1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

G R A C E L U T H E R A N C H U R C H v FA I R M O N T M I N N E S O TA
Ways of
WORSHIP
February 2015
The greatest of these is Love
GRACE
FELLOWSHIP
DISCIPLESHIP
SERVICE
OUTREACH
LENT 2015
at Grace
Midwinter Rally
Then Jesus
told his disciples,
“If any want to
become my
followers…”
Mt. 16:24
9
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
New Teen Bible Study
2
VBS Dates
3
Kids Against Hunger
2 & 10
Annual Meeting Minutes
11
Special Guest Speakers
13
“For by Grace
you have been saved
through faith.”
Ephesians 2:8
v
What are we to do, to become a disciple of Jesus?
Come to the midweek Lenten worships at Grace, and hear that
question answered from the perspectives of Matthew, Mark, Luke,
John and Paul.
Pastors Steve and John are joined by Pastor Tony Fink (from
United First Methodist), Pastor Dan Wheeler and Youth Pastor Jen
Kahler (both from Evangelical Covenant) in bringing this year’s
messages.
v Grace services will be held at Noon and 6:30, on Feb. 25 and
March 4, 11, 18, 25.
v Traditional Ash Wednesday Worships start the Lenten season on
February 18 (Noon, 6:30)
Look inside for information on how you can contribute to this year’s Lenten Devotional.
A monthly publication for members and friends of Grace Lutheran Church
Discipleship: Youth News
Study builds family relationships
What if you had the perfect relationship with your parents? The myth of a
perfect family can lead to disappointment, frustration and anger. There
is no perfect family. But many teens
struggle with expectations and authority from their parents.
In these four youth Bible study sessions, we will discover practical and
Biblical instruction to help you repair
and build healthy relationship with
your parents.
For 7-12 graders. Register with
Ana. Meet in the Youth Room (FISH
Bowl)
Dates and times are:
Sun. Feb. 1- 4-5pm
Sun. Feb. 8 – 1-2pm
Sun. Feb. 15- 4-5pm
Sun. Feb. 22 – 4-5pm
Winter Games in Okoboji
Anastassiya Novgorodova
Youth and Family
Ministry Director
238-4418
novgorodova@grace
lutheranchurch.org
Sunday, Feb 8. Register with Ana. Join with other youth
of all denominations around the area to fellowship, grow in
faith, and have fun together! An evening includes dinner,
worship, a message,
and, of course,
games! Everyone is
welcome.
Who: 6th—12th
graders
Where: Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp
When: 5 PM to
8 PM
How much: $3 per
person to cover food
costs
Transportation:
carpooling
Mentoring
resumes
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2015
National Guard Armory
700 N. Fairlakes Ave., Fairmont
Sign up for a two-hour packing shift in the Grace gathering area. Or to donate please contact Beth Reeve at
507-235-5107 or kahhfairmontmn@gmail.com. Shifts are
limited and fill quickly!
A suggested donation of $50 per person donation is requested to cover cost of food packed.
For more information on how this big volunteer event
comes together, see page 10 of this issue.
Confirmation Mentoring is
back on Wed., Feb. 18 at
our 6:30 pm Lent Worship
Service. (It continues Feb.
18 and 25; March 4, 11,
18, and 25)
February Youth
Outreach
Sundays 9:45-10:30am
Feb. 1 & 15 –Service at
Heaven’s Table
Feb. 8 & 22 – Worship at
Goldfinch
Feb. 15 –Worship at
Lutz Wing
Page 2
Dancing for
a cause
Grace members
line danced, did the
polka, and even the
electric slide in a fun
fundraiser for the
ELCA Youth Gathering in Detroit this
summer. Tari Riley
was the instructor.
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Children Youth & Family
VBS dates set
Get ready to embark on the
coolest adventure of the summer!
Get ready to summit Mount Everest at
Grace June 22nd-26th. The VBS team is
looking for individuals who would like to
help behind the scenes. A decorating team
is needed to transform Grace into a base
camp and to build mountains. Adult Station
leaders are needed for the week of VBS.
If you have questions or are interested in
lending a hand with decorating contact Nicki
at 238-4418 or kueker@gracelutheranchurch.org.
Family Fellowship: Craftapalooza!
February 22nd
2pm, Fellowship Hall
Do you enjoy doing crafts? Then mark your
calendars for an afternoon of crafting fun and fellowship. There will be crafts for all ages!
Third through sixth
graders study Heaven
Heaven is for
Real is a 5-week
Bible study for
children in 3rd-6th
grade. We will
meet on Sundays
from February 1st
through March
1st. The 3rd & 4th
graders will meet in
room 308 from 5-6
pm, the 5th & 6th
graders will meet
in room 308 from
6:30-7:30 pm. We
will be tackling four
questions:
What is Heaven?
