Next edition Jan 30th –Feb 5th
Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news.
The weather made traveling anyplace over the weekend an iffy proposition with rain, sleet and snow on Sat and Sun and a full blown blizzard causing white conditions on Mon. Our church services were canceled on Sun due to icy roads; and just about everything in the area was shut down; canceled and/or ppd. on Mon. In Westbrook MN students had to spend the night at the school. Thankfully there was not much snow in the storm so things were pretty much back to normal on Tue without a lot of digging out. Thanks to the Good Samaritan who blew out the end of my driveway again.
STJ/KONG PARISH NEWS: Parish Bible study on Psalms 23 continues on Thursday’s at St J (10 am) and will be repeated at Kong @ 7 PM
On Jan 31st there will be JOINT services at Kong at 11 a.m. with the S.S. kids singing. Following services Kong will have their annual meeting followed by a pot luck dinner. Annual reports are available in the narthex of the church.
St Johns annual meeting has been rescheduled for Feb 7th following the 11 am services with pot luck dinner to follow.
The program “keeping the farm in the family” scheduled for Jan 25th has been rescheduled for Feb 1; 10 am at the community building in Elbow Lake, and at 1 pm at the Old #1 in Morris
WCAWA will meet on Feb 6th at Nora Lutheran Church of rural Kensington. Coffee at 9:30 a.m.; program will be at 10 am. There will a short annual meeting preceding a program on “staying informed and connected” For more info call 795-2477
Congratulations to Nicolle Gillesipe who was named KMRS/KKOK player of the game for the Morris/C-A girls BB team on Jan 12th
Congratulations to Brain Kruize who was recently elected treasurer of the Morris Fire Dept.
Congratulations to Lee Johnston on being named Director of Operations at the West Central Research and Outreach Center in Morris.
Carly Rose Bartell was born on January 18, 2010 at Stevens Community Medical Center, Morris, to Jason and Bonnie Bartell of Morris. Grandparents are Don and Doreen Plocker of Morris and Larry Bartell of Foley and Charlie and Pat Karels of Rosen. Great grandparents are Grace and Earl Steuck of Chokio and Lloyd, and the late June Plocker of Morris
Precinct caucuses will be held on Feb 2nd at 7 pm. In Stevens County all DFL precincts will meet at the Old # 1 in Morris, all Republican precincts will meet in the cafeteria at Morris Area High School. Contact your local county auditor for info on where your precinct caucus will be held.
There will be an open house baby shower for Jada Leigh, infant daughter of Nikki (Bergstrom) and Jeremyah Wittern, on Saturday, Jan. 30 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Kongsvinger Lutheran Church Parish Hall, rural Donnelly.
Several former Donnelly area residents were among those of us who took in the Habit for Humanity pancake breakfast at the Morris American Legion on Jan 17th
Several of us from the area took in the Minnesota Twins caravan stop at the Old # 1 Southside on Jan 21st. Later I stopped in to the center for small towns at UMM to visit with David Flugel. He informs me that this yrs symposium on small towns in June will be co hosted by MN rural partners and has high hopes that it will bigger and better then ever. En route home I stopped to visit my aunt Pearl (Albert) Anderson in Donnelly.
Several of us from the area attended the indoor car sale at Heartland Motor Co in Morris on Jan 22nd. As usual the food was very good. En route home I stopped to visit Verle and Della Dunn in Donnelly.
The Kopeck family and I were among those from the area that attended the LU program about Afghanistan at the soils Lab in Morris on Jan 27th. Afterward the Stevens County Genealogical society board had a special meeting to discuss our exhibit for the non profit expo to be held at the armory in Morris on Feb 27th. En route home I stopped by to visit Jim And Lou Eystad in Donnelly She said they had visited Lavone Day at the WWV in Morris as well as her aunt Marlys Alm in the hosp this wk.
Friday, January 29, 2010
Saturday, January 23, 2010
donnelly news
next edition Jan 23-29th
Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news. One of the things that makes living in this community so nice, is knowing that there are people who will go out of their way to assist you and I want to thank those who have done that for me recently
Temps in the 20’s and 30’s during the past week has been a welcome relief from the frigid temps of the past few weeks and it made it much easier and nicer to be out and about especially over the weekend. It has also been nice for winter sports enthusiasts especially the snowmobilers.
STJ/KONG PARISH NEWS: Parish Bible study on Psalms 23 begins on Jan 28th at St J (10 am) and will be repeated at Kong @ 7 PM
St John's will have their annual meeting on Jan 24th following the 11 am worship service, Tom and Pearl Horning will be playing and singing; potluck dinner to follow. Annual reports are available for you to pick up in the back of the church.
On Jan 31st there will be JOINT services at Kong at 11 a.m. with the S.S. kids singing. Following services Kong will have their annual meeting followed by a pot luck dinner
Thanks to Karen Janachovsky, Jan Greiner, Elaine Harstad and Steve Nelson for helping conduct services while Pastor Judy was on vacation.
The Learning unlimited program "Understanding Afghanistan" that was scheduled for Jan 13th has been postponed to Jan 27th at 1 PM, at the conference room of the USDA soils lab in Morris.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is presenting a workshop: "Keeping the Farm in the Family”, Monday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in Morris. Please RSVP to 589-1731.
Madison Rae Kaehler was born on November 19, 2009, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview in Minneapolis, to Kraig and Sarah Kaehler. Grandparents are Bruce and Sandy Loycano of Coon Rapids, Eugene Stoneburg of Starbuck, and Milfred and Janice Kaehler of Morris. Great-grandmother is Shirley Henrichs of Donnelly.
Alice Rebecca Mahoney was born on January 15, 2010 at Stevens Community Medical Center, Morris, to David and Nichole Mahoney of Donnelly. Grandparents are David and Virginia Mahoney of Morris and Tom and Becky Olson of Fairfax. Great grandparents are Raymond and Helen Buerkle and Kathy Olson all of Fairfax.
Kyle Koehntop and Mandi Kloos were married Nov. 7, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church of Morris. A reception and dance followed at the Old No. 1. Parents are Roger and Bonnie Koehntop of Morris and Parker and Renee Kloos of Donnelly. The couple currently resides in Morris.
Linda Harstad of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th her funeral was held at Faith in Morris on Jan 21st. Her husband Jeff, daughter Kayla (fiancé Josh Erdahl) of Pine River, and grandson Becket Erdahl are among the family members that survive her.
Palmer Harstad of Barrett formerly of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th, his funeral will be held today (Sat.) at the United Methodist church in Herman at 2 pm with burial at Kong Lutheran Cemetery. His mother Selma Bruse, a brother Stan (Konnie) and their family of Herman formerly of Donnelly are among the family members who survive him.
Congratulations to Nicolle Gillesipe who was named KMRS/KKOK player of the game for the Morris/C-A girls BB team on Jan 12th
Congratulations to former Donnelly resident Dr. Randy Hamling of Accelerated Chiropractic who was recently elected to the board of the Morris Chamber.
Congratulations to Brain Kruize who was recently elected treasurer of the Morris Fire Dept.
Several friends and family members from the area traveled to St Paul’s Lutheran church in Springfield on Jan 17th for the baptism of Isaac Johnson.
Precinct caucuses will be held on Feb 2nd. In Stevens County all DFL precincts will meet at the Old # 1 in Morris, all Republican precincts will meet in the cafeteria at Morris Area High School. Contact your local county auditor for info on where your precinct caucus will be held.
Wally McCollar informs me that the MHS class of '55 in planning on having a 55 yr reunion this yr. The kids who started school in Donnelly are planning on having their own mini reunion at the same time. My Mom was their first grade teacher. Tentative plans call for it to be held during PPD in Morris this summer. In addition to Wally some of the classmates from the Donnelly area are Joanne Frank, Wayne Sperr, Edith Sperr, Ruth Stambaugh, Curtis Sax, and David Aanerud. Sonya Sather went to school with them in Donnelly but did not graduate from Morris. If you are a member of this class or have a family member who is and want more info give Wally a call at 589-0127 or stop into see him at his shop in the CC Mall.
Richard Olsen and I were among those from the area who participated in a technology workshop about digital cameras at the Morris Public Library on Jan 16th. In the aft I stopped by Cottonwood Lake for the Rod and Gun Club's ice fishing tournament. They had a great turnout with over 100 fisherman registered for the contest and it looked like there were almost as many fish houses out there.
Several former Donnelly area residents were among those of us who took in the Habit for Humanity pancake breakfast at the Morris American Legion on Jan 17th. In the aft Jim and Lou Eystad and I were among those from the area that took in the LCMC presentation by Rev Dave and Ann Gran of Alex at St John's Lutheran Church of rural Starbuck. Rev Gran is a former interim pastor of the StJ/Kong parish. The event was videotaped contact me for info about obtaining a DVD of the event.
Rev Judy Gieleinske returned home on Jan 21st after spending some time visiting her family in Portland Oregon.
Jan 20th I stopped into McCollar Jewelry to visit with Wally some and en route home to visit with my aunt Pearl A. Anderson in her home in Donnelly.
Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news. One of the things that makes living in this community so nice, is knowing that there are people who will go out of their way to assist you and I want to thank those who have done that for me recently
Temps in the 20’s and 30’s during the past week has been a welcome relief from the frigid temps of the past few weeks and it made it much easier and nicer to be out and about especially over the weekend. It has also been nice for winter sports enthusiasts especially the snowmobilers.
STJ/KONG PARISH NEWS: Parish Bible study on Psalms 23 begins on Jan 28th at St J (10 am) and will be repeated at Kong @ 7 PM
St John's will have their annual meeting on Jan 24th following the 11 am worship service, Tom and Pearl Horning will be playing and singing; potluck dinner to follow. Annual reports are available for you to pick up in the back of the church.
On Jan 31st there will be JOINT services at Kong at 11 a.m. with the S.S. kids singing. Following services Kong will have their annual meeting followed by a pot luck dinner
Thanks to Karen Janachovsky, Jan Greiner, Elaine Harstad and Steve Nelson for helping conduct services while Pastor Judy was on vacation.
The Learning unlimited program "Understanding Afghanistan" that was scheduled for Jan 13th has been postponed to Jan 27th at 1 PM, at the conference room of the USDA soils lab in Morris.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is presenting a workshop: "Keeping the Farm in the Family”, Monday, Jan. 25 at 1 p.m. in Morris. Please RSVP to 589-1731.
Madison Rae Kaehler was born on November 19, 2009, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview in Minneapolis, to Kraig and Sarah Kaehler. Grandparents are Bruce and Sandy Loycano of Coon Rapids, Eugene Stoneburg of Starbuck, and Milfred and Janice Kaehler of Morris. Great-grandmother is Shirley Henrichs of Donnelly.
Alice Rebecca Mahoney was born on January 15, 2010 at Stevens Community Medical Center, Morris, to David and Nichole Mahoney of Donnelly. Grandparents are David and Virginia Mahoney of Morris and Tom and Becky Olson of Fairfax. Great grandparents are Raymond and Helen Buerkle and Kathy Olson all of Fairfax.
