Upcoming Events

Wednesday, September 10 at 6:30 pm

Youth Kick-off at Gethsemane

Saturday, September 13 Men’s Golf Scramble from

2-6 pm

Wednesday, September 17

First night of Wednesday activities!

5:45 pm – Supper 6:30 pm – Classes for all

ages

Thursday, September 18 6 pm – Castleview

Outreach

Saturday, October 4 at 2 pm

Women’s Ministry Kick-off

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the

power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.”

Romans 15:13

I S S U E

Fall 2014

13

For the most up to date calendar of events see our website. http://www.glrst.org

Pastor Mark Nienow

507.272.2989/nienow@glrst.org

Annette Ihrke, Director of

Youth and Young Adults

402.659.9831/aihrke@glrst.org

Marie Pugleasa, Secretary

507.282.1121/office@glrst.org

Gethsemane Lutheran Church

2204 22nd

St. NW

Rochester, MN 55901

507.282.1121 ph.

www.glrst.org

In the Beginning By: Mark Nienow

I am always interested in stories of beginnings. Ray Kroc was 52 years old

when he started McDonalds and had never been in the restaurant

business. Adrian Peterson’s dad was a star college basketball player. 3M

started in a tiny building in Two Harbors, MN. The revenues of Microsoft in

1976 were $16,005. It is interesting to look back to see how these stories

unfolded from humble beginnings to become what we know today. How

did it happen? What obstacles were overcome? How did what happened

in the beginning impact what is happening now?

In the beginning. These are the words that begin the greatest story ever

told. Genesis is a book of beginnings; creation, sin, salvation, the nation of

Israel, the birth line of the Messiah, all have their beginnings revealed in

Genesis. In this way, the story of beginnings in the Bible is like the

examples above. Yet it is different because of the fourth word in the

Bible… God. God is eternal, outside of time. He has no beginning and no

end. There is no one and nothing else that can make that claim. The

beginnings in the Bible are about how the eternal God interacts with his

creation. God is still interacting with his creation, so the stories of the

beginning in Genesis contain a lot for us to learn in better understanding

who God is and what the big (true) story of the Bible is about. How does

what happened in the beginning impact what is happening now?

In the beginning. We are at the beginning of a new school year and a new

chapter in the history of Gethsemane. There is a certain anticipation for

what will unfold. What challenges will be faced? What will develop? I am

excited about this new chapter in the history of Gethsemane. We have a

great group of teachers who are going to help children, youth and adults

know the story of the Gospel and what it means for them. We have a new

pastor joining us soon. We have events that allow for the building of

community, beginning new relationships and deepening old ones. Most

importantly, we get to see how the eternal God will work in, through and

among us.

Join us Sunday mornings! 9:15 a.m. Sunday School

10:30 a.m. Worship (nursery provided)

Wednesday

Night Opportunities for

Kids at Gethsemane:

Bible Hugs

Preschool children in a

group led by Diane

Yliniemi and Janet

Erickson.

Boys Adventure Club

Boys from grades 1st

through 6th grades are

in a study led by Todd

Weisbrod and Glen

Saponari.

Girls Adventure Club

Girls in Kindergarten

through 4th grade are in

a study led by Tammy

Kraft.

Girls of Grace A combination of

doctrine, life situations

and service projects for

girls in 5th and 6th grades

is taught by Cindy

Carlson.

Nursery Available for children

ages newborn to

preschool.

Confirmation Confirmation is led by Pastor Mark Nienow.

The Senior High Youth

meet in the youth room for a weekly study led by

Annette Ihrke.

Women’s Bible Study

This study meets on

Wednesday nights in

Jerusalem and is led by

Andreia Nienow and Sarah

Olstad.

Adult Bible Study

This study meets Wednesday

nights in Galilee and is led by

the Elders.

CONNECT

Men’s Bible Study

This study meets Wednesday

nights in the foyer.

CONNECT

Women’s Bible Study

This study meets Wednesday

nights under the stairs and is

led by Kayla Warndahl and

Marie Pugleasa.

