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EAR Peace Friends,
As this is my last
“letter” to you, permit
me to quote a phrase from both
letters of Peter to his Christian
friends: “May grace and peace
be yours in abundance.”
(I Peter 1:2; II Peter 1:2)
It has been a great joy to
be part of this congregation
since 2004. I will always
remember meeting around a
conference table with the call
committee at Callaway’s in the
fall of 2003. Several hours
earlier I had a wonderful visit
with Pastor Paul and Pastor
Rolf at Peace. It might have
been Lon Stroshein or Chuck
Claussen who asked me during
the interview how long I would
be willing to serve if called.
Since it was no longer
acceptable to ask a candidate
their age, I smiled and
responded that I would commit
to “give you five good years.”
Well, how time flies when
you’re having fun! It is hard to
believe that eleven and a half
years have sped by.
Since I am nearing the
age of 73, I have decided it is
time to give my full attention to
my bride of nearly 49 years, as
well as to our children and
grandchildren with whom we
have been gifted.
Susanne and I have
enjoyed being a part of this
welcoming and dynamic
congregation. It is a
congregation where “we have
always done it this way” is a
foreign language. I have
appreciated working with my
colleagues and others on our
ministry team. It was fun to
bring some new ideas to Peace
from our congregation in
Anchorage, among which were
using Holden Evening Prayer
for worship and sewing quilts
for graduating high school
seniors.
It was exciting upon my
arrival to work with the newly
formed Faith and Family
Ministry Team. From this group
of visionary moms came lots of
wonderful ideas, including the
Giving Jar; which provides so
much joy not only to our
children but also to the entire
congregation besides supporting
children beyond our church
family. The team initiated the
Elizabeth Ministry to support
young women and new moms.
The team also introduced
concepts of developing
milestones in the faith
development of children and
young people including senior
quilts. When we added Pat
Eidsness to our leadership team,
she took over being a liaison
with this group.
It has been a blessing to
share so many of life’s sacred
moments with Peace’s members
and families.
Continued on page 4
D
PEACETALK Volume 25 - Number 5 – May 2015
5509 W. 41st St. - Sioux Falls, SD 57106
(605) 361-3683
Saved by God’s grace, we are
called to be instruments of
God’s peace.
peacelutheran.com
facebook.com/PeaceLutheran
twitter.com/PeaceLutheranSF
From the Pastor…
My Last Letter to the Congregation
PeaceTalk 2
PEACE STAFF: Pastors:
Paul Stjernholm
Rolf Svanoe
Obed Nelson
Betsy Hoium
Staff:
Lynn Bethke – Receptionist
Jackie Hensley – Receptionist
Mary Lunde – Receptionist
Anita Solberg – Financial Secretary
Dean Ebbinga – Facilities Manager
Joe Sheaffer – Custodian
Mike Johnson – Custodian
Carl Meyerhoff – Custodian
Fern Swearingen – Librarian
Jackie Hensley – Worship Volunteers
Pam Tetzlaff – Food Ministry
Directors:
Renae Boehmer – Children’s Ministry
Pam Tetzlaff – Assistant Children’s Ministry
Holly Marty – Confirmation/Adult Ministries
Kelsey Lyndoe – Youth Ministries
Jackie Bailey – Worship and Music
Bob Levesque – Asst. Worship/Music/Comm.
Colt Foutz – Communications
Cara Hetland – Communications
Kristi Leisinger – Administration
Jim Ahrendt – Seniors Ministry
Sue Olsen – Preschool
Tara Foley – Peace Care and Kids World
Maurine Pederson – Office Manager
Jay Heintz – Finance Manager
Sarah and Jason Andera – Heartland Ephphatha
Music Groups:
Darya Levesque – Children’s Music
Tammy Beintema – Youth Bells/Chimes
Nancy Lenander – Adult Choir
Kyle Quanbeck – Organist
Maurine Pederson – Adult Bell Choir
Rolf Svanoe – Peace Brass
Ann Okins – Saturday Service Pianist
Wedding Coordinators:
Vickie Appino
Erin Wescott
Crystal Ehresmann
From Back to Front
(& Back Again)…
Calendar – 18
Only Technology Has Changed – 17
Goodbye, Mrs. Sue – 16
Welcome, Dean! – 15
Graduating High School Seniors – 11
Faith and Families – 8
What’s Happening at Peace – 7
God’s Work Our Hands – 6
Worship Highlights – 5
Continued From the Pastor – 4
Fifty Years Creating Peace: 2000s – 3
Saying Hello and Goodbye…
Throughout this month’s newsletter we will
meet new staff and say goodbye to Pastor Obed,
Maurine Pederson and Sue Olsen. We also pay
tribute to our graduating high school seniors.