Kyle Koehntop and Mandi Kloos were married Nov. 7, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church of Morris. A reception and dance followed at the Old No. 1. Parents are Roger and Bonnie Koehntop of Morris and Parker and Renee Kloos of Donnelly. The couple currently resides in Morris.
Linda Harstad of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th her funeral was held at Faith in Morris on Jan 21st. Her husband Jeff, daughter Kayla (fiancé Josh Erdahl) of Pine River, and grandson Becket Erdahl are among the family members that survive her.
Palmer Harstad of Barrett formerly of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th, his funeral will be held today (Sat.) at the United Methodist church in Herman at 2 pm with burial at Kong Lutheran Cemetery. His mother Selma Bruse, a brother Stan (Konnie) and their family of Herman formerly of Donnelly are among the family members who survive him.
Congratulations to Nicolle Gillesipe who was named KMRS/KKOK player of the game for the Morris/C-A girls BB team on Jan 12th
Congratulations to former Donnelly resident Dr. Randy Hamling of Accelerated Chiropractic who was recently elected to the board of the Morris Chamber.
Congratulations to Brain Kruize who was recently elected treasurer of the Morris Fire Dept.
Several friends and family members from the area traveled to St Paul’s Lutheran church in Springfield on Jan 17th for the baptism of Isaac Johnson.
Precinct caucuses will be held on Feb 2nd. In Stevens County all DFL precincts will meet at the Old # 1 in Morris, all Republican precincts will meet in the cafeteria at Morris Area High School. Contact your local county auditor for info on where your precinct caucus will be held.
Wally McCollar informs me that the MHS class of '55 in planning on having a 55 yr reunion this yr. The kids who started school in Donnelly are planning on having their own mini reunion at the same time. My Mom was their first grade teacher. Tentative plans call for it to be held during PPD in Morris this summer. In addition to Wally some of the classmates from the Donnelly area are Joanne Frank, Wayne Sperr, Edith Sperr, Ruth Stambaugh, Curtis Sax, and David Aanerud. Sonya Sather went to school with them in Donnelly but did not graduate from Morris. If you are a member of this class or have a family member who is and want more info give Wally a call at 589-0127 or stop into see him at his shop in the CC Mall.
Richard Olsen and I were among those from the area who participated in a technology workshop about digital cameras at the Morris Public Library on Jan 16th. In the aft I stopped by Cottonwood Lake for the Rod and Gun Club's ice fishing tournament. They had a great turnout with over 100 fisherman registered for the contest and it looked like there were almost as many fish houses out there.
Several former Donnelly area residents were among those of us who took in the Habit for Humanity pancake breakfast at the Morris American Legion on Jan 17th. In the aft Jim and Lou Eystad and I were among those from the area that took in the LCMC presentation by Rev Dave and Ann Gran of Alex at St John's Lutheran Church of rural Starbuck. Rev Gran is a former interim pastor of the StJ/Kong parish. The event was videotaped contact me for info about obtaining a DVD of the event.
Rev Judy Gieleinske returned home on Jan 21st after spending some time visiting her family in Portland Oregon.
Jan 20th I stopped into McCollar Jewelry to visit with Wally some and en route home to visit with my aunt Pearl A. Anderson in her home in Donnelly.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
personal events
Madison Rae Kaehler was born on November 19, 2009, at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Fairview in Minneapolis, to Kraig and Sarah Kaehler. Grandparents are Bruce and Sandy Loycano of Coon Rapids, Eugene Stoneburg of Starbuck, and Milfred and Janice Kaehler of Morris. Great-grandmother is Shirley Henrichs of Donnelly.
Alice Rebecca Mahoney was born on January 15, 2010 at Stevens Community Medical Center, Morris, to David and Nichole Mahoney of Donnelly. Grandparents are David and Virginia Mahoney of Morris and Tom and Becky Olson of Fairfax. Great grandparents are Raymond and Helen Buerkle and Kathy Olson all of Fairfax.
Kyle Koehntop and Mandi Kloos were married Nov. 7, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church of Morris. A reception and dance followed at the Old No. 1. Parents are Roger and Bonnie Koehntop of Morris and Parker and Renee Kloos of Donnelly. The couple currently resides in Morris.
Linda Harstad of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th her funeral was held at Faith in Morris on Jan 21st. Her husband Jeff, daughter Kayla (fiancé Josh Erdahl) of Pine River, and grandson Becket Erdahl are among the family members that survive her.
Palmer Harstad of Barrett formerly of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th, his funeral will be held today (Sat.) at the UM church in Herman at 2pm with burial at Kong Lutheran Cemetery. His mother Selma Bruse of Herman formerly of Donnelly is among the family members who survive him.
Alice Rebecca Mahoney was born on January 15, 2010 at Stevens Community Medical Center, Morris, to David and Nichole Mahoney of Donnelly. Grandparents are David and Virginia Mahoney of Morris and Tom and Becky Olson of Fairfax. Great grandparents are Raymond and Helen Buerkle and Kathy Olson all of Fairfax.
Kyle Koehntop and Mandi Kloos were married Nov. 7, 2009 at Faith Lutheran Church of Morris. A reception and dance followed at the Old No. 1. Parents are Roger and Bonnie Koehntop of Morris and Parker and Renee Kloos of Donnelly. The couple currently resides in Morris.
Linda Harstad of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th her funeral was held at Faith in Morris on Jan 21st. Her husband Jeff, daughter Kayla (fiancé Josh Erdahl) of Pine River, and grandson Becket Erdahl are among the family members that survive her.
Palmer Harstad of Barrett formerly of Donnelly passed away on Jan 19th, his funeral will be held today (Sat.) at the UM church in Herman at 2pm with burial at Kong Lutheran Cemetery. His mother Selma Bruse of Herman formerly of Donnelly is among the family members who survive him.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
donnelly news
Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news. Please remember that the success of this column depends in part on my readers feeding me info so if you have news for me please call or e-mail me or leave it one of my "mail" boxes
As I was writing my column last week it started snowing and then stormed most of Thur forcing most schools in the area to cancel classes and much of the weekend was spent digging out again a task made more difficult by -0 temps. They have moderated some this week but it still felt cold due to the wind.
STJ/KONG PARISH NEWS : The Jan newsletter is now out and extra copies are available in the narthex of ea. church.
Parish Bible study on Psalms 23 begins on Jan 28th at St. J (10 am) and will be repeated at Kong @ 7 PM
The area youth- org will be going tubing at Andes tower hill near Alex on Jan 17th. Meet at Kong at 1:30 PM to pool rides ,supper will follow. If you want to sign up or have any questions call 246-3293 or 246-3292
Dates for the annual meetings of both churches have now been set. St. John's will be held on Jan 24th following the 11 am worship service; potluck dinner to follow.
Kongsvinger's will be held on Jan 31st following joint services at 11 am followed by a pot luck dinner.
Habit for Humanity will have their annual pancake breakfast at the American Legion in Morris on Jan 17th from 8 am -12:30 PM, free will offering
There will be an LCMC meeting at St. John's church of rural Starbuck(17852 350th Ave.) on Jan 17th at 2 PM. A rep from LCMC will be on hand to give a presentation and answer questions. for more info call 795-2477
The Learning unlimited program "Understanding Afghanistan" that was scheduled for Jan 13th has been postponed to Jan 27th at 1 PM, at the conference room of the USDA soils lab in Morris.
The Donnelly Rod & Gun Club’s Ice House Fishing Contest will be held today (Sat) from 11-4:00 on Cottonwood Lake near Donnelly. Contact Brad Backman—246-3307—with questions
The bank and the PO in Donnelly will be closed on Jan 18th for the Martian Luther King Jr. holiday.
Jada Leigh Wittern is the first baby born in 2010 at Stevens Community Medical Center and thus was the winner of many prizes. Jada was born at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Her parents are Jeremyah and Nicole Wittern of Donnelly, grandparents are Becky and late Charlie Bergstrom, great grandparents are Burton and Irene Strand all of Donnelly. She was over to see her great grandparents on Jan 9th.
Claudia Anderson of Morris formerly of Donnelly passed away on Jan 4th. Her son Frederick and his father John Spohr of Donnelly are among the family that survive her.
Wally McCollar informs me that the MHS class of '55 in planing on having a 55 yr. reunion this yr. The kids who started school in Donnelly are planing on having their own mini reunion at the same time. My Mom was their first grade teacher. Tentative plans call for it to be held during PPD in Morris this summer. In addition to Wally some of the classmates from the Donnelly area are Joanne Frank,Wayne Speer,Edith Speer ,Ruth Stambaugh,Curtis Sax, David Aanerud. Sonja Sather went to school with them in Donnelly but did not graduate from Morris. If you are a member of this class or have a family member who is and want more info give Wally a call at 589-0127 or stop into see him at his shop in the CC Mall.
As I was writing my column last week it started snowing and then stormed most of Thur forcing most schools in the area to cancel classes and much of the weekend was spent digging out again a task made more difficult by -0 temps. They have moderated some this week but it still felt cold due to the wind.
STJ/KONG PARISH NEWS : The Jan newsletter is now out and extra copies are available in the narthex of ea. church.
Parish Bible study on Psalms 23 begins on Jan 28th at St. J (10 am) and will be repeated at Kong @ 7 PM
The area youth- org will be going tubing at Andes tower hill near Alex on Jan 17th. Meet at Kong at 1:30 PM to pool rides ,supper will follow. If you want to sign up or have any questions call 246-3293 or 246-3292
Dates for the annual meetings of both churches have now been set. St. John's will be held on Jan 24th following the 11 am worship service; potluck dinner to follow.
Kongsvinger's will be held on Jan 31st following joint services at 11 am followed by a pot luck dinner.
Habit for Humanity will have their annual pancake breakfast at the American Legion in Morris on Jan 17th from 8 am -12:30 PM, free will offering
There will be an LCMC meeting at St. John's church of rural Starbuck(17852 350th Ave.) on Jan 17th at 2 PM. A rep from LCMC will be on hand to give a presentation and answer questions. for more info call 795-2477
The Learning unlimited program "Understanding Afghanistan" that was scheduled for Jan 13th has been postponed to Jan 27th at 1 PM, at the conference room of the USDA soils lab in Morris.
The Donnelly Rod & Gun Club’s Ice House Fishing Contest will be held today (Sat) from 11-4:00 on Cottonwood Lake near Donnelly. Contact Brad Backman—246-3307—with questions
The bank and the PO in Donnelly will be closed on Jan 18th for the Martian Luther King Jr. holiday.
Jada Leigh Wittern is the first baby born in 2010 at Stevens Community Medical Center and thus was the winner of many prizes. Jada was born at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 6. Her parents are Jeremyah and Nicole Wittern of Donnelly, grandparents are Becky and late Charlie Bergstrom, great grandparents are Burton and Irene Strand all of Donnelly. She was over to see her great grandparents on Jan 9th.
