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Summer Worship Series: The Exodus
sheridanlutheranchurch
in this issue
2 Church Life4 Adult Faith Formation5 Children & Youth6 Missions & Outreach7 This & That
We are in uncharted territory due to the health crisis. Everything feels foreign. Even familiar things seem strange. We are called to do new things, have constant change and are feeling
uncomfortable. Life has been completely turned upside-down.In the recent history of being the church, we’re not so good at handling the
world being turned upside-down. Just think of how many times good church-folk have said, “But we’ve never done it that way before!” The longer history of the church is actually well-equipped for change. The birth of Jesus created a huge wave of change, as did the resurrection and then the Pentecost. We ought to be all over paradigms of radical change. Sadly though, we get mired in our own human responses of fear, frustration and failing trust in our God, who is always near.
To understand our relationship with change, we are well-served to look at the story of the Exodus. The root of the word exodus is “ex” or “out” and hodos, which means “way.” The wandering path of the people of Israel took them way off the beaten path. God’s people doubted and that mired them in failure. Yet God did more than provide, God was with them. Sadly, the people couldn’t see God’s love in their midst.
The reality is that they were drawn out to be drawn in. This is how God works in life. And their story is really our story. In this upside-down time, which is unchartered territory for us, God draws us out into that which is uncomfortable so that we might seek God’s presence and be drawn in to our faith.
Given that Sheridan’s Worship Center is being renovated, we are literally in an exodus of sorts within our facility – and who knows when we will be able to gather again. But this doesn’t mean that we are apart from God. Indeed, God is near and he draws us out, to draw us in.
Worship with us online with the anticipation of when we can return and worship as one.
a monthly publication of Sheridan Lutheran Church June/July 2020
In-Person Worship Updates
Not Closed; Not In-Person YetAt the time of this writing Gov. Pete Ricketts has declared that churches are able to open for worship with restrictions. Accompanying that decree are local Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) guidelines that govern how churches can assemble. These guidelines are stringent and numerous and only apply to weekly worship services (they do not include educational classes, weddings and funerals). With this information our elected leaders met and chose a strategy for resuming in-person worship.
Many factors contribute to the decision of the Council (who is the governing body of the church), which are outlined below. These factors create the reality that our building would be too small to handle the anticipated crowds.
• The Worship Center is currently being renovated and the seat capacity has been reduced from 775 down to 100 because of worship being held in the Family Life Center.
Sheridan Lutheran Church Newsletter | June/July 2020 | sheridanlutheran.org
If you have a baptism, birth, wedding, sympathy or other milestone to share, please call the church office at 402-423-4769. We are happy to share your news with our church family in the monthly Scroll. Submissions are due by the 15th of the month.
BirthsLydia Renee Baker daughter of Ashley & Jared Baker.
With SympathyDebbie (Kyle) Sitzman and family on the death of sister
Sallie Alberts;Greg Becker, Rhianna Becker & family on the death of
wife/mother, Mary Becker;Friends & family on the death of Edna Brethower;Bill (Susan) Buettner & family on the death of mother/
grandmother Lavonne Buettner;Wayne (Betty) Courtney family on the death of brother,
Dave Courtney; Dave Lutton & family on the death of wife/mother Sue
Lutton;Norma Kissack & family on the death of her mother Tina
Theye.
First Steps to BaptismLast Sunday of the month, May 31, June 28, July 26; 11am; via Zoom RSVP and Info: [email protected] is a big event! To help prepare for this special time, parents are asked to attend this one hour class which teaches about the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, gives you an opportunity to meet other families preparing for this special day and offers some encouragement for you as Christian parents.
This baptism class meets via Zoom; so reserving your spot at the class is necessary. Private baptisms can be scheduled for 11:15am, following Sunday worship. Of course we always want to know when a new baby arrives, so please contact the church prior to the birth so that we may be of support to your family through this important faith milestone!