PeaceTalk 3
Part Five: Peace in this Century
Pastor Rolf Svanoe was called and installed in August of 2000. His love for creative worship brought polka and
jazz services and the brass choir and peace band.
In 2003, another construction and remodeling project began for new
office space and Sunday school space. A new choir room, library and
space for day care were also constructed. The Faith and Family
Ministry Team was organized in 2003 with goals to strengthen the
bond between home and church, provide families with resources to
nurture their faith, build a cross-generational faith community, and
form a Milestone Ministry program. We see their work in Lenten
devotion kits, presenting baptized members with faith chests and
wrapping graduating seniors in homemade quilts.
Pastor Ann Schlossnagle left to answer a call to western South Dakota.
Jason and Sara Andera were hired in 2004 as Heartland Ephphatha
directors. Pastor Obed Nelson was called as Pastor of Caring
Ministries.
By the end of 2004 there were 3,200 baptized members. With the expansion of the building came the expansion
of ministries and staff. A new digital Organ was installed in 2005 and also a projector system. Peace also joined
with Holy Cross Lutheran Church to help start a mission church. Pastor Tim Robertson joined the staff in May
of 2006 as a mission developer with Rejoice! Lutheran. The new congregation started worshiping in September
at the Family Wellness Center.
By 2007, Peace is one of only 40 ELCA congregations counting 1,000 people at worship each weekend. In
November, Peace called Pat Eidsness as an Associate in Ministry (AIM) to the pastoral staff. As Peace
continued to grow so does its compassion and caring for neighbors with the launch in 2009 of the Sioux Falls
Lutheran churches Food to You Mobile Food Pantry and Peace’s Necessities for Neighbors. Peace also
purchased four properties west of the church to expand the parking lot. Baptized membership of the
congregation surpassed 4,000 by the year 2010.
2011 saw the parking lot expanded, fellowship hall remodeled and hallways tiled. Global Mission began
sponsoring the village of Jamel, Haiti. In 2012, Pastor Ann accepted a call as a campus minister at Augustana
College and Pastor Betsy Hoium joined the staff.
The Church Council began examining how the church operates and recommended reducing the size of the
council and refocusing efforts on strategic vision. The congregation supported the change and authorized hiring
an administrator, allowing pastors to focus on spiritual growth. As Peace enters it’s 50th
year, it continues to
grow and change as we say goodbye to several staff members.
Next month: Come back for a preview of the next 50 years
PeaceTalk 4
FROM THE PASTOR (CONTINUED FROM 1)…
Much of my ministry has been with people who are experiencing grief, from divorce to illness and death. I
took a look at my funeral sermon file and discovered that I have had 100 funerals or memorial services since
coming to Peace. Sharing those intimate experiences has created bonds of trust that have been very precious. It
has been wonderful facilitating a number of grief groups. And the work of the Prayer Shawl Ministry team has
added an important tool in the support of people experiencing loss and grief.
Last December we had our 11th
annual Blue Christmas Service. And I look forward to commissioning a group
of members on May 17th who will start a Home Communion Ministry. It has been an honor to stand with you
folks at Peace through both sorrow and joy.
Another blessing that fell in my lap was to work with new members. I have been amazed by the gifts brought to
us from a rich diversity of faith expressions. These new members have been largely attracted by the positive
experience of grace-filled worship and the welcome they have felt.
The call to serve as a pastor of a congregation does not include a
spouse. But it did not take long for Susanne to become a part of
Peace by singing in the choir, playing trumpet with the brass
ensemble, going on global mission trips to Cameroun and Haiti,
doing pre-marriage counseling and sharing her love of poetry.
Largely through the support of individuals at Peace, she was able to
volunteer with the World Council of Churches as an observer living
among Palestinian people in Israel’s West Bank for three months in
2010. I joined her on another trip in 2013. I have been the grateful
beneficiary of the friendships developed and insights gained. We
continue to have an intense interest in helping people see beyond the limitations imposed by our media.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the opportunity to serve as a partner in this ministry. Our future
plans are still in the process of being formed. We know that a significant part of our time and energy will be
concentrated on family. Pastoral guidelines and common sense means that when pastoral ministry ends with a
congregation so does worship and involvement. So after July 1st you will see us around Sioux Falls but not at
Peace. But know that the family of Peace will always be in our thoughts and prayers. The friendships we have
established will continue but in a much different context.
May God’s Spirit continue to bless and guide you on your journey of faith, love and service.
