With Christ, We Welcome, Nurture, Equip and Serve. October 2016

Pella Lutheran Church

Ambassador

Pella Prepares for Reformation 500

Visit the Reformation 500 Bookstore Oct. 2-15

The 500th anniversary of the Reformation is fast approaching … in 2017. In preparation

of this historic event, do you want to learn more about Martin Luther, his writings, and their

impact on Christianity? Do you want to reflect on the ongoing impact of the Reformation

today? If so, stop by the Reformation 500 Bookstore at Pella.

From Oct. 2-15, you will find a bookstore display in the Gathering Commons. Feel free

to look through the 17 sample books. The books will include bestselling biographies like

Luther the Reformer, as well as an atlas of the European Reformations, a graphic novel for

young readers, and primary sources from The Annotated Luther series. If you see something

you would like, you may place an order at the display table. You will receive 50% off the

ticket price and free shipping. Our Bookstore is sponsored by Augsburg Fortress, the publishing ministry of the ELCA.

Thanks to Faith Circle for helping organize the bookstore!

If you’re interested in other resources and

information about Reformation 500, here are some

web sites you might find interesting:

http://www.elca500.org/ http://www.montanasynod.org/quincentenary.html

The Lutheran Reformation began with the Ninety-Five Theses that Martin

Luther first made public on Oct. 31, 1517. The upcoming dates of

Reformation Sundays are: Oct. 30, 2016

Oct. 29, 2017 Feel free to wear red on these Sundays, celebrating the Holy Spirit that

moved Luther and continues to move us today.

Interim Reflection

Two months. That’s how long I’ve been here with you. And so far it’s going well, at least

from my perspective.

Worship has been well attended. God is good and it is good to give God thanks and praise,

as well as to be fed with the Word and Sacraments.

The usual activities have restarted for the school year. Wednesday meals have been

enjoyed by many; WBS (Wednesday Bible School) has a full complement of teachers in the

classrooms and volunteers in the nursery; Confirmation also has a full complement of

leaders and I am beginning to engage with each grade as well as with the LYO (Lutheran

Youth Organization – grades 9-12). God is good and it is good to learn and grow in God’s

grace and to share table fellowship with friends and neighbors.

Office hours are always full. People stopping by, emails to send and reply to, meetings,

preparation and study, phone calls to stay in touch and informed, and formulating sermons

(I don’t write them entirely out). God is good and it is good to experience the incarnate

Word of God.

Visitation has been a primary focus. It has included those who are homebound or in

long-term care, hospitalized, grieving, preparing for baptism or marriage, and other casual

conversations. God is good and it is good to be connected and share in God’s presence.

Leadership is active. Council, staff and committees are in gear and taking care of their

responsibilities. It’s all happening from the practical to the spiritual matters of the church.

God is good and it is good to have servant-leaders that faithfully fulfill their callings.

Nurturing our faith and lives through study, I am facilitating the discussion on Thursday

mornings in regard to the agreement Catholics and Lutherans have come to realize in the

past 40 years. I also will be facilitating a group endeavoring to incorporate compassionate

communication into their lives. God is good and it is good to broaden and deepen our

understanding and utilization of God’s gifts in our lives.

As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to live your lives in

him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught,

abounding in thanksgiving. Colossians 2:6-7

I invite you to consider the ways that you are aware of God being good and the

corresponding goodness that bears fruit in our lives. Let us continue to live our lives in

Christ and abound in thanksgiving.

Pastor Joel

Page 2 Ambassador

October 2016 Page 3

Get Ready for “Setting the Table of Grace” “Setting the Table of Grace” will be our Stewardship emphasis this fall. Things will

start on Reformation Sunday, October 30, and end on Sunday, November 20. There will

be a special guest preacher on Sunday, November 13. Each week we will reflect on the

grace of God that comes to us and works through us. As we sit at tables for fellowship

each Sunday, we will have opportunity to have conversation centered on gospel,

generosity, gift, and giving.

This will also get us started thinking about the 500th anniversary of the Lutheran

Reformation in 2017. Martin Luther would often have conversation with friends and

family concerning many topics of faith while sitting at table. Many of these reflections

were recorded and entitled “Table Talks.”

