Cross of Glory & West Freeborn Lutheran Churches

September 2018

Sunday Morning Worship times:

Cross of Glory: 9:00 a.m. – West Freeborn: 10:30 a.m.

Shepherd

As shepherds seek out their flocks when they are among their scattered sheep, so I will seek out my sheep. I will rescue them from all the places to which they have been

scattered on a day of clouds and thick darkness. (Ezekiel 34:12)

We are probably familiar with the term “shepherd” and know what a shepherd is and what they do, but outside of church we are not likely to hear them mentioned. They are a significant part of the Bible, but how many shepherds do you know today?

Adam and Eve’s son Abel was a shepherd. Abraham and Jacob were shepherds. King David started out as one, and the prophet Amos, we are told, was a shepherd.

The God of the Old Testament is frequently referred to as one who shepherds people, just as the twenty-third Psalm says: “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.”

Even Jesus who, to the best of our knowledge, was never actually a shepherd, called himself the “Good Shepherd”. A good shepherd is one characterized by their ability to enter the sheepfold without scaring the sheep. The sheep know the shepherd, and the shepherd knows the sheep; even knowing them by name.

You may not be personally acquainted with a shepherd, but you know what it means to trust someone enough to follow them. Like a good shepherd you trust that they have your best interests at heart. You may not trust others, but you know you can trust this one.

The Good Shepherd is the one who is willing to lay down his life for the sheep. We know who that shepherd is. There are precious few leaders that fit that description. We know we can trust Jesus.

Yours in Christ, Pastor Schwartz

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***Beginning Sunday, September 16th, the lessons you hear in church on Sundays might sound a bit different. We will be using what is called the Narrative Lectionary. Instead of hearing three different lessons taken from three different books of the Bible we will hear one longer reading from one book. The idea behind the Narrative Lectionary, which has been created by professors at Luther Seminary, is to allow us to hear the Bible as one book that tells the story of God. Our church seasons remain the same, the lessons will continue to correspond with Christmas and Lent and so on, we will simply be hearing one longer reading instead of three short readings, and as the year progresses we will be steadily working our way through the Bible. It is an opportunity to hear the Bible as never before.

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Joint Council Meeting—Cross of Glory & West Freeborn - July 10th, 2018

Cross of Glory’s president, Jerry Morstad, called the meeting to order. Present were: Jerry Morstad, Matt Hoelscher,

Ron Bartness, Pat Ehrich, Becky Ausen, Cathy Crowe, Rachel Knudson, Mike Erich, Glenn Ausen, Martin Johnson, Steve

Ausen, Paul Lynne, Dave Ausen, Orlen (Corky) Modene, and Pastor Steve. Pastor Steve led us in prayer. He also gave his

pastor’s report and reported on his register with hospital visits, baptisms, funerals, and communion. He appreciated

having Youth for Christ speak to our congregations about youth ministry in our community. Vacation Bible School plans

are being finalized. Also, they are still getting Nancy’s insurance sorted out. Becky Ausen read the secretary’s report.

Report was approved as read.

Open Issues:

1. We talked about holding a joint church service. As West Freeborn has hosted the last couple of years, it is Cross of

Glory’s turn to host. We decided that the joint service will be August 12th with fellowship time after the service. We will

need volunteers willing to host for fellowship.

2. Shinefest will be stopping at both churches—11:50 at West Freeborn for lunch and 2 at Cross of Glory for coffee and

lemonade. They will bring the cookies and we should plan on 80 people for refreshments.

3. Vacation Bible School will be held evenings July 22-25. There will be a light supper served.

4. In 3 years, the National Youth Gathering for the ELCA will be held in Minneapolis. As we build up our youth

involvement, there may be some kids who will be interested in attending.

5. Jerry reported that there is a new water line from the street to the parsonage basement. They found the clay tile

around the foundation and ran a camera through but hit a dead end. We should put a sump pump in the basement

room where all the lines connect.

Corky Modene made a motion to adjourn this half of the meeting to allow the councils to reconvene for our respective

council meetings. Martin Johnson seconded.

Rachel Knudson, Secretary, Cross of Glory

Cross of Glory Trustees and Deacons Meeting - July 10th, 2018

Jerry Morstad called the second half of the meeting to order. Jerry Morstad, Cathy Crowe, Matt Hoelscher, Martin

Johnson, Paul Lynne, Ron Bartness, and Rachel Knudson were present. Rachel Knudson read the secretary’s report. The

minutes were approved as read.

