Introduce a friend for FREE - St. Stephen ELCA



Ash Wednesday, February 26, at 6:00 PM @ St. Stephen (NO Soup Supper)Beginning Wednesday, March 4th:Soup Suppers at 5:00 PM -- Lenten Worships at 6:00 PM(alternating between St. Stephen and St. John)(sign-up sheet in the back for St. Stephen for March 11 & 25)Ash Wednesday, February 26:? St. StephenWednesday, March 4:? St. JohnWednesday, March 11: St. StephenWednesday, March 18:? St. JohnWednesday, March 25:? St. StephenWednesday, April 1: St. JohnST. STEPHEN – ELCAHonoring the Past – Welcoming the Future INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET INCLUDEPICTURE "" \* MERGEFORMATINET NEWSLETTERFEBRUARY/march, 2020ST. STEPHENLutheran church – elcaSt. John/St. Stephen Lutheran Parish ELCAPASTOR GAIL SOWELLJoint Mission Statement: Saints united to be the body of Christ in the world, freed by grace to live faithfully, witness boldly, and serve joyfully.424 N. 3rd Avenue, PO Box 95Edgar, WI 54426-0095Telephone: 715-352-2491 (St. Stephen Office) 715-352-2492 (Pastor Gail Home/Cell/Emergency)Church Web Site: INSIDE THIS ISSUEParish Staff/Council Officers1Contact Information1Pastor Gail’s Ponderings2February and March Birthdays and Anniversaries3Wedding Wishes/Sympathy3Lasagna-Spaghetti Dinner/Church Council4Annual Meeting/Adventures of the Church Mice4First Communion/Holy Week/Easter Schedule5WELCA Chequamegon Conference Spring Rally5Ladies’ Bible Study/Gather/WELCA Events6Well Update/Evening Bible Study/Senior Day7Quilting/Church/School Referendum/Church Cleaning7United Way Blood Pressure Screenings/Living Lutheran7Thrivent/AYCE Chili-Baked Potato Dinner8Walking Together/EPIC8NW Synod Malawi Update/Volunteer Opportunities9Pastor Steve Garnaas-Holmes 10PARISH STAFFPastorPastor Gail SowellHome/Cell/EmergencySt. Stephen Office715-352-2492715-352-2491SecretarySherry Gaykensarshe2@715-355-9039Outside CustodianSteve Doran715-393-5080Inside CustodianRachel Doran715-393-5076OrganistCharlotte Otto715-443-2007Handbell DirectorMarla Berg715-302-4768Altar GuildMarge Copeland/Deb PilgrimMedia TeamMaryAnn Aschbrenner, Sherry Gayken, Dale Pilgrim, Michael Maurer, Mark Schreier, Kathy Schreier, Kristin Zietlow, Rod Zietlow2020 COUNCIL OFFICERSPresidentVicki Maurer715-574-0527MMaurer222@Vice-PresidentKeith Paul715-297-5883LEINENKP@SecretarySherry Gayken715-355-9039sarshe2@TreasurerRod Zietlow715-680-8608rszietlow@Financial SecretaryJulie Haanstad 715-581-0308juliehaanstad@DeaconsDale PilgrimKathy SchreierMark Schreier715-352-2968715-352-2392715-352-2392schreiermk1@schreiermk1@TrusteesWarren BraunelClarence WernerRoy Guralski715-352-3233715-432-0997715-352-2706prepare the way of the lord advent Pastor’s Ponderings for February/March, 2020I’m frustrated as I begin this edition of Pastor’s Ponderings. I want to write about Lent, which begins with Ash Wednesday worship on February 26th. Years ago I wrote a poem about Lent, and I thought that would be a good way to start this column. But I can’t find it, and I can’t remember it. All I remember is the last line: God lent us his Son. . . . Fortunately, as always, God works all things for good with those who love God and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28). The problem of not remembering is a major part of what Lent is all about! The season of Lent invites us to prepare for the “passion” of our Lord in Holy Week: his betrayal, arrest, suffering, and crucifixion. We’re called to fast, to pray, and to do acts of kindness. These disciplines can help us remember that Jesus, God-in-the-flesh, died for us.Fasting has been a Christian tradition since before the time of Jesus. In Matthew (6:16-17) Jesus tells his disciples what to do “when” they fast—not “if.” Because it was such a part of life for our Jewish ancestors, there’s not much in scripture that tells us how they fasted. If you choose to fast during Lent, there are various traditions. You might skip dinner one night, or eat dinner at noon and skip the evening meal every day. You could fast from “fast food” or going out to eat. Many people have traditionally given up a certain food or means of entertainment: no meat, no chocolate, no dessert—or be radical and give up TV and games!In order for it to be a meaningful fast, it helps to pair it with the discipline of prayer. Ideally, when you’re missing whatever it is you’re fasting from, that will