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“The Mission of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is to be a place where Christ’s love is proclaimed as we welcome, worship, learn, and serve together.”
Summer Challenges and Opportunities!
By Pastor Siri
Summer is right around the corner. (As I write this, there is still snow on the ground). This year we have a few opportunities- or challenges- for you. We all know how important it is to stay connected to the root of God so we stay nourished in our faith. Yet, our travels can present a challenge to regular worship and Bible study. Boy, do we have an answer for you!
First- Cabin Chapel: This booklet is a complete worship service for you family. It has prayers, lyrics to songs (CD comes with it), and scripture verses to read and talk about. The service is designed to be short, easy to do, and flexible. Pick up copies for all the members of your family! Second- Summer Bible Challenge: This summer you will be invited to listen to these books on CD or through our website. Pastor Siri and Joe have put together a unique reading of these stories that includes music and moments for reflection and meditation. Great for listening in the car, at home, or at the cabin. Third- Monday night Worship: Beginning June 3rd, we will have Monday night worship services at 6:30pm in the Courtyard. These short services will be created for a more casual, intimate feeling. Families encouraged! And then-VBS and Camp: Check out our information about June camp and VBS opportunities for preschool through high school. Safari Njema! (Safe Travels)
May, 2013
Steeple Talk Volume 33; Issue 5
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
204 East Caledonia Ave
Hillsboro, ND 58045
PASTORAL ACTS
Deaths: Beverly JoAnn Kasprick Born: March 1, 1941 Place of Birth: Minot, ND Died: March 19, 2013 Funeral: March 23, 2013 Interment: The Resurrection Cemetery East Grand Forks, MN Dagny Svaleson Born: June 10, 1929 Place of Birth: Hillsboro, ND Died: March 21, 2013 Funeral: March 25, 2013 Interment: Riverside Cemetery Hillsboro, ND
Jean Van Zee Born: September 12, 1932 Place of Birth: Mayville, ND Died: April 8, 2013 Funeral: April 12, 2013 Interment: Hunter Cemetery Hunter, ND
CONGRATULATIONS OSLC GRADUATING SENIORS!! Ryan Aasen Katie Anderson Tessa Beck Dylan Bowen
Kadie Doeden Jake Ferguson Jacie Folstrom Jakob Hurt
Elli Lemm Michael Miller Alexandra Olson Samuel Schultz
Tyler Sumner
*Senior Recognition Sunday is May 19th starting at 9:30am
*Baccalaureate Service is Wednesday, May 22 at 7:30pm at Our Savior’s
*Hillsboro’s graduation is Sunday, May 26th at 2:00pm
Thank You, Teachers!
May 12: Teacher Appreciation Sunday. Make sure to thank the teachers who have worked with your child this year in Sunday school and confirmation. They have put in a lot of work not just for classes, but for Milestone events and helping with our Christmas and Passion Play programs.
Transferred Out: Heather Arechigo and Allison Richard Wisk
FIRST COMMUNION SUNDAY MAY 5, 2013
The following 5th graders will celebrate First Communion
at the 10:30am worship service on May 5th: Regan Baesler Micah Gallagher Oscar Benson Luke Leshuk Truman Berge Ezra Longthorne Saige Forseth Zachary Nelson Chase Fossum Jacob Porter Mason Richter Katelyn Rude Karsyn Skager
Vacation Bible School
Vacation Bible School will be Wednesday, June 19th through Friday, June 21st. This is for kids who have finished Kindergarten through sixth grade. The day begins at 9am and goes through 3pm. Please bring a sack lunch! This year we will have a preschool option! Children who are 3-5 (entering Kindergarten), will be invited to join from 9-11am Wed-Friday, June 19-21.
Please fill out a registration! Look for them at church and in the mail.
Summer Camp Opportunity: June 2-7
Red Willow has exciting opportunities for young people. Please grab a brochure for more information: We are encouraging our kids to attend camp on:
Those Finished with Kindergarten- 3rd grade: May 31st- FREE! Grades 1-3: June 2-3 (adult included for over-night) Grades 2-3: June 2-4 Grades 4-6: June 2-7
We will carpool out on June 2nd! Bring your registration to the church office.