Who is in Heaven?
Who is the God of
Heaven?
How do I get to Heaven?
To register contact Nicki at 238-4418 or kueker@gracelutheranchurch.org.
Needed for VBS:
Clean uncrushed milk jugs
with caps
Nicki Kueker
Director of Christian
Education
238-4418
kueker@gracelutheran
church.org
B-I-N-G-O
Above: Grace families got together
to play bingo, eat popcorn and
share a little fellowship on a chilly
January afternoon.
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Page 3
Adult Education
After you drop the kids at Power Hour,
and you need a place to enjoy a cup of coffee,
or maybe you don’t have kids and need a place to enjoy a cup of coffee,
why not come to the Laurel Lounge for…
It’s a great opportunity to grow in faith
and it’s also a great opportunity to meet
other members of our Grace Family.
Coffee & Conversation
Sunday mornings from 9:45 to 10:30.
Men
meet each week
Men: If you would like to join a breakfast Bible
study group at 7 am on Thursdays at The Ranch
Restaurant, we have a place reserved for you!
Attendance is not required each Thursday, just
come as often as you can. Great knowledge of the
Bible is not required. We all learn as we study. If you
have questions, please contact Arv Soma at 2353191. We would be honored to have you join us!
Circles study change
“...be transformed by the renewing of your minds,
so that you may discern what is the will of God---what
is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2b
Transforming life and faith is the title of the Women
of the ELCA Bible Study for 2014-2015.
We have transitions in our lives; it may be a new
life partner, a new child or grandchild, a new job, or
a new home. Most of us recognize how our lives
are changed by these experiences. The upcoming
Bible Study for Women of Grace Lutheran begins in
Sept. The author, Carol Schersten LaHurd, will guide
us to consider how our lives and our faith journeys
are transformed by the events we experience and
the people we meet. Biblically we will read about
people who have life-changing experiences in the
Old and New Testament and especially in the Acts
of the Apostles. We will look at Paul on the road to
Damascus, Moses in the wilderness of Midian, Lydia
praying by a river in Macedonia, and an Ethiopian
man traveling from Jerusalem to Gaza. We will
reflect on the ways we, too, have been and will
be transformed and called by God to serve God’s
mission in the world.
All women of Grace are invited to participate in
the study Transforming Life and Faith. If you are not
currently a part of a women’s group, often called a
circle, and would like to study the Bible, please call
the church office or watch for details in the Ministry
Minutes. Each group meets once a month; there are
groups that meet morning, afternoon or evening.
Some meet in homes, others meet at the church.
Transform your life with the Word of God and be
renewed in His Spirit.
Study meets at Goldfinch
The Word Before Lunch Bible Study, hosted by
members of Grace, meets at 10 am Wednesdays in
the family room at Goldfinch Estates.
Anyone interested is invited to join. We are
continuing our reading of the Gospel of Matthew.
Page 4
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Missions
Share your creations for Silent Auction
The Mission Annual Spring Luncheon and silent auction will be
held Saturday, April 25th from 11
am to 1 pm.
We will have our silent auction
again this year in conjunction with
the salad luncheon. It is time to
start getting creative and think of
something fun to sew, build, paint,
crochet, knit, carve or quilt for the
auction. We are always delighted
with the talent and the beautiful
hand crafted items that we receive
each year. There is so much creativity at Grace and a willingness to share
so that those in need can benefit from
the talent of many gifted people.
If you have questions please contact Sharon Swenson (saswen@
frontier.com) or Joyce Rosenberg
(ajrose62@frontiernet.net).
Thank
you for making this a special part of
our luncheon.
Wanted: Snowman decorations
HELP WANTED!!!
Are you
thinking of putting away all the
snowmen that are decorating your
house? Please consider donating
one or more snowmen to the GLC
missions team to be held safe
and sound until next Nov., when
we will once again hold a “Homes
for the Homeless” sale where you
will have another chance to take
home a homeless snowman with
a donation that will go to a shelter
for the homeless in the Twin Cities. Bring in any snowmen (cute
or otherwise, as there are all kinds
of homeless people) during March
and put them into the snowmanwrapped box in the narthex.
Thanks for your help with this
fun, but hopefully thought provoking, project.
ELCA Conference Assembly planned in Albert Lea
The Blue Earth River Conference Assembly will be held on
Sunday, February 8, 2015, at
First Lutheran Church of Albert
Lea.
Registration begins at 1:30
pm and the assembly begins at 2 pm.