Pastor Obed
PeaceTalk 5
WORSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Cracking Open the Faith: A Brief Trip Through Romans
The Apostle Paul wrote a letter to the church in Rome to explain his
views of the Gospel. Martin Luther said of Romans, “This epistle is really
the chief part of the New Testament, and is truly the purest gospel…. It is a
bright light, almost sufficient to illuminate the entire Holy Scriptures.” In
May we want that light to shine brightly in our worship.
May 2/3/6 – It’s All About Faith – Romans 1:1-17
The theme of Romans comes in our reading today, Romans 1:16-17;
the Good News is God’s power for salvation for all who believe. Preacher -
Pastor Betsy
May 9/10/13 – From Enemies to Friends – Romans 5:1-11
God shows great grace and love in coming to us first in Jesus, even when we were still enemies, and
pouring love into our hearts. Preacher – Pastor Rolf
May 16/17/20 – Joined to Christ – Romans 6:1-14
In baptism God joins us to Christ’s death and resurrection. That makes all the difference in how we live
our daily lives. Preacher – Pastor Obed
May 23/24 – All Things Work Together for Good – Romans 8:18-29; Acts 2:1-4
On this festival of Pentecost you are invited to wear something red to worship. We are reminded of the
Holy Spirit’s work in our lives, helping us to witness to God’s love in Christ. Preacher – Pastor Paul
May 30/31 – Nothing Can Separate Us From God’s Love – Romans 8:31-38
God’s love sustains throughout all of life, and especially when things are difficult. Even the worst
experiences in life cannot remove us from God’s love. Preacher – Rev. Dave Johnson, former Senior Pastor at
Peace from 1989-1999.
June 7 – 50th
Anniversary Celebration 10:30 at O’Gorman High School Auditorium
COMING IN JUNE – GLAD YOU ASKED
Is there a question you’ve always wondered about and would love to hear a sermon on? We are taking
questions from the congregation, which will be used for a series during June and part of July, called Glad You
Asked. If you have a question you can write it down and drop it off at the Welcome Center or email your
question to Pastor Rolf – [email protected]
50 YEARS CREATING PEACE – ANNIVERSARY WORSHIP: JUNE 7, 2015
On Sunday, June 7, Peace will celebrate 50 years of ministry sharing God’s love in Sioux Falls. We
invite you to join the festive celebration. In order to accommodate everyone at a single service our worship will
be held in the new auditorium at O’Gorman High School, which seats 1,000 people. Join the choirs, brass, bells
and organ for the festive worship. A special arrangement by Jeremy Hegg of the hymn Lift High The Cross has
been commissioned. Many former pastors will be in attendance. This is an historic service that you won’t want
to miss.
A brunch will be served before and after the worship service in the O’Gorman Rec Center, catered by
Tony’s Catering. Tickets are on sale during May- $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.
Volunteers are needed to help with set up on Saturday afternoon and also some clean up Sunday after worship.
Sign up to help at the Welcome Center.
LAST CALL FOR GREECE IN OCTOBER
Join a group from Peace traveling to Greece and the Greek Isles in October. We’ll explore the footsteps
of the Apostle Paul, visit many significant historical sites of the Greek and Roman empires, and enjoy the
beauty of the Greek Isles on a three day cruise. Brochures are available at the Welcome Center.
PeaceTalk 6
GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS
Necessities for Neighbors Set Up – Saturday, May 2 at 9 a.m. It takes many
hands to get ready for our guests. Email [email protected] or sign up
at the Welcome Center to volunteer.
Necessities for Neighbors Distribution – Sunday, May 3 - 2:30-5 p.m. Help
us welcome 250-300 guests from countries as diverse as Nepal, Somalia, Iraq,
Russia, Tanzania and many other parts of the world. All ages are welcome.
Children and middle school youth should come with a parent or other adult.
Sign up at the Welcome Center or Email [email protected]
Global Mission Sponsors Cinnamon Rolls – Sunday, May 17! We had such a great response we are doing it
again! Join us in the Fellowship Hall from 8:30-11:30 a.m. for some yummy food! Freewill donations support
our partner congregations in Jumelle, Haiti. Want to help? Contact Dan at [email protected].
Home Communion Ministry
Before Christmas we had several training sessions for people
interesting in becoming part of a new ministry of Home Communion. A
number of members volunteered. We are now getting close to initiating this
outreach ministry.
Volunteers are being asked to attend another training in May and
we will “commission” our ministry team during worship services the third
Sunday in May.
Training: 7-8:30 p.m. Monday, May 4 and 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Saturday, May 9 in the Shalom Room.
Commission: Worship Services May 16, 17
Please contact [email protected] for more information or questions, including members
who would like to receive home communion once a month on an ongoing basis.