Claudia Anderson of Morris formerly of Donnelly passed away on Jan 4th. Her son Frederick and his father John Spohr of Donnelly are among the family that survive her.
Wally McCollar informs me that the MHS class of '55 in planing on having a 55 yr. reunion this yr. The kids who started school in Donnelly are planing on having their own mini reunion at the same time. My Mom was their first grade teacher. Tentative plans call for it to be held during PPD in Morris this summer. In addition to Wally some of the classmates from the Donnelly area are Joanne Frank,Wayne Speer,Edith Speer ,Ruth Stambaugh,Curtis Sax, David Aanerud. Sonja Sather went to school with them in Donnelly but did not graduate from Morris. If you are a member of this class or have a family member who is and want more info give Wally a call at 589-0127 or stop into see him at his shop in the CC Mall.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
parish and area church news
St John's will have their annual meeting on Jan 24th following the 11 am services with a potluck dinner to follow
Kongsvinger's will be on Jan 31st following joint services at 11 am at Kong.
Stevens County chapter of Habit for Humanity Prairie Lakes pancake Breakfast will be held on Jan 17th from 8:30 am -12:30pm at the American Legion in Morris. Free will offering the 2010 family will be revealed at that time.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is presenting two free educational workshops: "Keeping the Farm in the Family". They will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 10:00 a.m. and Monday, Jan. 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the Old No 1 South Side. Please RSVP to 589-1731
Kongsvinger's will be on Jan 31st following joint services at 11 am at Kong.
Stevens County chapter of Habit for Humanity Prairie Lakes pancake Breakfast will be held on Jan 17th from 8:30 am -12:30pm at the American Legion in Morris. Free will offering the 2010 family will be revealed at that time.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans is presenting two free educational workshops: "Keeping the Farm in the Family". They will be held Tuesday, Jan. 19 at 10:00 a.m. and Monday, Jan. 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the Old No 1 South Side. Please RSVP to 589-1731
Friday, January 8, 2010
donnelly news
Next edition Jan 9th -Jan 16th
Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news. I want to thank all the loyal readers of this column who have made it such a success during the past yr ."Mange Takk"
Last week was fairly nice until Sat when the bottom dropped out of the thermometer and we awoke to -30 temps. It has stayed cold since although it did manage to get above 0 on Tue. As I am writing this column on Wed it is snowing and the forecast calls for a winter storm to hit our area tonight and tomorrow along with the return of very cold temps.
STJ/KONG PARISH NEWS : The regular worship schedule with S.S. will resume on Jan. 10th.
Parish Bible study on Psalms 23 begins on Jan 28th at St J (10 am) and will be repeated at Kong @ 7 pm
The area youth- org will be going tubing at Andes tower hill near Alex on Jan 17th. Meet at Kong at 1:30 pm to pool rides ,supper will follow. If you want to sign up or have any questions call 246-3293 or 246-3292
There will be an LCMC meeting at St John's church of rural Starbuck on Jan 17th at 2 PM. A rep from LCMC will be on hand to give a presentation and answer questions. for more info call 795-2477
The Jan edition of Meyer mission news is now out copies are posted in the narthex of each church for you to read as well on my blog.
The following events are taking place today (Sat) :
Former Donnelly residents Doddie Overson Williams and
Elaine Overson Storck are starting a "Donnelly Girls"
lunch get-together at Culvers Restaurant (13605 Northdale Blvd).in Rogers, MN . Any ladies who have ever lived in Donnelly are welcome to attend. Any questions, call Doddie at 763-477-5360 or Elaine at 612-385-8295.
The Stevens County Pheasants Forever is having their annual predator hunt. Skeeters Saloon in Donnelly will serve as headquarters and all entries must be turned into there by 6:30 PM. For more info call 246-3221
The Learning unlimited program "Understanding Afghanistan" that was scheduled for Jan 13th has been postponed to Jan 27th at 1 PM, at the conference room of the USDA soils lab in Morris.
Congratulations to Jake Long of the WCA Knights wrestling
team who recently notched his 175th career win.
Congratulations to Natalie Johnston and Kendra Sperr who were inducted into the National Honor Society at MAHS on Jan 4th.
Frank Snorek of St Cloud passed away on Dec 28th. Two nieces: Donna (Barry) Gades ;Gloria (Delroy) Heuer ;a nephew Gordon (Jane) Harstad and their families are among the family members that survive him
Lisa Van Horn and Josh Hennessy were married on Aug 1st at the WROC horticultural gardens in Morris .
Several from the area were among those of us who braved the frigid temps to attend the WCAWA meeting at the Glenwood retirement village on Jan 2nd. Rev Norm Olsen gave a presentation on "Standing up for the Truth" based on material from Hosanna Lutheran's experince in St Charles Ill. The next meeting will be on Feb 6th at Nora Lutheran of rural Kensington en route home I stopped at the Minnewaska home to say "Hi" to some of the residents there.
I had a call from Jerry Loher Jr who shared some news about his sons who are the MN Nat Guard. He said they had a letter recently from Andrew who is doing well so far and looking forward to coming home later this year. He plans to re enroll in St Cloud St when he returns. A unit from Fl is now training to take over the duties of Charlie Co later this year. His other son Gerald Loher III was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on Dec 19th after graduating from St Cloud St with a major in the survey of maps and science and a minor in military science. He was assigned to the 682nd engineering battalion based out of Litchfield and will be doing gold star recruiting for the guard at colleges in the St Cloud area. In June he will be going to Ft Leonard in Missouri for engineering and leadership training. You can listen to an audio clip of Andrew in Iraq at http://www.kmrskkok.com/page/charlie-company
Jan 3rd I visited Denny Anderson at his home in Donnelly.
Verle and Della Dunn entertained members of the Dunn family on Christmas day and the Stevenson family on Dec 26th. Jim and Julie Busse and family of Holloway visited Verle and Della on Dec 28th.
javascript:void(0)
Welcome to another edition of the Donnelly news. I want to thank all the loyal readers of this column who have made it such a success during the past yr ."Mange Takk"
Last week was fairly nice until Sat when the bottom dropped out of the thermometer and we awoke to -30 temps. It has stayed cold since although it did manage to get above 0 on Tue. As I am writing this column on Wed it is snowing and the forecast calls for a winter storm to hit our area tonight and tomorrow along with the return of very cold temps.
STJ/KONG PARISH NEWS : The regular worship schedule with S.S. will resume on Jan. 10th.
Parish Bible study on Psalms 23 begins on Jan 28th at St J (10 am) and will be repeated at Kong @ 7 pm
The area youth- org will be going tubing at Andes tower hill near Alex on Jan 17th. Meet at Kong at 1:30 pm to pool rides ,supper will follow. If you want to sign up or have any questions call 246-3293 or 246-3292
There will be an LCMC meeting at St John's church of rural Starbuck on Jan 17th at 2 PM. A rep from LCMC will be on hand to give a presentation and answer questions. for more info call 795-2477
The Jan edition of Meyer mission news is now out copies are posted in the narthex of each church for you to read as well on my blog.
The following events are taking place today (Sat) :
Former Donnelly residents Doddie Overson Williams and
Elaine Overson Storck are starting a "Donnelly Girls"
lunch get-together at Culvers Restaurant (13605 Northdale Blvd).in Rogers, MN . Any ladies who have ever lived in Donnelly are welcome to attend. Any questions, call Doddie at 763-477-5360 or Elaine at 612-385-8295.
The Stevens County Pheasants Forever is having their annual predator hunt. Skeeters Saloon in Donnelly will serve as headquarters and all entries must be turned into there by 6:30 PM. For more info call 246-3221
The Learning unlimited program "Understanding Afghanistan" that was scheduled for Jan 13th has been postponed to Jan 27th at 1 PM, at the conference room of the USDA soils lab in Morris.
Congratulations to Jake Long of the WCA Knights wrestling
team who recently notched his 175th career win.
Congratulations to Natalie Johnston and Kendra Sperr who were inducted into the National Honor Society at MAHS on Jan 4th.
Frank Snorek of St Cloud passed away on Dec 28th. Two nieces: Donna (Barry) Gades ;Gloria (Delroy) Heuer ;a nephew Gordon (Jane) Harstad and their families are among the family members that survive him
Lisa Van Horn and Josh Hennessy were married on Aug 1st at the WROC horticultural gardens in Morris .
Several from the area were among those of us who braved the frigid temps to attend the WCAWA meeting at the Glenwood retirement village on Jan 2nd. Rev Norm Olsen gave a presentation on "Standing up for the Truth" based on material from Hosanna Lutheran's experince in St Charles Ill. The next meeting will be on Feb 6th at Nora Lutheran of rural Kensington en route home I stopped at the Minnewaska home to say "Hi" to some of the residents there.
I had a call from Jerry Loher Jr who shared some news about his sons who are the MN Nat Guard. He said they had a letter recently from Andrew who is doing well so far and looking forward to coming home later this year. He plans to re enroll in St Cloud St when he returns. A unit from Fl is now training to take over the duties of Charlie Co later this year. His other son Gerald Loher III was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant on Dec 19th after graduating from St Cloud St with a major in the survey of maps and science and a minor in military science. He was assigned to the 682nd engineering battalion based out of Litchfield and will be doing gold star recruiting for the guard at colleges in the St Cloud area. In June he will be going to Ft Leonard in Missouri for engineering and leadership training. You can listen to an audio clip of Andrew in Iraq at http://www.kmrskkok.com/page/charlie-company
Jan 3rd I visited Denny Anderson at his home in Donnelly.
Verle and Della Dunn entertained members of the Dunn family on Christmas day and the Stevenson family on Dec 26th. Jim and Julie Busse and family of Holloway visited Verle and Della on Dec 28th.
javascript:void(0)
Thursday, January 7, 2010
wa mtg
Minnesota and Wisconsin
WordAlone/Lutheran CORE
Regional Meeting
sponsored by the Twin Cities Area Chapter of WordAlone
Thursday, January 14, 7 p.m.
Calvary Lutheran Church
7520 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley*
Staff and Members of the Board will be present to bring us up-to-date on recent developments in the
formation of a new Lutheran church body and the relationship of CORE, WordAlone, and LCMC.
Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends.
Questions? Call Karen Stack at 612-889-5709
or visit our web site at www.tcwordalone.org
*Directions: Golden Valley is an inner-ring suburb west of Minneapolis. From Hwy 55 (west of Hwy 100
and east of Hwy 169) turn north on to Winnetka Ave. and right (east) on Golden Valley Road.
WordAlone/Lutheran CORE
Regional Meeting
sponsored by the Twin Cities Area Chapter of WordAlone
Thursday, January 14, 7 p.m.