The focus of the program at the assembly will
be the Bishop’s ‘Enough Food For All Campaign’
(EFFA).
If you would like to attend this meeting to represent Grace, please contact Pastor Steve.
Page 5
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Worship/Outreach
Share the unique story of your faith
This year Grace will be putting together a devotion booklet
for the 40 days of Lent. Everyone has a story. We are asking you to share yours. In 250 to 350 words (if possible)
share how God has worked in your life. Grace’s focus for
Lent, “What it means to be a disciple,” could be a theme.
Remember to include Bible verses and/or a short prayer.
You can write your devotion, including a title and your
name at the top, and drop it in the office at Grace or you
can type it and email it to diane@dcfms.com.
What is a DEVOTION?
A devotion can be a story of faith, that isn’t your
own, that helps you make sense of God’s work in
our world. Not all devotions are the same and that’s
a good thing.
Devotions can be…
• Poetry
• Prose
• Based on words of a beloved hymn
• Mini sermons
• Short Bible studies digesting a section or verse of
scripture
• A story or testimony about God’s activity in our
lives and times
• Deeply personal, sharing a unique experience of
God
• So broad that nearly anyone can relate
• An invitation to prayer in general
• Invitations to pray for a specific reason or even a
specific person like a parent, spouse or child
Max Lucado says – “Your story indwells God’s.”
God is at work today and our stories are a part of
God’s story.
There is no one way to write a good devotion!
Please submit your completed work by February 6th. THANKS!
Page 6
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Memorials
Julie Thorpe Memorials
Anna Agerbeck
Joan Engquist
Endowment
Chancel Choir
Arlene Grabinoski Memorials
Sarah Circle
Harlin & Larainne Gorath
Dale & Patti Knewtson
Dennis & Judy Meyer
Al & Darlene Hauglid
Ken & Barb Scheef
Hope Spangenberg
Joan Engquist
Rod & Diane Palmquist
Roy & Lois Kessler
Undesignated
People Helping People
People Helping People
People Helping People
People Helping People
People Helping People
People Helping People
Missions
Missions
Mission
Andy Ruth’s Mother Memorial
Curtis & Pat Jones
Anne Peer Memorial
Lorraine Reiter
Chancel Choir
Roger & Jan Peterson
Roger & Jan Peterson
Lilac Bushes
Undesignated
Contemporary Worship
Dean & Hazel Lewis Memorial
Sylvia Lewis & Alfred Carr Undesignated
Elaine Walker Memorails
Helen Gould
John Von Bank
Oriet Winge Memorial
Dorcas-Lydia Circle
Chancel Choir
Joyce Schmidt Memorial
Sue Schmidt
David Garrison Memorial
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir
Undesignated
Janet Wandke Memorials
Hazel Endersbe Erv & Pam Zinter
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir
Roger & David Eggestein Memorial
Alice Nickerson Memorials
Peggy Bahls Memorial
Dorothy Schmid Memorials
Ed & Betty Rettke
Lois & Ray Kesler
Kitchen fund
Undesignated
Gloria Gerhardt Memorials
Roger & Jan Peterson
Roger & Jan Peterson
Chancel Choir
Contemporary Worship
Elaine Espedal Memorial
Gary & Kathy Lager
Harry Wade Memorial
Roger & Jan Peterson
Power Hour
Undesignated
Roger Sanders Memorial
Roger & Jan Peterson
Hazel Endersbe Erv & Pam Zinter
Chancel Choir
Chancel Choir
Evelyn Helvig
Undesignated
Harlan & Larainne Gorath Undesignated
Wayne & Donna TorgersonUndesignated
Rod & Diane Palmquist Kitchen Fund
Robert & Diane Miles
People Helping People
Ronald & Elayne Hested People Helping People
William & Janet Nielsen Prayer Shawl Ministry
Ken & Barb Sheef
Missions
Helen Gould
Missions
Marian Holland
Missions
Sandy Lunn
Council Rep. - Fellowship
507 235-6402
slunn@midco.net
Bob Walker’s Mother Memorial
Richard and Sherry Truman
Undesignated
Chery Brumbaugh
Council Rep. - Fellowship
238-4584
hbrumbaugh@midco.net
Missions
Javen Holm’s Mother Memorial
Richard and Sherry Truman
Missions
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Page 7
CHAOS
CHAOS in the afternoon
CHAOS, Grace’s Wednesday after school program for children, has returned and will run through March 11th. Children in kindergarten through 6th
grade are learning about an Extreme Hero in the Bible.
We are in need of adult servants, if you are interested in being part of this
great activity contact Nicki at 238-4418. If you can’t be there, you can still
help by donating 5 oz. cups, Crystal Light, or uncrushed clean pop cans.
