SEMINARY
STUDENT
Paul Winckler, a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church is a student at
Concordia Seminary in St. Louis to become an ordained minister. Paul
and his wife Laura, have three children, Benjamin, Emily and Caleb. I
am sure that Paul and Laura would love to hear from you this holiday
season. Their address is:
Paul and Laura Winckler
8B Founders Way
St. Louis, Mo
NOTES FROM ADULT SERVICES
With the possibility of the
church purchasing the last two houses on our north lot, it’s time that
we start looking forward to enhancing this property. A landscape
drawing has been prepared by Parkview Nursery and is now on display at
the church incorporating trees, shrubs, grass, plants, islands,
lights, and new signage will certainly enhance and help beautify our
church and area around the church. The city has many “green”
requirements when it comes to new parking lot construction, and the
drawing incorporates these requirements.
Medicare Part D
Prescription Drug Program
Beginning November 15th,
individuals can elect to change to another program. If you want to
keep your current program, you have to do nothing. But to change, you
have to enroll in a different program by December 31, 2008. Every
year many plans change, either with price or coverage. The plan that
is good for your neighbor may not be good for you. Selecting a plan
should be based on more than the price of the monthly premium.
The best way to find the right
plan is to use the government’s website for entering your
prescriptions and dosages. This program calculates what your total
out-of-pocket costs are including your premiums. That website is
www.medicare.gov. If you have no access to a computer, there is
help at the Aberdeen Senior Center December 4, 11, 18, 23, 30 from
10am to 2pm. December 18th, the center is also open from
6pm to 8pm. Dennis Angerhofer is also available to assist members
with the selection process. We also have computer available at the
church for members to use. It is located in the office across from
the library.
New Computer Lab
Available for Adult Members of St. Paul’s
We now have a
computer that can be used by members of the church to search the web.
It is located across from the library. Its availability is intended
for our adult members. There are no printing capabilities with this
computer.
CHILDREN’S
CHRISTMAS SERVICE
Rehearsals for
the Children’s Christmas service will be held December 6, 13, and 20
at 10:00-11:30AM. The service is scheduled for December 21 at 4:00 in
the afternoon.
MISSONARIES TO PAPUA NEW GUINEA
Rev. Terry and
Janet Borchard are residing in the United States at this time waiting
for their work visa to be approved so that they can return to Papua
New Guinea. Their address is:
Rev.
& Mrs. T. H. Borchard
1294
Delrose Dr
Springfield OR 97477-1594
Pastor
Borchard’s birthday is Dec. 29th.
L.W.M.L.
MEETING
BIBLE CLASSES/ADULT EDUCATION
CROSSWAYS-
Pastor Anderson will be leading the Crossways series beginning
September 8 after Monday evening services (approximately 7:15PM).
“CrossWays International” provides two very informative
introductory Bible studies to the narrative and time-line of the
Bible. They are a three-hour course called, “The Bible’s Big
Story: Our Story,” and a 12-hour study called “See
Through the Scriptures.” These two studies have been ordered
on a power-point presentation and you can look forward to being a part
of these studies this Fall! Pastor A.
WOMENS BIBLE
STUDIES with Gloria
Anderson will also resume this fall. Watch the bulletin for dates and
times.
MEN’S STUDY –
Pastor Anderson would like to hold a Bible study designed for “Men
Only”. No day or time has been selected yet.
DINNER AND A
MOVIE – The Parish
Education and Youth committee will be hosting several
dinner/movie/discussion evenings throughout the year. Watch for
details.
ADULT
CONFIRMATION CLASS –
If you know of someone who is interested in learning more about our
Lutheran beliefs, or if you would like a refresher course, contact
Pastor or the church office for more information.
SUNDAY
SCHOOL NEWS AND SPOTLIGHT
We are again using the Sunday School Spotlight to focus on St. Paul’s
teachers and students this year.
This month we are focused on the Third and Fourth grades. There are 9
students enrolled: Jenifer Fjelstad, Nathan Fjelstad, Riley Gilbert,
Rebekah Henschen, Nicole Hilsendeger, Madison Phipps, Christina
Schaffer, Kelly Stadel, and Grace Werkmeister. Rebekah and Kelly have
perfect attendance for the first 11 weeks, and Jenifer and Nicole have
only been absent twice. CONGRATULATIONS! Tara Fjelstad and Julie
Bohling are the teachers.