Sr. High Summer Trip
WHO: Everyone Grades 9-12 (those entering 9th grade through graduating seniors) WHAT: Summer Trip WHERE: Minneapolis/St. Paul WHEN: JULY 17-21 (Sign-up by Friday, May 31 ($50 deposit)) Day 1 Wednesday, July 17 Hillsboro to Minneapolis Mall of America Day 2 Thursday, July 18 Minneapolis Serve at Homeless Shelter Day 3 Friday, July 19 Minneapolis Valleyfair Day 4 Saturday, July 20 Minneapolis Twins Game/Community Center Day 5 Sunday, July 21 Minneapolis to Hillsboro Worship at Jacob’s Well Details: Sign-up now for this great opportunity for fun, service, worship, and adventure! We will be taking a charter bus to the cities, staying at a church, having a lot of fun, and growing in our faith! There is limited space, so sign-up today! COST: $200 ($50 deposit at sign-up, partial scholarships available, talk to Pastor Joe) ANY QUESTIONS?? Call Pastor Joe at 430-3787 © or 636– 5701 (church office)
As part of the 25th Anniversary of the ELCA, each month (January-August) we will highlight one
of the 8 ELCA Value Statements using ministry and mission stories from our synod.
North Dakota Trip to Ethiopia April 9, 2013
Value Statement 4:
We are a church that believes God is calling us into the world – together.
An amazing trip to Ethiopia is being led by Calvary Lutheran Church in Grand Forks, ND. Kim Adams, Calvary’s Youth and Family Ministry Coordinator, connected with Kelly Putty, Founder and CEO of Ordinary Hero
(Ordinary Hero Foundation is a nonprofit child advocacy organization; their goal is to encourage and provide a way for every person to make a difference in the life of a child in need through adoption, missions, or local outreach.) A group of 26 high school students and adults from Calvary and Sharon Lutheran Churches, Grand Forks and Hope and Bethlehem Lutheran Churches, Fargo invite you to pray for their journey which began April 5 and concludes April 14, 2013. This trip will be focused on spreading God’s love through serving the needy in Ethiopia: visiting and bringing aid to orphanages, villages, the mountainside community, and much more.
Some thoughts from a traveler from Bethlehem Lutheran in Fargo, Rev. Sonja Kjar — “…it won’t be long until we take off on this mission adventure in which we will be sharing some of God’s love through our presence, helping at an orphanage, bringing “Blessing Bags” (filled with basic necessities) for children and helping with art camps and soccer camps. You may think, well, you don’t need to go across the globe to help kids in need, which is true. But I know that experiencing another culture and people other than us helps us learn about the amazingly diverse world we are a part of, and expands our view of God’s love and concern for this world. Besides, what teenager or adult won’t benefit from a dose of 3rd world reality to bring the very privileged lives we lead into clearer focus. I am certain we will see that love and concern can be given and received regardless of one’s material possessions. …the opportunity presented itself and my daughter Annika first expressed interest (A teenager wanting to do something way outside her comfort zone, life experience, and circle of friends? Cool!). And so with our good friend Kim Adams (Godmother to Annika) and twenty some other people we head to Ethiopia… I just listened to a radio program about transformative travel. I expect this will be one of those experiences. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers…” Follow their adventures at ordinaryheroblog.blogspot.com
March/April MEMORIAL REPORT Thank you to all who gave memorials, Deb Eblen, Memorial Secretary
Dedicated Memorial Accounts - Library, LEAF, Parish Nurse, Resource/Welcome Center, Sunday School,
Our Savior’s Choir, Band, 700 Mission, Media Ministry, Building and Grounds, Capital Improvements,
Youth, National Youth Gathering, Altar, WELCA, WELCA Kitchen, Food Resource Bank, Our Savior’s
Endowment Fund, Roof, Blanchard Endowment Fund, General Account, Carpet, RWBC Scholarships
MEDIA FUND — In memory of Dagny Svaleson, given by Joel Thorsrud, Kari Jo Hanson, M/M Ralph Engel,
M/M Glen Hultin, Donna Nelson, Devonne Wright, M/M Glenn Holland, M/M Duane Sorum, Bonnie Anderson,