Page 8
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Midwinter Rally
Warming up
Grace Power Hour students kicked off 2015
with a Penguin themed
midwinter rally. They
had fun with parachutes,
crafts, tattoos, penguin
volleyball, and a cake
walk complete with
penguin cupcakes on
Sunday, Jan. 18.
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Page 9
Fun & Facts
For the solution to
this puzzle, check
biblewordgames.com, or
look in next month’s Ways
of Grace.
Solution to the last
issue’s puzzle: Sin is a
disgrace to any people.
(Proverbs 14:34 NIV)
Question this month: How does food pack work?
Q: What does it take to make the Kids Against
Hunger Food Pack happen?
Jane Reiman
Finance Director
238-4418
reiman@
gracelutheranchurch.org
Page 10
A: A team of four chairpeople work together to organize
the event, choose a date, secure a location, secure funds,
and arrange to get the food and supplies delivered.
That’s only the beginning...Another larger committee of
individuals is also responsible for helping get all the details
in place. Around 20 additional people make up that group,
and do the work of:
v composing, printing, and sending mailings
v calling businesses to get corporate donations
v creating and updating the websites for information
and sign ups
v distributing donation cans to area businesses
v finding music for the packers to jam to
v getting food for the all day workers
v securing promotional items like posters, billboards,
and signs
v recruiting teams to load and unload the supplies and
food from the truck
v signing people in on the day of the pack
v taking photos and videos of the day
v training the packers in the correct way to pack the
food
v working with an individual table of volunteers to make
the packing go smoothly
v selling merchandise
v distributing donation cans to area businesses
v anything else that comes up as we prepare or on the
day of the event
In addition to that group,
we have a high school
student each year (yup,
a student!) that does
the work of organizing a
benefit concert to raise
funds for the pack, which
means:
v choosing a theme and a song for the night
v finding em cees and about a dozen acts, which pulls
in another 60-80 students to perform, a crew of ushers,
stage help, and servers for the root beer floats
v designing, ordering, and selling t-shirts
v spending most of a day running a dress rehearsal
v making posters and advertising
v finding a light and sound crew
v any last minute details that need to be addressed
And if all of that wasn’t enough, there are the 200-300
volunteers that come to three different shifts to pack all of
the food that we raised the money to buy. None of what
we do is worth anything without all of the food packers to
fill the many thousands of food packs which end up going
all over the world!
It takes so many willing individuals to make this awesome event happen. Thank YOU for participating and being a part of our event!
To participate in this year’s event, sign up in the gathering area or go to
For more information and to find out how you can help,
see page 2 of this issue.
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont, MN
Annual Meeting Minutes
Grace Lutheran Church
Annual Meeting Minutes
Sunday, January 18, 2015
Call to Order: by Corey Klanderud, Council President at
9:45 AM with a quorum present.
Proceeding Council Members:
•Continued Term
1 Year
2 Year
Cherlynn Brumbaugh Tim Hested
Randy Lubenow
Lyn Johnson
Dawn Quam
Sandy Lunn
Steve Stone
Devotions: by Pastor John Heille - Romans 12:4-5 For
as in one body we have many members, and not all the
members have the same functions, so we, who are many,
are one body in Christ, and individually we are members
of one of another.
Departing Council Members -Term Concluded
Joanne Hansen
David Johnson
Corey Klanderud
Secretary’s Report: Reviewed. Motion by: Bruce Krahmer to approve and accept minutes from the 2014 Annual
meeting. Seconded by Donna Torgerson. Motion Carried
Following the new elections, there was applause in appreciation for all those that have completed their service on
the council. A special Thank You was prompted by Corey
Klanderud to the amazing staff of Grace for their leadership and service.
Financial Report: Jane Reiman provided an outline of
2014 Finances, referencing the Balance Sheet and Profit
& Loss Statement. While 2014 resulted in a negative income balance of $3,160.59, Grace was indeed able to
meet all financial obligations by way of retained funds that
were carried over and available from 2013. There was no
further discussion. Motion by Marian Johnson to approve
and accept the financial report. Seconded by Brian Huebert. Motion Carried
Elections: Tari Riley from the Nominating committee presented the 2015 Congregational Ballot as follows:
•Congregational Council - 3 year term (vote for 3)
Paul Ruen
Ryan Fett
Harriet Danielson
•Auditing Team - 1 year term (vote for 3)
Dave Johnson
Randy Lubenow
Dennis Madsen
•Head Ushers - 1 year term
8:30 (vote for 2)
Robert Miles
Brian Huebert
10:45 (vote for 1)
Bruce Ehlert
•Nominating Committee - 1 year term (vote for 3)
Ian Bents
Tari Riley
Diane Gerhardt
Motion by: Brian Roggow to appoint all by way of a unanimous ballot. Seconded by Ernie Nuss. Motion Carried.