Father’s Day SlideshowSubmit photos by June 14: [email protected] may submit a favorite photo of fathers/grandfathers (one per family, please) for a photo montage to be used during worship. Either email or drop off a photo at the church office by June 14.
Pastor Michelle SabbaticalSheridan’s pastoral staff policy provides a three-month sabbatical after a pastor or rostered leader has served at Sheridan for six years. A sabbatical is an important time for rest, spiritual renewal and dedication to new learning and growth.
Pastor Michelle Oetken will be on sabbatical through mid-August. While away, she will be focusing on further developing our Confirmation curriculum with the goal of including a video learning component. She is also looking forward to continuing to learn and practice American Sign Language. With the coronavirus restrictions, many of Pastor Michelle’s plans have been altered, but she will continue to take time to rest and find renewal. She looks forward to returning in August with new energy and ideas.
page 2 | church life at SLC
Church family support and news
WeddingsInterested in holding your wedding at Sheridan? Visit sheridanlutheran.org/weddings Contact [email protected] for scheduling or other questions.
Hospital visitsMembers of the visitation team make daily calls to offer support, encouragement and prayer. Call the church at 402-423-4769 to be added to the list. Please do not rely on the hospital to notify the church.
For those grieving or planning funeralsPlease contact Karen in the church office at 402-423-4769.
Pastoral careContact the church office at 402-423-4769 during business hours: 8am - 5pm; Monday-Friday. In case of emergencies (death of a loved one or if immediate assistance is needed) after hours call 402-423-4769 and press option 4.
First Steps to Baptism ClassThe next First Steps to Baptism Class is typically the last Sunday of the month at 11am online. This class is for those wanting to have their children baptized at Sheridan. Please RSVP for the class to [email protected]. You may schedule your child’s baptism with the office prior to participating in the class.
Mission: We are a community of Christ’s faithful followers, who have been called by God to love deeply, grow spiritually and share abundantly!
church life at SLC | page 3
April 2020 Financials:
BUDGETEDGeneral Fund $164,164
INCOMEGeneral Fund $168,754Mission $11,960Sunday School YTD $918Readiness Fund YTD $178,368
April 2020 Attendance: week wknd wklyApril 5^ 368 1,650 2,018April 12^+ 1,760 1,932 3,692April 19^ 412 1,382 1,794April 26^ 451 1,476 1,927
2020 average+ 1,610 2,3682019 average+ 1,673 2,317
^Livestream+includes Holy Week & Easter
In-Kind Donations
Clinic with a Heart continually needs personal care items such as shampoo, toothbrushes, toothpaste and body soap. These items may be brought to the church office or placed in collection bin in the vestibule beyond the Chapel.
Barnabas Community has a new collection site at Sheridan. Please bring all items for Barnabas to the new outdoor collection bins by the garage nearest the 70th Street parking lot entrance.
Cash donations are always welcome and needed to meet immediate needs.
Worship with us
Weekend Worship Sundays at 9:45amDue to current health conditions, our worship is live online on Facebook or on the website: sheridanlutheran.org/watch-online. Learn more about the current worship series: sheridanlutheran.org/worship-schedule
Unable to worship online? An abbreviated worship may be viewed on Spectrum channel 1302 on Thursdays at 7:30pm; Fridays at 12:30pm and Sundays at 11:30am.Additional videos can be watched on Vimeo: vimeo.com/sheridanluthlnk.
• DHHS requires the cleaning of every surface of the building in between each service.
• DHHS requires crowds not to “cross” by each other, meaning entering and exiting from separate doors for multiple services.
• DHHS requires monitoring of compliance to their rules, including the wearing of individual masks, controlling the size of crowds and fellowship both within the building and in the parking lot.
• Pastoral coverage will be an issue over the summer months.
• Inclusion was also discussed. What message does it send when DHHS requires elders and those with preexisting conditions to be excluded? DHHS also requires all children to remain at their parent’s side, thus discouraging families with young children to attend. In essence, will the regulations in which we abide bring the community together or further divide?