Ruth Siegert, In memory of Mervin Freeland, given by M/M Art Morlock, Ruth Siegert, In memory of Fred
Schultz, given by Ruth Siegert, In memory of Jean Van Zee, given by M/M Norman Oie, Bev Sveen, Bonnie
Spicer, Charles Belanus, In memory of Lester Zerface, given by M/M Art Morlock, M/M Ralph Engel, In
memory of Herbert Grothmann, given by Ruth Siegert, M/M Art Morlock, In memory of Lee Johnson, given
by Eunice Ydstie, M/M Art Morlock, In memory of Myron Nysveen, given by Bob Tweten, Bonnie Anderson,
Lorna Nysveen and friends & family, In memory of Olga Solberg, given by Devonne Wright, M/M Glenn
Holland, In memory of Bev Kasprick, given by M/M Glen Hultin, Joan Svaleson, Bonnie Anderson, In
memory of David Keehn, given by Bonnie Anderson, In memory of Bob Krabisch, Everett Garratt, given by
M/M Art Morlock
GENERAL ACCOUNT — In memory of Dagny Svaleson, given by Mary Larson, Pat Woods, M/M Dallas
Boeddeker, Audrey Waters, In memory of Mervin Freeland, given by M/M Dallas Boeddeker, M/M Richard
Mueller, M/M Gerald Olson, Pat Woods, Mary Larson, In memory of Jean Van Zee, given by M/M Dallas
Boeddeker, Elizabeth Lemm, M/M Arnold Gilbertson, In memory of Lloyd Staska, Bob Smillie, Wellington
Nelson, given by Pat Woods, Mary Larson, In memory of Lee Johnson, given by Donna Nelson, In memory of
Myron Nysveen, given by Aagot Nysveen, Lorna Nysveen and friends & family, In memory of Eleanor
McInnes, given by M/M Ron Gadberry, In memory of Bev Kasprick, given by M/M Dallas Boeddeker, Pat
Woods, Mary Larson, Audrey Waters
CARPET — In memory of Dagny Svaleson, given by Ardith Magnuson, M/M Ed Olsen, M/M Arnold
Gilbertson, Hilda Bagstad, M/M Roger Diehl, In memory of Mervin Freeland, given by M/M Charles Hanson,
M/M Ed Olsen, Mavis Johnson, In memory of Jean Van Zee, given by Hilda Bagstad, In memory of Lloyd
Staska, Edmund D. Albrecht, given by M/M Roger Diehl, In memory of Myron Nysveen, given by Hilda
Bagstad, M/M Roger Diehl, In memory of Bev Kasprick, given by Doris Berg, M/M Ed Olsen, M/M Roger
Diehl
700 MISSION— In memory of Dagny Svaleson, given by Eunice Ydstie, Harriett Letnes, In memory of Jean
Van Zee, given by M/M Tom Eblen, In memory of Myron Nysveen, given by Jean Van Zee
BLANCHARD ENDOWMENT— In memory of Dagny Svaleson, given by M/M Ken Beckman, In memory of
Myron Nysveen, given by M/M Ole Aarsvold
ROOF— In memory of Dagny Svaleson, Bev Kasprick, given by Jeanie Swenson and Bill Fischer
WELCA KITCHEN— In memory of Dagny Svaleson, Myron Nysveen, Eleanor McInnes, Joanne Jones, Bev
Kasprick, given by Sonja Diehl, In memory of Jean Van Zee, given by Blenda Gilbertson, Shirley Westphal
LEAF— In memory of Bev Kasprick, given by M/M Herman DeLeon
OSLC CHOIR — In memory of Dagny Svaleson, given by M/M Roger Anderson, In memory of Myron
Nysveen, given by Eunice Ydstie, M/M Roger Anderson, In memory of Bev Kasprick, given by Clarice Satrom,
M/M Roger Anderson
SUNDAY SCHOOL— In memory of Dagny Svaleson, given by Clarice Satrom
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS— In memory of Dagny Svaleson, Bev Kasprick, Jack Stickford, Don McNally,
Kevin Johnson, given by M/M Art Morlock
YOUTH— In memory of Dagny Svaleson, Tim Wilson given by M/M Tom Klemetson
BAND— In memory of Jean Van Zee, given by M/M Gary Leraas
WELCA The monthly meeting of OSLC WELCA was held April 4th, 2013 with Marlene Oie presiding. Pastor Joe opened the meeting with prayer and together we read the WELCA purpose statement. A note of thanks was read from the Myron Nysveen family. The Treasurer’s report was reviewed, discussed and approved. Old Business: There will be no dining room chair purchase due to a misunderstanding regarding the purchase payment between WELCA and the church council. Thanks to Vicki Madsen for her effort in finding appropriate chairs. New Business: 1) The spring Mayville Cluster Meeting is April 13 at Page, ND. Registration is at 8:30 a.m., brunch at 9:00 and the meeting following with Debbie Fowler speaking as “La Ditzy the Clown”. 2) Our request for project funds has been very successful. Each circle is to choose the kit project they would like to make and has up to $500.00 for supplies for the kits to go to Lutheran World Relief. The kits must be ready and at church by May 9
th.