Congratulations to all those elected to serve.
2015 Budget: Jane Reiman reviewed information covered
at the budget forum, noting that there is a 1.9% increase
($11,587) to the budget for 2015 Totaling $603,832. It
should be recognized that there was not an increase to
the budget in 2014, therefore a 1.9% increase in a two
year period is really quite minimal. Jane also offered explanation for several line items throughout the budget,
sharing specifics such as equipment costs, insurance premiums and staff salaries that will result in an increase or
decrease to 2015 expenses. With no further discussion,
Motion by Loren Dunham to approve and accept the 2015
budget. Seconded by Louise Hendricks. Motion Carried
Old Business: The gathering area remodel project and
fire damage repairs have all been completed. We now
have a beautiful area to welcome all at Grace, thanks to
the committee members, and all those who assisted with
the renovation. The plan to organize a capital campaign
committee for purpose of capital improvements fundraising continues. Members are encouraged to consider joining this committee if this is an area of service you feel
called to assist with. Some of the improvements that will
require repair or replacement include: the flat roof portion
of the building, windows, and the boilers.
New Business: Bob Miles spoke of what a rewarding experience it was to be part of the “Grace is Amazing Service Day”. He would like to urge all the members of Grace
to participate in future events. Pastor Steve noted that
our very own Grace Lutheran was recently featured in the
Synod E-Newsletter for our Day of Service. “Well done,
good and faithful servants.”
Lyn Johnson
Council Rep.-Outreach
507-236-5791
mrs.lyn@me.com
Pastor Steve Berkeland - Would like to encourage all to
read the annual report booklet, as it represents the work
and ministry happening at and through Grace. The ELCA
ministry report also provides information outlining how the
Holy Spirit is at work through the people and congregations
of our Southern Minnesota Synod. Pastor Steve praised
Corey Klanderud, Joanne Hansen, and David Johnson for
their council leadership and service to Grace. He also offered thanks to the staff and all others who serve and worship here, making Grace such a great congregation and
a blessing to be part of. His words were applauded by all.
Pastor Steve Berkeland closed the meeting with a prayer.
Adjournment: A motion was made by Kirsten Bressler to
adjourn the annual meeting. Seconded by Brian Huebert.
Motion Carried.
Respectfully submitted by Lyn Johnson, Church Council
Secretary
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
A full financial report is available in the church office.
Page 11
Worship
January 31 & February 1
Fourth Sunday after Epiphany
Sat 6 p.m. Holden Prayer Service
Sun 8:30 am Traditional Service
Sun 10:45 am NewSong Service
Communion served at all services
In Deuteronomy God promises to raise up a prophet like
Moses, who will speak for God; in Psalm 111 God shows
the people the power of God’s works. For the church these
are ways of pointing to the unique authority people sensed
in Jesus’ actions and words. We encounter that authority in
God’s word, around which we gather, the word that trumps
any lesser spirit that would claim power over us, freeing us
to follow Jesus.
Steve Berkeland
Senior Pastor
238-4418
berkeland@gracelutheran
church.org
First Reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 8:1-13
Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
February 7 & 8
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany
Sat 6 p.m. Holden Prayer Service
Sun 8:30 am Traditional Service
Sun 10:45 am NewSong Service
Communion served at all services
In Isaiah it is the one God who sits above the earth and
numbers the stars—it is that God who strengthens the
powerless. So in Jesus’ healing work we see the hand of the
creator God, lifting up the sick woman to health and service
(diakonia). Like Simon’s mother-in-law, we are lifted up to
health and diakonia. Following Jesus, we strengthen the
powerless; like Jesus, we seek to renew our own strength
in quiet times of prayer.
John Heille
Pastor
238-4418
heille@gracelutheran
church.org
Please join in prayer for
the following:
*Our Pastoral Staff
*Our Members, Relatives,
and Friends listed
in the Weekly Ministry
Minutes
*Our Country
*Our Servicemen
First Reading: Isaiah 40:21-31
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 9:16-23
Gospel: Mark 1:29-39
February 14 & 15
Transfiguration of Our Lord
Guest Speakers Steve and Kim Wedel
Sat 6 p.m. Holden Prayer Service
Sun 8:30 am Service
Sun 10:45 am Praise Band Service
Communion served at all services
The Sundays after Epiphany began with Jesus’ baptism
and end with three disciples’ vision of his transfiguration. In
Mark’s story of Jesus’ baptism, apparently only Jesus sees
the Spirit descending and hears the words from heaven.