Calvary Lutheran Church
7520 Golden Valley Rd., Golden Valley*
Staff and Members of the Board will be present to bring us up-to-date on recent developments in the
formation of a new Lutheran church body and the relationship of CORE, WordAlone, and LCMC.
Everyone is welcome, so bring your friends.
Questions? Call Karen Stack at 612-889-5709
or visit our web site at www.tcwordalone.org
*Directions: Golden Valley is an inner-ring suburb west of Minneapolis. From Hwy 55 (west of Hwy 100
and east of Hwy 169) turn north on to Winnetka Ave. and right (east) on Golden Valley Road.
lutheran news digest # 24
This is a copy of an e-mail I got
5 January, 2010
I think Pr. Steve Shipman's idea (see below) of a "social justice resolution" for the synods, calling on the ELCA to practice what it preaches to others about moral responsibility is a great idea. I wonder if they'll accept responsibility for "the human cost" to faithful church workers, because of the decisions they have made causing loss of jobs, pensions, etc. ?
I thought you'd want to be aware of this, even if they. hypocritically, never accept responsibility for what they've done to our church and our church workers. (Lots of interesting things for the New Year.) Norm
----- Original Message -----
From: W. Stevens Shipman
To: Confessing_Fellowship@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 8:44 AM
Subject: Re: [ELCF] Augsburg Fortress to terminate Retirement Plan
I regret especially the human cost of the directions the ELCA (and other oldline denominations) have been taking.
I'm toying with the idea of a social justice resolution for synod assemblies regarding our moral responsibility to AF retirees. How long will we make people suffer because of our pretensions of being a "world-class" church?
My memorial would call on the ELCA to practice what it preaches, to accept moral responsibility for AF and other retirees in similar situations, and to fund it by: immediately reducing travel budgets by 50%, banning all travel outside the 50 United States except for those living and serving in other nations, closing all lobbying offices, selling the headquarters, and instructing the presiding bishop to resign as president of LWF. I'd appreciate comments and suggestions.
The purpose would be to introduce this in as many synods as possible, knowing it will be shot down. But it may help some of the layfolk to realize what is happening, and to uplift the hypocrisy of the "public church" that refuses to do for its servants what it demands that corporations and others do for their employees.
Plus the ELCA is just plain too big and unwieldy. We never needed what CNCL created, and we need it even less today. This is a great opportunity to uplift the need to help some people to whom we made promises, and to show just what the ELCA has become.
And to shoot at a few sacred cows in the process.
Pastor W. Stevens Shipman, STS
United Evangelical Lutheran Church
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
4 January, 2010
To answer a previous question, that was apparently answered in a Q&A statement that
accompanied the AF letter.
10. Why can't the ELCA churchwide organization make up for the funding
deficiency in the plan?
A. We thoroughly explored options for overcoming the funding deficiency,
including seeking support from the ELCA churchwide organization. However,
the ELCA churchwide organization advised us that it has no obligations or
fiduciary duties with respect to the AF (Augsburg Fortress) plan. Augsburg
Fortress is a separately incorporated program unit of the ELCA and our
retirement plan is separate from any plan sponsored by the ELCA.
As I read this, churchwide said: "Not our problem."
The part I liked in the Q&A was the admission, if AF declared bankruptcy
there still would be enough assets to cover obligations.
This has got to be *the* saddest outcome of AF's decline. Lewis blames a
congregational shift to online publishing sources and non-Lutheran sources.
Oh, I think it is more than that. The confessional reliability of AF
publications became suspect. I'm trying to think when was the last time I
bought anything AF. It's been years. Concordia Publishing handles all my
catechetical materials. Once that shift was made, other things seemed to
flow naturally. If it was only ten percent of the ELCA congregations making
similar shifts over time, and for the same reason, that's a huge loss.
Sad, sad.
Russ
++++++++++++++
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 11:44 AM
Subject: Re: [ELCF] Augsburg Fortress to terminate Retirement Plan
Ouch! My prayers and thoughts go out to all those impacted by this.
Now, I wonder how the ELCA would have reacted had a profit-making corporation made such a decision. Could we help retirees a little more if the presiding bishop stayed in this country instead of flying around the world lecturing politicians? Could we redirect the money spent on our lobbying offices to this purpose? Would it make sense to sell the Higgins Road building and move into rented digs in a smaller and less costly locale, and use the funds to help these people.
Just a few thoughts. This is horrible. As somebody within (distant) sight of retirement, it terrifies me.
Pastor W. Stevens Shipman, STS
United Evangelical Lutheran Church
++++++++++++++
This is truly heartbreaking news - former employees of Augsburg Publishing House now on pension have LOST THEIR PENSION. What would you or I do if t his happened to us? Retired pastors (whose pension never did amount to much do to low salaries) , are also having their pensions CUT 9% for 3 years. Some of this may be attributed to the economy, but some of it is the result of the ELCA's sell-out to our culture with losses in membership and money. Augsburg's new line of published materials was not what people wanted to buy. No sales: no business.
An excellent response will follow this email. When I put myself in the shoes of these Augsburg pensioners, I can only wonder what I will do. Pious platitudes by Mark Hanson will not pay the bills: but maybe selling off the Higgens road property to help them, would. Norm
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 10:52 AM
Subject: [ELCF] Augsburg Fortress to terminate Retirement Plan
(Note to readers: Below is a copy of the letter sent out by Augsburg Fortress)
Link to article:
http://www.prettygoodlutherans.com/?p=4657
(It has the question-and- answer document.)
Dec. 31, 2009
Dear Augsburg Fortress Retirement Plan Recipient:
It is with deep regret that we write to inform you that on December 18, 2009, the Board of Trustees of Augsburg Fortress accepted an administrative committee's recommendation to terminate the Retirement Plan II for Employees of Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Publishing House of the ELCA (the "plan") effective March 5, 2010, and to amend the plan prior to termination to provide for more equitable allocation of plan assets among plan participants. This was an extraordinarily difficult decision, reached only after thoroughly exploring other options.
If you are currently receiving retirement benefits from the plan, your monthly benefits will continue through the March 1, 2010 benefit payment. Upon termination of the plan as of March 5, 2010, most plan participants, including current retirees, will receive a lump sum benefit from the plan. The lump sum will be calculated according to the amended terms of the plan as of the date of plan termination. Because the plan is severely underfunded, there is not enough money to pay the full benefits that plan participants otherwise would have received had the plan been fully funded.
Absent plan termination, the money in the plan was projected to be totally distributed as plan benefits to retirees in approximately 5 years, leaving many participants in the plan without any retirement benefits from Augsburg Fortress.
We have decided to amend the plan terms prior to plan termination in order to ensure that the limited amount of money in the plan is spread out equally to participants and beneficiaries upon plan termination. A lump sum distribution upon plan termination under current plan terms provide that all the money in the plan would be used to fund benefits for approximately 175 plan participants who retired prior to March 5, 2007, and their beneficiaries. The plan is so underfunded that even these participants would only receive part of their benefits in a lump sum distribution. The other approximately 325 participants in the plan would receive nothing. Because Augsburg Fortress believes this would be inequitable, the Board of Trustees of Augsburg Fortress has authorized the committee administering the plan to draft a plan amendment that will take effect prior to plan termination and will provide most plan participants some portion of their plan benefits.
We expect the plan amendment to provide that any cost of living increases earned by plan participants on or after January 1, 1996, will be moved to the lowest payment priority category. This means that if part of your benefit resulted from a cost of living increase earned on or after January 1, 1996, your benefit would be reduced by the amount attributable to the cost of living increase and the cost of living amount would not be included in the calculation of the lump sum distribution. We also expect the plan amendment to provide that the limited cash of the plan will be allocated to participants based on years of service, and retiree status. In general, this would mean that those plan participants with greater years of service with Augsburg Fortress, and those currently retired, would receive a larger portion of their plan benefits. We expect to inform you in late January about the exact amount of your lump sum distribution in light of the anticipated plan amendment.
Attached are a series of questions and answers which address concerns you may have about the termination. Please review them carefully and if you have any additional questions or concerns, please add them, in writing, to Sandy Middendorf at Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 100 South Fifth Street, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55402, as soon as possible.
These decisions and actions break our hearts and we apologize, but they are necessary. Know that you are in our hearts, our thoughts and, especially our prayers.
Sincerely,
Beth A. Lewis, President & CEO
5 January, 2010
I think Pr. Steve Shipman's idea (see below) of a "social justice resolution" for the synods, calling on the ELCA to practice what it preaches to others about moral responsibility is a great idea. I wonder if they'll accept responsibility for "the human cost" to faithful church workers, because of the decisions they have made causing loss of jobs, pensions, etc. ?
I thought you'd want to be aware of this, even if they. hypocritically, never accept responsibility for what they've done to our church and our church workers. (Lots of interesting things for the New Year.) Norm
----- Original Message -----
From: W. Stevens Shipman
To: Confessing_Fellowship@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 05, 2010 8:44 AM
Subject: Re: [ELCF] Augsburg Fortress to terminate Retirement Plan
I regret especially the human cost of the directions the ELCA (and other oldline denominations) have been taking.
I'm toying with the idea of a social justice resolution for synod assemblies regarding our moral responsibility to AF retirees. How long will we make people suffer because of our pretensions of being a "world-class" church?
My memorial would call on the ELCA to practice what it preaches, to accept moral responsibility for AF and other retirees in similar situations, and to fund it by: immediately reducing travel budgets by 50%, banning all travel outside the 50 United States except for those living and serving in other nations, closing all lobbying offices, selling the headquarters, and instructing the presiding bishop to resign as president of LWF. I'd appreciate comments and suggestions.
The purpose would be to introduce this in as many synods as possible, knowing it will be shot down. But it may help some of the layfolk to realize what is happening, and to uplift the hypocrisy of the "public church" that refuses to do for its servants what it demands that corporations and others do for their employees.
Plus the ELCA is just plain too big and unwieldy. We never needed what CNCL created, and we need it even less today. This is a great opportunity to uplift the need to help some people to whom we made promises, and to show just what the ELCA has become.
And to shoot at a few sacred cows in the process.
Pastor W. Stevens Shipman, STS
United Evangelical Lutheran Church
Lock Haven, Pennsylvania
4 January, 2010
To answer a previous question, that was apparently answered in a Q&A statement that
accompanied the AF letter.
10. Why can't the ELCA churchwide organization make up for the funding
deficiency in the plan?
A. We thoroughly explored options for overcoming the funding deficiency,
including seeking support from the ELCA churchwide organization. However,
the ELCA churchwide organization advised us that it has no obligations or
fiduciary duties with respect to the AF (Augsburg Fortress) plan. Augsburg
Fortress is a separately incorporated program unit of the ELCA and our
retirement plan is separate from any plan sponsored by the ELCA.
As I read this, churchwide said: "Not our problem."
The part I liked in the Q&A was the admission, if AF declared bankruptcy
there still would be enough assets to cover obligations.