3) The annual Salad Luncheon will be June 12 with more information next month. 4) Menu’s for morning and afternoon funerals was discussed. Families are welcome to make additional or specific requests for special foods, have those foods catered and we will be happy to serve it. Marlene thanked the ladies who served lunch today, those who delivered meals and served the Nursing Home birthday party in March, assignments were given and the offering received. Pastor Joe’s Bible study was from John 20:10-31 and began by reminding us “it is the season to celebrate!” We discussed the importance of our sharing “peace be with you” as Jesus did three times in these verses. These words are His gift to us to believe and be stewards of His word. Important dates: Mayville Cluster meeting – April 13 Next WELCA meeting – May 2 at 10am Annual Salad Luncheon – June 12 Secretary, Elaine Evenson
*Please have soap and kits for Lutheran World Relief Spring Drive at Our Savior’s church by
May 9th.
Packaging Instructions:
1. Please DO NOT use plastic or paper bags to pack donations.
2. Donations should be sorted by category and packed in separate boxes.
3. Use strong cartons secured with packing tape.
4. Do not allow box weight to exceed 40 lbs.
5. Label each box with Name and Address of congregation and Contents of box.
Thank You,
Mission: Action Committee
OUR SAVIOR'S LUTHERAN CHURCH
Council Meeting Minutes
April 7, 2013 11:45am
Roll Call: Pr. Joe Johnson, Pr. Siri Strommen Campbell, Joy McSparron, Randy Lemm, Jill Hebl, Stacy Dickhoff, Brad Ydstie, Darin Oanes, Tammy Nelson, Janelle Quam, Jason Lovas, Mia Kozojed, and Keith Meyer. 1. Call to Order: Keith Meyer called the meeting to order at 12:07 p.m. 2. Devotions: Pastor Siri
3. Confirmation of Agenda – Jason Lovas made a motion to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Mia
Kozojed. All in favor.
4. Old Business –
a. Endowment fund report -Blanchard Funds - Brad Ydstie and Pastor Joe will continue work. b. Money counting status – Jason Lovas moved that Goose River Bank count money for $50 per month.
Brad Ydstie seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried. c. Sanctuary committee - The committee is comprised of Beth Christianson-Melby, Rich Diehl, Peter
Lovas, Vicki Madsen, Carissa Olsen, Ruth Siegert, and Bob Tweten. The council encourages April 28 as a target date for conducting a straw poll (to possibly include an online poll).
5. New Business-
a. LEAF – Fund/account that is specific to scholarships to Lutheran schools. Brad Ydstie to gather more
information. b. Cleanup of dedicated accounts – brief update
6. Pastor Joe’s Report – The “Try Church Again” campaign started this week and will run for the seven weeks
between Easter Sunday and Memorial Weekend Sunday. For these seven weeks we will try to reach un-churched and inactive members by engaging in some of the questions of faith, posting signage in front of the church and around town, running ads in the newspaper inviting people to church, and forming a call task force to make phone calls. Starting May 26th (Memorial & Graduation Weekend) we will start our summer worship schedule with one worship service at 9:30 a.m. I would like to thank all of the people who helped make the Lenten meals and worship go so well. I would also like to thank everyone who served in various ways during Holy Week and Easter Sunday. We had more than 30 musicians involved and numerous others who served in different ways. We will have a representative from Red Willow Bible Camp attend our May Council meeting. A Red Willow representative will speak at our worship services on April 28. Baccalaureate will be held on Wednesday, May 22, and Relay for Life is May 31. We have several weddings coming up and I continue to be busy with pre-marriage counseling, visitations, and pastoral care. Pastor Siri will be on vacation and unavailable May 27-30, June 10-15, July 1-August 8, and will have continuing education July 29-31.
7. Pastor Siri’s Report – First of all, Lent and Easter went well. The Passion Play was a success and will be
offered again next year, possibly on Palm Sunday. Secondly, our Sunday school renovation sample room is underway. Jason S. is working on the wall and ceiling, while Teran, Mia, Stacy and myself are working on carpet and color for the walls. We hope to have the rooms done by middle of May so we can invite people to look through the rooms and be encouraged to buy items for their child’s rooms. Christian Education is preparing for VBS in June 19-21, including adding a preschool morning option. We are hoping to push a week of Red Willow Bible camp in early June for all ages. The Adult Education team would like to do a survey to help us better understand the needs of our adults. This is a survey that could be done both online or by paper. One idea was May 5th during worship (at least the introduction of it). Finally, I am working on a few summer projects: one is the summer Bible reading project to encourage all
adults to listen to or read Luke, Philippians, and 1 John. I am also working to create a booklet called “Cabin Chapel” that will be a resource of worship for families away at the lake in the summer.