Looking Ahead: Start Your Summer Off with Serving
Celebrate our 50th
Anniversary by Serving! Our next Necessities for Neighbors distribution is on the
afternoon of Sunday, June 7, the day we celebrate Peace's 50th
Anniversary. What better way to celebrate than
by giving back to the community?
Food to You – Thursday, June 4. This year Peace will serve at Food to You five times and the next
opportunity is early June. We serve at East Side Lutheran at 10th
and Cliff. Shifts are 4:15-8 and 5:15-8 p.m.
We are collecting tuna and tuna helper. Sign up at the Welcome Center or email
"El Camino de Jesus" (Journey with Jesus) Bilingual Vacation Bible School June 23-26– We are
partnering with Pueblo de Dios, First Lutheran and First Congregational Churches to sponsor a Spanish-English
VBS, June 23-26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at First Lutheran. Children ages 3 to 5th
grade are invited to participate
& the cost is $45, which includes lunch and snacks. No cost for volunteers 6th
grade through adult. Contact
PeaceTalk 7
WHAT’S HAPPENING AT PEACE ADULT BIBLE STUDY: We will begin a study on the Twelve
Disciples on Sunday, April 26th. This will begin with the lesser
known disciples and culminate with a study on Simon Peter. It
will seek to answer these questions: Who were these men? Why
did Jesus choose them? What type of men were they? How did
they contribute to Jesus' ministry? What happened to them after
Jesus resurrection? The study will go through May 17th. We will
not meet on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend.
MUSIC CAMP – MAY 31- JUNE 4
Last chance to register for a spot in our Music Camp where we will be
learning and performing the musical “Jailhouse Rock”! Great dialogue,
singing, choreography, devotions, games and crafts will keep you busy this
week! Registration deadline is May 17th
but you will need to register early if
you are interested in trying out for a solo or speaking part. These will be held
on May 6th
and May 10th
. A suggested $10 fee will cover a CD, craft supplies
and Thursday lunch.
MUSIC DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR POSITION OPEN
Tammy Beintema has directed our Youth Bells and our Handchime
choir for the past 5 years and done a fantastic job of building up this program.
She will be stepping down at the end of April and we are looking for someone
with bell experience to take over this Fall. This is a paid position that lasts from September through April.
Please contact [email protected] for more details.
ATTENTION ADULT CHOIR AND ALUMNI
To help celebrate our 50th
Anniversary we are asking past choir members to consider joining the Peace
Adult Choir in singing a special piece at the June 7th
10:30 service at O’Gorman. There will be rehearsals on
Wednesday, May 27th
and June 3rd
at 7:00 in the Music Room. Please contact Nancy Lenander at
[email protected] for more details.
50
th Anniversary Sanctuary Improvements
Our beautiful sanctuary is now sixteen years old and in need of improvements. When it was built there
were shortcuts made for cost reasons. Worship styles and technology demands have changed. It is time to
remodel and upgrade. Here is a list of nearly $250,000 in projects we would like to accomplish. Check our
progress on the display in the Gathering Area.
PeaceTalk 8
FAMILIES & FAITH
Children’s Ministries
Paul
Last month we talked about the Great Commission and how Jesus sent his disciples out into the world with both
the command to tell the entire world about him and his love and to baptize and teach AND the promise that he
would be with them always.
This month we will see Paul, an apostle who embodied this command and went all over the Roman
Empire to do exactly what Jesus asked. We will hear stories about Saul’s big conversion (and how God changes
our lives, too!) as well as Ananias’ fear (and how Jesus is with us when we are afraid).
Here are a few ways you can talk about Paul at home:
Turn to the back of a Bible to find a map of Paul’s journeys. Pick out a name of a city you have never
heard of and try to pronounce it. Include the people that live in that city in your family’s prayers this
week.
When Paul travelled, he had wonderful times when people were excited to hear about Jesus’ love. He
also had bad times when people were cruel to him. Share your own highs and lows as a family every
night at dinner for a week.
Paul was forever changed when a bright light shown on his path and Jesus transformed him. Get out a
flashlight and sit in a dark room together. Pass around the flashlight as people tell of their favorite story
from the Bible.
Everest Vacation Bible School -- June 15-18, 2015 at Peace Lutheran. As in
past years, classes are available in the morning (starting at 9:00 am) and in the
evening (starting at 6:00 pm) for all age groups.
Please note: The morning session is full for elementary age children.
Suggested donation is $15 per child or $35 for three or more kids. T-shirt is
included in the cost!
Registration closes on May 24 in order to provide time for groups to be created and volunteers to be trained.