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Cathy Crowe read the treasurer’s report. We discussed the cemetery watering. We have paid for this year but there

were questions as to whether we will continue to pay for this service in the future as it feels like it was thrust upon us

without clarifying whether it was needed. We would like to hear opinions from the congregation. Currently our

cemetery board members are Steve Bakken, Randy Light, Virgil Thofson, and Alvin Morstad is the sexton.

We received a bill from Bohlen’s Plumbing for the kitchen work. We had them do the original work about 5 years ago

but do not have the receipts to prove if we are within the warranty timeframe. Ron Bartness made a motion to proceed

with paying as we don’t know if we still have the invoices and the warranty wouldn’t cover labor anyway. Paul Lynne

seconded. Jerry discussed the damaged floor replacement with the insurance agent when she was here to see the

parsonage basement.

Aaron Gilliland has submitted his bill for snow blowing this winter. Paul Lynne made a motion to accept the treasurer’s

report and pay the bills as money allows. Martin Johnson seconded.

Old Business:

All the old business was covered in discussing the treasurer’s report.

New Business:

Ron Bartness stated that there were no Good Earth Village campers this year take advantage of the funding from the

church. Lillian Bell submitted an offer from St. Olaf College that they will match a scholarship from the Youth Fund at 1.5

times the amount. It was agreed that Ron could write a check from the Luther League funds for this purpose.

Paul Lynne made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Cathy Crowe seconded. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Rachel Knudson, Secretary

Cross of Glory Trustees and Deacons Meeting - August 7th, 2018

Jerry Morstad called the second half of the meeting to order. Jerry Morstad, Martin Johnson, Ron Bartness, Zach

Jacobson, Carol Riskedahl, Kristi Thofson, Rachel Knudson, and Pastor Steve Schwartz were present. Rachel Knudson

read the secretary’s report. The minutes were approved as read. Jerry Morstad went over the treasurer’s report in

Cathy Crowe’s absence. Ron Bartness made a motion to accept the treasurer’s report and pay the bills as money allows.

Carol Riskedahl seconded.

Old Business:

1. Carol Riskedahl recommended checking with WELCA to see if they have receipts from the kitchen upgrade because

they picked out the fixtures. She stated that she had a kitchen faucet break in her home after about five years and the

company was willing to ship the parts as the replacements were unavailable.

2. Pastor Steve said that Vacation Bible School went very well.

New Business:

1. The Sunday School piano needs tuning. Martin Johnson made a motion that we have it done and if the other

pianos in the building need tuning, they should be included in the same trip. Zach Jacobson seconded.

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2. The Jacobson’s new baby Archie will be baptized at the church service on the 19th of August. Congratulations on your

new arrival! Zach Jacobson made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Martin Johnson seconded. Closed with the

Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Rachel Knudson, Secretary

Cross of Glory & West Freeborn Churches Joint Council Meeting August 07, 2018 The joint council meeting of Cross of Glory and West Freeborn Churches met on August 04, 2018, at 7:00 pm at West Freeborn. Jerry Morstad, Steve Ausen, Glenn Ausen, Dave Ausen, Pastor Steve, Rachel Knudson, Martin Johnson, Kristi Thofson, Ron Bartness, Zack Jacobson, Carol Riskedahl and Becky Ausen were present. West Freeborn President, Dave Ausen, called the meeting to order. Pastor Steve led us in prayer. Pastor’s Report:

Hospital Visits: Jane Christopherson at St. Mary’s in Rochester.

On September 16, I will be starting something different during church services. In the Bible reaings, I will be taking us through the Bible for the next year. We will have one longer reading from a book in the Bible, then a Psalm and finally another part of a reading. We will not have all of the responses that we do now. This is a good way to get to know more of the Bible! (Becky’s thoughts on this)

It was great that we could pack the church to celebrate LaVaun’s birthday at West Freeborn on July 15. Many thanks to the many people who helped to make it such a special occasion. She is adjusting well to her apartment in Bancroft Creek.

The Southeast Minnesota Synod encouraged all of the pastor to take a survey to help us determine how well we interact with different cultures. Having taken the survey, put together by an organization outside the synod, we were then asked to do a video conference call from someone at this organization to go over the results. It was quite enlightening to discover that most of us believe that we are doing well when it comes to how we deal with different cultures, but our actual behavior needs some work. Basically, I learned that I have not come very far from where I was in high school in south Minneapolis, believing that a person with a different cultural background is their story and none of my business.

