The Immanuel Lutheran Church ▪ 109 Elm Street ▪ Strum, Wisconsin

Church

Our WELCA will not meet in the month of September. We will schedule a meeting in November to discuss 2021. The WELCA voted to pay for the new Mic system for our

Sanctuary at a cost of $1,750.

The Apple Pie Project has been canceled for this year! The Confirmation Banquet has also been canceled.

Looking ahead, we are working on our annual trip to Chanhassen. The new date is Wednesday, June 9, 2021. Chanhassen’s main dinner theater is closed at this time for their big productions; small one man shows are being performed at this time in the main dinner theater. Social distancing and masks are required. When the main theater opens up again for the larger productions, they plan on starting with the Music Man and

Cinderella will follow.

We are also looking for someone new to take care of our tablecloths in 2021. This consists of laundering and touching up with an iron when needed. The tablecloths are used for our special events, Confirmation Banquet, Wedding receptions, Prayer

Breakfast, and Christmas Dinner.

We are still looking for one or two ladies to step forward and help this year. We are currently two officers short for 2021. We are looking for a President, Vice President, or Co-Chairpersons. Please prayerfully consider accepting a position on your WELCA team. Please remember your WELCA plays an active role in the life of our church. Our serving groups provide food and service for funerals and special events. Our fundraiser, the Apple Pie Project, helps support many missions and projects in our church. So please consider joining our small group of dedicated members and officers of our WELCA. Why

not come to one of our monthly meetings or special events to see what we are up to!

Pastor Ahles .......................... 2 Birthdays ................................ 2 Council Minutes ..................... 3 Sunday School ...................... 4 Finances ................................ 5 In-person Guidelines.............. 6 Memorials .............................. 7

Contact Information

Pastor Valerian J Ahles

Phone: 715-533-0939 email: vahles@gmail.com

Administrator

Office: 715-695-3511 Cell: 715-200-1715 email: ilc@triwest.net

Office Hours

Sunday: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM Monday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Wednesday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Thursday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Worship Announcement

We are open for in-person worship, masks and social distancing required. We will continue offering our Sunday Worship services by Live-Stream and Dial-up.

Live-Stream: Immanuel-strum.com/livestream.html or facebook.com/ilcstrum

Dial-up Worship: 715-695-3906 (enter code: 62732)

Page 2 S E PT EM BE R 20 20

Behaving Ourselves as an Act of Love and Grace By Pastor Valerian J Ahles

Birthdays - September

Edward Olson ......................... 1 Annika Skoug.......................... 1 Mark Hanson .......................... 2 Emmee Stendahl .................... 2 Kevin Skoug ........................... 3 Margaret Hill ........................... 4 Joyce Schmidt ........................ 5 Judy Olson .............................. 6 Peter Berge ............................ 7 Xander Franzwa ..................... 7 Kris Husby .............................. 7 Dale Myren ............................. 7

Theresa Olson ........................ 9 Ruth Eide .............................. 11 Scott Herman ........................ 11 Steven Rupnick .................... 11 Vickie Hanson ....................... 12 Maiya McSorley .................... 13 Ron Runkel ........................... 14 McKenzie Skoug ................... 15 Brock Stendahl ..................... 15 Ted Wall ............................... 16 Tyler Hazelton ...................... 17 Kaela Stendahl ..................... 17

Xavier Franzwa .................... 18 Kallista Hering ...................... 18 Michael Olson ....................... 18 Avery Glenz .......................... 19 Sue Thompson ..................... 21 Dale Olsen ............................ 22 Robert Olson ........................ 22 Shirley Myren ....................... 23 Mandy Kensmoe .................. 24 Paul Gullicksrud ................... 27 Marlene Onstad .................... 28 Evan Semingson .................. 28

It goes without saying that the world is in a hard and difficult place in trying to stop the Coronavirus from infecting and killing more and more people. Especially in the United States, we have struggled between staying at home and getting the economy going again and watching the virus continue with hotspots spreading not only in large cities but into rural areas as well. The path forward seems illusive and fleeting from day to day. Indeed, our lives have been deeply

impacted since March and it looks to continue through the Fall, Winter and into next year.

