ WWJ (Wednesday Church School) begins on September 16th. There will also be a backpack blessing during worship. Bring your backpack! Join us for dinner at 5pm, we are having taco in a bag.

♦ Sunday school begins on September 20th. There will also be a backpack blessing during worship. Bring your backpack!

♦ Are you interested in teaching or helping with music on Sunday or Wednesday? Please contact Jen at 775-4745.

Education Update for August

Summer Stewardship News Thank you for your gifts

2015 has been a tough year at ULC, financially speaking, mostly because we carried over an $18,000 shortfall from 2014. Thank you for all the contributions you make and for your many “High 5” gifts as well. Unfortunately, at the end of June, the shortfall grew to $27,200, and offerings in July have been small, which is not that unusual. Enclosed in this newsletter, you will find a “Catch Up” envelope. If you can find a way to give an extra gift this month, beyond your regular giving, that would be greatly appreciated! Thank you for being such a generous people!

REMEMBER TO HIGH 5 ULC this summer! We have challenged ULC members and friends to give $5 more a week in 2015 to help us with our general fund. A weekly High 5 is the same as saying that we love ULC. Thank you for all your generous gifts for our shared ministry. THRIVENT CHOICE DOLLARS are available for 2015 distribution. If you have Choice Dollars to designate, please remember your church home.

MEMORIALS NEEDED...If you are looking for an idea for memorials (or other donations), please consider designating for sanctuary lighting and projector. We owe roughly $25,000 for this sanctuary project which is now complete. We have a balloon payment due on February 1, 2016.

Heather Kallestad: ULC Youth Minister ulcheather@midconetwork.com

701-775-4745 (church) 218-368-8073 (cell)

Well ULC friends all 39 of us made it back to Grand Forks safely after our trip to the ELCA National Youth

Gathering in Detroit Michigan. Thank you for supporting us on this journey. I am grateful for your encour-

agement, prayers, and financial support these past 3 years as we have prepared to attend the gathering.

While we were away we got to enjoy a Twins game, packed food for Feed My Starving Children, spent hours

with one another on the bus, had fun at 6 Flags amusement park, worshiped with 30,000 other Christian

youth and adults at Ford Field, went on a Detroit boat tour, worked along side of youth from other churches

to collect diapers, met with our EaND Synod for worship, listened to inspiring speakers and music, went to a

carnival in Lyon Township, and put our bus on a Ferry. Wow! This trip has given our youth an opportunity to

live out their faith with their friends and their church family. I loved seeing our youth together, sharing the

love of Jesus with everyone who they encountered. Hugs and high fives everywhere. I hope that this

excitement continues here in Grand Forks. I pray that our youth and church family take off their blinders

and see the need right in our own community. Together we can make a difference in people’s lives if we

love like Jesus. “Jesus is Good News”!

Again thank you for being part of this journey. I am excited for you to hear about all of the great

experiences we had at the gathering. Please join us for worship on Sunday, September 13th to hear more

about our youth gathering experiences . Youth will be a big part of worship this day and will be serving

fellowship. Please also check out the picture display in the fellowship hall for pictures from our trip.

Thank You Again for your continued support of our youth program.

Heather Kallestad, ULC Youth Minister

ULC Women of the ELCA

AUGUST 2015 News and Events

The farm girl in me loves the month of August because

of the sunflowers in the area fields. I have always

been intrigued by the flowers with their faces to the

sun, soaking in the warmth and nourishment the

sunshine gives them; and how they follow the sun as it

moves across the sky. It reminds me of Jesus offering us the warmth

of his love, nourishment for our bodies in the food he provides, as well

as his presence in Holy Communion. All he asks of us is to follow him.

QUILTING

Tuesday evening quilters will continue to meet at 6:30pm during the summer. Thursday quilters will also meet over

the summer assembling quilts and kits for Lutheran World Relief. Join either group as your schedule allows for fun

and fellowship as we are often “in stitches”.