remind you to pray, and to remember that “we do not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of the Father” (Matthew 4:4). And any kind of fasting that saves you money can be paired with the discipline of acts of kindness to others. You might intentionally give the money you save to someone in need, or to an organization that will direct your gift appropriately. – Of course, acts of kindness can be done without expense.However you do your Lenten disciplines, I hope you’ll include regular mid-week worship this year. After Ash Wednesday at St. Stephen, the soup supper and worship will rotate between St. John and St. Stephen.Remember: God lent us his Son so that everyone who believes in him need not perish, but may have eternal life. And that’s a gift you don’t want to fast from! Pastor GailFEBRUARYBIRTHDAYS02LangBriona05PilgrimDoug05KingScott06HolbachSydney08RiehleElaina13HolbachSpencer18FeltzAddalynn18SchreierJenny19WernerKodi20FeltzCarly22LangDennis24KohelPatriciaFEBRUARYANNIVERSARIES 02/26 – Wendell & Arlene RoddyFFFFMARCHBIRTHDAYS03ChenierRachel08CopelandMarge09RiehleAngela09KingMollie19LangAmy20MroczenskiLarry21KnetterCameron23StrasserConnor24SchreierAJ25MaurerMichael25NinabuckLannah27RiehleJill MARCH ANNIVERSARIES None Will Reiche and Elizabeth Kleiner were married at All Saints Catholic Church in Lakeville, Minnesota, on Saturday, December 28, 2019. The couple Currently resides in Oshkosh, WI, but are completing rounds in hospitals/clinics in the Midwest as they complete their medical school requirements. Elizabeth is a graduate of Iowa State University and is pursuing Emergency Medicine, while William, UW-Madison, is pursuing Internal Medicine and a specialty in Gastrointestinal Medicine.After honeymooning, both Will and Elizabeth will be stationed in the Minneapolis area, before completing short stints in hospitals/clinics around Milwaukee & Minocqua in early spring. Both will graduate from Des Moines University School of Osteopathic Medicine on Saturday, May 22, before being assigned a 3-year residency somewhere in the Midwest.May God continue to bless your marriage with love, joy, and happiness!WITH SYMPATHY, THOUGHTS, AND PRAYERS to the family and friends of Ronald “Ron” D. Reiche.Ronald D. Reiche, born June 18, 1935, died on Wednesday, January 15, 2020 at his home. Ron lived on his beloved farm for over 73 years. He was preceded in death by his wife Jean on February 9, 2014. Ron is survived by three children: Jayne (Kurtis) Rowe, Jeff (Jill) Reiche, and Gary (Sue) Reiche; and grandchildren/great-grandchildren.A celebration of Ron's life was held Saturday, January 25th, 2020 at St. Stephen Lutheran Church, with Pastor Gail Sowell officiating.ST. STEPHEN LASAGNA/SPAGHETTI DINNER – Sunday, February 16th, serving 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. Carryouts available.Homemade lasagna, spaghetti, garlic bread, vegetables, desserts, and beverages. Adults $8.00; Children 8 & under: $4.00. A Thrivent Action Team Project.Installation of Council Officers for St. Stephen was part of the January 19th service. We extended our appreciation and pledged our support to those who were elected and are beginning their term of service:President: Vicki Maurer 2nd year of 2-year term Vice-President: Keith Paul2nd year of 2-year term Secretary: Sherry Gayken 1st year of 2nd 3-year term Treasurer: Rod Zietlow 2nd year of 3rd 3-year term Financial Secretary: Julie Haanstad3rd year of 1st 3-year term Deacons Dale Pilgrim Kathy Schreier(competing term of Clarence Werner)Mark Schreier3rd year of 2nd 3-year term2nd year of 2nd 3-year term1st year of 2nd 3-year term Trustees: Warren Braunel(completing term of Vern Spaulding)Clarence WernerRoy Guralski3rd year of 2nd 3-year term2nd year of 1st 3-year term(position was unfilled 1st year)1st year of 1st 3-year termST. STEPHEN’S ANNUAL MEETING was held on Sunday, January 26th, 2020. A brief review:Installation of Council OfficesApproval of 2020 BudgetReimburse St. John $250/month for our share of parsonage utilitiesFurnace Fund – next project – get tentative estimateBell Tower/Sound System – all paidSnow Removal amount increasedFirst Communion February 2nd Church Spring Cleaning (set for March 21st)Lasagna/Spaghetti Church Dinner (February 16th)Leftover Items in church basement (who wants them?)Received $150 for speakers at Pawn AmericaNeed for