This has got to be *the* saddest outcome of AF's decline. Lewis blames a
congregational shift to online publishing sources and non-Lutheran sources.
Oh, I think it is more than that. The confessional reliability of AF
publications became suspect. I'm trying to think when was the last time I
bought anything AF. It's been years. Concordia Publishing handles all my
catechetical materials. Once that shift was made, other things seemed to
flow naturally. If it was only ten percent of the ELCA congregations making
similar shifts over time, and for the same reason, that's a huge loss.
Sad, sad.
Russ
++++++++++++++
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 11:44 AM
Subject: Re: [ELCF] Augsburg Fortress to terminate Retirement Plan
Ouch! My prayers and thoughts go out to all those impacted by this.
Now, I wonder how the ELCA would have reacted had a profit-making corporation made such a decision. Could we help retirees a little more if the presiding bishop stayed in this country instead of flying around the world lecturing politicians? Could we redirect the money spent on our lobbying offices to this purpose? Would it make sense to sell the Higgins Road building and move into rented digs in a smaller and less costly locale, and use the funds to help these people.
Just a few thoughts. This is horrible. As somebody within (distant) sight of retirement, it terrifies me.
Pastor W. Stevens Shipman, STS
United Evangelical Lutheran Church
++++++++++++++
This is truly heartbreaking news - former employees of Augsburg Publishing House now on pension have LOST THEIR PENSION. What would you or I do if t his happened to us? Retired pastors (whose pension never did amount to much do to low salaries) , are also having their pensions CUT 9% for 3 years. Some of this may be attributed to the economy, but some of it is the result of the ELCA's sell-out to our culture with losses in membership and money. Augsburg's new line of published materials was not what people wanted to buy. No sales: no business.
An excellent response will follow this email. When I put myself in the shoes of these Augsburg pensioners, I can only wonder what I will do. Pious platitudes by Mark Hanson will not pay the bills: but maybe selling off the Higgens road property to help them, would. Norm
Sent: Monday, January 04, 2010 10:52 AM
Subject: [ELCF] Augsburg Fortress to terminate Retirement Plan
(Note to readers: Below is a copy of the letter sent out by Augsburg Fortress)
Link to article:
http://www.prettygoodlutherans.com/?p=4657
(It has the question-and- answer document.)
Dec. 31, 2009
Dear Augsburg Fortress Retirement Plan Recipient:
It is with deep regret that we write to inform you that on December 18, 2009, the Board of Trustees of Augsburg Fortress accepted an administrative committee's recommendation to terminate the Retirement Plan II for Employees of Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Publishing House of the ELCA (the "plan") effective March 5, 2010, and to amend the plan prior to termination to provide for more equitable allocation of plan assets among plan participants. This was an extraordinarily difficult decision, reached only after thoroughly exploring other options.
If you are currently receiving retirement benefits from the plan, your monthly benefits will continue through the March 1, 2010 benefit payment. Upon termination of the plan as of March 5, 2010, most plan participants, including current retirees, will receive a lump sum benefit from the plan. The lump sum will be calculated according to the amended terms of the plan as of the date of plan termination. Because the plan is severely underfunded, there is not enough money to pay the full benefits that plan participants otherwise would have received had the plan been fully funded.
Absent plan termination, the money in the plan was projected to be totally distributed as plan benefits to retirees in approximately 5 years, leaving many participants in the plan without any retirement benefits from Augsburg Fortress.
We have decided to amend the plan terms prior to plan termination in order to ensure that the limited amount of money in the plan is spread out equally to participants and beneficiaries upon plan termination. A lump sum distribution upon plan termination under current plan terms provide that all the money in the plan would be used to fund benefits for approximately 175 plan participants who retired prior to March 5, 2007, and their beneficiaries. The plan is so underfunded that even these participants would only receive part of their benefits in a lump sum distribution. The other approximately 325 participants in the plan would receive nothing. Because Augsburg Fortress believes this would be inequitable, the Board of Trustees of Augsburg Fortress has authorized the committee administering the plan to draft a plan amendment that will take effect prior to plan termination and will provide most plan participants some portion of their plan benefits.
We expect the plan amendment to provide that any cost of living increases earned by plan participants on or after January 1, 1996, will be moved to the lowest payment priority category. This means that if part of your benefit resulted from a cost of living increase earned on or after January 1, 1996, your benefit would be reduced by the amount attributable to the cost of living increase and the cost of living amount would not be included in the calculation of the lump sum distribution. We also expect the plan amendment to provide that the limited cash of the plan will be allocated to participants based on years of service, and retiree status. In general, this would mean that those plan participants with greater years of service with Augsburg Fortress, and those currently retired, would receive a larger portion of their plan benefits. We expect to inform you in late January about the exact amount of your lump sum distribution in light of the anticipated plan amendment.
Attached are a series of questions and answers which address concerns you may have about the termination. Please review them carefully and if you have any additional questions or concerns, please add them, in writing, to Sandy Middendorf at Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 100 South Fifth Street, Suite 600, Minneapolis, MN 55402, as soon as possible.
These decisions and actions break our hearts and we apologize, but they are necessary. Know that you are in our hearts, our thoughts and, especially our prayers.
Sincerely,
Beth A. Lewis, President & CEO
meyer mission news
#1: Pastor John Lebbie and family in Boindu, Sierra Leon
#2 Village women cooking rice in Boindu
#3Tombodu school children and adults in a training session
#4Daniel Yarjah, Delano & Alex Lansana teaching “Changes in the
Environment”. Both Daniel & Alex taught this session with a bit of
coaching in following sessions.
#5 Pastor Daniel showing us the field of rice that the Gbandakadu
congregation has given to him and the two assistant pastors for the
support of their families. While some sit and cry for help, others
serve, work and sweat along side their people.
#6: Pastor John Lebbie and family in Boindu, Sierra Leone
MEYER MISSION NEWS
Different Kinds of Gifts
January 2010
Dear Friends:
2010 is here! Certainly we each might reflect upon what has happened
in the last year or two and ask, “What will happen in 2010?” Many
changes seem to be coming and we older folks possibly wish things
were more like they used to be. Among the uncertainties, we can be
confident. As St. Paul writes in Romans 8: 38-39, “For I am
convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,
neither the present or the future, nor any powers, neither height nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us
from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Rewards at the end of the road In December 09 we were anxious to
make our last visit to the Kono District of Sierra Leone where we
planned to do agricultural training in 4 locations. There was joy and
a bit of anxiety for us in the opportunity to teach in Boindu, a new
location for us in the extreme eastern edge of Sierra Leone next to
the Guinea border. An older lady in Boindu said through an
interpreter that Linda and I were the second white people she had
ever seen in her village. The first white person she had ever seen
was Rev. Tim Heiney, who is a fellow LCMS missionary.
Heading for Boindu we carried with us leaders of the Christ
Evangelical Lutheran Church of Sierra Leone (CELCSL). Leadership
planned to use our trip to carry some key leaders to Boindu who could
help organize the Boindu area churches and bring them into better
communication with CELCSL.
Boindu is isolated from the rest of Sierra Leone by a difficult
mountain road. The 34 miles took us 5 ½ hours, an average speed of
6.2 miles per hour; most of the time we were in four wheel drive and
shifted into low range. We have a high/low transfer case on our
little Ford Ranger. As we felt some anxiety it was a good time to
recall advice from Phil. 4: 6-7. “Do not be anxious about anything,
but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present
your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all
understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Reception in Boindu was very warm and hospitable with the first
morning training session on Management of the Harvest drawing more
than 100 people from Boindu and surrounding villages. There were 70
people present for the second day of training.
The reason there are Lutheran Churches in the Boindu area is because
Rev. Heiney trained a layman by the name of John Lebbie during the
Sierra Leone civil war. John Lebbie and many others came to know
about Jesus Christ while in refugee camps in Guinea. What a joy to
see that God’s Word is spreading into areas of Sierra Leone.
Reflecting upon how our Lord builds His Church, we are reminded of 1
Corinthians 12: 4&5, “There are different kinds of gifts, but the
same Spirit. There are different kinds of service; but the same
Lord.” We saw churches established by those trained by missionaries,
leaders who faithfully continued serving the Lord and teaching what
they knew, members opened their homes for us, others fed us,
leadership went to encourage and reinforce the local church
leadership. We certainly saw the church body at work. 1 Corinthians
12:12, “The body is a unit made up of many parts; and though its
parts are many, they form one body.” 1 Corinthians 12: 27, “Now you
are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” Even
as we report to you about what we saw others doing and our small part
in being there too, Linda and I want to encourage each of you to see
your part in “The Body of Christ” and seek ways to serve Him in 2010.
Encouragement at Gbandakudu Part of what we as agricultural
missionaries work toward is financial independence of the national
churches. When mission churches start under missionaries, there is a
tendency to rely upon the mission for everything including money.
After completing our second day of training at Gbandakudu in the
Gbensi Chiefdom, Pastor Daniel Yarjah said that they wanted to show
us their rice swamp. The fields were ripening, and the rice
generally looked very good. Daniel explained that the congregation
had given him that plot of land to have as his own and thus be able
to support himself and his family. I asked, “Do you also work in the
rice fields?” His reply brought joy to my heart!! “Yes”, he said,
“We all work on the fields together.” Here was proof that the
members of national churches are able to support their pastors.
Pastors and members sweating together as they till, plant and harvest
in a rice field is a God-pleasing activity!
Daniel went on to explain that the congregation has also given fields
to two assistant pastors. They also work side by side in these
fields. Is there some symbolism in this picture as we consider our
Lord’s Harvest Fields?
Mentoring leaders Another important focus of our work has been
mentoring leaders to take over teaching in agricultural training that
is still very much needed in Africa. We have been very blessed to
have a few gifted and dedicated men working with us over the years.
During our sessions in Kono, we were thankful to have two men, Daniel
Yarjah and Alex Lansana work with us and be able to actually take
over the training sessions with just a little coaching from us.
Truly a joy for us to see, as we realize, with retirement getting
nearer, we may not be going back to the Kono District again.
Ephesians 4:11-13, “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to
be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and
teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service…”
PRAYER REQUESTS
Thank God for positive support of national pastors by their members.
Thank God for leaders who are willing trainers of their own members.
Pray for safety, strength and health during our teaching trip to
Uganda in mid January.
FINANCIAL SUPPPORT
Thank you to all who have contributed gifts “for the support of
Delano and Linda Meyer.” Address (without our name on envelope) to:
LCMS World Mission, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St. Louis, MO 63122-7295.
Inside the envelope designate your gift for us on the check or in a
note.
To contribute to our LCMS World Relief & Human Care project,
“Agricultural Training in West Africa”, designate & send checks to
LCMS World Relief and Human Care, 1333 S. Kirkwood Rd, St. Louis, MO
63122-7295.
We wish you a blessing filled 2010!
Delano and Linda Meyer
C/O Travis Torblaa, LCMS World Mission, 1333 S. Kirkwood Road, St.