These and other factors led the Council to decide that Sheridan will not consider gathering for in-person worship until the time when our Worship Center remodeling is completed. The target date for completion is mid-August. The Council will revisit this decision each month at their regularly scheduled meeting.
To this point, each of you in the Sheridan family of faith have been nothing but supportive. Thank you for your continued faithfulness to the mission and spirit of our community! Please continue to join us for worship on Sundays at 9:45am on Facebook Live or on our website at sheridanlutheran.org/watch-online.
The church is never “closed!” We are worshiping remotely. Our God is incarnational, which means that God shows up in our lives and not at a building. While so much is different in these days, nothing has changed! We remain “a community of Christ’s faithful followers, who are called by God to love deeply, grow spiritually and share abundantly.”
Contact Your Church CouncilYou may contact the church council via email at [email protected] with comments or questions.
Sheridan Lutheran Church Newsletter | June/July 2020 | sheridanlutheran.org
page 4 | faith formation
SLC offers educational programs for children and adults. For a full listing of programs, visit us online at sheridanlutheran.org or call the church office.
think about it.
It wasn’t that long ago when our high school graduates were presented for Holy Baptism. Together, the body of Christ promised to shape their faith in meaningful ways. Now they stand before us as adults ready to take what they have learned in faith and in life out into the world! At this important milestone, we give thanks for each of them and for the many ways in which they have blessed Sheridan Lutheran Church. Through their participation in worship, Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Confirmation and Youth Group, as well as our music and drama ministries, they shared their gifts with their peers, made a difference in our community, and enriched our worship! Their leadership and participation on praise team, youth mission trips and so much more, shaped Sheridan into a more welcoming and vibrant faith community, and helped carry out our mission in amazing ways.
We rejoice with our graduates as they complete their high school education. Graduates, your church family shares pride in your accomplishments and is excited to continue walking with you as you continue your journey.
Congratulations Class of 2020!
Ongoing Adult Groups & Bible Studies• Saturday Men’s Bible Study
June 13 & 27; 7am; Via ZoomFacilitated by Wes Oestreich.
• Men’s Cancer Support Group Second Mondays; currently suspended This group allows men who are experiencing cancer to share concerns, promote hope and receive support from each other.
• Parkinson’s Support Group First Thursdays; currently suspended This is a support group for anyone diagnosed with Parkinson’s or is a care giver for someone with Parkinson’s.
Watch the website, bulletin and Scroll for future opportunities.
Lunch Table Theology OnlineThursdays at noon on ZoomInfo: [email protected] These groups have a simple purpose; eat lunch together and talk theology. Participants are invited to discuss the theology of the Ten Commandments. Join a discussion group today. • Central Group- June 4 • East Group- June 11• South Group- June 18 • Downtown Group - June 25Contact Pastor Eric via email for each week’s specific Zoom link.
Trevor ActonBailey AmendAvery BallengerLexan BenneBrooke BeranAleksey BetancurLindsey BlehmMakenna BonneauHaley CaseJasmine CreevanSamuel CurryJacob DaltonEmily DealKyra DeBuseLydia FlachsbartDominic FloresJackson GoodyearNoah Gormley
Emily GuthmillerHudson HallAshton HausmannEmma HeidenChloe HillmanElijah HoffmeyerTatum JohnsonStephen JonesAlex KohlerGwen LaneMason MasurKendal McClureTreyton MeyerMason MinchowZoey MoserBrayden NelsonMaddie NelsonTyson Neukirch
Katie OtteLaura PattersonCarlee RiddleJacob RiekerAshley RisingDamien SabinJordan Schlautman-SudikCadie SchlisnerCarlie SchlisnerChandler SchmitKatrina SchwensenAlexis ShumLily SoltysTeddy StraubeLily SturekEthan TeplyBrianna TrembleyMason Woodworth
2020 GRADUATE
THANKS FOR BEING A BLESSING!
Congrats! Congrats!