a courtesy Lift overseer (i.e. at funeral, etc.)Condition of PropertyProgress of First Aid & Defibrillator projectCemetery project ongoingConfirmation/Sunday School resumedAsh Wednesday/Lenten Services/Soup Supper dates/timesHoly Week/Easter Schedule reviewedChristmas Day Service mentionedAdventures of the Church MiceHi there, this is Miri Mouse (the original St. Stephen Church Mouse!) We were so excited to see 5 kids receive their first communion! (and I hear there were 7 at St. John too!) The BEST part is they used REAL bread instead of those funny old wafers, and bread is more crumbly and we found some good nibbles after church was over. They (the kids not the nibbles) were so adorable but I hope they won’t feel too old now to play with us Church Mice! We just have to get Pastor Gail to bring us out sometimes.Pretty soon it’ll be time for soupers, that’s what we call soup suppers, and then maybe we’ll find more nibbles. There are some really good things on Wednesday nights at both churches, so you all come and share with us! Bye for now!FIRST COMMUNION – First Communion was celebrated at St. Stephen on Sunday, February 2nd, 2020, with the following five young people receiving their First Communion: Ashley Krause, Jonathan Krause, Abigail Falkowski, Nicholas Falkowski, and August Laidlaw. In preparation, they met with Pastor Gail and the St. John First Communion class for the two Wednesday evenings prior to receiving communion for the first time. During those meetings they learned about the origins of the sacrament we call the Lord’s Supper.? The story of Moses, and the Passover ofthe angel of death,? God’s command that the chosen peoplecelebrate their deliverance from slaveryevery year,? How Jesus faithfully went to Jerusalemevery year to celebrate the Passover,? Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, andhis command to remember him when theygathered.Thank you to Mollie Maurer for baking the communion bread and to Mollie and Kim Krause for donating the chalices for the wine (juice). The congregation shared cake and beverages after worship in celebration. May God, whose Son Jesus Christ loved the young and called them to him, continue to bless these young people and strengthen them in their faith. We pray they continue to grow spiritually, and so bring blessing into the lives of others, and honor to Jesus’s holy name. Sunday, April 5 – Palm SundayPancake Brunch @ St. John (10:00-11:30 AM)Thursday, April 9 – Maundy Thursday CommunionWorship @ St. John at 6:00 PMFriday, April 10 – Good Friday services: 1:00 PM – @ St. Stephen6:00 PM – @ St. John (NO Wednesday worship or Soup Supper during Holy Week)Sunday, April 12:6:00 AM – Easter Sunrise @ St. Stephen7:00 AM – Easter Breakfast @ St. Stephen9:00 AM – Easter Communion Worship @ St. John2020 northwest synod CHEQUAMEGON CONFERENCE WELCA SPRING RALLY – Saturday, April 4th, Trinity Lutheran Church, 201 Northwest Street, Loyal, WI.Every woman who is a member of St. Stephen and St. John is a member of the women’s group and WELCOMED and encouraged to participate in the Tuesday Bible Study. The Study is held the 2nd Tuesday of each month – alternating between St. Stephen and St. John. February 11th Bible Study will be held at St. Stephen.LADIES’ BIBLE STUDY – Gather offers three multi-session Bible studies per year in winter, summer and fall?and two, one-month devotional studies in May and December. Summer studies are free to download and try. All others require a subscription to Gather. Selection of past Bible studies are also available for purchase.Winter 2020: We are called! by The Rev. Kathryn A. Kleinhans, Ph.D., Dean of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital University, Columbus, Ohio.This four-part Bible study will explore stories from both the Old and New Testament.? As we reflect on how our biblical forebears heard and responded to God’s call, we will gain insight into how God is calling us—and how God may be calling others through us.Session 2:?? The Call of JesusThis session focuses on Jesus’ calling of the disciples, on Jesus’ call to Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, and on Jesus’ call to all Christians to take up the cross and follow.? As Christians, how do we see ourselves in these stories today?? How do we respond to the call of Jesus?Session 3:?? Called to ServeJesus is clear that one of