CONNECT

Sunday Study

This study meets Sunday

mornings at 9:15 a.m. in

Annette’s office and is led by

Annette Ihrke.

A summer of studies by Annette Ihrke

Yes. It always starts with a single yes, and then another, and another...until somehow I find myself lined up to be a part of four Bible studies over the course of the summer. Of course in my mind it all makes perfect sense: different Bible studies with different people on different nights of the week; throw in some yummy food and that’s totally doable and awesome...right?!? YES, absolutely yes! However, with the resounding “yeses” also came a logistically hectic schedule and at times, unwanted negligence in my “homework.” Thankfully, grace abounds and I found myself richly blessed this summer as I had the chance to dive into Scripture with fellow believers of all ages. It was amazing to find that no matter what I was learning in one group, there always seemed be an overlap with the other studies, each one building upon another. It is out of that accumulation that I share some of the highlights from my study in Titus.

Take a moment to think about Titus (the book in the Bible, not the youngest Christofferson); what verse comes to mind when it is mentioned? Most of us would probably pick Titus 3:5: “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” (NIV) This is such a powerful verse, tucked at the end of a three chapter book in the New Testament. The verse points us to the hope we have in Christ, nothing that we can do, but only because of His mercy and grace. But what else is there in Titus? If taken out of context, one could find a frustratingly long list of things to do and not do. Thankfully this isn’t the case! This summer I was challenged to widen my knowledge of Titus to include more than just one verse.

Although I have come to love the entire book, I am drawn to the beginning of chapter 2 where Paul is telling Titus to “promote the kind of living that reflects wholesome teaching.” That wholesome teaching is found in the Bible and is always pointing towards keeping Christ in the center. Whenever I come across the word “reflect” in the Bible, a picture of a mirror comes to mind. With that mental picture, I was challenged to consider the questions: Who/what is my life reflecting? Does it reflect time spent in the Living Word? Does it reflect keeping Christ in the center? Does it reflect recognition of distractions and the subsequent realignment to Christ?

The idea of wholesome teaching moves into instructions to older men/young men and older women/young women. Thankfully there aren’t descriptors in what makes one old or young, but rather establishes a framework for mentoring within the church. This was a powerful section for me; often it is easy to think that I can just learn from people my age and those with similar interests. Instead, I believe we are called to be influenced by both the young and the old, with age not being a deciding factor. In being young, we have a teachable heart, being willing to be molded and changed as a godly older believer comes alongside us in our faith journey and shares life lessons. In being old, we intentionally look for someone to pour into, to show them the ropes in the areas we have experience.

The idea of intentional mentoring ties into the summer Bible study series with the youth group, a series called “Why Not Now?” It challenged youth to consider that God puts no minimum age on discipleship and how they can say “yes” to God using their lives for kingdom work. No matter where we are in life, we are called to fulfill both the younger and older roles within the Church. I challenge you to think about the question “Why Not Now?” How has God equipped me to fulfill the older category? Am I being diligent in recognizing that hanging out in the younger category is beneficial for growth in my relationship with Christ?

Yes, this was a crazy summer, and it would be easy to just think about all the

travel and stress of the hectic schedule, but I am reminded of the blessing of community and the power of the living Word! While I might be tempted to temper my “yeses” to Bible studies next summer, I am oh so thankful for this summer of studies.

THRIVE By Annette Ihrke

Gifts for Needy Children

Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child in our community who may not otherwise receive a gift this Christmas. These will be distributed by the Salvation Army. Toys, books, games, movies, and gift cards are all appreciated. Gifts for babies and teens are usually in short supply. You may bring these gifts to the church at any time, but there will be a special opportunity to place them under the Christmas tree during the Children's program on December 15.

Ongoing Outreach to Castleview By Pastor Mark Nienow

Young adults: who are they and how do you describe the range of the group? While

Gethsemane has many “young adults” in its midst, it is a term that usually brings about a

debate of “I’m too old to be considered a Young Adult” or “I’m just at a different stage of

life than they are right now.” In hopes of vanquishing the dreaded “Young Adult” title and

hopefully bring unity to the group of 18-30somethings at Gethsemane, a quest began for a

name, a title, a way to positively address this group.