8. Treasurer’s Report – Treasurer’s report was presented by Jason Lovas. Income exceeds expenses by
$1,845 year to date. Balance of the media fund is $5,105. Darin Oanes made a motion to approve the treasury report as presented. Randy Lemm seconded the motion. Motion passed.
9. Committee Reports
a. Exec Committee -All committee meeting follow up 1. Mission descriptions b. Trustees – The trustee report was provided by Jason Siegert. -Sunday School Rooms we will start this week on removing a wall and putting up drop ceiling where needed. Then trustee’s Stacy and Mia will help Pastor Siri and Sunday school board in paint, carpet, and etc. -Parsonage basement -hope Trustee Tammy would head this project up and get this finished this summer. -Crack in ceiling above band area is on schedule for this summer. -Fixing sidewalk in front of church -Installing sidewalk by west handicapped parking 1. Looking for sources of funding to address each issue. -Northwest corner roof fix – Jason Lovas moved that the trustees be empowered to solicit a bid. Darin Oanes seconded the motion. All in favor, motion passed. -Windows - Jason Lovas made a motion to replace the 14 windows suggested by the trustees, with the funds to come from the Dakota Heritage account. The motion was seconded by Tammy. All in favor, motion passed. c. Deacons – d. Board of Christian Education -Sunday School renovation report e. Parish Nurse -AED machine purchase f. Worship Committee -Alternative worship – Starting on June 3: 6:30 p.m. on Monday evenings. g. Mission -Try church again – update 10. Secretary’s Report
a. Read correspondence b. Approval of minutes tabled for later vote 11. Announcements/Upcoming events:
a. Synod Assembly – April 20 and 21 b. May 5 – next meeting; representative from Red Willow Bible Camp
12. Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 1:55 p.m.
700 Mission
Marvin Scheitel, father of our former missionary, Joyce Graue, passed away on April 17, at Rochester, MN. His funeral was held on Sat, April 20. Joyce, since retiring from the mission field, has been pastor at Raymond, MN. It is a blessing that she has been nearer to her parents and spent some time with them the last few years. Remember her in your prayers.
News from the Central African Republic remains grim. After scouring several world news sites, it appears that things have not settled down and maybe there is escalating violence as struggles for power continue among the rebels. Humanitarian agencies express concern for the residents of the country. Many are fleeing to neighboring countries where conditions are not much better. Residents of these neighboring countries are concerned about providing for the refugees needs. Many, especially the children, are malnourished and there is widespread loot-ing, destruction, rape, and vandalizing of the valuable natural resources of the impoverished natives of CAR. Our Missionaries remain evacuated, as far as I can tell, and with violence continuing, there is no hope of early return. Every day the news seems more of a concern, as the rebel groups demand more of the self declared President of the Country. UN and other groups make efforts to stabilize the country, but have minimal influence on such a disorganized government. Keep all of them in your prayers.
Our Lenten offerings, along with memorials, have us showing over $5,000 in our 700 Mission account, enough for our Missionary Support for the year. Thank You to all of you who contributed to that fund. The remainder of our funds will be used on projects; we will be asking our Missionaries for suggestions, as to the best use of these dollars. In His Service, Sylvia Hansen 700 Mission Committee
Evacuation from the Central African Republic, Again! 4-2-13
On Christmas Eve, all Lutheran Missionaries in the Central African Republic evacuated to Cameroon because of growing security concerns. We returned in March.
Exactly, three months later, on Palm Sunday (March 24), all Lutheran Missionaries in the Central African Republic evacuated themselves to Cameroon. As "Yogi" Berra said, "Déjà vu, all over again." That evening, rebels entered the capitol as President Bozizé fled. The next day, Michel Djotodia, a rebel leader, declared himself CAR President. If you want more details, Google the news on the internet for the Central African Republic.
Christa, Deborah, and I are with the other ELCA Missionaries in Ngaoundéré. In a few days, we will take Christa back to Yaoundé, where she is attending 10th grade at Rain Forest International School. Although we have been personally inconvenienced, we have not been in any real danger. Our thoughts are with our friends and colleagues back in the Central African Republic, especially those in areas where there was fighting, such as in the capital city of Bangui.
In spite of the difficulties, the programs of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic (EELRCA) continue. People remain concerned about the future, but the new government is trying to restore order.
Please continue to pray and support the EELRCA and the people of the CAR, who have suffered nearly constant civil strife ever since their independence in 1960. Political unrest retards development and makes it difficult for the church to do its work as well. Humanitarian agencies can't send workers and supplies, and businesses don't want to invest in an unstable political climate.
Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. May you continue to have a Blessed Easter Season!