By the rivers of Babylon— there we sat down and there we wept when we remembered Zion. On the willows there we hung up our harps. For there our captors asked us for songs, and our tormentors asked for mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion!” (Ps. 137:1-3)

This psalm was written about the time when people from Jerusalem were being held captive in Babylon for 70 years. The Babylonian Exile took place around 587b.c., before the birth of Christ. For 70 years, the Jewish people in captivity could not gather in their temple, or celebrate their Seder meals, or worship and remember the Passover. Because of Covid-19 we have been asked to maintain physical distance from one another for only a few months, since the middle of March. Perhaps this virus has given us a small glimpse into the pain and longing of the Jewish captives during the

Babylonian exile.

Covid-19 is the exile of our day. We are held in bondage by this deadly infectious virus. We are told to wash our hands for twenty seconds, use hand sanitizer, stay at home as much as possible, avoid large gatherings in enclosed places, practice physical distancing of six feet, wear masks, and refrain from singing. From mid-March through July, Sunday worship was conducted virtually. Though we have begun to worship “in-person” again, there are restrictions still in place because of Coronavirus. This will continue into the Fall and early winter and beyond (hopefully, not for 70 years),

depending upon when a vaccine is effective and widely administered.

When I was in grade school, my mother would oftentimes tell me and my brothers and sisters to “behave ourselves” in school and church. She didn’t say this in anger or with threats of what will happen if we didn’t behave. Rather, she encouraged good behavior and respect for teachers and our classmates as well. This was helpful for a shy, self-

conscious boy.

As we continue under the siege of Covid-19, I encourage all of us to “Behave Ourselves as an Act of Love and Grace”, so that we will work and live well together; adjusting to the restrictions in place to protect others as well as

ourselves. Good behavior will go a long way to keep us safe. Pr. Ahles

Page 3 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NG ER

Present: Pastor Ahles, Vickie Hanson, Jenny Tollefson, Kris Husby, Dean Anderson, Scott Anderson, Peter

Berge.

Absent: Sara Heck, Bob Schlink

Visitors: Michelle Peaslee, Tom Wagener

Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.

Pastor Ahles led a time of reflection and opening prayer.

June regular meeting minutes were reviewed. Motion by Scott Anderson, second by Dean Anderson. Motion

carried.

July 1, 2020 special meeting minutes were reviewed. Motion by Scott Anderson, second by Jenny Tollefson to

approve minutes with one correction. Motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report was reviewed. Motion by Kris Husby, second by Dean Anderson to approve Motion carried.

CBELC Update

Tom Wagener shared that we currently have 23 children enrolled in CBELC. Recently hired a new teacher and are looking to hire one more. Staff continues to implement regulations regarding COVID-19, following guidelines

provided to them now and in the future.

Pastor’s Report

Pastor Ahles shared he has led five live stream worship services, attended two text study’s via Zoom, and held four grave side services. Pastor has provided twenty-four daily devotions since June, made twenty-four phone visits and a few home visits, has a Baptism on July 19th and a wedding on August 22nd. He advised that the 2nd year Confirmation students have two classes remaining in July, then will resume in the Fall. Pastor Ahles and Scott Anderson met with Ruth Gullicksrud regarding the administration of the food pantry and the increasing need of the pantry in our communities and our mission to help those in need. Pastor will be on vacation, August 7 th –

August 20th.

Old Business

The new Mic system will be installed on Friday, July 17th. WELCA will discuss possible financial contribution

towards the new mic system at their August meeting.

Reopening of Immanuel for in person church services is tentatively scheduled for August 2, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.

Council will meet on Thursday, July 30th to finalize re-opening plan.

New Business

Sunday School will be held online this coming year. Online curriculum will include, a video, crafts, possible music video, and activity books that can be picked up at the Church. More information will be provided as the start of

Sunday School gets closer.