the central ways we respond to God’s call is by serving others.? When we serve others, we are recognizing Christ present in their need.? When we serve others, they see Christ visible in our loving service.? This session engages scriptural texts that help us focus on the questions, “Who is my neighbor, and what does my neighbor need?”Session 4:? Calling NetworksThe title of this Bible study, “We Are Called!” reminds us that calling is not something private or individualistic.? Our callings are always interwoven with our relationships and our communities.? ?This session focuses on how we support others in hearing and responding to God’s call.Introduce a friend for FREEKnow a friend who would enjoy Gather?If you are a reader who already enjoys Gather’s mix of faith-filled articles, theological reflections, devotions and stories that speak to the hearts of Christian women, then we’d like to invite you to send two free issues of Gather to a friend who does not currently receive the magazine. You can give this trial subscription to anyone you know who seeks to grow in faith and would benefit from the ideas and inspiration we include in every issue of Gather.To take advantage of this special offer, give Sherry the information of the names and addresses of the friends to whom you’d like us to send two free issues .. and also your name and address. She will submit those names to Gather online. They can be colleagues, neighbors or friends from your church community. This offer is valid for new subscribers only who live in the United States.2020 EAST CENTRAL SYNOD WELCA Spring EventWisconsin River ConferenceApril 25,2020Our Saviour's300 Logan StMerrill 54452715-536-5813Caring for God's Creation since just a few days after Earth Day (April 22 - 50th anniversary of 1st Earth Day)Synod Women's Organization Convention – April 17-18, 2020Bethany Lutheran - Rice Lake, WIWOMEN OF THE ELCA GATHERINGJuly 16-19, 2020, in Sunny Phoenix, Arizona. Registration is $375. Day registration is $200. All people attending the Gathering must register online or use the printed registration form.Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Ordination of WomenNovember 7, 2020 – Luther Park - Chetek, W“Well Water for Vizinga Village”At the onset, the goal at St. Stephen was to raise $4600 to support the digging of a new well in Mizinga Village. Our congregation has raised a total WELL ABOVE that amount !!The additional money will go toward paying wire fees and purchasing mielie-meal, a course corn flour derivative of Maize/corn. A 50 LB bag of mielie-meal costs about $10 and can feed a family of 6 for approximately one month.Goal has been reached -- PLUS !! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO DONATED !!2nd & 4th Thursday evenings of each month at 6:00 PM at St. Stephen.ALL ARE WELCOME !!SENIOR DAY – sponsored the 3rd Wednesday of each month at St. Stephen from 1:00 – 3:00 PM. Next dates: February 19th and March 18th. Champion for the month of January was: Jenni Schreier Join the group for some old-fashioned fun !! All area seniors are welcome !!!QUILTING is done the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of each month through May at 1:00 PM in the St. Stephen basement. Next February dates are the 6th and 20th. March dates are: March 5th and 19th. More willing hands are needed. Sewing may also be done at home. Material for quilts may be dropped off downstairs at any time.SCHOOL DISTRICT OF EDGAR REFERENDUMReferendum Question: Resolution Authorizing the School District Budget to Exceed Revenue Limit for Recurring Purposes. Shall the School District of Edgar, Marathon County,?Wisconsin be authorized to exceed the revenue limit?specified in Section 121.91, Wisconsin Statutes, by?$150,000 for the 2020-2021 school year; by an additional?$250,000 for the 2021-2022 school year; and by an?additional $250,000 (for a total of $650,000) for the 2022-2023 school year and thereafter, for recurring purposes?consisting of sustaining educational programming,?operational and maintenance expenses? VOTE – Tuesday, February 18thCHURCH CLEANING DAY has been set – Saturday, March 21st – mark your calendars to lend a hand to dust, mop, wipe down … overallcleaning of the church !! Several volunteers are needed !!United Way Free Blood Pressure Screenings – Held monthly – every 2nd Monday 9:00-11:00am – starting January 13, 2020, at Stark's Floral, 109 W. Redwood St., Edgar. No registration is required. Educational support is provided by a registered nurse. For more information contact Susan Krolow?