Joe and Deborah Troester ELCA Missionaries to the Central African Republic (temporally relocated to Ngaoundéré, Cameroon)
Photo Credit: The logos of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and our partner church the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Central African Republic.
Susan in the African Republic; http://susan-car.blogspot.com/
Coup d'etat in the Central African Republic March 29, 2013
I have delayed writing a blog entry because there is not much good news. We have been evacuated again to Cameroon: first to Garoua Boulai just over the border from CAR and then to N’gaoundéré, further north where there is a large US/Norwegian mission station.
There have been a lot of articles in the press and on the Internet about what is happening and why. Basically, the rebels who took control of towns in December then agreed to a peace accord January 11. They took more towns last week and then invaded and took control of Bangui, the capital.
Seleka is a coalition of rebel groups, so once they ousted the now-former President Bozizé, they achieved their common goal. But, do they have other common objectives? One man named himself president and that seems to be holding although there are rumors that other groups of the coalition are not happy with his action.
Then, Tuesday, the New York Times reported, “The leader of the rebel group that seized power in the Central African Republic, Michel Djotodia, announced Monday that he was suspending his country’s Constitution, dissolv-ing its Parliament and initiating a three-year “consensual transition.” He plans to rule by decree – just as Bozizé did when he took power after the 2003 coup.
At the same time, I have heard that the new government will respect the peace accord signed in Libreville in January. We will have to see how it goes!
Meanwhile, on the border between the towns of Cantonnier (CAR) and Garoua Boulai (Cameroon), things be-came tense. Although there are conflicting reports, it seems that some Central African soldiers wanted to enter Cameroon. The Cameroonians (rightly, in my opinion!) insisted that they turn in their arms at the border and be processed as political refugees. Some soldiers wanted to lay down arms and others didn’t. Some of the later started shooting at some of the former – their own colleagues. Some soldiers abandoned their arms (and probably their uniforms) to cross the border. Local people found them and started shooting – rifles and some mortar rounds as well. Even though all guns and shooting were on the Central African side of the border, stray bullets didn’t respect the invisible line and injured bystanders in both CAR and Cameroon. Some people were also killed. I am told that all has been quiet since Thursday night.
OK. Those are the basics. You can find more online. I am now thinking a lot about the fact that this cycle of coup d’états, relative peace, increasingly smaller numbers of people involved in the government (generally part of the current ruler’s family or ethnic group), rebel discontent, leading to renewed fighting enriches a few and makes many suffer. Subsistence farming is still the most common way to eke out a living.
As rebels come back out of the bush – often supported by neighboring governments, unfortunately – villagers seek refuge in their fields or woods if there are any nearby. I had the luxury of leaving the country in a well-maintained vehicle with many of my valuables. I now live with more “luxuries” than in Baboua! 24-hour electricity and Internet, closer contact with more missionaries, access to more diversity of goods in the market and stores, etc. And, we were fortunate before to be living and working in Baboua since it has been calm and trouble-free all along.
Meanwhile, many Central Africans are living with constant worry, if not fear. Will rebels, soldiers or bandits come into town to loot? When will peace and stability return? Will they be able to plant crops at this the beginning of the rainy season?
What do the rebels get from the coup? Money, mostly. Power for a few who can dole it and riches out to family and friends. Control of who get the diamonds, uranium, gold, etc. Probably kick-backs from the “development” of these riches (in ways that benefit the exploiters and not the Central Africans – just as in colonial days). Through-out CAR’s history since independence in 1960, there have been many similar situations. Colonizers, through their actions, taught Central African leaders to take and give nothing in return. Leaders since then have learned the lesson well!
And, so, the country as a whole does not advance or develop. The people have little access to education or health care as schools, hospitals, roads, infrastructures are not developed.
Here are a couple pictures taken in November/December – pre-coup. Even in poverty, people find ways to share joy! Isn’t it amazing? Maybe even a source of hope… How can this never-ending cycle be stopped??? I am here to work with the Village School Program and Christian Education to try – to support and accompany those who are working for change. I have to believe that it can work in the long run – but in the short run my biggest contri-bution is phone calls to team members I work with. Better than nothing – but just barely!
You can see why I have been reluctant to write a blog entry. Reality is too “real” right now and it is discouraging. But, while there is life and love, there is hope. I am hopeful that some kind of peace returns soon to the Central African Republic. I am hopeful to return soon to Baboua and my work there. I am hopeful that the programs of the Église Évangélique Luthérienne de la République Centrafricaine will make a difference in the lives of Central Africans. Please pray and hope with me. Maybe we can reach a critical mass and bring change soon!