Julie, her husband Larry, and children Tanner (15), twins Hannah and
Hunter (12) and Gannon (4), live in rural Aberdeen. Julie has been
employed at the Aberdeen Federal Credit Union for 3 years in the area
of home mortgages. She plays golf and is involved with her children’s
activities. She enjoys the excitement and enthusiasm third and fourth
grade students show in learning.
Tara and her husband, Clint, live in Groton with their children Nathan
(9) and Jeni (8). Tara has been employed by the Wyndham Hotel Group
for 10 years and currently is a supervisor for Customer Care. Her
hobbies include baking and reading. It’s exciting for her to see the
kids learn new things and to help them learn how the stories/lessons
apply to their own lives.
Several members of the class shared their favorite Sunday School
times:
+ loves both Sunday School and church;
+ likes the crafts
This is the first of many Sunday School Spotlights you will find in
the newsletter this year. Please take the time to thank Tara and
Julie for their commitment to the Christian education of the young
people in our church.
USHERS
SCHEDULE
8:00 AM - Worship Service
Rodney Kono, Head Usher, Paul Swanston, Scott Meier
10:30 – Worship Service
Harry Preston, Fern Preston, Nels Olson
Advent Service 12:15
Dec. 3, 10, 17, David Swanhorst, John Swanhorst,
Advent Service 6:15 PM
Paul Swanston, Larry Jung,
Christmas Eve 4:30 PM
John Swanhorst, Leonard Feickert
Christmas Eve 6:30 PM
Ushers Needed
Christmas Day 10:30 AM
David Swanhorst, Harry Preston, Fern Preston
CIRCLE
MEETINGS
BOARD
MEETING
Full Board Meeting
November 20, 2008
I.
Opening
Devotions.
President Ron Bolduan called the meeting to
order and Pastor Anderson opened with a
devotion called “Eternal Optimist”.
II.
Minutes
of the Executive Board Meeting held October 16, 2008.
Jerry Ochsner moved to approve the October
16th meeting minutes. John
Swanhorst seconded the motion. The motion
carried.
III.
Treasurer’s Report.
Betty Ochsner presented the Treasurer’s report. There were a
couple of “significant” expenses paid this month. The first was the
Terry Borchard mission support payment of $937.00 and the second was
for a new PC and computer consultations. The computer bill was paid
using $218.00 from the Equipment fund and the rest was charged off to
the Office Equipment Account # 5.260. Offerings equaled disbursements
in October due to the savings experienced from the assistant pastor
vacancy.
Major bills to be paid in the next few weeks are as follows:
Amount
Description
$1996.00 Payment to District for the Lutheran
Witness.
$1800.00 Light replacement in the Church (This
maintenance
was worth the time
and expense.) We will use the
Petro Hunt fund to
cover part of the bill.
$2500.00 Electric Coffee Maker. The LWML has
given $1200.00
to help cover this
bill.
General offerings
continue to be positive. Our envelope giving has increased 11% over
last year. Betty
projected that our envelope and cash giving should be approximately
$307,000.00 for
2008. This is a $24,228.00 increase over 2007’s $282,722.00.
The Board would like
to commend the congregation for their generous giving. Great job
St. Paul! Jerry
Ochsner moved to accept the Treasurer’s report.
David Swanhorst seconded the motion. The
motion carried.
IV.
Standing Committee Reports.
Property and Housing:
The committee met
several times to install lights
in the church.
Parish Education and
Youth:
The meeting on November 6th was cancelled due to bad
weather.
Personnel and
Nominating:
The committee met on
November 4, 2008. Pastor Anderson had the opening devotion. The
staff gave their reports. Trudy handed out the Nov. youth news; no
hayride or raking of leaves done. Youth Group is participating in
Adopt a Child for $100. Youth selling wreaths; Education programs on
track; Trudy is working on Christmas program. Beverly reported on All
Saints Sunday; lights on the Bell Tower have been fixed; ordered a new
coffee maker; will have choir robes cleaned; ushers are week to week.