Kris Husby made a motion to adjourn at 8:12 p.m., second by Scott Anderson, motion carried.

Respectfully Submitted

Kris Husby

S E PT EM BE R 20 20 Page 4

Sunday School

Sunday School will be online for the 2020-2021 school year. We will be using the GO! Curriculum. Every week beginning Sunday, September 13, 2020 a short video will be posted to the ILC Sunday School Facebook group titled Kids Church Online with an easy to do family activity and the GO! Home Guide. On Mondays a dinnertime question will be posted. The mid-week praise party is on Wednesdays. And, on Fridays, a sneak peek at the next lesson. Emails containing all the links and pdfs will be sent weekly.

To sign up please call the church office at 715-695-3511 or email ilc@triwest.net. There is no registration fee this year. 3rd Graders will be getting their bibles in October.

Take Time for 10 Things

1. Take time to WORK - it is

the price of success.

2. Take time to THINK - it is

the source of power.

3. Take time to PLAY - it is

the secret of youth.

4. Take time to READ - it is

the fountain of knowledge.

5. Take time to WORSHIP - it is the highway of reverence and washes the dust of

earth from our eyes.

6. Take time to HELP AND ENJOY FRIENDS - it is the

source of happiness.

7. Take time to LOVE - it is

the one sacrament of life.

8. Take time to DREAM - it

hitches the soul to the stars.

9. Take time to LAUGH - it is the singing that helps with

life’s loads.

10. Take time to PLAN - it is the secret of being able to have time to take time for

the first nine things.

Page 5 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

Weekly Contributions & Expenses

July 1 - July 4 General Fund Contributions ............. $347.54 Expenses .......................................... (800.00) Net Income (Loss) ........................ ($452.46)

July 5 - July 11 General Fund Contributions .......... $2,931.92 Expenses ............................................ (93.00) Net Income (Loss) ....................... $2,838.92

July 12 - July 18 General Fund Contributions .......... $5,319.10 Expenses ....................................... (2,405.95) Net Income (Loss) ....................... $2,913.15

July 19 - July 25 General Fund Contributions .......... $1,755.62 Expenses .......................................... (285.81) Net Income (Loss) ....................... $1,469.81

July 26 - July 31 General Fund Contributions .......... $7,103.40 Expenses ....................................... (6,440.85) Net Income (Loss) .......................... $662.55

Total Contributions ...................... $17,457.58 Total Expenses ............................ (10,025.61) Net Income (Loss) ....................... $7,431.97 Avg Sun Offering + Electronic ... $2,788.45

Average Weekly Expenses ......... $2,506.40

Budgeted Weekly Expenses ...... $3,283.46

Contributions & Expenses Comparison Average per month

January - July 2018 2019 2020 Contributions 13,082.73 13,570.69 13,020.23 Expenses 14,791.79 14,062.25 11,818.32

Percent of Budget Allowance Monthly Straight-line July Budget ($) General Contributions 120.8% 14,456.25 Benevolences 0.0% 500.00 Building & Property 51.1% 2,062.50 General Operating 113.4% 129.17 Ministry 12.6% 583.33 Office 65.3% 330.93 Pastor 89.0% 5,025.64 Payroll 78.7% 4,011.33 Utilities 57.0% 1,585.42

Condensed P&L for July 2020 General Fund Contributions $17,457.58 Benevolences (0.00) Building / Property (1,054.84) General Operating (146.53) Ministry (73.60) Office (215.95) Pastor (4,474.34) Payroll (3,156.27) Utilities (904.08) Total Expenses (10,025.61) Net Income (Loss) $7,431.97

Donor Restricted Funds Building Fund Beginning Balance, July 1 $24,495.94 Receipts 80.00 Disbursements (2,005.65) Ending Balance, July 31 $22,570.29 Daughters of the King Beginning Balance, July 1 $4,924.93 Receipts 0.00 Disbursements (96.12)

Ending Balance, July 31 $4,828.81 Library Fund Beginning Balance, July 1 $251.60 Receipts 0.00 Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, July 31 $251.60 Music / Organ Fund Beginning Balance, July 1 $5,057.63 Receipts 10.00 Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, July 31 $5,067.63