Louis, MO 63122-7295
lutheran news digest
This is a great document that does well to equip all Christians to teach us what and why things are happening PLUS to face the battles before us. We must never kid ourselves on what we face as Satan has many weapons and he will use them in any way he can.
Be sure to read the Bible verses as you go through this. After all, the Bible is our ultimate reference and standard so we need to know and use it. Editor
Standing up for The Truth
Ephesians 6:10-18
What you and your ELCA congregation can do
15 Nov 2009
©Hosanna! Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
Equip The Saints
Ephesians 4:11-16
Be Grounded in God’s Word and prayer
Be Focused and not distracted
Be Diligent in the details
Be Informed and share information
Be Good Stewards of your resources
Be Surrounded with support
Be Ready for the attacks
Be Loyal to God not human creations
Be Faithful to Christ and His Calling
How Did We Get Here?
The beginning –1988
American Lutheran Church (ALC "the Norwegians"), Lutheran Church in America (LCA, "the Swedes") and Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC "the Germans", a spin out of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod) all combine to form the ELCA
Structure: ALC was flat and congregational in nature, LCA was more vertical in structure (Synods)
Guiding Principles: ALC was more mercy driven, LCA was more justice driven
Name: added an "E" to LCA
Property ownership: ALC kept theirs, LCA and AELC
Called for Common Mission" –1998
ELCA and Episcopal Church partnership to share clergy, Communion, became like LCA ministry efforts
Episcopals, like Roman Catholics, believe in the power of the office of Bishop and that Bishops are more authoritative than the Word of God
Required, in order to share clergy, that an Episcopal Bishop must lay hands upon ELCA clergy at ordination to pass on the "Holy Episcopate blessing"
Word Alone formed by some in ELCA in response
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) formed by breakaway ELCA congregations in response
"Journey Together Faithfully" –around 2004
ELCA leadership efforts to encourage dialogue on sexuality issues begin in earnest
Special committee created by ELCA
Lutheran Coalition for Reform (CORE) created in response
Churchwide Assembly, Chicago –2007
Attempts at change fail to pass (barely)
Change efforts ratcheted up to new levels using social gospel justification
Churchwide Assembly, Minneapolis –2009
Pastor survey results publicized days before Assembly (ELCA press release 09-185-CD)
Special interest groups (Good Soil, others) "work" the Assembly like a political convention
During debate of Social Statement / Resolutions on Assembly floor, advocates of change make their case primarily using emotional and modern cultural appeals rather than justifying using scripture, tradition and reason
Social Statement vote process not consistent with prior vote processes (Social Statement passes by 1 vote)
Since Churchwide Assembly, Minneapolis –2009
Continued statements of status quo and tolerance for churches who do not agree with new ELCA theology
Nothing has changed (as per ELCA news releases including 09-189-FI, and Metro Chicago Synod representatives)
New polices, practices and definitions not in place yet (as per ELCA news releases including 09-222-JB, MCS reps)
Parishes and Church bodies worldwide express concern about adopted changes (a few examples see ELCA news releases 09-221-JB, 09-212-JB and www.lutherancore.org)
Lutheran CORE re-created, breaks away from ELCA
Be Grounded in God’s Word and prayer
Psalms 119:14-16
Practice your spiritual disciplines
Journal or blog insights you receive
Share insights with family, friends, co-workers, Congregation
Share prayer requests with family, friends, co-workers, Congregation
Make prayerful, informed, discerning decisions
Be loving and respectful of each other in the Body of Christ giving glory and honor to God
Be Focused and not distracted
Titus 1:15-16, 2:1
This is about doctrine and theology, not sexuality
Authority of Scripture seen as increasingly eroding since 1998-99
Called to Common Mission agreement with Episcopals
Some non-traditional teachings in seminaries (e..g, questioning the immaculate conception of Christ, miracles didn’t’ really happen, theories speculating that Jesus may have been gay [see textbook: "Homoeroticism in the Biblical World" by Martti Nissinen, Fortress Press, 1998, pg. 119], other examples)
Bound conscience = a new theology where:
Humans determine what sin is, not God
Take Scripture and Luther out of context in defense
Pastoral care efforts are scrutinized and diminished
... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God –Romans 3:23
Changing the Doctrine of Sin
Remember the words of Confession: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."
Changing the Doctrine of Forgiveness
If we deny our sin, we have no need of repentance of that sin and nothing to be forgiven for
Changing the Doctrine of Salvation
If we have nothing to be forgiven for, Christ died for nothing
ELCA leadership may be trying to define the scope of the discussion
In related communications, emphasis remains on sexuality and ignoring the changes in doctrine and theology
Using generalized authoritative language "this church" in statements that many in ELCA do not agree with
The ELCA leadership has many trusted channels of communication to leverage on their behalf
According to Luther’s test of legitimate Biblical interpretation and sound theology –how does the new theology of "bound conscience" measure up?
Historical Christian Church precedent
Scripture
Reason
In defense of the new theology (as stated by 2 members of the Metro Chicago Synod’s Executive Committee)
"There are no absolutes"
"Scripture defines sin, humans interpret Scripture"
By the ELCA leaders’ guidance, we should "respect differences in opinion" –but is everyone doing this?
ELCA leaders may benefit by defining the issue as only related to sexuality because new theology may be indefensible based on any widely and historically acceptable tests for legitimacy
Stay focused on the root issues of authority of Scripture, theology and doctrine!
Be Diligent in the details
Luke 8:17-18
Follow appropriate process to the letter
Know and understand your Congregation’s Constitution and Bylaws regarding:
Congregational Meetings
Leaving the ELCA
Joining a different Lutheran Church body
Property ownership
Changing / amending your governing documents
Know and understand Robert’s Rules of Order
Ask ELCA / Synod reps all your tough questions, request answers based on Scripture, Luther’s teachings, legitimate tested theology and interpretation –not based on platitudes, talking points, opinions or emotional appeals
Save emails and letters, document phone conversations and personal conversations with Synod representatives
Research and converse with Lutheran CORE, Word Alone, LCMC and other related organizations for relevant information, insights and process
Be Informed and share information
2 Corinthians 6:3-10
Understand and communicate the real, underlying issues
Eroding the authority of Scripture, the change in theology and Doctrines of Sin, Forgiveness and Salvation
Social Statement presumes these changes as it makes the case for same-gender marriage and the equivalence of hetero-and homosexual relationships (e.g. see pg. 10 of Social Statement)
In spite of ELCA leadership’s stated acceptance of differing opinions on the subject, the new agenda is moving forward using benevolence funds (see ELCA news release 09-189-FI)
Dig into Scripture’s key teachings on:
Sin –what it is and who defines it
False prophets, wrongful doctrine and errant teaching
Righteous sexuality and God-ordained marriage
Dig into Luther’s key teachings on:
10 Commandments (Large Catechism, Small Catechism)
The Lord’s Prayer (Large Catechism, Small Catechism)
Law and Gospel (Luther’s Works)
Priesthood of all believers (Luther’s Works)
Rightful interpretation of Scripture (Luther’s Works)
Congregations, Councils, staff and Pastors need to work together in a spirit of unity making sure everyone is on the same page
Form investigational Congregational task forces
Congregational information and sharing forums (these are NOT Congregational Meetings)
Research writings of prominent Lutheran theologians (WordAlone.org and LutheranCORE.org good sources)
Read and discuss The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Be Good Stewards of your resources
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Some Congregational governing documents have stipulations about benevolence –know what yours are
ELCA leaders moving ahead with Social Statement Implementing Resolutions using your Congregation’s benevolence dollars
ELCA leadership says Congregations will not be forced to support any new policies or procedures, but there are no barriers or allowances made in the Implementing Resolutions to how benevolence is spent
May be no way for your Congregation to track how your general benevolence funds are being used by either your Synod leadership or by the ELCA leaders
May be able to cut out the "middle-man"
Congregations could submit contributions directly to those mission / ministry organizations you wish to support, rather than giving through the Synod or ELCA
Indicate via a cover letter exactly what purpose you wish your contributions to be used for –and the recipients must, by law, use your contribution only for that purpose
Even if your Congregation leaves the ELCA, you can still support ELCA-based mission and ministry
Research other worthy global and/or local organizations and get involved –practice what you preach.
Be Surrounded with support
Deuteronomy 1:11-13, Galatians 6:2
Partner with other like-minded congregations
Find out what others are doing
Share research, process, information of value that will help inform and build up the Body of Christ
Share prayer requests
Consult with an attorney familiar with church law, process and property issues
Include and empower key congregational leaders in research, process and communications efforts
Be Ready for the attacks
Matthew 24:24, Galatians 1:6-12, Titus 1:16 29
ELCA and Synod leaders are using many channels to promote and implement the new theology and agenda:
Augsburg Fortress, The Lutheran and Lutheran Partners
Press Releases
Pastoral letters to Rostered leaders and Congregations
Lobbying efforts to local, state and national governmental bodies in the legislative, judicial and executive branches
Ecumenical partnerships friendly to changes
Representatives of the Synods consulting with congregations
ELCA and Synod leaders are promoting "tolerance for diverse opinions" but may be seen as acting otherwise
Placing at least partial responsibility for layoffs and cutbacks on those who, in good conscience, may be redirecting their benevolence (among others, see ELCA press releases 09-236-FI, 09-241-JB and 09-257-JB)
Other actions witnessed throughout various Congregations
Is this building up the Body of Christ?
What is the ELCA’s witness to the world?
Be Loyal to God not human creations
2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 John 4:1-3 32
Where does your Congregation’s loyalty lie ... with God, or with the ELCA leadership?
Take a stand one way or the other
Your Calling as leaders does not include allowing others to do study, prayers, research and discernment for you
Your Congregations should engage in discussions of theology, doctrine and Church history in order to make informed, sound decisions
These issues will not go away and will not stay hidden
Lukewarm is not an option ... meditate on Revelation 3:14-16
There may be many consequences to engaging in this dialogue
Yes, you may have contention in your Congregation
Yes, your Congregation may lose members one way or another
Yes, giving and volunteerism may decline one way or another
Yes, this may affect your relationships with ministry partners
Yes, outsiders and the media may look for ways to intrude
Yes, the ELCA and Synod leaders may attempt to directly or indirectly influence you
Yes, it may be spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally and intellectually exhausting
But, you are not alone:
More than 40 Hispanic Congregations are considering leaving the ELCA (per Lutheran CORE Convocation address)
More than 120 African-American Congregations are considering leaving the ELCA (another Lutheran CORE Convocation address)
Some entire Synods may leave the ELCA
Prayers, words and actions of support from countless faithful Church bodies and individuals around the world
Thousands of Congregations are in the process of discernment and consideration of staying in the ELCA or leaving
"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
We very well may be on the verge of a spiritual revival –in our own Congregations, in Lutheranism, and around the world!