Walk-ins will be accepted for the EVENING session on the first night of VBS. VOLUNTEER TRAINING is scheduled as follows:
Preschool volunteers:
Sunday, May 31 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, OR
Tuesday, June 9 from 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Elementary volunteers:
Sunday, May 31 from 4:30 – 5:30 pm, OR
Tuesday, June 9 from 7:30 – 8:30 pm
**Training is mandatory for all volunteers so we can hit the ground running on the first day.
For questions or to find out more about volunteer opportunities, contact Pam: [email protected].
PeaceTalk 9
Summer Family Fun!
Beginning on April 26, pick up YOUR Flat Jesus in the
Gathering Place. Flat Jesus is a piece of cardstock with a
drawing of Jesus (Thanks to Kaylor Ragels for drawing
Jesus for us!). Here’s what to do:
1. Decorate your Flat Jesus as creatively or
simply as you would like. Use crayons, markers, fabric,
glue, buttons, burlap, or whatever else your heart desires.
2. Take Jesus with you on all your summer
adventures! (As we know, Jesus has promised to go with
us wherever we go anyway!) He definitely wants to go on
your vacations and trips – but would also like to join you
around town.
3. Take pictures of Jesus with you wherever you are.
4. Send the pictures to us so we can be part of your adventure. Either:
a. Like us on Facebook. Go to Peace Lutheran – Sioux Falls, SD on Facebook.
Scroll down to “write post” and attach your photo.
b. Email your pictures to [email protected] and we will make sure
they get posted.
5. Enjoy your summer – and remember to thank God for his most incredible promise to
be with you always. Share your adventures with your family and friends, too!
Sunday, May 10th
– Registration opens for fall Sunday/Wednesday
School
Sunday, May 10th
– Last day of Sunday School
Wed., May 13th
– Last day of Wednesday School
Sunday, May 31 – Thurs. June 4th
– “Jailhouse Rock” music camp at
Peace
June 15-18 – Everest VBS at Peace Lutheran
Mon, July 6 – Thur, July 9 – NeSoDak Daycamp at Peace Lutheran
PeaceTalk 10
Middle School Youth Text plms to 59769
We’re excited about something new we’re going to try this summer with our current
6th
& 7th
graders. For six different Tuesday’s this summer we’re organizing a day of service and fun. We’ll
spend part of the day volunteering with a local organization and the other part of the day doing something fun
around town. We’ll be able to take up to 13 students each week. The day will be from 8 am – 5pm and for most
day’s we’ll have kids pack a lunch to bring along. We’re finalizing our schedule of places and activities so stay
tuned!
High School Youth Text plsh to 59769
May 3rd
– No HS Youth
May 10th
– 5pm Movie & Pizza Night in the Youth Room. Relax for an evening before your last week of
school!
Summer HS Schedule will be mailed out to High School Families.
Summer Camp! We want you to join us for camp this summer!! Peace is adding a second week that we’ll be organizing
transportation and sending a staff person along for the ride.
MIDDLE SCHOOL MANIA (6th
-8th
)
July 5th
- 10th
@ Joy Ranch
HORSES WITH A HEART (9th
-12th
)
July 5th
-10th
@ Joy Ranch
Contact [email protected] for more information
Seniors Ministries: Contact Jim Ahrendt, Director, at 361-8637 or [email protected]
XYZ Potluck & Program: NO XYZ in May due to holiday, graduations, etc.
Transportation: Call the Peace receptionist at 361-3683 by Thursday noon if you need a ride to the Sunday
10:10 traditional service. Check the church bulletin for the Holy Week shuttle bus schedule. Call the church
office at least 10 days in advance if you need a ride to your first medical appointment by Project CAR. You
will contact Project Car directly afterwards.
Game Day: The 1st and 3rd Thursday each month in room CE.
Future Events: XYZ Potluck & Program: June - picnic at Sertoma Park.
The Laura Ingalls Wilder Pageant “Little Town on the Prairie” on Saturday, July 11.
Day trips to local and area churches, museums, and other points of interests.
XYZ Potluck & Program: July - Human Trafficking Education & Awareness
Joy Ranch retreat September 3-4.
Outlaw Ranch retreat and buffalo round-up on September 21-26. Brochure on the XYZ board.
PeaceTalk 11
Congratulations to our 2015 graduating high school seniors! Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for
welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
We asked these 20 seniors about their future plans, their favorite
memories and any message to the congregation. We share some of their answers here.
Jonathan Clark Roosevelt High School
Attending Midland University in Fremont, NE playing soccer for them.
Rebecca Hupke Roosevelt High School
Attending USD and majoring in
Accounting
Rebecca’s favorite memory is the 8th
grade retreat at
Inspiration Hills and her favorite
tradition is helping
with Vacation Bible School and
decorating.