GRADUATE
Mission: We are a community of Christ’s faithful followers, who have been called by God to love deeply, grow spiritually and share abundantly!
children & youth faith formation | page 5
Books of the Bible Family ChallengeInfo: [email protected] summer, families are invited to take part in our Books of the Bible Family Challenge. Check the Children’s Ministry Facebook page for weekly ideas (games, songs and memorization tools). Once all 66 books have been memorized, families are invited to post their video on the Children’s Facebook page. This will be a fun way to continue to grow together in our faith over the summer.
High School Youth GroupWednesdays at 6:30pm via ZoomGather online for prayer, highs and lows, games, scripture readings, and conversation.
High School Graduate Recognition and Blessing - postponedWe are in the process of rescheduling the 2020 Graduate Recognition and Blessing event, originally scheduled for June 7, for a later date. Plans will be shared with families when they are available.
God Sighting: Reverse ParadeTo celebrate the end of the Wednesdays @ the Well season, the Sheridan staff held a Reverse Parade on April 29. It was a spirit-filled event. Families drove through the parking lot as the Sheridan staff and Wednesdays @ the Well volunteers, decked out in luau attire, greeted and waved at everyone. It was a wonderful way to end a year that was cut short by the pandemic and such a fun way to get to see each other “face to face” while socially distancing. Many of our staff have adjusted ministry in these days to continue to offer ways to help each of us love deeply, grow spiritually, and share abundantly.
VBS, WAM and Up In Out Camps CancelledThe difficult decision has been made to cancel 2020 summer camps at Sheridan, including VBS, WAM Camp and Up In Out Camp. Our ultimate goal was to be able to keep our children, families and volunteers safe and it feels like cancelling was the only way we can ensure that can happen this year.
If you have already registered and paid for VBS or Up In Out Camp, please go to sheridanlutheran.org/payments by June 12, 2020 to let us know how you would like us to handle your registration fee. After
June 12, 2020, all undesignated registration fees will be applied as donations. We look forward to being able to gather with all of you for Rocky Railway VBS in the summer of 2021 where we will be reminded that “Jesus’ power pulls us through!”
Children’s Lessons ContinueSundays at 10:45am; Facebook Live Join us live in the Children’s Ministry Facebook group for a short lesson. Be sure to also check out the group each Monday & Thursday at 7:30pm, as Sheridan staff and Children’s Ministry volunteers read a bedtime story.
For Families: Summer Bible Bucket
Fun Family Activities for FamiliesReserve: sheridanlutheran.org/summerbucketThis summer we will be distributing buckets filled with fun opportunities for families to grow in faith together. Opportunities will include chalk contests, flashlight hunts, Bible trivia, memory challenges, bubble prayers, nature sightings and more. You’ll just need to add a Bible and you’ll be set! Supplies are limited, please reserve your family bucket online by May 31.
Reserved buckets will be available for curbside pickup on Sat., June 6, from 9:30-11:30am, at Door 4. Families can also drop off their noisy offering at this time.
Contact Julie Hestermann via email, j.hestermann@sheridanlutheran with any questions.
Sheridan Lutheran Church Newsletter | June/July 2020 | sheridanlutheran.org
Global Partner Update: Agape Lutheran Seminary
page 6 | missions and outreach
Mother’s Day Rose Sales Raises Funds for HabitatThank you to all who participated in the rose sale! We raised more than $1,300 benefitting Habitat for Humanity. Learn more about Sheridan partners with these ministries from our website: sheridanlutheran.org/missions-giving
Mission and Outreach Facebook GroupPlease join our mission and outreach ministries Facebook group! Connect with others who are serving.
Lutheran Lakota Job Corps and the PandemicWhen the COVID-19 pandemic started in our nation, many jobs were affected, including the Lutheran Lakota Job Corps facilitated by the Pine Ridge Reconciliation Center. Through generous donations, Sheridan was able to provide funding so workers could continue to receive pay during this time. These workers provide essential income for their families. One worker is a new mother with a healthy baby. Providing for this family during this time is a blessing for all!