Hospice of the Red River Valley Seeks Volunteers
Hospice of the Red River Valley seeks individuals to join its volunteer team, specifically as companionship volunteers. The volunteer program at Hospice of the Red River Valley provides essential support in our day-to-day work. Our volunteers can choose how they would like to help provide compassionate end-of-life care to patients and their families, through providing companionship visits, running errands, doing light housekeeping, fixing meals, and many other ways. Hospice provides a flexible volunteer schedule. To apply to our volunteer program, download the application on our website www.hrrv.org/volunteer/. For more information, contact Nikki Dukart, volunteer coordinator, at 701-740-0370 or [email protected].
School in Bondiba
Paving the road - Bouar
Patient Care Volunteers Needed to Provide
Companionship in Many Ways, Including:
• Reminiscing and sharing stories
• Giving wheelchair rides
• Writing letters or keepsake cards
• Sitting with a patient so the caregiver can have a break
A Little Goes A Long Way Volunteers are a very special part of the Hospice team. Whether running errands, helping with a meal or offering support, a few hours a week—or even a month—can make all the difference to patients and their families.
Worship Committee
April 7, 2013 Worship Committee meeting minutes
Committee present: Kris Lee, Pastor Siri, Jane Brekken, Phyllis Leraas, Barb Hultin, Darin Oanes - Board
liaison, and Chris McInnes
Holy Week/Easter review.
We will need to remember to have the cross up @ Ash Wednesday service next year. Maybe a visit with
the Altar guild as to place a reminder for us somewhere
It was felt the format of Wednesday evening services were well received
We like The Holden Prayer, and would like that in the Lenten Services next year.
Having a class during the Lenten season gave a more profound meaning of “the reason for this season in
our lives”, many enjoyed it. Would like to do this again.
The devotional booklets this year were a hit.
The 7 am service was light -a surprise. Or a changing demographic.
Weekday summer service.
Mondays @ 6:30pm, courtyard
Starting on the summer worship schedule. (Memorial Day to Labor Day) (starting June 3)
A shortened format
A cabin chapel service…
We host Hillsboro high school baccalaureate this year.
Fellowship coffee between services. Solutions to talk over in May.
Worship pieces: readers, greeters, ushers.
Reminder postcards send out on Monday before they serve? A phone call?
Not everyone does email.
It appears we somehow need a confirmation process as life changes for some in a week or forgetfulness
descends.
Relay for Life Update: OSLC Cross Country team has Luminaries available ($5
suggested donation) to decorate in honor or memory of a loved one who is fighting
cancer or has lost their battle. We are also selling Wooden Handheld Crosses
(handmade by Ed & Marlis Olsen) for $5 each. These can be put in your coat pocket or
purse, so it's there whenever you need it for comfort or to say a quick prayer. (Thank you Ed &
Marlis for your hard work!!)
Here are a couple other FUNdraisers we are doing: Pampered Chef (kitchenware products).
Catalogs are available from team members or go online to: www.pamperedchef.biz/mariesorum,
click the "shop online" tab and use Host 1st name: Relayforlife Host last name: OSLC
On Saturday, May 4th from 2-4 at OSLC Courtyard, our team will be hosting a vendor show. It
will include: Pampered Chef, Scentsy, PursenL, Lia Sophia and possibly a few more. Our team
will have a table there with wooden crosses, notecards, cross necklaces with cancer awareness
charms available for purchase. Come decorate your own Luminary as well. (There will be treats
available too!) A portion of proceeds from each vendor will then be donated to our Relay team.
Please call captains Stacy Dickhoff (701-430-1874) or Shandy Hatlestad (701-799-1546) with
any questions or if you'd just like to make a donation to the team. Thank you for the support!!
Nurse’s Notes
Brenda Stallman, RN, Parish Nurse
Healthy Pets for Healthy People
We know that living with pets provides certain health benefits. Pets help lower blood pressure and less-en anxiety. They boost our immunity. They can even help you get dates! Many nursing homes realize the benefits of pets. Studies have shown that Alzheimer's patients have fewer anxious outbursts if there is an animal in the home, and their caregivers also feel less burdened when pets are around. Because they give us so much benefit, it is natural that we want to take care of them to reduce chances of sickness and suffering. Following are important tips for keeping our four legged friends healthy. Vaccinations Just like humans, dogs and cats need shots to protect them from potentially fatal disease. Vaccinating your pet has long been considered one of the easiest ways to help him live a long and healthy life. Your pet having a current rabies vaccination is required for his protection and for the humans around him. Your vet can help you determine how often to vaccinate your dog or cat. Spay or Neuter In addition to preventing unwanted litters and overcrowding shelters, spaying or neutering has health benefits. The procedures can help modify behaviors that make animals restless or aggressive. Exams Pets age seven times more quickly than humans, making annual exams even more critical for preventing disease, injury, and pain. With annual exams, abnormal changes are easier to spot making treatment more effective. Dental exams are included and are important to prevent decay, infections, and disease. Fleas & Ticks These nasty parasites are not just irritating; they can carry many dangerous diseases. There are safe and effective products that prevent the associated suffering and inconvenience. Heartworm Protection Heartworm is present in all 50 states. Because the heartworm parasite goes through various life stages before reaching full maturity, early detection is very difficult. Preventing the disease is much easier than treating it. Your veterinarian can help determine which prevention medication is best for your pet.