New Members Pastor Joel will meet with those interested in becoming members of Pella

Lutheran at one of the following times:

Saturday, November 5, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., or

Sunday, November 6, 4:00 – 6:00 p.m.

The sessions will take into consideration the continuum between having a strong

ELCA Lutheran connection to having little or no church connection or background.

During the session there will be introductions and Pastor Joel will share 1) a basic

understanding of Lutheran faith and practice, 2) an overall look at Pella’s life and

ministry, and 3) opportunities for your participation and involvement.

We will plan on receiving new members during the worship on Sunday, November 20.

We anticipate another new member session will be held in the spring of 2017. Please

contact Pastor Joel if you plan on attending or have any questions.

Freedom in Christ Prison Ministry

Online Quilt/Art Auction and Meal On Sunday, October 9, Pella will be hosting this event from 4-6 p.m. Bid against

others across the state and watch the excitement mount as bids update live!

Pastor George Karres will be here to facilitate this event and a spaghetti dinner will

be served. Please plan to come and show your support of this ministry program!

Pictures, Pictures There are some pictures on the counter behind the information desk. Please look at

them. If they are yours or a family member’s, feel free to take them home.

Thank you for allowing us to use them!

Take a Step Toward Greater Compassion (Two Opportunities)

1. Practice Group Want to bring more understanding and connection to your relationships at home, work

and community? Join the Compassionate Communication Practice Group starting Monday,

October 10, 6:30 – 8:00 pm. There will be no cost for the sessions that will meet 12 times

(ending January 30).

The group will use the book, Connecting Across Differences by Jane Marantz Connor and

Dian Killian (revised edition 2012). Please purchase a book and read the Introduction and

Chapter 1 before coming to the first session.

2. One-day Workshop Learn the basics of Compassionate Communication and how you can begin to include it

in your life. If you are interested in a way to help improve your relationship with your family

or friends or at work or even with yourself, then consider attending this workshop on

Saturday, October 29, from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.

No previous knowledge or experience necessary. Either Connecting Across Differences or

Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life is recommended for beginners who would

like to do some reading on the subject before and refer to afterward (not required).

There will be no cost. Bring your own lunch; coffee and hot water provided. Invite a

friend to come with you (open to all – not just Pella members).

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pastor Joel has been studying, practicing and sharing Compassionate Communication for

the past six years. He has facilitated practice groups and several workshops in the

congregations he has served. He brings excitement and experience to share the skills and

process he finds helpful and healing, transformational and practical.

ELCA Webcast Mark your calendars for a live webcast: “Ecumenical and Interreligious Witness on the

Eve of the Reformation Anniversary” on Thursday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. CDT.

As Lutherans, we have 499 years of history, but on this day we will explore:

What was the Reformation, and what does it mean for Lutherans & ecumenical partners? What is “Declaration on the Way,” and why is it significant for

Lutheran-Catholic relations?

What might ecumenical and interreligious relationships look like in the future, and what

does this mean for our faith community? Tune in to the live webcast on Oct. 27 by visiting ELCA.org/webcast, where a link to the

recorded video will be made available after the broadcast. A live stream also will be

available at Facebook.com/Lutherans.

Page 4 Ambassador

October 2016 Page 5

Scripture For October 10/2/16

Habakkuk 1:1-4, 2:1-4

Psalm 37:1-9

2 Timothy 1:1-14

Luke 17:5-10

10/9/16

2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c

Psalm 111

2 Timothy 2:8-15

Luke 17:11-19

10/16/16

Genesis 32:22-31

Psalm 121

2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Luke 18:1-8

10/23/2016

Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22

Psalm 84:1-7

2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18

Luke 18:9-14

10/30/16

Jeremiah 31:31-34

Psalm 46

Romans 3:19-28

John 8:31-36

Sunday Advent

Activities We are planning Advent

activities for all ages after

fellowship time on the following

Sundays: * November 27

* December 4

* December 11

* December 18 Mark your calendars and stay

tuned for more information!

Flathead Lutheran

Bible Camp

November 11-13: Crazy

About Quilting Retreat New and experienced quilters alike

are welcome at this great retreat! Gather your friends and go crazy with

quilting this weekend with our quilter

in residence, Susan Hedahl! Contact

Rev. Clements at (406) 890-5104.