Pastor Anderson mentioned that Pastor Pomplun will conduct the Viola
Kuechler service as he will be attending the Rural Ministry Conference
in Nebraska. He gave the letter from Rev. David Otten regarding the
proposed by-laws to Tim Zinter. Pastor Henschen and Britt Nelson are
doing a good job. Pastor wants to get moving on the call process. He
has 4 students in confirmation. Discussed the holiday schedule and
the Shepherd Fund requests. Delegates to the District Convention will
be discussed at the board meeting. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Members present: Ron Bolduan, David Swanhorst, John Swanhorst, Pastor
Anderson, Tom Agnitsch, Beverly Borchard, Trudy Schaunaman, and Jon
Mesmer.
Spiritual Life:
The committee met on November 9th. We reviewed the
Pastor’s Report. The hymns of the season for Epiphany were chosen:
#400 – Brightest and Best of the Stars of the Morning and #405 – To
Jordan’s River Came Our Lord. Two were chosen so that Pastor Anderson
could use them as he feels will fit his sermon theme. The committee
will decorate the church for Christmas on December 6th
beginning at 1:00 PM. We will request that Bev send cards to
committee members as a reminder and that she put in a note in the
bulletin for a couple of weeks before requesting helpers for
decorating. We will not have a December meeting. Larry Jung reported
that the usher’s schedule for 2009 is nearly done. Cyrece Kono
reported that the Clavinova wasn’t working through the speakers and
that she will check into it to see if there is a need for Engel’s to
come out to assist with getting the speakers working for it. She
reported that the Bell choir has a couple of new members and it is
going well. December 14th will be a music Sunday, children and the
Bell choir will be participating in that service. She is looking for
an accompanist for the Music Sunday service. Cyrece stated that Gerry
McIntire will play the organ for the noon Advent services. Committee
members and helpers will take the Christmas decorations down on
January 3rd. Our next meeting will be January 4, 2009
between services. Members present: Larry Jung, Cyrece Kono, Joy
Mammenga, Roberta Adolphsen.
Elder Committee: The committee met on Nov. 13, 2008. Opened with a prayer for
guidance. Discussed and addressed issues noted in letter from SD
District Constitution Committee. Article VIII Section 4 change “Audit”
to “financial review”. Further discussion regarding on responsibility
of calling and organizing review. Clarification in Article VI Sections
1 & 2 on general powers of church council and exceptions. Added to
list of exceptions to eliminate conflicts with other sections, notably
on elections, purchase/sale of property and removal of someone from
office are by voting assembly. We adjourned and will reconvene on
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2008 at 6:30 PM to address questions on women’s
service in the congregation and to finalize wording to present revised
bylaws at Dec. Voter’s Assembly meeting. Members present: Tim Zinter,
Trudy Schaunaman, Pastor Anderson, Betty Ochsner, Howard Dahme and
Erling Podoll.
Cyrece
Kono moved to accept the standing committee reports.
Betty Ochsner seconded the motion. The
motion carried.
V.
Old
Business.
A.)
Preschool Update.
Rhonda Henschen reviewed the preschool “The Light House”
document with the Board. Jerry Ochsner and the Fire Marshall
went through the parsonage and church basement. According to the Fire
Marshall, the following items need attention to get both areas up to
specifications:
Replace outlets,
bathroom locks, fire extinguishers and smoke alarms. The parsonage
basement power panel also needs to be replaced.
Jerry estimated that all repairs would cost around $500.00
and needed to be done regardless of their reason for usage of the
facilities. The fire marshal reports are available upon request.
Jerry Ochsner moved
that Rhonda and Betty continue with the preschool process and present their plan to the congregation for
approval at the December voters meeting. Scott Meier seconded
the motion. The motion carried.
B.)
By-laws Update.
Betty Ochsner reported that Rev. David Otten and District
President Sattgast
along with a district lawyer asked the committee to correct
three things in the
proposed bylaws. They were as follows:
-
Financial Review wording
-
Minor
changes to legal wording in 4 places
-
A
decision needs to be made by the voters as to whether the offices of
President and Vice President can be held by women. The
committee
was deadlocked on this issue.