Phillip Eugene Jonselins Tri-Valley High School
Plans to work after graduation at HyVee
Favorite Tradition at Peace is All Saints Day
and his favorite Bible story is the creation
story because without it we wouldn’t be here.
Kendall Glissendorf
Roosevelt High School
Attending Northern State University
majoring in Psychology
Favorite Memory: ELCA Youth Gathering
Favorite Tradition: Candle lighting at the
Christmas Eve Service
PeaceTalk 12
Jordan Mogck
Roosevelt High School
Transition Program
Favorite Memory is being an Angel in the Nativity for
the Christmas program – two times!
Christmas Eve Service is favorite tradition and Lighting
the candles and singing Silent Night
“I like Super Heroes – including our Pastors!”
Ashley Zimmer Roosevelt High School
Attending USD – double major in art
and psychology to pursue a career in
art therapy.
“My trip to New Orleans was an
amazing experience and is definitely
my favorite memory. I thoroughly
enjoyed seeing God's work shine
through the people, the music, and the
overall culture in the city.”
Abbey Houchin Sioux Falls Christian High
School
Attending Augustana College
“My Favorite Tradition at Peace
is the lighting of the candles at
Christmas because the
Christmas Story is my favorite
story in the Bible. It’s also my
favorite religious holiday.”
“Thanks for supporting youth!”
Noah Temple Roosevelt High School Vocal Performance Major at USD
New Orleans trip is his favorite memory
and the Christmas service is his favorite
tradition
Matt Laughery John Marshall High
School (Rochester
Minnesota)
Possibly electrician
Matt's favorite memory at
Peace is making
applesauce at Peace Pre-
School
PeaceTalk 13
Lukas Nelson Roosevelt High School
Attending college
Favorite Memory is the
Confirmation camaraderie
and his favorite tradition at
Peace is singing Silent Night
to the light of candles at
Christmas.
Favorite Bible Story: The
feeding of the 5000 because
Jesus didn’t turn away the
people who were hungry but
instead preformed a miracle
and fed them all.
Hannah May Gunderson
Lincoln High School
Attending Concordia College in
Moorhead, MN majoring in
Chemistry/Spanish
Favorite Memory: The dessert
breadsticks from Valentino’s at
various church meetings!
Favorite Tradition: I love
attending the Maundy Thursday
service every year. The foot
washing is a reminder for me to
go out in the world and do as
Jesus would do.
Dan Larson
Attending Dakota Sate
University in Madison
Favorite Memory at
Peace: Confirmation small
group
Favorite Bible story:
Daniel and the lions den
because he overcame a big
obstacle
Hailee Domagalski Roosevelt High School
Attending Creighton University
for Theatre Performance.
“One of my favorite memories is
getting my Bible in second grade,
my great grandma came along to
the training and she kind of stole
the show with her knowledge of
every question Cindy asked. :)” Taryn Christion Roosevelt High School
Attending SDSU next year
majoring in Pre-med and
playing football for the
Jackrabbits.
PeaceTalk 14
Maisie Hurd Bridgewater-Emery High School
Attending Briar Cliff University in Sioux City,
Iowa
I will study Occupational Therapy and art to one
day perform art therapy with the elderly
population. I have also signed to play golf for
Briar Cliff.
My favorite thing about Peace is that it supplies
me with opportunities to help others through
Necessities for Neighbors and Food to you.
My favorite memory is making my First
Communion wafers with my Nana at the church
and having my whole family come and share in
my First Communion meal.
Thank you congregation for being so welcoming.
And for the cookies
Rachel Dickerson Roosevelt High School
I'm heading to the University of Nebraska-
Lincoln next year to study Anthropology and
Pre-Law.
My favorite Peace memory is hunting for Easter
eggs at Good Friday Day Camp.
My favorite Peace tradition is the polka service,
for sure.
“I would just like to thank the congregation for
being my mentors as I grew up, and providing
me with a church I feel I can always call home.”
Anna Mahowald Roosevelt High School
Augustana College for
Nursing
Favorite Bible Story: Every
Christmas, our whole family
gathers
and one of the older kids
reads the story of Jesus'
birth from the
Gospel of Luke. This past
Christmas it was my turn. I
cherish
the family tradition of
sharing such a beautiful part
of the
New Testament with each
other.
Kyle Boehmer Roosevelt High School Attending SD School of Mines and Technology for Computer Engineering
He says no comment on the rest. His mother says he doesn't mind ushering
too much and that he would like to thank the congregation for the many
ways they have provided him a springboard for his faith and constant
reminders of the God who knows and loves him. (Not sure if you care what
his mother thinks or not!)
PeaceTalk 15
WELCOME, DEAN!