Eastern Montana

Bible Camp Offers

Fall Youth Retreat Students in Grades 6-12 are invited

to attend a fall youth retreat at EMBC

Oct. 20-21. Registration is $35 before

Oct. 17/$40 after Oct. 17.

You can preregister at

embcamp.org/impacting.

Acolytes for October

Oct. 2 Blake Benson & Whitney VanHook

Oct. 9 Grady Larson & Sarah Karanjai

Oct. 16 Daisy Snow & Olivia Schoepp

Oct. 23 Ryan McGinnis & Nathan Wilhelm

Oct. 30 Hannah Anderson & Whitney VanHook

Oct. 9 Worship Features Students and Volunteers

3rd Graders Receive Bibles Pella's tradition is to provide a Bible to each student in 3rd grade, and the tradition continues.

On Sunday, Oct. 9, this year's 3rd graders will be receiving a Bible during worship. All of the

WBS children will be singing for special music that day also. In addition, we will be

recognizing all of the education volunteers during the service.

So if you are a 3rd grader, you will receive your Bible. If you are in another grade, please

join us for singing. And if you are a teacher/leader of any age group, please join us for a

blessing/recognition.

If you know of someone that should receive a Bible, please contact Janelle Lamb

(jlamb@pellachurch.net or 433-3350) with his/her name. If you are in 4th through 8th grade

and did not receive a Bible or need one for whatever reason, please let Janelle know.

College Care Packages

LYO is leading the charge to send care packages to those who have moved away to pursue

education/career training, but we need your help.

If you have someone in your family who would appreciate a care package, please contact the

office with his/her name and address.

Also, if you have something to donate for the care packages, please deliver it to the church

by Sunday, Oct. 23. (We are estimating that we’ll send about 30 packages.)

Thank you for helping us stay in touch with those in our faith family who are away from

home!

Upper Missouri Ministries – Upcoming Events

Event Dates Participants Cost

Beautiful Girl

Retreat December 2-3

(Friday/Saturday) Grades: 5-8

$65/$80 after

November 1

Family Advent

Night December 3 (Saturday)

All Ages $20/Family

Winter Camp January 20-22

(Friday/Saturday) Grades: 4-6 $95/$110 after

January 11

Winter Weekend February 17-18 (Friday/Saturday)

Grades: 7-9 &

10-12 $65/$80 after

February 1

Page 6 Ambassador

October 2016 Page 7

Thank you for your donations to

the various memorial funds

To the Memorial fund

In memory of Donna Johnson

Rev. Milbern & Kathryn Goetz

Bill & Carol Nankivel

In memory of Marilyn Sackman

Susan & Harvey Welnel

In memory of Selene Gaffri

Jay & Kathryn Gaffri

Jerry Redlin

To the Music fund

In memory of Donna Johnson

Gail & Rhonda Peterson

Bruce & Sandra Edwards

In memory of Selene Gaffri

Doris & Palmer Norby

Tom & Nancy Hedegaard

Ron Steffens

To the Radio fund

In memory of Selene Gaffri

Jim & Linda Tibbits

To the Endowment fund

In memory of Donna Johnson

Craig & Julie Johnson

Steve & Dana Johnson

Kathy & Doug Tehven

To the WBS fund

In memory of Donna Johnson

Linda & Ted Becker

In memory of Selene Gaffri

Linda & Ted Becker

To the Faith Circle

In memory of Selene Gaffri

Beth Redlin & Dan Mocko

To the Needy Children fund

In memory of Avis & Lyle Peterson

Carla & Mark Peterson

To the Sign project

In memory of Selene Gaffri

Chole & Charles Butler

To Set Free to Serve

In memory of Donna Johnson

Mark & Marilyn Olson

In memory of Selene Gaffri

Violet Tharp

Ron & Yvonne Gebhardt

Mark & Marilyn Olson

Bill & Carol Nankivel

To the General fund

In memory of Marilyn Sackman

Marvellee Fink

Page 8

Calling All Flutes!

Here at Pella we have a very successful

group of musicians who play the flute and we

call ourselves FLUTES. Our ages range from

“teens” to “grands” and we enjoy providing

music at worship, as well as service music.