HTF Timoun TrotJune 26-28; virtual race Distances: 1 mile, 5k & half marathonInfo: htflive.org/raceHelp Haiti and run for a cause. The HTF Timoun Trot is a virtual run to make a life-giving impact in Haiti. Sign up to run as an individual or a family. Sheridan members Todd and Kristin Pfeil are the run directors.
Tanzania and Readiness Funds at WorkAgape Lutheran Junior Seminary continues construction on the worship
center for students. Headmaster and Pastor Godrick Lyimo visited Sheridan in 2019. Following his visit, Sheridan designated a gift from the Readiness Fund to help with construction costs. Previous to this construction, students worshipped outdoors or in a building that wasn’t large enough to accommodate the student body. Tanzania is also struggling with COVID-19 and as a result, students were sent home. It is a blessing that construction continues on the worship center chapel. When students return, a beautiful building will exist where students and faculty can worship and pray and be strengthened in faith for the academic journey. Picture courtesy of Pastor Godrick Lyimo.
Learn more about the Readiness Fund and ways to get involved on our website: sheridanlutheran.org/readiness-fund.
Noisy Offering Drive Thru Drop OffSat., June 6; 9:30 - 11:30amParking Lot by Door #4 Everyone is invited to drive through the Sheridan parking lot and give their noisy offering benefitting Barnabas Community! Bring your financial gifts to share and help support our outreach ministry in the city of Lincoln. Remember, take time if you haven’t already to create your
own Noisy Offering container. Place it by your home altar or worship space and share your offerings during our times of Livestream worship together!
Volunteer at Barnabas CommunitySign up: barnabascommunity.org/how-to-help/volunteerExperience the gift of serving and giving at Barnabas Community. Limited opportunities available.
courtesy photoWorship Center progress at Agape Lutheran Junior Seminary.
Mission: We are a community of Christ’s faithful followers, who have been called by God to love deeply, grow spiritually and share abundantly!
Love Deeply: Staff Updates by Pastor Greg Bouvier
this and that | page 7
This summer will bring some changes among our staff. After more than 30 years in ministry, Deacon Kathy Paisley is retiring on June 30. In her years of ministry, Kathy has been a spiritual leader, mentor, educator, caregiver and friend to so many. Her diverse skills have been a product of her passion for ministry and her dedication to her own spiritual and professional growth. She is impossible to replace and we can only strive to fulfill the work she does. Thank you, Kathy, for all of who you are and what you mean to the people of God at Sheridan!
With that said, Kathy will continue in ministry at Sheridan in a very part-time way. She will continue to steward our New Member process and guide the Women’s Ministry. We remain grateful for Kathy’s continuing contributions.
Julie Hestermann, who now leads our Children’s Ministries, will serve as Director of Faith Formation. She will begin partnering with Pastor Eric Bostrom in coordinating adult faith formation. As one who has created a comprehensive cradle-to-Confirmation program, Julie and Pastor Eric will continue to create adult faith formation opportunities which are diverse in nature and will grow the folks who participate. To make room for these new responsibilities, Julie Hestermann will hand some of her current tasks to Julie Anderson. Julie Anderson will increase her role and responsibilities.
Amy Wagner, who is currently our Communications Coordinator, will become Sheridan’s Director of Ministries, taking on the bulk of the administrative tasks that Kathy had performed. Amy’s responsibility over the years has continually increased, as has her productivity. It is only natural that Amy take this next step forward in her professional journey. In addition to her new responsibilities, she will retain oversight on church communications.
Finally, Clara Carlson has been hired to join our staff as our Communications Coordinator. Clara served as a communications intern with us last summer and is a recent graduate of Concordia University in Seward. We are excited to have her join our staff and serve in this capacity.
I am so deeply thankful and, quite frankly indebted, to the servant-hearted culture that exists within our staff family. Please continue to keep our staff in prayer during these changes.