Just like you Congregation leaders, ELCA leaders are responsible for their decisions
Presiding Bishop Hansen understands ELCA Congregations may leave based on these issues
Presiding Bishop Hansen announces layoffs and negative impacts on ELCA mission and ministry on 11/13/09
Shouldn’t the ELCA leadership have considered and communicated the potential consequences of change in advance?
Congregations are not responsible for the consequences –the ELCA leadership is
Many are not considering leaving the ELCA on their own accord ... "the ELCA has left itself" (keynote speech from CORE Convocation)
Respond lovingly, righteously, boldly and with prayerful discernment based on loyalty to God, His Word, His Truth and His Will
Be Faithful to Christ and His Calling
Matthew 22:35-40, Matthew 28:17-20,Ephesians 6:10-18,
Proverbs 3:5-6
Re-dedicate ourselves to the Great Commandment and Great Commission first and foremost
Each faithful ELCA member must prayerfully put on the full Armor of God
Do all you can do, submit all to the Lord, and God will do the rest
There are good seeds to be sown, grown and harvested
Faith will grow, Godly relationships will flourish, love will be shown, the Gospel of Jesus will be spread, God will be glorified
Regardless of the outcome, good shall come of this
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it." –Matthew 7:13
We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.–Ephesians 4:14-16
"Your kingdom come, your will be done" –Matthew 6:10
Hosanna!’s Journey
Late August, Council creates a Task Force to study "which Lutheran Church body Hosanna! should affiliate with"
Task Force researches LCMC, Lutheran CORE and ELCA as the 3 options for affiliation
CORE removed from consideration because they are not yet a Church body eligible for sole affiliation
"Time of Sharing" gathering for members and non-members to give their impressions of the issues
Late October, Task Force Report presented to Council recommending affiliating with LCMC
4015 Nov 2009©Hosanna! Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
Council affirms Task Force recommendation, according to Hosanna!’s Constitution, calls Special Congregational Meeting on Nov. 8, 2009 to vote on 4 Resolutions
#1 to leave ELCA
#2 to join LCMC
#3 to retain current lay staff and Senior Pastor
#4 to Call as deployed staff Rev. Martha Nelson to serve as chaplain at ProvenaSt. Joseph’s Hospital in Elgin, IL
3 Informational Sessions allow Q&A from members to Task Force and Council
Nov. 8, all 4 Resolutions adopted by more than 2/3 required majority (1=89%, 2=90%, 3=97%, 4=96%)
Resources
www.WordAlone.org
www.LutheranCORE.org
www.LCMC.net
Hosanna! Lutheran Church, LCMC
www.HosannaChurch.com, "Who We Are –About Us" page
Phone: 630-584-6434
Email: Welcome@HosannaChurch.com
Pastor John Nelson, Rev. Martha Nelson, Rick DeVries
15 Nov 2009©Hosanna! Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
** I hope these reports are helpful and informative. Pass them on to all who are interested. If you hear of similar actions with church congregations, please pass them to us and others so we know what is really going on.
Be sure to read the Bible verses as you go through this. After all, the Bible is our ultimate reference and standard so we need to know and use it. Editor
Standing up for The Truth
Ephesians 6:10-18
What you and your ELCA congregation can do
15 Nov 2009
©Hosanna! Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
Equip The Saints
Ephesians 4:11-16
Be Grounded in God’s Word and prayer
Be Focused and not distracted
Be Diligent in the details
Be Informed and share information
Be Good Stewards of your resources
Be Surrounded with support
Be Ready for the attacks
Be Loyal to God not human creations
Be Faithful to Christ and His Calling
How Did We Get Here?
The beginning –1988
American Lutheran Church (ALC "the Norwegians"), Lutheran Church in America (LCA, "the Swedes") and Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches (AELC "the Germans", a spin out of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod) all combine to form the ELCA
Structure: ALC was flat and congregational in nature, LCA was more vertical in structure (Synods)
Guiding Principles: ALC was more mercy driven, LCA was more justice driven
Name: added an "E" to LCA
Property ownership: ALC kept theirs, LCA and AELC
Called for Common Mission" –1998
ELCA and Episcopal Church partnership to share clergy, Communion, became like LCA ministry efforts
Episcopals, like Roman Catholics, believe in the power of the office of Bishop and that Bishops are more authoritative than the Word of God
Required, in order to share clergy, that an Episcopal Bishop must lay hands upon ELCA clergy at ordination to pass on the "Holy Episcopate blessing"
Word Alone formed by some in ELCA in response
Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC) formed by breakaway ELCA congregations in response
"Journey Together Faithfully" –around 2004
ELCA leadership efforts to encourage dialogue on sexuality issues begin in earnest
Special committee created by ELCA
Lutheran Coalition for Reform (CORE) created in response
Churchwide Assembly, Chicago –2007
Attempts at change fail to pass (barely)
Change efforts ratcheted up to new levels using social gospel justification
Churchwide Assembly, Minneapolis –2009
Pastor survey results publicized days before Assembly (ELCA press release 09-185-CD)
Special interest groups (Good Soil, others) "work" the Assembly like a political convention
During debate of Social Statement / Resolutions on Assembly floor, advocates of change make their case primarily using emotional and modern cultural appeals rather than justifying using scripture, tradition and reason
Social Statement vote process not consistent with prior vote processes (Social Statement passes by 1 vote)
Since Churchwide Assembly, Minneapolis –2009
Continued statements of status quo and tolerance for churches who do not agree with new ELCA theology
Nothing has changed (as per ELCA news releases including 09-189-FI, and Metro Chicago Synod representatives)
New polices, practices and definitions not in place yet (as per ELCA news releases including 09-222-JB, MCS reps)
Parishes and Church bodies worldwide express concern about adopted changes (a few examples see ELCA news releases 09-221-JB, 09-212-JB and www.lutherancore.org)
Lutheran CORE re-created, breaks away from ELCA
Be Grounded in God’s Word and prayer
Psalms 119:14-16
Practice your spiritual disciplines
Journal or blog insights you receive
Share insights with family, friends, co-workers, Congregation
Share prayer requests with family, friends, co-workers, Congregation
Make prayerful, informed, discerning decisions
Be loving and respectful of each other in the Body of Christ giving glory and honor to God
Be Focused and not distracted
Titus 1:15-16, 2:1
This is about doctrine and theology, not sexuality
Authority of Scripture seen as increasingly eroding since 1998-99
Called to Common Mission agreement with Episcopals
Some non-traditional teachings in seminaries (e..g, questioning the immaculate conception of Christ, miracles didn’t’ really happen, theories speculating that Jesus may have been gay [see textbook: "Homoeroticism in the Biblical World" by Martti Nissinen, Fortress Press, 1998, pg. 119], other examples)
Bound conscience = a new theology where:
Humans determine what sin is, not God
Take Scripture and Luther out of context in defense
Pastoral care efforts are scrutinized and diminished
... all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God –Romans 3:23
Changing the Doctrine of Sin
Remember the words of Confession: "If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us."
Changing the Doctrine of Forgiveness
If we deny our sin, we have no need of repentance of that sin and nothing to be forgiven for
Changing the Doctrine of Salvation
If we have nothing to be forgiven for, Christ died for nothing
ELCA leadership may be trying to define the scope of the discussion
In related communications, emphasis remains on sexuality and ignoring the changes in doctrine and theology
Using generalized authoritative language "this church" in statements that many in ELCA do not agree with
The ELCA leadership has many trusted channels of communication to leverage on their behalf
According to Luther’s test of legitimate Biblical interpretation and sound theology –how does the new theology of "bound conscience" measure up?
Historical Christian Church precedent
Scripture
Reason
In defense of the new theology (as stated by 2 members of the Metro Chicago Synod’s Executive Committee)
"There are no absolutes"
"Scripture defines sin, humans interpret Scripture"
By the ELCA leaders’ guidance, we should "respect differences in opinion" –but is everyone doing this?
ELCA leaders may benefit by defining the issue as only related to sexuality because new theology may be indefensible based on any widely and historically acceptable tests for legitimacy
Stay focused on the root issues of authority of Scripture, theology and doctrine!
Be Diligent in the details
Luke 8:17-18
Follow appropriate process to the letter
Know and understand your Congregation’s Constitution and Bylaws regarding:
Congregational Meetings
Leaving the ELCA
Joining a different Lutheran Church body
Property ownership
Changing / amending your governing documents
Know and understand Robert’s Rules of Order
Ask ELCA / Synod reps all your tough questions, request answers based on Scripture, Luther’s teachings, legitimate tested theology and interpretation –not based on platitudes, talking points, opinions or emotional appeals
Save emails and letters, document phone conversations and personal conversations with Synod representatives
Research and converse with Lutheran CORE, Word Alone, LCMC and other related organizations for relevant information, insights and process
Be Informed and share information
2 Corinthians 6:3-10
Understand and communicate the real, underlying issues
Eroding the authority of Scripture, the change in theology and Doctrines of Sin, Forgiveness and Salvation
Social Statement presumes these changes as it makes the case for same-gender marriage and the equivalence of hetero-and homosexual relationships (e.g. see pg. 10 of Social Statement)
In spite of ELCA leadership’s stated acceptance of differing opinions on the subject, the new agenda is moving forward using benevolence funds (see ELCA news release 09-189-FI)
Dig into Scripture’s key teachings on:
Sin –what it is and who defines it
False prophets, wrongful doctrine and errant teaching
Righteous sexuality and God-ordained marriage
Dig into Luther’s key teachings on:
10 Commandments (Large Catechism, Small Catechism)
The Lord’s Prayer (Large Catechism, Small Catechism)
Law and Gospel (Luther’s Works)
Priesthood of all believers (Luther’s Works)
Rightful interpretation of Scripture (Luther’s Works)
Congregations, Councils, staff and Pastors need to work together in a spirit of unity making sure everyone is on the same page
Form investigational Congregational task forces
Congregational information and sharing forums (these are NOT Congregational Meetings)
Research writings of prominent Lutheran theologians (WordAlone.org and LutheranCORE.org good sources)
Read and discuss The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis
Be Good Stewards of your resources
1 Corinthians 4:1-2
Some Congregational governing documents have stipulations about benevolence –know what yours are
ELCA leaders moving ahead with Social Statement Implementing Resolutions using your Congregation’s benevolence dollars
ELCA leadership says Congregations will not be forced to support any new policies or procedures, but there are no barriers or allowances made in the Implementing Resolutions to how benevolence is spent
May be no way for your Congregation to track how your general benevolence funds are being used by either your Synod leadership or by the ELCA leaders
May be able to cut out the "middle-man"
Congregations could submit contributions directly to those mission / ministry organizations you wish to support, rather than giving through the Synod or ELCA
Indicate via a cover letter exactly what purpose you wish your contributions to be used for –and the recipients must, by law, use your contribution only for that purpose
Even if your Congregation leaves the ELCA, you can still support ELCA-based mission and ministry
Research other worthy global and/or local organizations and get involved –practice what you preach.