But now Jesus’ three closest friends hear the same words
naming him God’s beloved son. As believers, Paul writes,
we are enabled to see the God-light in Jesus’ face, because
the same God who created light in the first place has shone
in our hearts to give us that vision. The light of God’s glory
in Jesus has enlightened us through baptism and shines
in us also for others to see.
First Reading: 2 Kings 2:1-12
Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:3-6
Gospel: Mark 9:2-9
February 21 & 22
First Sunday in Lent
Page 12
Sat 6 p.m. Holden Prayer Service
Sun 8:30 am Traditional Service
Sun 10:45 NewSong Service
Communion served at all services
On Ash Wednesday the church
began its journey toward
baptismal immersion in the death
and resurrection of Christ. This
year, the Sundays in Lent lead
us to focus on five covenants God
makes in the Hebrew Scriptures
and to use them as lenses
through which to view baptism.
First Peter connects the way
God saved Noah’s family in the
flood with the way God saves us
through the water of baptism. The
baptismal covenant is made with
us individually, but the new life
we are given in baptism is for the
sake of the whole world.
First Reading: Genesis 9:817
Second Reading: 1 Peter
3:18-22
Gospel: Mark 1:9-15
February 28 & March 1
Second Sunday in Lent
Sat 6 p.m. Holden Prayer Service
Sun 8:30 am Traditional Service
Sun 10:45 am NewSong Service
Communion served at all services
The second covenant in this year’s Lenten readings is the
one made with Abraham and Sarah: God’s promise to make
them the ancestors of many, with whom God will remain in
everlasting covenant. Paul says this promise comes to all
who share Abraham’s faith in the God who brings life into
being where there was no life. We receive this baptismal
promise of resurrection life in faith. Sarah and Abraham
receive new names as a sign of the covenant, and we too
get new identities in baptism, as we put on Christ.
First Reading: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16
Second Reading: Romans 4:13-25
Gospel: Mark 8:31-38
Care Facility Services
led by Grace Pastors
Family and Friends are invited to these services.
Lutz Wing - February 3
Service at 2 pm
Lakeview Methodist - February 12
Coffee Hour at 10 am
Communion Service 10:30 am
Ingleside - February 12
Service at 2 pm
Goldfinch Memory Care - February 17
Service at 10 am
Goldfinch - February 26
Communion Service 10 am
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Worship
Worship
Schedule
Saturday Evening
Speakers share about
missionary life in India
Holden Evening Prayer Service
6 pm
Communion celebrated each weekend
Sunday Morning
Traditional Service
8:30-9:30 am
Power Hour and Gracetime Education Hour
9:40 am -10:30 am
Contemporary Service
10:45 am - 11:45 am
Communion will be celebrated at all services
Kim and Steve Wedel will speak at
all church services the weekend of
February 14 and 15. They have been
volunteers involved with The Children’s
Project in the village of Puttaparthi near
Bangladore, India.
This project involves housing, feeding,
educating but primarily loving street
children in Puttaparthi. The Wedel’s
message will be about how divine love
transforms the lives of these children.
Dawn Quam
Council Rep.-Worship
Lent: A time for reflection
Our devotions for December 31, ’14 were based on the
2lst chapter of Revelations - the last day of the year – the
next-of-the-last chapter of the book of the Bible…and
instead of endings, it is about newness - it reminded us
that we often make New Year’s resolutions the next day.
This brought me to Lent which begins with Ash Wednesday
in just a few weeks.
One of the gifts of our church is Gracetime – between
services every Sunday. Last year, Loren Dunham led a
session on CELEBRATION, FASTING AND LENT. We had
many great discussions about giving something up for Lent.
He shared “20 things to Give Up for Lent” with us that we had
not thought of as being able to give up or change our daily
lives. This list originally came from a Lutheran church in
New Jersey. Consider using these as a part of your Lenten
preparation this year.
-Guilt. I am loved by Jesus and he has forgiven my sins.
Today is a new day and the past is behind.
- Fear – God is on my side. In him I am more than a
conqueror. (see Romans 8)
- The need to please everyone. I can’t please everyone
anyway. There is only one I need to strive to please.
-Envy. I am blessed. My value is not found in my
possessions but in my relationship with my Heavenly Father.
- Impatience – God’s timing is the perfect timing.
- Sense of Entitlement – The world does not owe me
anything. God does not owe me anything. I live in humility
and grace.
- Bitterness and Resentment. The only person I am
hurting by holding on to these is myself.
- Blame – I am not going to pass the buck. I will take
responsibility for my actions.