We have played for weddings and funerals

and sometimes have had as many as ten

members. We are beginning our new year and

you can stop in the office or call Betty

Cumming at 488-3465 for more information.

Prayer Shawl Ministry This ministry is open to all. Our very

active prayer shawl ministry would like to

invite all crafters who knit or crochet to be a

part of this powerful Pella outreach ministry.

There are no meetings, just a couple of

“Coffees” during the year to share enthusiasm

and ideas. We have had an unusually active

year and encourage anyone to join us by

stopping in the office for more information or

call Betty Cumming at 488-3465.

Staying Informed The 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly

was held Aug. 8-13 in New Orleans. If you

are interested in reading about the assembly

actions, a report is available for download at

http://www.elca.org/ChurchwideAssembly.

Recognizing

Judy Sondeno Judy Sondeno, who

served as Parish

Assistant for the past

five years, will be recognized during coffee

fellowship on Sunday, Oct. 9. Please join

us in thanking Judy for her years of service

in the church office.

Constitution Updates

and Revisions The church constitution

is in need of some update and

revision. If you are interested

and willing to spend time on this

project, please contact Pastor.

Email Prayers Did you know that every

Thursday you could receive a

prayer list from Pella via

email? The email includes

prayer requests and

celebrations. Let the office staff know if

you are interested in receiving these weekly

emails.

ELCA Weekly Newsletter If you are interested in receiving the

weekly newsletter from the ELCA MT

Synod office, please send an email to:

susanhedahl@montanasynod.ccsend.com.

Ambassador

The meeting was held on September 6, 2016. Bev Jones presented the draft directory and

discussed the cost of printing. John Nelson gave the financial report. The checking account

has a balance of $103,335.79 and the general fund balance is $8,169.18. Pastor Joel

reported that he has been busy with committee meetings, Wednesday activities and meeting

more people. The Council members are happy with his involvement. Vanessa Pooch

reported WBS, Confirmation, LYO and all other events on Wednesday are set to begin on

September 7. The Reformation Bookstore will be coming to Pella on October 2-15. This

series of books will be available to purchase during this time. After October 15 the display

books will be donated to the Church library. Diane Savage reported that the evangelism committee members are still visiting, now with

the help of Pastor Joel. Randy Iversen reported the front steps have been completed. The

trees in front of the parsonage are dying and the estimate to remove is $1,875. The contract

with Con’s Weed Service was reviewed. Estimate for cleaning the carpet in the basement of

the church and the gathering room is $1,870.16. Pastor Joel reported that the Stewardship

Committee has plans to update the congregation on the Set Free to Serve campaign and plans

for the Fall Stewardship program were reviewed. The Worship survey was reviewed and no

changes will be made at this time. The hand bells and choir are getting ready for another

busy year.

Old Business: The assistance and safety policies were reviewed with some recommended

revisions. Diane Savage updated the Council members on LOVE, Inc. which is a group that

local churches have come together to form to try to handle requests made by people needing

assistance with food, gas, lodging, etc. The LOVE, Inc. leaders are presently working to

set up bylaws for the local chapter.

New Business: Missionary support was discussed. David Thorp is a missionary based out

of Bolivia. Pastor Joel thought this would be a good option for Pella. The ordering of the

Pella Directory was discussed next and it was recommended that the committee consider

asking other committees for donations to pay for the directories and then receive a free-will

offering to go back to those committees. Pastor Joel suggested a Constitutional review

committee to update and revise the constitution. The Pastor’s housing allowance and IRS

revenue codes were discussed.

Becky Reidle provided pictures and prices for office furniture that she has for sale. The

information was passed onto the Property and Grounds committee. A building use agreement

was reviewed and approved. Vanessa Pooch will not be present at the October meeting due

to work obligations, Mark Olson will fill in for her at that meeting.

Page 9 October 2016

Council News

Summary

First Lutheran Celebrating 100th Anniversary

The First Lutheran Church of Lambert will be celebrating their 100th

Anniversary on Sunday, October 9.

Worship will be held at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor George Karres officiating.

A meal will be served after the service.

Page 10 Ambassador

Do you have the time?

We know you have the TALENT! Pella is blessed with a core group of people who serve in

various volunteer roles—and they do it very well, but we need

to strengthen this core by adding to its number! We all know

that a shared load is lighter!