Pet Vaccination Clinic
Hillsboro Main Street Community Center
Thurs., May 23 ● 6 – 8 p.m.
Traill District Health Unit 636-4434
Weight Management
It is said that if our pets are overweight, we are not getting enough exercise! Often owners give pets too many treats and too little exercise. Obese dogs and cats face serious health problems just as we humans do. Your vet can help determine the ideal weight for your pet.
Announcements
May 5 First Communion Sunday
May 12 Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Sunday
May 19 H.S. Senior Recognition Sunday
May 26 switch to Summer Worship Schedule
May 27 Memorial Day (church office closed)
If you would like to get the Steeple Talk newsletter via email, instead of in the mail, to save paper and mailing costs, please provide us
with your name and email address.
Send your request to:
STEWARDSHIP REPORT: OUR SAVIOR’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
INCOME AND EXPENSES:
2013 Income received through March 31: $74,709.08
2013 Expenses through March 31: $72,863.41
OSLC OFFERING STEWARDSHIP
2013 OFFERING RECEIVED
WORSHIP
ATTENDANCE
March 3 $6,365.31 8:30am 93
10:30am 145
March 10 $3,886.00 8:30am 64
10:30am 107
March 17 $4,511.33 8:30am 80
10:30am 225
March 24 $4,047.25 8:30am 89
10:30am 140
March 31 $9,770.00 7:00am 105
10:30am 322
Direct Deposit $2,975.00
March Total: $31,554.89
2013 Total: $68,468.08
May Reading Listed below are the new books in the church library for May
Come and check out a new book today! Remember Me by Deborah Bedford The Store Keeper’s Daughter by Wanda Brunsletter A Steadfast Surrender by Nancy Moser Wisconsin by Andrea Boeshaar
THANK YOU to everyone who helped put this May Steeple Talk together.
The next Steeple Talk Volunteers day will be Tuesday, June 4th at 9:00 a.m.
(Note the new date due to Memorial Day/Graduation.)
Thank You! Cindy
YOGA CLASS
Balance…your life, your faith, your body. Join us every Thursday in May (5:45pm) for yoga at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. This class is for all levels and no experience is necessary! Please bring a yoga mat (if you have one) and a friend! Warm clothes that you can stretch in are best.
Like us on facebook! Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
OPEN HOUSE BRIDAL SHOWER for Chelsea Thiel (Bride-to-be of Phil Knecht) Saturday, May 11 from 3-5pm at Our Savior’s.
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church
204 Caledonia Ave East
Hillsboro, ND 58045
Address Service Requested
“The mission of Our Savior’s Lutheran Church is to be a place where Christ’s love is proclaimed
as we welcome, worship, learn, and serve together.”
Church Office: 636-5701
Hours: M-F 9:00am-12:00pm; 1:00pm-3:00pm
Pastor Joe Johnson: cell—701-430-3787;
Pastor Siri Strommen Campbell: 701-430-3879;
Office Secretary: Cindy Doeden
Parish Nurse: Brenda Stallman
Custodians: Richard and Barb Prestegord
Kitchen: 636-5705
Church email address: [email protected] or
Church website: www.oslchillsboro.com
Worship Service broadcast on Sunday mornings at 8:30am on KMSR 1520 AM and KMAV 105.5 FM
COUNCIL MEMBERS
Nonprofit Org.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Hillsboro, ND
Permit No. 45
President: Keith Meyer 636-4814
Vice-President: Dave Nelson 636-2717
Secretary: Janelle Quam 436-4046
Treasurer: Jason Lovas 371-1272
Deacons: Joy McSparron 361-9990
Jill Hebll 636-2569
Darin Oanes 636-2225
Randy Lemm 636-5465
Trustees: Jason Siegert 430-0100
Tammy Nelson 636-2717
Stacy Dickhoff 636-5713
Brad Ydstie 636-4085
Mia Kozojed 636-2070
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