Dean Ebbinga is the new Facilities Manager at Peace his duties include Administrative and
Maintenance needs of the facility and property. We asked him to tell us a little about himself:
“I have been married for almost 22 years to my wife Brenda (who is a CPA), and we
have 3 children, each of which is a story of their own. Julia, our oldest came to us via
adoption. She participates in soccer, track and basketball, along with several other school
activities. Kiara, our middle child, enjoys playing her saxophone in both Jazz and Concert
band and occasionally special music for church services. Then there is Lucas, also adopted,
who is into most sports, but his favorites are football, wrestling, and baseball. Julia, Kiara and
Lucas also participate in 4H, so we also keep a small flock of sheep. We attend West Wall
Lake Zion Lutheran Church, rural Hartford, SD.
I am a two time graduate from SDSU with two separate Majors. I earned my first
degree in 1992, then the second in 2012, both of which pertain to agriculture. The years
between being a college student, were filled up with dairy farming and then Mechanical Construction (HVAC). Following
the latest collegiate degree in 2012, I had a short tenure with a Coop as an Agronomist. Upon acquiring a position as a
maintenance / handyman in Hartford for the newly remodeled Coffee Cup, I utilized my skills learned from being a farm
raised boy and former commercial HVAC construction installer and fabricator. Along with other skills learned along the
way such as plumber, mechanic, public relations, job site and work place safety. I am an enthusiastic person who likes to
work hard and see his accomplishments.
I want to thank all of you for this opportunity to work for and with you.”
Kylie Schmidt
O'Gorman High School Attending St. Catherine University in St. Paul
Favorite Peace Memory: Getting ice cream with the best
confirmation group ever :) Favorite Tradition: The Senior Quilts! They are beautiful, unique,
and meaningful. Favorite Bible story: The story of Cain and Abel. It shows that God
has mercy for us no matter what we do. He protects Cain even after
he is banished from Eden, just as he will also protect and guide us.
Congregation: Thank you for being a wonderful Church home!
Katlyn DiPasquale
Roosevelt High School Attending the University of Minnesota - majoring in
Kinesiology with a minor in Spanish.
“My favorite memory at Peace would have to be attending
the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. It was a
week filled with fellowship, faith, and fun. The week
opened my heart to God and allowed me to realize how
blessed I truly am with all I have.
PeaceTalk 16
Goodbye, Mrs. Sue
Sue Olsen started as a preschool teaching assistant in January of 1985. Mrs. Sue as she’s known by the now
thousands of three and four year olds who had her as a teacher taught full-time until she took over as director in
2003. Janet Steinwand started Peace Lutheran Preschool 30 years ago as an outreach for the community.
That’s still a mission Mrs. Sue takes very seriously.
“We still have children come to us who don’t actively attend church, and because we’re church based they get
to hear the bible stories. It’s a great ministry for families,” said Sue.
Preschool is a place for kids to interact and learn how to get along. “Social
interaction doesn’t change with the times,” said Sue. “It’s important even
more today to have that place to use imagination and play to teach.”
Mrs. Sue has taught sixth grade, Title II resource and spent 11 years as a
stay at home mom with her three children and volunteering in the
community. She said she likes the younger kids best because they’re
excited about discovering new things. “And everything is new. They get
that twinkle in their eye and they love learning and they love their
teachers,” she said.
Sue sheepishly admits that she now has children of former students in
preschool. “One dad came to make a boat with his daughter. He still has
his boat and they race them during tub time,” she said.
The most memorable moments for Mrs. Sue include the activities that
provide the wow experience like obstacle courses; having caterpillars in
the classroom and watching them turn into butterflies
and also the Christmas Programs. “I also love
watching these kids grow up and do great things.”
As far as retirement goes, Sue said her husband Greg
has plans for them. They’ll help their daughter and
family move, spend time in Montana with their son,
and they’re going to attend the annual Custer State
Park Buffalo Roundup. “It’s time Greg and I do
things together,” she said.
PeaceTalk 17
Only Tools, Technology and Times Have Changed A Tribute to Maurine Pederson
As Maurine Pederson reflects about her 30 years in the church office, she
focuses on how tools, technology and times have changed. When she started on
May 15, 1985, she worked six hours a day at $5/hour. There were 1442 baptized
members and she was responsible for the bulletins, the newsletter, the permanent
records, the finances and the list goes on and on. “I had to do it all,” she said.
She felt lucky to have had an electric memory typewriter, but most of all she
said it’s not all about the equipment but instead she feels blessed to have worked
with so many wonderful people. The people being wonderful hasn’t changed
but technology sure has.