The committee will make the changes and bring the document to
the voters for approval at the December voters meeting.
C.)
Property Update.
Jim Roberts reported that John Kokales (Yellow House) has
signed the purchase agreement and $500.00 earnest money has been
paid. This document will be legally binding for both parties once it
is approved by the congregation and St. Paul’s obtains satisfactory
financing. The agreed purchase price was $70,000.00 with $65,000.00 to
be paid up front. If the house is not removed by June 1, 2009, St.
Paul will keep the $5000.00. Mr. Kokales will be allowed to continue
to receive the rental monies from the property until June 1, 2009.
Joe Docktor House (Blue House) - Mr. Docktor will be
listing the house for 60 days (which we think is just about done). St
Paul has made an offer on the property which is in Joe Docktor’s
possession.
Jim pointed out that the purchase of both properties does
not depend on the other. It should be noted that our Church’s current
stewardship giving is covering the present property payments.
Jim also presented to the Board a “Parking Lot Concept”
drawing which was
created by Derek Harwood of Parkview Nursery. The drawing
will be placed in the lobby for the congregation to view. The Board
agreed that it may be helpful for the congregation to see what the
possibilities could be for developing the parking lot property.
VI.
New
Business.
A.)
Delegate and Alternate to 2009 District Convention.
The deadline to submit the nominee’s names is December 15th.
The convention is April 29th through May 2nd in
2009. A request for nominees to be submitted to the church office
will be put in the church bulletin the next few Sundays.
B.)
Nomination for Circuit Counselor.
The deadline for submitting a nomination for this position is
December 29, 2008. Any pastor in the district, including retired
pastors, is eligible for nomination. This position is a 3 year term.
Pastor Redhage is currently our district counselor.
John Swanhorst moved that the Board recommend Pastor Redhage
for another term to the voters at the December voters meeting. Larry
Jung seconded the motion. The motion carried.
C.)
Associate Pastor Call.
As part of the call process, the District President has asked
the Board members and congregation to fill out a “Congregational
Expectations and Goals” survey.
Pastor Anderson reviewed some of the highlights of the survey
and asked the
Board members to complete and return them to the office as
soon as possible.
Pastor will announce the availability of the form to the
congregation during the Sunday announcements.
D.)
Waiver of Terrorism Coverage Document.
Pres. Ron Bolduan asked permission from the Board to sign the
waiver to reject insurance coverage for terrorism. This coverage has
been waived in the past.
Scott Meier moved to have Pres. Ron Bolduan sign the waiver.
Howard Anderson seconded the motion. The motion carried.
E.)
Approval of the New Budget.
Scott McIntire went over the budget with the Board. The
numbers were developed by looking at the congregation’s spending
history, spending to-date and expectations for the coming year.
Cyrece Kono moved to accept the budget as proposed and recommend it
for approval to the voters at the December voters meeting. Scott
Meier seconded the motion. The motion carried.
VII.
Pastor’s Comments.
Pastor Anderson stated that he and Gloria are very happy to
be here and thanks the congregation for their continued support and
encouragement.
VIII.
Memorials and Gifts.
a.
In
honor of Jim and Maureen Roberts $10 to Bell Choir by Norma Miller and
$20 by John and Donna Swanhorst.
b.
In
memory of Frieda Kirnan $20 to Bell Choir by Howard & Arlowine Dahme.
c.
In
memory of Evelyn Roberts $10 to Bell Choir by Howard & Paige Anderson.
d.
Don &
Shirley Ochsner gave $200 to the Parking Lot Fund in honor of their 50th
Wedding Anniversary.
Jerry Ochsner moved
that the memorials and gifts be graciously
accepted. Scott Meier seconded the
motion. The motion carried.
YOUTH
NEWS
The November 12th YFC meeting was called to order by Kent
Johnsen. There were 15 members present. Austin Barvels read the
secretary’s report.
Profit from the spaghetti supper has been added to our financial
cards.
OLD BUSINESS:
A copy of the “Adoption Papers” from World Mission was passed around
for everyone to look at. Trudy reminded the group that there are
Pizza Hut cards that can be sold as a fund raising activity. Thanks
to those who were able to help at the Ham and Meatball dinner.