@ 715.298.5721.LIVING LUTHERAN – some congregational members have been receiving a subscription to the Living Lutheran for the past few years from an anonymous donor from St. Stephen. A change coming: next year’s subscriptions will be joined with St. John. Your subscription will not be renewed unless you contact Pastor or Sherry to let either one know you are still interested in receiving the publication. There will be a slight fee.THRIVENT – Our meeting with Steve Brinkman of Thrivent on December 1st was cancelled due to the snowstorm and we never got our Thrivent day.This meeting has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 15th at 10:00 AM. Steve Brinkman will be there with donuts and information. In addition to donuts, he’ll bring information about Thrivent’s many products.Please bring all the Thrivent t-shirts you have, and we’ll find our stashes of unused t-shirts. Let’s get a photo of everyone in the congregation wearing a Thrivent shirt that day. (I know I wrote last spring about meeting half a dozen people on our Panama Canal cruise who were wearing Thrivent shirts of various colors. It’s one way of recognizing a kindred spirit).Thrivent Choice DollarsEligible members can recommend where Thrivent distributes a portion of its charitable funding by directing Choice Dollars?. Members become eligible?More Information for Thrivent Choice based on insurance premiums, contract values and Thrivent volunteer leadership.Don’t forget to direct Choice Dollars? Grant funding from Thrivent Financial through its Thrivent Choice? program can help support organizations you care about. Don’t let Choice Dollars expire. Eligible Thrivent Financial members who have Choice Dollars available have until March 31, 2020, to direct any Choice Dollars. Go to thriventchoice to learn more. Or call 800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent Choice” after the prompt. ALL YOU CAN EAT CHILI DINNER AND BAKED POTATO BAR – Hope Lutheran Church, 224556 STH 97, Edgar. Saturday, February 15th, serving 4:30 – 7:30 PM. Carryouts available.Free-will offering with proceeds going to Mission Projects and New Worship Center.Practice Not PerfectWalking Together 11th annual Walking Together event! February 22nd - UWEC - Davies CenterRegistration 7:00-9:00 Event 9:00-4:00This day of learning and workshops is designed for people around the synod to collaborate, hear about best practices in congregational ministry, great conversation, get inspired, and explore new faith practices that connect us with one another and with God!ALL AGES are invited and encouraged to attend as the theme "Practice Not Perfect" is explored and how faith is practiced in everyday life. ($25/person, lunch included). Further information and registration can be found at: walking-together. Registration deadline: Friday, February 14th.EPIC (Effective Practices for Innovative Church Councils)EPIC is an annual synod event that takes place in March, shortly after many congregational annual meetings and the election of new council officers. It is event is designed specifically to help equip congregation councils as they fulfill their call to various leadership roles in congregations. An event for rostered leaders, church council members, and other key team members for a day of practical learning and ideas to equip leaders! ?You will find resources, including handouts, powerpoint presentations, video resources, online resources, etc. which were shared during EPIC workshops. ?EPIC 2020: March 7, 2020Bethany Lutheran Church ?- Rice Lake, WIRegistration 8:00 - 9:00 ?