Vacation Bible School at Cross of Glory was declared to be a success. We had about twenty kids and some excellent adult helpers. Each evening included a meal, games, crafts, snacks, lessons and singing, all squeezed into two hours. We used the theme of Miracles of Jesus because I already had lessons ready. The adult helpers came up with crafts, snacks and music to tie in with the topic. In the end all went well and it did not cost the church anything except utilities. The helpers paid for their own supplies even though I assured them that they could be reimbursed. It was interesting to learn that none of the New Richland churches bothered to do VBS this year.

On July 26, I led the worship services at the three nursing homes in New Richland. Once again, a big thank you to Judy for playing the piano.

Secretary’s Report: Rachel read it. It was approved as read. Open Issues:

1. Joint Service: Will be held August 12 at 9:00 AM at Cross of Glory. 2. Parsonage Update: There are no more water issues. A pit needs to be dug for the sump pump to be put in. The

insurance company pays to repair the damages. Zach will contact the company about new carpet, spraying the woodwork and to treat the mold. Ron and Jerry are working on the outside. They will maybe put some temporary blocks in for now, so they don’t have to walk through the mud. Jerry made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Steve seconded it. Motion carried. Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted. Becky Ausen, Secretary

West Freeborn Lutheran Church Council Meeting – August 07, 2018 The West Freeborn Church Council met on August 07, 2018, following the joint council meeting at West Freeborn. Members present were Dave Ausen, Glenn Ausen, Steve Ausen, and Becky Ausen. President, Dave Ausen, called the meeting to order. Becky read the secretaries report. Approved as read. Becky read the treasurer’s report. Glenn made a motion to approve the report. Steve seconded it. Motion carried.

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Old Business:

Windows: tabled.

General Fund: Doing okay.

Tuck Pointing: tabled

Holes in the Cemetery: These have been filled and grass has been put on them New Business:

Fuel Contract: Corky has contracted half of the fuel for the winter. Will continue as money allows for this.

Spuds and Sundaes: Will be on Sept. 09. Will have Cindi put in mailer. Will see if a service group will be in charge. Becky will make posters and get the items needed list to church. Becky will get the potatoes.

*Pat wanted everyone thanked for all the generous donations. It has really helped with the general budget. Keep up the good work!! (Becky’s comment). Steve made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Glenn seconded it. Motion carried.

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully Submitted, Becky Ausen, Secretary

West Freeborn Quilters

The West Freeborn Quilters will meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month.

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Ushers for September: CG – there will not be an usher list; Communion helper: Kristi Thofson

Ushers for September: WF – *Chris Dahl, Russ Engel, Lyle Helm, and Holly Dahl - Communion Helper: Holly Dahl ************************************************************************************************

Rachel Circle Schedule – 2018

September- Jackie Schuneman; October – Pat Benson; November - Ardelle Knutson – Sat. morning

December – Pot Luck at church – Sat. morning

Eunice Circle

Eunice Circle meets on the 3rd Wed. of each month – 1:30 p.m. – Wed. Sept. 19th @ LaVaun Ausen’s home.

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I want to thank my West Freeborn Church family and Pastor Steve and all the family and friends that made my

90th birthday party such a wonderful day for me. Thank you for the music, and cards and gifts and happy

wishes. You are all so good. I am so blessed to have all of you.

God Bless you all,

LaVaun

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LWR School Kits

(WELCA will be paying for the backpacks)

4 spiral notebooks - (70 pages each) - 16 or 24 count crayons - 1 blunt scissors - 1 - 12 inch ruler with centimeters

1 pencil sharpener - 1 eraser - 5 pencils - 5 ballpoint pens - 1 drawstring back pack

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Wednesday Night Church School & Confirmation are scheduled to resume on Wed. Sept. 19th!

Watch for me details in the bulletins and on Facebook

(See calendar for times)

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Bell Choir Rehearsals will begin on Wed. Sept. 12th @ 7:00 p.m. @ CG

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Statistics for West Freeborn Lutheran Church: August Attendance: 8-5-18 – 47