Social Concerns Beginning Balance, July 1 $1,499.53 Receipts 0.00 Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, July 31 $1,499.53 Sunday School Beginning Balance, July 1 $2,897.80 Receipts 0.00 Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, July 31 $2,897.80 Youth Fund Beginning Balance, July 1 $10,515.69 Receipts 0.00 Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, July 31 $10,515.69

Council Restricted Funds Parsonage Fund Beginning Balance, July 1 $18,519.89 Receipts 800.00 Disbursements (0.00) Ending Balance, July 31 $19,319.89

Financial Report - July 2020

Instructions for Safely Attending Worship at Immanuel

S E PT EM BE R 20 20 Page 6

Immanuel has implemented a plan designed to minimize the risks of spreading COVID-19 as much as possible following guidelines issued by the Trempealeau County Health Department, Government agencies, our insurance provider, the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, and the Wisconsin Council of Churches.

However, for the foreseeable future, there will be some risk of contracting COVID-19. Therefore, we ask that each of you make this decision for yourself. If you are comfortable with the risk, we invite you to join us for worship on Sunday mornings. If you feel uncomfortable with the risk, we encourage you to stay home. For those unable to attend, please watch our Live-Stream at immanuel-strum.com or listen via Dial-up (715-695-3906, code: 62732).

The following measures are being put in place to reduce the accidental spread of COVID-19 for people who are asymptomatic. If you have any of the following symptoms, please stay home; do not come to church and contact your doctor for testing: Fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, muscle aches, diarrhea, nausea, new loss of taste or smell.

For those planning to attend in-person worship:

Enter through the Narthex doors (main entrance). All other doors will remain locked. The door will open 15 minutes prior to service. We will be maintaining a record of those in attendance for contract tracing purposes should the need arise.

Masks or face coverings are required. If you do not have a mask, we have a limited supply available. Everyone in attendance over the age of 5 must wear a face covering.

Sanitizer is available at the entrance to the sanctuary. Disinfect your hands and try not to touch your face.

Parishioners will be ushered in and out of the sanctuary to maintain social distancing. Seating is limited to every other pew and the balcony is closed. Maintain a distance of 6 feet from people not in your household.

Hymns will still be played during the service, but we encourage you to follow along rather than sing.

All hymnals, envelopes, pencils, communion cards, and activity bags have been removed from the sanctuary.

Bulletins and individually packaged communion cups will be handed to you as you enter by a masked and gloved usher. As you leave please place the bulletins in the recycling bin and the communion cups in the garbage.

The offering plate is located at the entrance to the sanctuary. There will be no passing of the plate during service.

Low Risk - 75% (187) Moderate Risk - 50% cap (125) High Risk - 25% cap (62) Severe Risk - 10 per room

Max Capacity per Coulee Region COVID-19 Compass Guidelines

Page 7 T HE CHUR CH M ESSE NGER

FREDRIC (FRICKY) BACK Social Concerns Fund

Jim & Judy Foss St. Paul’s Cemetery

Jeff & Patti Dregney PAT FOSS Social Concerns Fund

Jim & Judy Foss Karen Hanson Joyce Schmidt

CHRISTIAN ERIK SPANGBERG General Fund

Corliss Spangberg Sharf IN HONOR OF DALE & CHARLENE OLSEN’S 65TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY General Fund

Dale & Charlene Olsen Thank you to Immanuel’s WELCA for the contribution toward the new wireless mic system for worship. MEMORIAL FUNDS: Immanuel Lutheran Church:

Building Fund Daughters of the King/Jr. DOK General Fund Library Music/Organ Fund Social Concerns Sunday School Youth Fund

When writing a check to the following funds, please make the check payable to the individual fund or organization, NOT to Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Creative Beginnings Early Learning Center (CBELC)