Please consider offering your time & talent in the following areas:

Worship:

_________Usher ________Communion Server

_________Lector ________Communion Set-up/Clean-up

_________Coffee Host ________Power Point Operator

_________Special Music ________Sound System Operator

Other:

________ Community Meal assistants

________ Music: ___ Choir ___ Flutes ___Hand bells

________ Education/Service: ___ Elementary ___ Middle School

___High School ___ Adults ___ Committee Member/s

Name:__________________________________________ Return form to the Office

Phone/Email: ____________________________________ OR Call us at 433-3350!

OCTOBER 2016 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT

1

2 8:15 am Choir

9 am Worship

Baptism

10 am Coffee

10:30 am

Hand bells

3

4

8 am Quilting

5 5:15 pm WBS &

Praise Band Practice

6 pm Community Meal

6:45 pm Confirmation

& LYO

6 6:30 am Men’s

Breakfast and

Bible Study

7 8

9 8:15 am Choir

9 am Worship

10 am Coffee

Recognition of

Judy Sondeno

10 am Blood

Pressures

10:30 Hand bells

4-6 pm Quilt

Auction & Meal

10

6:30 pm

Compassionate

Communication

Practice Group

11 8 am Quilting

7 pm Council

12

5:15 pm WBS &

Praise Band Practice

6 pm Community Meal

6:45 pm Confirmation

& LYO

13 6:30 am Men’s

Breakfast and

Bible Study

7 pm Faith Circle

14

6 pm

Rehearsal

Baisch

15

3:30 pm

Renewal of Vows

Baisch

16 8:15 am Choir

9 am Worship

10 am Coffee

10:30 am

Hand bells

17

18 8 am Quilting

5:30 pm Christian Ed

Committee

19

NO WEDNESDAY

NIGHT

ACTIVITIES

20 6:30 am Men’s

Breakfast and

Bible Study

Newsletter

Articles Due

21 22

23 9 am Worship

10 am Coffee

10:30 am

Hand bells

Care Package

Items Due

24

6:30 pm

Compassionate

Communication

Practice Group

25

8 am Quilting

10 am Extended Care

Service

5 pm Stewardship

Committee

26 5:15 pm WBS &

Praise Band Practice

6 pm Community Meal

6:45 pm Confirmation

& LYO

27 6:30 am Men’s

Breakfast and

Bible Study

7 pm ELCA

Webcast

28

29 9 am-3:30 pm

Compassionate

Communication

Workshop

30 Reformation

Praise Band

9 am Worship

10 am Coffee

10:30am

Hand bells

31

October 9

3rd Grade Bibles

Distributed

WBS Sings

Recognition of

education volunteers

October 2-15

Reformation 500

Bookstore

October 14-21

Pastor gone

418 West Main Street

Sidney, MT 59270 Phone: (406) 433-3350

Fax: (406) 433-3352

Email: pella@pellachurch.net Facebook: Pella Lutheran Church Web page: www.pellachurch.net

Radio Broadcast: 95.1 FM 9 a.m.

PELLA LUTHERAN

CHURCH

INTERIM PASTOR: Joel Westby

pastorjoel@pellachurch.net ADMIN. ASSISTANT:

Chole Butler cbutler@pellachurch.net

PARISH ASSISTANT: Becky Reidle breidle@pellachurch.net

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY COORDINATOR: Janelle Leader Lamb

jlamb@pellachurch.net CUSTODIAN:

Kenny Vannatta MISSION PARTNER

Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church at Rocky Boy

COMPANION SYNOD Cape Orange Diocese Evangelical Lutheran Church of South Africa

COMPANION CONGREGATOIN Upington Parish

Northern Cape, South Africa

THE PELLA

AMBASSADOR IS

PUBLISHED MONTHLY

BY PELLA LUTHERAN

CHURCH

Office Hours

Monday - Friday

8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

(Closed from Noon to

1:00 p.m. for lunch)

Pella Lutheran Church

418 West Main Street

Sidney, Montana 59270

No Wednesday Night Activities

on October 19! *****************************

Save the date:

WBS Christmas Program

Wednesday, December 14,

5:30 p.m.