- Gossip and Negativity. I will put the best construction on
everything when it comes to other people. I will also minimize
my contact with people who are negative and toxic, bringing
other people down.
- Comparison – I have my own unique contribution to
make and there is no one else like me.
- Fear of failure – You don’t succeed without experiencing
failure. Just make sure you fail forward.
- A spirit of poverty – Believe with God that there is always
more than enough and never a lack.
- Feelings of unworthiness. You are
fearfully and wonderfully made by your
creator. (Psalm 139)
- Doubt – Believe God has a plan for you
that is beyond anything you could imagine.
The future is brighter than you could ever
realize.
-Self-pity. God comforts us in our sorrow
so that we can comfort others with the
comfort we ourselves have received from
God.
-Retirement – As long as you are still
breathing, you are here for a reason. You
have a purpose to influence others for
Christ. That does not come to an end until
the day we die.
- Excuses – A wise man once said, if you
need an excuse, any excuse will do.
- Lack of counsel – Wise decisions are rarely made in
a vacuum.
- Pride – Blessed are the humble.
- Worry – God is in control and worrying will not help.
God has so much more in store for you. But so many
of these things above are holding you back from walking in
the full destiny he has laid out for you. Today is a new day.”
In Isaac Watts’ hymn “O GOD OUR HELP IN AGES
PAST” (1719) (ELW 632), based on Psalm 90, we sing “O
God our help in ages past, our hope for years to come.”
What wonderful words of comfort to help us through times
of stress and change. I have written about Isaac Watts
before, but will write more about this hymn in another
article.
-Marilyn Nielsen
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Page 13
The Bridge
Event: Councils as Leaders 2015
By Emily Carson, Director of Communications
carson@semnsynod.org
Congregational life can be life-giving, challenging,
and joyful. Some aspects of church life remain
the same and many are in an ongoing state of
transition. As the Office of the Bishop staff, we
provide leadership tools to empower both lay and
rostered leaders to make the most of every ministry
opportunity.
Bishop Steven Delzer
Synod, ELCA
1001 14th St. NW, Suite 300
Rochester, MN 55901-2551
(507) 280-9457
www.semnsynod.org
The Bridge is a
monthly publication
of the Southeastern
Minnesota Synod,
ELCA
Connecting
the
congregational, synodical,
and churchwide expressions
of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America
The annual Councils as Leaders gathering is
coming up on February 22, and you’re invited! The
theme this year is focused around the question: “What
are the questions of congregational leaders in the
21st century church?” This gathering will be held at
Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna. Attendance is
open to council members, lay leaders, congregation
members, pastors, and rostered leaders.
The keynote speaker of the event will be leadership
consultant Mary Kay DuChene. DuChene is
passionate about helping all people identify and
embrace their authentic leadership gifts! She has
vast experience in developing both lay and clergy
church leaders and has created a non-profit called
Leading Pastors, which serves pastors across the
United States in leadership development.
The event will take place from 2-5pm, and the
schedule overview includes:
2pm: Welcome and Opening Word with Bishop
Delzer
2:15pm: Keynote address, Mary Kay Duchene
3pm & 4pm: Workshops (with each workshop being
presented twice)
5pm: Farewell
Participants will be able to choose from 10 different
workshops based on the following topics:
Giving & stewardship in the 21st Century
Position descriptions and staff performance
reviews
Congregational communication: Creating a
strategy
Team building in the congregation
Ministry based on the assets your congregation
already has: Asset Mapping 101
Governance within the congregation
How does your facility serve your congregation’s
mission?
Raising up leaders in your congregation
Call process and intentional interim ministry
Enough Food for All: An update on our synod-wide
initiative
Event details:
Councils As Leaders 2015
Sunday, February 22
2:00pm-5:00pm
Trinity Lutheran Church
609 Lincoln Avenue, Owatonna MN
For additional details and online registration visit
the Councils as Leaders page on our synod website:
http://www.semnsynod.org/cal
Synod Online Connections:
Website: http://www.semnsynod.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/semnsynod
E-news sign-up: http://bitly.com/semnenews
About Our Synod
The Southeastern Minnesota Synod is a faith
community of 131,000 baptized people in 182
congregations as well as related institutions of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
Its geographic area includes 15 counties in the
southeastern corner of Minnesota.
Page 14
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Announcements
You are invited to Open Door meals
Gather your family and friends together for a relaxing time of good food and warm fellowship.
Please join us for Open
Door meals, Wednesdays
during the School Year
from 4:45-6:00 p.m.
Menu will vary each week.
Free will offering is accpeted ($3 suggested.) ALL
ARE WELCOME!