/ ?Workshops 9:00-2:00$15/Person, lunch includedRegistration deadline: February 28!MALAWI UPDATE – NORTHWEST SYNODDear friends of Malawi,?Grace and peace to you; I hope you are all well.?As we look with hope toward this new year, I would like to share a few updates about our partnership with Malawi. ?20 for 20 Well CampaignLast year, during a visit from the Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Malawi, we revealed a plan to celebrate our 20 years in ministry together by launching a campaign with the goal of raising $20,000 during 2019.?If reached, there would be enough funds to build two deep-drilled bore wells in Malawi.?With an overwhelming response, the synod surpassed this goal and raised $45,816.20.?Together, your generosity has provided enough funds to drill four wells, bringing access to clean, safe drinking water to four areas in need. ?THANK YOU! 2019 Visits In March of 2019, Bishop Joseph Bvumbwe and his wife Maria visited our synod for two weeks, and became reacquainted with Wisconsin blizzards.?During their time here, they participated in Walking Together, visited congregations, friends, and ministries throughout the synod, and participated in a South African Consultation Gathering at the ELCA churchwide office in Chicago. ?During the summer months, two groups from Northwest Wisconsin visited Malawi - the first group from Immanual Lutheran in Eau Claire visited their parish partners in Zomba, and the second group visited several ELCM feeding, education, and health ministries.Upcoming VisitsIn April of this year, Bishop Laurie Skow-Anderson, Rev. Randy Olson (Synod Minister), Savannah Small (Synod Youth Board President), and Deacon Laura Ramlow (Synod Minister), will be traveling to Malawi to teach at the Pastors’ Academy, build relationships with our partners in the ELCM, experience the culture of the country, and travel to Johannesburg for an ELCA/Southern Africa Consultation.?This gathering will be a time for ELCA synods and their?southern African church partners to meet for dialogue about issues of gender, climate change, Lutheran identity, and youth and young adults.?These important conversations are designed to enrich the ways we share the gospel together, and compel us to respond faithfully, as the church, to the injustices in our contexts.???Social ConcernsHeavy on the hearts of our Malawian brothers and sisters right now are the many demonstrations (protests) happening throughout the country.?As they wait for the court verdict from last May’s controversial presidential election, let us pray for peace, something that The Warm Heart of Africa has long been known for. ?Please join me in praying for God’s continued blessings on our partnership with the ELCM as we look forward to all the ways we will walk together in the light of Jesus Christ. ?Zikomo Yesu! Together in Christ, Deacon Laura RamlowSynod Minister - Northwest Synod of WisconsinMARATHON COUNTY TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM is recruiting volunteer drivers. This program was created in 2002 to take elderly and disabled people to their appointments. More drivers are currently needed to accommodate the increasing number of requests, especially on the west side of Marathon County. If you have time and would like to help the elderly, veteran, or disabled people in your community, your schedule can be accommodated. Drivers will be reimbursed 57.5 cents a mile to cover expenses.If you have any questions or are interested in an application, please call Jenny McKenzie, Coordinator of the Marathon County Transportation Program … 715.841.5101. Your help is greatly appreciated.BECOME A HOSPICE VOLUNTEER – Hospice volunteers can make a positive difference in the time patients have left. Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services is in need of loving and caring individuals. There are many opportunities available. To find out more information, call Aspirus’ Volunteer Coordinator at 715-847-2424 or visit the website: volunteers.AARP FREE 2019 INCOME TAX PREPARATION – low-to-moderate income taxpayers; emphasis on age 60+. Appointments required. Call 715-298-5734 weekdays 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM to schedule.Dearly Beloved,Grace and?Peace?to you.?????????? ? ? ? ? You are the salt of the earth; ? ? ? ? ? but if salt has lost its taste, ? ? ? ? ? how can its saltiness be restored?????????????????????—1 Corinthians 2.12Your salt is kindness.Let all you do be salted with love.Don't leave your faith unsalted.Don't lose your love for anything else.Be the salt of every moment,releasing the flavor of grace.Let love be what preserves,what honors, what keeps.Honor the grit of your salt,the courage to seek justice.Let the salt of your mercymelt the ice of injustice. Let your prayer be an epsom salt bathin the kindness of God.Deep Blessings,Pastor Steve__________________Steve Garnaas-HolmesUnfolding Light ................
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