“I remember sending out the newsletters, we used a mimeograph machine using stencils
to make copies,” said Maurine. When it came time to address them she drove to First
Lutheran to use an addressograph machine. Each family had a metal plate with their
name and address,” she said. “I would put the plate in the machine to stamp the address.
It was still faster than hand addressing each one,” she laughed. “Things have changed.”
The first computerized data system was a big step for Peace. Maurine went to
Minneapolis for several days of training. It’s a system we’re still using today.
One thing hasn’t changed, the many volunteers who see what’s needed and get it done. “I don’t really even have
to ask, they are so appreciated as the church wouldn’t function without them,” said Maurine.
Maurine is the office manager now and she supervises four people. The congregation has grown by three
thousand additional members. While technology makes it easier, “there’s just more to do.” Maurine has been
the fixture in the office greeting young couples planning a wedding, grieving families planning a funeral, and
the scores of others who are in need of pastoral care, and even greeting her future boss. Pastor Paul Stjernholm
remembers Maurine was the first person he met when he arrived for his interview. “I have a pretty clear
memory of her behind her desk in the old office, with a beaming and welcoming smile. Twenty-two years later,
I am still greeted with that same smile every morning. Maurine is one of the reasons that Peace has been such a
great place for all of us to come to work every day,” said Pastor Paul.
Maurine has her own ministry said Pastor Paul. “Her graciousness and kindness are the embodiment of
hospitality. Through her ministry people have come to know Peace Lutheran Church as a place where they are
welcome.”
Maurine has worked for all three senior pastors and it’s a job she enjoys. Each day brings something
unexpected and the pastors are witty and make the office a fun place to work. But come May 15, 2015, thirty
years to her first day on the job, Maurine will leave her high-powered computer and giant copy machine with no
regrets, only happy memories.
PeaceTalk 18
Each Week in May
Tuesday: 6:45 AM – Men’s Breakfast
7:00 AM – High School Breakfast
6:30 PM – Peace Brass 7:30 PM – Lifeline Rehearsal
7:30 PM – Marty’s Mug
Wednesday:
6:30 AM – Women’s Bible Study
4:15 PM – 6th & 7th after school
5:00 PM – Wednesday Meal 5:15 PM – Wednesday School
5:15 PM – 6th & 7th Confirmation 5:45 PM – 6th & 7th Confirmation
6:00 PM – Adult Study
6:00 PM – Adult Bell Choir 6:15 PM – Wednesday School
6:15 PM – 6th & 7th Confirmation
7:05 PM – Worship 8:00 PM – Adult Choir
8:00 PM – 8th & 9th Confirmation
8:00 PM – Spirit of Peace
Friday:
10:30 AM – Crossways Bible Study
Sunday:
9:00 AM – Adult Study
10:15 AM – ASL Bible Study
5:00 PM – High School Youth Group
LAST DAY OF CONFIRMATION IS MAY 6
MANY WEEKLY PROGRAMS END MAY
17 FOR THE SUMMER
Weekly Worship Schedule
Saturday:
5:30 p.m. – Traditional Worship+
Sunday:
8 a.m. – Traditional Worship
9 a.m. – Contemporary*
10:10 a.m. – Traditional Worship 11:20 a.m. – Contemporary+
Wednesday:
7:05 p.m. – Contemporary Worship
Communion Served First and Third Sunday and
following Wednesday. + Communion Weekly
* Interpreted Worship for the Deaf
Sunday School: 9, 10:10, 11:20 a.m.
BEGINNING MAY 24 SUMMER
SUNDAY SCHEDULE: 8:30, 9:45 AND
11:00
Other Events In May
May 2 – 11:-00 AM – Baptism Class
May 3 – 3:00 PM – Necessities for
Neighbors
6:00 PM – Senior Reception
May 4 – 7:00 PM – Home Communion
Training
May 6 – 9:00 AM – Mommy and Me
May 7 – 9:30 AM – Women’s Quilting
1:00 PM – Seniors Game Day
May 9 – 11:00 AM – Home Communion
Training
May 12 – 7:30 PM – Marty’s Mug
May 14 – 7:00 PM – Church Council
May 16 – 11:00 AM – Baptism Class
May 20 – 9:00 AM – Mommy and Me
May 21 – 9:30 AM – Ruth Circle
1:00 PM – Seniors Ministry Games
2:00 PM – Hannah Circle
May 24 – Memorial Day – Offices Closed
May 26 – 7:30 PM – Marty’s Mug
May 30 – 9:00 AM – Mom’s Coffee
May 31 – 4:00 PM – Preschool VBS
Volunteer Training
4:40 PM – Elementary VBS
Volunteer Training
6:30 PM – Music Camp