Endowment Fund Strum Area Food Pantry WELCA

Cemetery Funds: Hamlin Cemetery St. Paul’s Cemetery West Beef River Cemetery

For School Administrators: O God, you who have promised wisdom to all who would ask it, we pray today for school administrators, that you would grant them clarity of mind, unity of spirit, strength of will, a heart of wisdom and the gift of your truth-bearing Spirit, so that they might be enabled to make decisions that lead to the flourishing of their teachers, staff, and students, and to the wellbeing of the whole community. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen. For Teachers: O Lord, you who have called and equipped the teachers in our community, we pray for them today. Watch over them, provide for them, guide them, sustain them. May you be their sun and shield, so that they might do the work that you have entrusted to them and sense your care in these uncertain times. In Jesus’ name. Amen. For Children Schooling at Home: Dear Jesus, who promises to be with us always, we pray that you be with our children at home today as they do their schoolwork. Please help them to do their best, help them to not feel alone, and help them to be patient with their family. Give them joy this day and every day In your name. Amen. For Children Going to School: Dear Jesus, who promises to be with us always, we pray that you be with our children today as they go to school. Bless their coming and going. Bless their learning and playing. Protect their hearts from fear, keep them safe, and give them good friends. Give them joy this day and every day. In your name. Amen. For Parents: O Lord, who promises to guide us through the wilderness and to protect us through the storm, we ask that you would make us wise when we cannot clearly see the way forward, make us brave when we feel afraid, make us strong in the face of our weakness, and make possible what to us seems impossible, so that we may joyfully entrust ourselves and our children into your tender care in these trying and troubling times. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Memorials & Gifts Prayers for Returning to School

Immanuel Lutheran Church Pastor .......................................................................................... Rev. Valerian J Ahles Parish Administrator ......................................................................... Michelle Peaslee Organist/Music Director .................................................................. Jeanette Tobiason

Creative Beginnings Early Learning Center (CBELC) Director .................................................................................................... Dusti Bolgrin Teacher ........................................................................................... Jessica Segerstrom Teacher ............................................................................................ Kalleigh Wampole Teacher ....................................................................................................... Jordyn Sieg

Council Members President ............................................................................................... Vickie Hanson Vice-president ............................................................................................... Sara Heck Secretary ..................................................................................................... Kris Husby Treasurer ............................................................................................. Jenny Tollefson Member-at-large ................................................................................. Dean Anderson Member-at-large .................................................................................. Scott Anderson Member-at-large ....................................................................................... Peter Berge Member-at-large ........................................................................................ Bob Schlink Parish Council President ........................................................................ Tom Wagener ILC Office ............................................................................................. (715) 695-3511 CBELC Office ....................................................................................... (715) 695-3954

Dial-up Service .............................................. (715) 695-3906

Live Stream available at www.immanuel-strum.com

This is Christ’s Church.

There is a place for you here.

We are the church that shares a living, daring confidence in God’s grace. Liberated by our faith, we embrace you as a whole person – questions, complexities and all. Join us as we do God’s work in Christ’s name for the life of the world.

http://www.elca.org/

Miscellaneous

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

We believe in the power of prayer. If you, a friend, or a family member have a special need or prayer request, please allow our teams to encourage and support you by lifting you up in prayer.

Church office: 715-695-3511 Email: ilc@triwest.net Pastor Ahles: 715-533-0939 Email: vahles@gmail.com

If you or a family member are going into the hospital, please contact the church office at 715-695-3511 or Pastor Ahles at 715-533-0939. Please remember our homebound and hospitalized members with your prayers, cards of greeting, and phone calls.

Strum Area Food Pantry: Saturday, September 5: 9 AM - 11 AM. Due to COVID-19

concerns only one client at a time will be allowed in the building. Please maintain appropriate social distance. Face coverings are required.

Council Meeting: Wednesday, September 8, at 6 PM. Pastor Ahles is posting a daily devotional to our Facebook group page. Immanuel Lutheran, Strum, WI

https://www.facebook.com/groups/241680769200329

If you are not a member of the group, submit a request to join, and we will get you approved as soon as possible.

Sunday School Facebook group link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/203761646347202