8-12-18 – joint service @ CG

8-19-18 – 24

8-26-18 - 34

General Fund- $ 3,340.00 – Bldg. Fund - $ 180.00 - Year to date- $ 39,402.00

Statistics for Cross of Glory Lutheran Church

SUNDAY ATTENDANCE GENERAL FUND IMPROVEMENTS MISSIONS___CEMETERY

8-5-18 33 $ 1,657.00 $ 0.00 $ 0.00 $ 10.00

8-12-18 52 $ 1,625.52 $ 100.00 $ 0.00 $ 110.00

8-19-18 74 $ 963.50 $ 25.00 $ 0.00 $ 10.00

8-26-18 35 $ 625.00 $ 50.00 $ 25.00 $ 50.00

TOTALS $ 4,871.02 $ 175.00 $ 25.00 $ 180.00

Cross of Glory email address: cgwf@smig.net

Cross of Glory Website: www.crossofglory.weebly.com

West Freeborn Website: www.westfreebornlutheranchurch.weebly.com

Jerry Morstad, Cross of Glory President 507-373-0085

Dave Ausen, West Freeborn President – 863-2165

Church Office – 507-845-2818 – Fax # - 507-845-2732

Stacie Madson, West Freeborn Custodian 845-2525

Pastor’s cell phone: 507-250-6694 Parsonage Phone – 845-2825

Alvin & Cindy Morstad, C.G. Custodians- 845-2813

September 2018 Cross of Glory & West Freeborn Lutheran Churches, Hartland, MN

Worship times: Cross of Glory – 9:00 a.m. – West Freeborn – 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

Cross of Glory:

Communion Server: Kristi Thofson

West Freeborn Ushers: *Chris Dahl, Russ Engel, Lyle Helm,

Holly Dahl

Communion helper: Holly Dahl

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2

9:00 a.m. Worship at CG

10:30 a.m. Worship at WF

3 Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

4

Joint Council

meeting @ CG

7:00 p.m.

5 6

7 8

9

9:00 a.m. Worship at CG

10:30 a.m. Worship at WF

“Spuds & Sundaes”

following worship!!

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Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

11

12 Quilting @ WF

9:00 a.m.

Bell Choir

rehearsal

7:00 p.m.

13

14 15

16

9:00 a.m. Worship at CG

10:30 a.m. Worship at WF

17

Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

18

Rachel Circle

7:00 p.m. Jackie

Schuneman,

hostess

19 Eunice Circle

1:30 p.m.@ LaVaun

Ausen’s home.

Wed. Night Church

School resumes

5:30 p.m.

Confirmation resumes

7:00 p.m.

Bell Choir – 7:00 p.m.

20 21 22

23

9:00 a.m. Worship at CG

10:30 a.m. Worship at WF

24

Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

25

26 Quilting @ WF

9:00 a.m.

Wed. Night Church

School- 5:30 p.m. Confirmation

7:00 p.m.

Bell Choir 7:00 p.m.

27

28 29

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9:00 a.m. Worship at CG

10:30 a.m. Worship at WF

27

Staff meeting

9:00 a.m.

28 29 Wed. Night Church

School- 5:30 p.m. Confirmation

7:00 p.m.

Bell Choir 7:00 p.m.

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Do-It-Yourself Bible StudyFor our Bible study this month let’s look at the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 18. If you find the topic intriguing I hope that you will join others to go deeper. This will be our reading in church on September 23.

Is it possible for God to create an entire nation beginning with an elderly couple who have no children? As the visitors tell Abraham in verse 14, “Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?”

Following the promise of a child Abraham sees off the two men who are going to Sodom and Gomorrah, and we are led to believe that the third visitor who remains is God. While God has a bit of time alone with Abraham we are given a glimpse into the Lord’s thoughts.

Having informed Abraham of the divine plan for Sodom and Gomorrah we witness this bargaining episode between Abraham and God. Because his nephew Lot and his family live in Sodom Abraham has a personal stake in what God does there.

Read Genesis 18:1-15. The hospitality Abraham shows for his unexpected company is a model of how a person in those days was expected to treat strangers. When she overhears the promise of a child Sarah laughs. Does she serve as a good model of faith? Why, or why not?

Read Genesis 18:16-21. God decides that it is important for Abraham to know what God plans to do because of God’s plans for Abraham and his descendants. What does it mean to you to know that God does not intend to be secretive?

Read Genesis 18:22-33.What may be surprising here is the fact that not only does God inform Abraham of the divine plan, but allows Abraham to shape that plan. What do you think Abraham hopes to accomplish?

SPUDS & SUNDAES

WHAT: A SPUDS & SUNDAES WHEN: Sunday, September 9, 2018 WHERE: West Freeborn Lutheran Church TIME: Right after church service. Approximately 11:30 A.M.

Come join us for a baked-potato with all the fixin’s and

have an ice-cream sundae for dessert.

Steve's Dome Ice Cream - All Welcome!!!

Possible matching funds from ThriventStock

Photography and Stock CC