Saturday Coffee RidesJune 6 & 27, July 11 & 25; 7amInfo: sheridanride.com The Sheridan Saturday Coffee Ride is a twice monthly opportunity to pedal and enjoy some coffee and fellowship! Because of current restrictions at coffee shops, you can bring your own coffee. Most rides will begin and end at Sheridan Lutheran Church. All are invited. A bicycle and helmet is required and a face mask is encouraged. Check the website above for meeting dates, locations and routes and to RSVP.
GriefShareThursdays; 6:30-8:30pm; meeting onlineInfo: sheridanlutheran.org/griefshareThe loss of a spouse, child, family member or friend can be a confusing time, with feelings of isolation or having questions about things you’ve never faced before. GriefShare helps you face these challenges while offering hope and healing. You may join the group at any date in the series, no need to wait until another series begins to jump in. Join the group today.
DivorceCare Tuesdays; 6:30-8:30pm; meeting onlineInfo: sheridanlutheran.org/divorcecareMost people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever faced. It’s a confusing time when you feel isolated and have lots of questions about issues you’ve never faced before. DivorceCare can help you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life. Contact the facilitator, Samantha Nelson, for more information.
Deacon Kathy Paisley
Contact us:Phone: 402-423-4769Email: [email protected]: sheridanlutheran.org
Church Leadership:For a complete staff and council listing, please visit our website at sheridanlutheran.org.
2020 EXECUTIVE COUNCILPresident: Darin SperlingVice President: Brent LuetchensSecretary: Hilary WieseTreasurer: Rachel Ficek
LEADERSHIP STAFFSenior Pastor: Greg BouvierAssociate Pastor: Eric Bostrom Associate Pastor: Rhonda BostromAssociate Pastor: Michelle OetkenDeacon: Kathy PaisleyDirector of Business & Finance: Jean PoppertDirector of Worship Arts: Molly Schmit
Connect with us:SHERIDAN’S SOCIAL MEDIA
fb.com/sheridanluthlnk
@sheridanluthLNK
@sheridanluthLNK
Find sermons online: sheridanlutheran.org/media-resources/sermon-podcasts
Publication Submissions Bulletin submissions are due each Tuesday at 5pm. Please email submissions to Genny Straube at [email protected].
The Scroll deadline is the first Monday of the month at 5pm. Please email submissions to Amy Wagner at [email protected].
God Sighting: The Norval Fundby Pastor Greg Bouvier
Harry and Bruni Norval were members of Sheridan for over 50 years. They were the type of couple that we don’t see much anymore. In past days, when our American society was filled with those who were financially careful, Harry and Bruni lived within their means, saved for the future and invested conservatively, so as to have resources if a need were to arise. So it was with many people who lived through the Great Depression and a
series of wars that took a toll on our nation. In biblical terms, Harry and Bruni were good stewards. They
believed that all they had was a gift from God and it was their responsibility to do well with it. Harry was a product of farm roots near Seward and Bruni grew up in Nazi Germany, before emigrating to the United States. They were able to provide for their family a moderate lifestyle – they never wanted for anything – but saving was the norm and their intentions were Godly.
Harry passed to life-eternal in 2015 and Bruni in 2019. They left a portion of their estate to Sheridan. With their gift the church has established, within the Sheridan Foundation, the Norval Fund for Church Maintenance. This fund comes at the perfect time in Sheridan’s history.
The Norval Fund will help provide resources through which infrastructure needs can be met. When our facility was new, church leaders allocated fewer funds for maintenance, given there was not much of a need. Now that the building is aging (17 years and counting), it feels like we need to catch up on our maintenance reserve funding. The Norval Fund will do just that at a time when our HVAC units are reaching the end of their functionality.
We trust that The Norval Fund will uplift the legacy of Harry and Bruni – their love for the church and their commitment to excellence of financial stewardship.
What is your legacy? Join the Sheridan FoundationIf you would like to learn how the Sheridan Foundation can help you leave a legacy, please visit the Sheridan Foundation page on the website, sheridanlutheran.org/sheridan-foundation or contact Pastor Greg Bouvier via email at [email protected].
courtesy photo