NEW BUSINESS:
Suggestions were made for additional items to buy for the youth room.
Kayla Krueger moved that we help pay for the new floor hockey sticks.
Ryan Jundt seconded the motion. Hannah Brenden offered an amendment
that we pay 80%. Both the amendment and the motion were approved.
We signed up for the ½ nighter, working Advent suppers, and helping
assemble gift boxes for Christmas. The LWML will give us $250 to
purchase food for the gift boxes. Ryan moved and Jamie Stadel
seconded the motion that we use $100 of Thrivent funds from the
spaghetti supper for the gift boxes. The motion carried. Election of
officers was held: President-Thomas Zinter; Vice president-Jamie
Stadel; and Secretary-Liz Goltz.
Thomas will lead closing devotions at our December 10th
meeting and Kelsea Wilkie will bring treats.
Kelsea led closing devotions and Austin brought treats. Rock Band,
floor hockey, and basket ball were played.
Austin Barvels,
Secretary
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PASTOR'S PAGE
Dear Friends in Christ,
From heaven above to
earth I come, to bear good news to ev’ry home; Glad tidings of great
joy I bring, Whereof I now will say and sing. Glory to God in
highest heav’n, Who unto us a Son has giv’n. With angels sing
in pious mirth: A glad new year to all the earth!
As you sit down in church to worship, take a moment to consider this
hymn in all its stanzas. The hymn is actually a two-part hymn, however
placed in our “new” hymnal as one hymn. Jesus words to us
(paraphrased): “From Heaven Above to Earth I Come”
(stanza 1) and our response in faith: “Welcome to Earth, O Nobel
Guest” (stanza 8).
You will notice that stanza 2,” “The Angel’s Message,”
has its appropriate response in stanza 9, “Ah, Lord, You have
created all …”
But now, dear friends, as you consider the word, “UNTO US,”
[stanza 1, above] we are hearing the words that
describe the greatest mystery of the Christmas Message. It is
impossible for us to fully grasp the truth that God became man. And
yet, it is so! The Apostle John says in his Gospel: “The Word
became flesh and dwelt among us …” (John 1:14).
A story came to mind again as I considered this wonderful truth:
A father and his son
were walking together on a sunny afternoon. In their walk, they came
across an anthill. Somebody or some creature of nature has stepped in
this anthill and the ants were frantically working to restore the
anthill, their home. The father and son stopped and watched the busy
ants.
Then, the young boy
said, “I’d sure like to help them, dad! But what can we do?”
His father responded, “If we tried to help, all that we would do
with our big hands and big feet would be to make a worse mess of their
anthill. Son, the only way you could help those ants would be to
become an ant yourself and go and live and work with them!”
Our heavenly Father, in eternity, planned it! When the time was right
He said, “Son, it is time. In Your glory and Your power you
would only frighten them. So, go down to earth. Become one of them.
Walk among them. Eat with them. Spend time with them. Shed tears with
them. Hear their hurts and heal their hearts. And then, take their
place in death. Carry their burden and rise again in glory!”
“For we
do not have a
high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has
been tempted in all things as we are, yet
without sin. Therefore let us
draw
near with confidence
to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to
help in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:15-16).
How precious are the words, “UNTO US!” Jesus came TO
US. Jesus walked on earth among real people. Jesus touched real,
hurting lives. Jesus comforted when no one else could give such
comfort! Jesus came so that in faith we can “draw near with
confidence to the throne of grace …” – so that we can
“find grace to help in time of need.”
What a blessing and comfort to know and to believe that Jesus, the Son
of God, the Prince of Peace, the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God,
knows your hurt and need, and my hurt and need – He knows our pain
and temptation – He knows what we experience on a daily basis – He
knows our weaknesses and our dark moments! This Savior, this Son of
God, who has come to give us life and to give it abundantly, is the
One who has carried our greatest burden, the burden of our sin! We are
alive in Him, because He came “TO US!”
The blessings of Christ our Savior be with you as you prepare for the
celebration of His birth at Christmas, 2008!
Pastor Hyle Anderson
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ST.
PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH….ABERDEEN, SD