After some collaboration and brainstorming, a word stood out as one that gets to the heart of

the matter: CONNECT. CONNECT is a group that aims to bring people together as the

body of Christ. Drawing from college-aged, young professionals, newly married, married

with children, and singles, CONNECT is the framework for building relationships, growing

in the Christian faith, and becoming active in the Church, establishing a place where God can

be glorified and spiritual growth can occur is crucial. It is my prayer that through

CONNECT we can form a group that is connected to God: growing spiritually, connected to

each other: building community, connected to the church: using gifts to serve one another,

and connected to the community: serving both within our sphere of influence and going

outside our comfort zone to draw others to Christ.

CONNECT By Annette Ihrke

5 Questions with Pastor George

1. What is something unique about your family? “Something unique about our family is that all three of our children have been worship directors at their churches and/or schools. I joined the three of them weekly for several years in leading worship at Bethany LBC in Colfax. Our two sons currently hold staff positions as WDs at their churches, and I'm looking forward to being reunited on a worship team with Zoey at Gethsemane.” 2. What do you do to relax when you aren’t at work? “Most of my "relaxing time" is spent with Jacqui. We enjoy doing anything together. We're hoping to make great use of Rochester's biking & walking paths. We like to travel when we get the chance. But we often just hang around the house in the evenings... watching Netflix or playing a game. If I'm relaxing alone, I like to be out on a golf course. (I most often golf alone so that I don't have to worry about embarrassing myself.)” 3. What is your favorite Bible passage? “1 Timothy 1:12-17. Like Paul, I am overwhelmed by the knowledge that I am the recipient of God's astounding grace, mercy, faith and love - despite the many years I blasphemed Him while living in ignorance of the fact that Jesus came into the world to save me, the worst of sinners. I am humbled that He considers me trustworthy, and I am privileged that He has appointed me to serve Him.” 4. What is something that brings you joy? “Peace is the thing that brings me the greatest joy. I consider peace to be a by-product of love. I am filled with peace whenever I consider the love God shows me through His Son and through my family and friends.” 5. What is your favorite meal and dessert? “My favorite meal is grilled or broiled fish and/or shrimp with vegetables (peppers, onions, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots...). I also like crab, but that's not to say I enjoy all seafood. For example, I don't care for the texture of lobster or any shell-encased creatures that spend their lives laying on the ocean floor. My favorite dessert is coffee ice cream with chocolate chips or chocolate sprinkles.”

New Year of Children’s Ministry by Cindy Carlson

The bad news is that summer is nearly at an end. The good news is that the Children’s Ministry at Gethsemane is gearing up for an outstanding year of sharing God’s Word with children and youth! Preschoolers and elementary-age students will once again be using the Faithweavers curriculum for Sunday School. Our curriculum committee selected this program last year, after evaluating a dozen different curricula. But a new feature in the 2014-2015 school year is that we are adding four self-devised lessons to compensate for weaknesses we have noted in certain topics. The first one will be entitled “What is the Church and How do I Fit In?” and will be taught in all classes at the end of October. A committee of four has been working on this and other lessons during this past summer. Wednesday evening activities will get underway on September 17. Everyone is invited to the first of our weekly family suppers at 5:45 pm. Following the supper, classes will be conducted for all ages. Bible Hugs will be offered for preschoolers; Boys’ Adventure Club (studying the Beatitudes) will be taught for boys from first through sixth grades; Girls’ Adventure Club (also studying the Beatitudes) will be offered for girls from kindergarten through fourth grades; and Girls of Grace will be taught for fifth and sixth grade girls. Girls of Grace divide their time between Bible study, discussion of pertinent life issues, and service projects. A great staff of teachers and helpers has been assembled, many of whom have taught for a number of years. We are so very thankful for their dedication to our children. Why not commit to tracking down a teacher or two and saying “Thanks!”