Be Surrounded with support
Deuteronomy 1:11-13, Galatians 6:2
Partner with other like-minded congregations
Find out what others are doing
Share research, process, information of value that will help inform and build up the Body of Christ
Share prayer requests
Consult with an attorney familiar with church law, process and property issues
Include and empower key congregational leaders in research, process and communications efforts
Be Ready for the attacks
Matthew 24:24, Galatians 1:6-12, Titus 1:16 29
ELCA and Synod leaders are using many channels to promote and implement the new theology and agenda:
Augsburg Fortress, The Lutheran and Lutheran Partners
Press Releases
Pastoral letters to Rostered leaders and Congregations
Lobbying efforts to local, state and national governmental bodies in the legislative, judicial and executive branches
Ecumenical partnerships friendly to changes
Representatives of the Synods consulting with congregations
ELCA and Synod leaders are promoting "tolerance for diverse opinions" but may be seen as acting otherwise
Placing at least partial responsibility for layoffs and cutbacks on those who, in good conscience, may be redirecting their benevolence (among others, see ELCA press releases 09-236-FI, 09-241-JB and 09-257-JB)
Other actions witnessed throughout various Congregations
Is this building up the Body of Christ?
What is the ELCA’s witness to the world?
Be Loyal to God not human creations
2 Corinthians 4:2, 2 Timothy 3:16-17, 1 John 4:1-3 32
Where does your Congregation’s loyalty lie ... with God, or with the ELCA leadership?
Take a stand one way or the other
Your Calling as leaders does not include allowing others to do study, prayers, research and discernment for you
Your Congregations should engage in discussions of theology, doctrine and Church history in order to make informed, sound decisions
These issues will not go away and will not stay hidden
Lukewarm is not an option ... meditate on Revelation 3:14-16
There may be many consequences to engaging in this dialogue
Yes, you may have contention in your Congregation
Yes, your Congregation may lose members one way or another
Yes, giving and volunteerism may decline one way or another
Yes, this may affect your relationships with ministry partners
Yes, outsiders and the media may look for ways to intrude
Yes, the ELCA and Synod leaders may attempt to directly or indirectly influence you
Yes, it may be spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally and intellectually exhausting
But, you are not alone:
More than 40 Hispanic Congregations are considering leaving the ELCA (per Lutheran CORE Convocation address)
More than 120 African-American Congregations are considering leaving the ELCA (another Lutheran CORE Convocation address)
Some entire Synods may leave the ELCA
Prayers, words and actions of support from countless faithful Church bodies and individuals around the world
Thousands of Congregations are in the process of discernment and consideration of staying in the ELCA or leaving
"And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age."
We very well may be on the verge of a spiritual revival –in our own Congregations, in Lutheranism, and around the world!
Just like you Congregation leaders, ELCA leaders are responsible for their decisions
Presiding Bishop Hansen understands ELCA Congregations may leave based on these issues
Presiding Bishop Hansen announces layoffs and negative impacts on ELCA mission and ministry on 11/13/09
Shouldn’t the ELCA leadership have considered and communicated the potential consequences of change in advance?
Congregations are not responsible for the consequences –the ELCA leadership is
Many are not considering leaving the ELCA on their own accord ... "the ELCA has left itself" (keynote speech from CORE Convocation)
Respond lovingly, righteously, boldly and with prayerful discernment based on loyalty to God, His Word, His Truth and His Will
Be Faithful to Christ and His Calling
Matthew 22:35-40, Matthew 28:17-20,Ephesians 6:10-18,
Proverbs 3:5-6
Re-dedicate ourselves to the Great Commandment and Great Commission first and foremost
Each faithful ELCA member must prayerfully put on the full Armor of God
Do all you can do, submit all to the Lord, and God will do the rest
There are good seeds to be sown, grown and harvested
Faith will grow, Godly relationships will flourish, love will be shown, the Gospel of Jesus will be spread, God will be glorified
Regardless of the outcome, good shall come of this
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road is easy that leads to destruction, and there are many who take it." –Matthew 7:13
We must no longer be children, tossed to and fro and blown about by every wind of doctrine, by people's trickery, by their craftiness in deceitful scheming. But speaking the truth in love, we must grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by every ligament with which it is equipped, as each part is working properly, promotes the body's growth in building itself up in love.–Ephesians 4:14-16
"Your kingdom come, your will be done" –Matthew 6:10
Hosanna!’s Journey
Late August, Council creates a Task Force to study "which Lutheran Church body Hosanna! should affiliate with"
Task Force researches LCMC, Lutheran CORE and ELCA as the 3 options for affiliation
CORE removed from consideration because they are not yet a Church body eligible for sole affiliation
"Time of Sharing" gathering for members and non-members to give their impressions of the issues
Late October, Task Force Report presented to Council recommending affiliating with LCMC
4015 Nov 2009©Hosanna! Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
Council affirms Task Force recommendation, according to Hosanna!’s Constitution, calls Special Congregational Meeting on Nov. 8, 2009 to vote on 4 Resolutions
#1 to leave ELCA
#2 to join LCMC
#3 to retain current lay staff and Senior Pastor
#4 to Call as deployed staff Rev. Martha Nelson to serve as chaplain at ProvenaSt. Joseph’s Hospital in Elgin, IL
3 Informational Sessions allow Q&A from members to Task Force and Council
Nov. 8, all 4 Resolutions adopted by more than 2/3 required majority (1=89%, 2=90%, 3=97%, 4=96%)
Resources
www.WordAlone.org
www.LutheranCORE.org
www.LCMC.net
Hosanna! Lutheran Church, LCMC
www.HosannaChurch.com, "Who We Are –About Us" page
Phone: 630-584-6434
Email: Welcome@HosannaChurch.com
Pastor John Nelson, Rev. Martha Nelson, Rick DeVries
15 Nov 2009©Hosanna! Lutheran Church, St. Charles, IL
** I hope these reports are helpful and informative. Pass them on to all who are interested. If you hear of similar actions with church congregations, please pass them to us and others so we know what is really going on.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
StJ/Kong parish and area church news
area youth org will have a tubing event at Andes tower hill near Alex on Jan 17th. Meet at Kong at 1:30 pm to pool rides supper will follow. Friends and family are invited to participate for $10 for 2 hrs cost for youth will be determined later. Contact the parish office at 246-3211 for more info or to register.
"Seekers Women's prayer group will meet on Wed 20th at 9:30 am at Kong.
parish Women's book club will meet on Jan 27th at 1:30 pm at Jeanne Ennen's home of rural Donnelly. The book selection is "Angles at Christmas" by Deb MaComber.
There will be a LCMC meeting on Jan 17th at 2 pm at St John's Lutheran Church of rural Starbuck.
the next WCAWA mtg will at Nora Lutheran church of rural Kensington on Feb 7th.
"Seekers Women's prayer group will meet on Wed 20th at 9:30 am at Kong.
parish Women's book club will meet on Jan 27th at 1:30 pm at Jeanne Ennen's home of rural Donnelly. The book selection is "Angles at Christmas" by Deb MaComber.
There will be a LCMC meeting on Jan 17th at 2 pm at St John's Lutheran Church of rural Starbuck.
the next WCAWA mtg will at Nora Lutheran church of rural Kensington on Feb 7th.
area events
There will be a predator hunt sponsored by St co Pheasants forever on Jan 9th Skeeters saloon in Donnelly is serving as headquarters for the event. Pre registration is on Jan 7 and 8th at Skeeters.
Learning Unlimited has postponed their program until January 27: Understanding Afghanistan. From the glory of the Silk Road to the rise of the Taliban, Afghanistan has a long and complex history. Abdullah Jaradat will provide perspective for understanding the country and its people today. 1:00 p.m., USDA Soils Lab. You may bring your lunch. Treats and coffee after the talk.
Central square in Glenwood is hosting the play "Church Basement Ladies" on Jan 10th at 2 PM tickets are $25.
Filing for the township office of supervisors and clerk is now open through Jan 12th. Contact your town clerk or county auditor for more info.
Jan 7th Relay for Life Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Otter Tail Power Community Room. For more information, please contact Donna Eul at 324-2437.
The Donnelly Rod & Gun Club’s 1st Annual Ice House Fishing Contest will be Saturday, January 16 from 11-4:00 on Cottonwood Lake. Cost is $20. Entries received before January 13 are eligible for an Early Bird Drawing. Contact Brad Backman
—246-3307—with questions.
The Morris Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual meeting on Thursday, January 14 at the Old #1 Southside at Noon. Candidates David Fluegel (UMM Center for Small Towns), Karen Berget (American Eagle Realty), Laura Lehman (United Farmers & Merchants State Bank), Mary Philiph (Willie’s Super Valu), Neil Suess (Morris Lumber & Millwork), Patti Wente (Pomme de Terre Food Co-op), Dr. Randy Hamling (Accelerated Chiropractic & Natural Healing), Sonia Meyer (Sonia’s Hair Clinic) and Wayne Morford (Regional Fitness Center) will be on the ballot to fill four positions on the board. Each professional, business, associate, non-profit organization chamber member is entitled to one vote.
The Twins winter caravan will be stopping in Morris again on Jan 21st.
Learning Unlimited has postponed their program until January 27: Understanding Afghanistan. From the glory of the Silk Road to the rise of the Taliban, Afghanistan has a long and complex history. Abdullah Jaradat will provide perspective for understanding the country and its people today. 1:00 p.m., USDA Soils Lab. You may bring your lunch. Treats and coffee after the talk.
Central square in Glenwood is hosting the play "Church Basement Ladies" on Jan 10th at 2 PM tickets are $25.
Filing for the township office of supervisors and clerk is now open through Jan 12th. Contact your town clerk or county auditor for more info.
Jan 7th Relay for Life Meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Otter Tail Power Community Room. For more information, please contact Donna Eul at 324-2437.
The Donnelly Rod & Gun Club’s 1st Annual Ice House Fishing Contest will be Saturday, January 16 from 11-4:00 on Cottonwood Lake. Cost is $20. Entries received before January 13 are eligible for an Early Bird Drawing. Contact Brad Backman
—246-3307—with questions.
The Morris Area Chamber of Commerce will be holding their annual meeting on Thursday, January 14 at the Old #1 Southside at Noon. Candidates David Fluegel (UMM Center for Small Towns), Karen Berget (American Eagle Realty), Laura Lehman (United Farmers & Merchants State Bank), Mary Philiph (Willie’s Super Valu), Neil Suess (Morris Lumber & Millwork), Patti Wente (Pomme de Terre Food Co-op), Dr. Randy Hamling (Accelerated Chiropractic & Natural Healing), Sonia Meyer (Sonia’s Hair Clinic) and Wayne Morford (Regional Fitness Center) will be on the ballot to fill four positions on the board. Each professional, business, associate, non-profit organization chamber member is entitled to one vote.
The Twins winter caravan will be stopping in Morris again on Jan 21st.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)