LIST OF NEEDS

Lutheran World Relief is a non-profit organization that works with local partners to provide lasting solutions to

poverty, injustice and human suffering. Our WELCA group works with Lutheran World Relief throughout the year

to provide mission quilts, personal care kits, school kits and baby care kits to those in need across the globe. We

will be sending supplies to LWR in October and we could use your help in collecting some of the items to put kits

together. Your participation and generosity are greatly appreciated. Items may be dropped off in the church office.

Lutheran World Relief is currently in great need of school kits.

So as the stores prepare for fall keep an eye out for the following items:

70 sheet notebooks (wide or college-ruled) 12 inch/30 cm ruler

Pencil sharpener Blunt end scissors

#2 pencils with erasers Black or blue ball point pens

16 or 24 count crayons 2 ½ inch block eraser

Other items we are in need of are: Soap (bath size bars) Fingernail clippers

Combs Toothbrushes

Receiving blankets Hand towels

Add these dates to your calendar:

September 14 - WELCA Board Meeting, 6:00pm

September 22 - Secret Sister Reveal Event, 6:30pm

September 26 - Eastern ND WELCA Gathering in New Rockford

November 14 - Fall Festival (Luncheon, Bake Sale and Quilt/Craft Sale) 11am-1pm

December 5 - Christmas Brunch, 9:30am

Have a blessed summer,

Seanne Voracek, Vice President

WOMEN OF THE ELCA Purpose Statement

As a community of women

created in the image of God,

called to discipleship in Jesus Christ,

and empowered by the Holy Spirit,

We commit ourselves to

grow in faith, affirm our gifts,

support one another in our callings,

engage in ministry and action,

and promote healing and wholeness

in the Church, the society, and the world.

WELCA Bible Study “No Catchy Slogans”

Friday, August 14

10:00 a.m. in the

A MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR FAMILIES WHO HAVE EXPERIENCED THE LOSS OF A CHILD will be held on the Altru Hospital grounds Tuesday evening, August 11, 2015. Informational booths with resources for families will be set up for viewing at 6:00pm. The program will begin at 7:00pm. Balloons will be provided and released at the end of the service. The event is sponsored by Altru’s Wings of Hope, Infant and Child Bereavement program. For further information please call 780-5257 or 780-5250.

UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

2122 UNIVERSITY AVENUE

GRAND FORKS ND 58203-3399

NON-PROFIT

US POSTAGE PAID

GRAND FORKS ND

58201

PERMIT #330

Ministers: Every Member of the Congregation

Pastor: Thomas W. Colenso

Education Coordinator: Jen Hanson

Youth Minister: Heather Kallestad

Administrative Assistant: Seanne Voracek

Missionary: Susan Smith

Choir Director: Katie Holleman

Organists: Lauri Shimpa and Jane Traub

Custodian: Cindy Stoller

Stephen Ministry Leaders:

Bonnie Peterson, Wayde Anderson

Evelyn Clark, Jane Traub

UNIVERSITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

2122 University Avenue

Grand Forks ND 58203

www.universitylutherangf.org

Phone: 701-775-4745

Email: ulcoffice@midconetwork.com

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WORSHIP

Sunday at 10:00 a.m.

Wednesday at 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Picnic and Praise

Supper 5:00 p.m.

Worship 6:00p.m.

Vacation Bible School

“Wanted : Now More Than Ever”

Monday - Thursday, August 3-6

VBS Worship/Program - Wednesday at 6:00pm

VBS Picnic - Thursday at 6:00pm

Movie Night - “Soul Surfer”

Sunday, August 9 at 6:30 p.m.

WELCA Bible Study

“No Catchy Slogans”

Friday, August 14, 10:00 a.m.

Take a Kid Fishing

Saturday, August 15

Calling All Men

“Who and What Else Do We Pray For?”

Saturday, August 29 at 8:30 a.m.

Check inside for much more!!