Jesus says, ‘Behold! I
stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my
voice and opens the door, I will come in to eat with
him and he with Me.
Rev. 3:20 What an incredible invitation!
Upcoming meals:
Feb. 4 – Tacos
Feb. 11 – Spaghetti
Feb. 18 – Chili or Chicken Wild Rice Soup
Feb. 25 – Swedish Meatballs
Mar. 4 – Hamburger Pasta Hot Dish
Grace ministries compile Wish Lists
Grace’s ministry areas have put together “wish
lists” of items they could use. Here are some of the
current needs at Grace:
v Two or three sewing machines in good working order for CHAOS
v Convection oven or two-purpose oven, regular and convection oven
v Linens
v Money to cover expenses for Grace is Amazing Service Day at Grace, including $1500 budget
item for Block Picnic
v Money for People Helping People Fund
v Clear music stands for bell choir tables (about
$65 each)
v Money for adult-sized chairs for Power Hour
rooms
v CD/Music Players for Power Hour Rooms
v Projector (video/ audio/ computer for
classroom)
Contact the church office if you would like
to contribute to any of these items. If you see
something on the list and would like to donate
toward it in memory of someone, you can designate
that on your gift or contact the church office.
Get your Ways of Grace electronically
The print version of the Ways of Grace will
continue to be mailed to all members and friends
of our congregation who wish to receive it that way.
The Ways of Grace is available also by email or
on-line at our website—www.gracelutheranchurch.
org under Publications. We currently bulk-mail
approximately 750 print copies each month and
would like to decrease that number in 2015 to save
on paper, postage, and the work of assembling
copies. If you are currently receiving the Ways of
Grace in print form through the mail and are sure
you would be able to stay just as connected by
Announcements for the
Ways of Grace can be
e-mailed to Lori Haugen
(waysofgrace@
gracelutheranchurch.org) or
dropped off in the Ways of
Grace box outside the church
office.
receiving it
digitally as
an
email
attachment
or via the
website
each month,
p l e a s e
consider making a change. You can notify the office
at 238-4418 or office@gracelutheranchurch.org to
make the change to paperless.
Boy Scouts plan pancake breakfast
Boy Scout Troop 56 pancake breakfast
Sunday, Feb. 1
Serving 9 am to 1 pm
Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall
Pancake are all you can eat!
Served with sausage or ham, juice,
milk or coffee, syrup and butter
At the door $6 per individual or $16 per
family. Children under age 6 eat free with
a parent ticket.
Help support Grace Lutheran’s Troop
56!
Save a buck and purchase your ticket
from a Boy Scout, $5 individual and $15
family.
Ways of Grace - Grace Lutheran Church - Fairmont MN
Page 15
Grace Lutheran Church
300 S Grant St
Fairmont MN 56031
Non Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
Fairmont, Minnesota 56031
PERMIT NO. 147
Address Service Requested
Grace Lutheran Church
300 S Grant St
Fairmont MN 56031
507-238-4418
fax - 507-238-5411
www.gracelutheranchurch.org
Member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Contact the Staff
Labor Day through Memorial Day
6:00 p.m. Saturday - Holden Evening Service
8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. Sunday - Worship
9:40 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Sunday - Power Hour
Memorial Day through Labor Day
6:00 p.m. Saturday - Holden Evening Service
9:30 a.m. Sunday - Worship
Please refer to the calendar inside or the website
for the styles of services to be offered each week.
If you are searching for a church home or are currently
a member, we want to extend a warm welcome to you.
Communion is served each weekend.
Grace observes the “Open” communion policy - all
those believing in Christ are welcome at the table.
Pastor Steve Berkeland - Senior Pastor
berkeland@gracelutheranchurch.org
Pastor John Heille - Pastor
heille@gracelutheranchurch.org
Anastassiya Novgorodova - Youth & Family Ministry Director
novgorodova@gracelutheranchurch.org
Pastor Jackie Ziemer - Visitation Pastor
ziemer@gracelutheranchurch.org
Nicki Kueker - Director of Christian Education
kueker@gracelutheranchurch.org
Tina Hilgendorf and Sue Ruen - Office Managers
office@gracelutheranchurch.org
Jane Reiman - Finance Director
reiman@gracelutheranchurch.org
Bill Christianson - Custodian
christianson@gracelutheranchurch.org
The Ways of Grace is the monthly newsletter of Grace Lutheran Church, Fairmont MN for members, visitors and friends of
Grace. The monthly deadline is the second Thursday of the month. Please send correspondence to the Ways of Grace editor
Lori Haugen at waysofgrace@gracelutheranchurch.org, or call 507-235-3188.