St. Paul Epistle
www.stpaul.org Volume 98, Issue 9 September 1998
ACCEPTS CALL TO CHRIST LUTHERAN
I announced to the Church Council in August and in a letter to the congregation my acceptance of a Letter of Call to serve as Senior Pastor of Christ Lutheran, Las Vegas. My official termination date is the end of October, but since I have three weeks of vacation, I will conclude with the service on Sunday, October 11.
There will be only one service on Sunday the 11th. It will be at 10:00 a.m. It will be followed with some kind of program/open house for the members of St. Paul and the community. Details will be made available in the weeks to come.
It has been a joy to serve at St. Paul. The staff and many volunteers have made my job easier. So, I would like to extend a big "THANK YOU" for all that you have done. A special big THANKS goes out to Marvis and Sandy for their help with the music program. Thanks goes out to so many of you, it would take a week and a book to say thanks. I feel that we have moved forward and I regret that many things did not move as far or as fast as I might have liked to. Decisions have been made that I did not always agree with, but it has been your decision and we learned to work with them. I seek your prayers for the coming months as I begin a new journey at Christ Lutheran. I will continue to keep you in my prayers and thoughts in the coming months and years. I thank you for the kind words that have been spoken in the last days and weeks. In looking back, it would have been nice to have heard those words over the past 11 « years rather than just when leaving. I thank God for our mutual ministry and hope and pray that I have made a difference in your life and in the life of this congregation. May God bless us in our ministries as He continues to lead.
Know that we will be back to visit since we indeed love this area. Since our plans will continue to include this part of Michigan for summer visits and even extended stays.
God Bless and Thank You,
Ronald C. Bessert
ANNUAL REPORTS
Reports of all committees and organizations are now due. The Annual meeting has been set for the 25th of October. The meeting will take place following the late service and pot luck dinner on the 25th. Reports will be typed in the next few days and will be put together by the 30th of September if all reports are turned in on time. Please help our secretarial staff and volunteers do their job by having your reports in on time. Thanks for you help!
9th GRADE CONFIRMATION
The Affirmation of Baptism or more commonly called Confirmation will be held on Sunday, October 4th at the 10:45 a.m. worship service. The young people have concluded two years of formal study and will be meeting on Wednesdays evenings during September. They will meet on Wednesday evening, September 9th with the church council. Here, they will share their statements of faith and reasons for wanting to be members of the church.
"YOU MUST BE BORN ANEW!" (John 3:7)
Fall - the season for renewal. It is one of life's most precious gifts - the opportunity and privilege to begin anew ... to start over. Our great God has shown us how to start over again. It begins with a new birth. It is the gift of our loving Creator. It is revealed through the cross of Calvary. It applies to all of us who have ever failed to be what God has created us to be. It is received by faith.
There are certainly times in my life when I am haunted by failure and plagued with defeat. And this new birth that God promises ... this season of renewal and starting over again does not mean that my feelings of guilt or my burdens and weaknesses will simply disappear.
BUT, I AM A CHILD OF GOD!
My failures cannot destroy me. I will just learn from them. They drive me back to the open arms of our loving Lord. It is there that I can find forgiveness and hope to try again. It is there that I am granted the opportunity to start over again.
May God grant you each new birth every day!
Pastor Dan Deutsch
LAY ASSISTING MINISTERS
We are thankful to have had thirteen people volunteer for and begin their training for helping to lead worship on Sunday mornings. The volunteers include Darlene Ciupka, Chuck Connolly, Mary Lou Deutsch, Joyce Hines, Arnie Kindt, Vern Kingsbury, Dick Miller, Leslie Nye, Dana Panknin, Jerry Sloan, Don Smith, Don Urban and Claudia Werner. Beginning July 26th and continuing through the first Sunday in September, these people have been assisting one of the Pastors at the early and late services. They participated in leading portions of the liturgy and the prayers, reading the lessons, assisting with communion, etc. As part of the training process, they were videotaped and met with one of the Pastors to reflect on their part in leading worship. We will meet again this month on Thursday, September 10th, at 7:00 p.m. in order to continue the training and to schedule participation for this fall. Please keep this program in your prayers.
Confirmation Meeting for 7th and 8th graders and Parents!
You are invited to an essential part of our 1998-99 Confirmation program here at St. Paul - an informational meeting on Wednesday evening, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. We will meet in the sanctuary. This orientation meeting will be different this year. Due to Pastor Bessert's leaving, our plans for the structure of the Confirmation program need to be changed. Also, the opening of the new Jr. High school early next year will impact the time of our classes. Your presence is needed to discuss and make some decisions about the shape of this year's Confirmation program.. Please call the church office if you are not able to attend this meeting.
New Small Groups
Do you have an interest in theater, computers, gardening, Bible study, Prayer, dancing, etc? If you would like to be part of a group with a special interest, let us know. Call the church office or indicate your interest on the fellowship card that you fill out each week in worship. If there are enough people who have an interest in a particular area, we will try and put together a group with a leader that can meet together on a regular basis. The fall schedule for continuing and new small groups will be printed in next month's newsletter.
Sunday School News
Fall is the time for the start-up of our various Educational programs. The Sunday School begins with the Installation of our Sunday School staff at the 9:20 a.m. service on September 6. The following Sunday, Sept. 13, will be the registration and beginning of classes for the Nursery through the 8th grade.
Rally Day, a fun program for the whole Sunday School will be held on Sunday, Sept. 27, with the theme of Noah's Ark.
We have an exciting year planned with additional times for the children to join in the 9:20 a.m. service and share some singing with us. Our Co- Superintendents for this year again include Andrea Dutcher and Joanne Gallagher. Please contact either of them if you have any questions.
NURSERY NEWS
Sunday School for 1-3 year olds will be held this year in the nursery. This group will be able to enjoy singing, playing and having a snack each week. Although no specific curriculum will be followed there will be plenty of opportunity to learn about Jesus and his love. This group will be taught by Lisa Borchard and Denise Hoeksema, but they ask that all parents take turns assisting. Please drop your young ones off on your way to the 9:20 a.m. service, starting September 13, 1998!
BAZAAR UPDATES
The Bazaar Committee met recently to continue planning for the St. Paul annual Christmas Bazaar. The date has been set for November 7, 1998 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Tickets for the luncheon will be on sale soon - watch for them and get yours early.
It was decided at the last bazaar meeting that the proceeds from this bazaar will be combined with last year's proceeds to be used for basement renovations.
Start those projects - November is just around the corner. We need all kinds of craft items such as baskets, ceramics, bird houses, bird feeders, wood shelves, jewelry and any kind of wood cut outs. Also needed are aprons, towels, decorative pillows, afghans, decorated sweatshirts, doll clothes, any knitted or crocheted items, Christmas decorations, dried flowers and lots and lots of canned goods. Think of St. Paul when you are doing your canning this fall. Later we will remind you of all those fresh baked goods we need...breads, pies, cookies, brownies, muffins and especially those fancy cookies for that famous "cookie walk."
White Elephant - a big favorite will be back again this year. You may drop things off now (in the room off the kitchen also known as Jay's old office). These can be good used toys, games, puzzles, knick knacks, small working appliances, lamps, decorative items and books but remember NO CLOTHING!!! Any questions call Lori Ludwig at 356-4753.
Our next meeting will be September 14th at 7:00 p.m. in Room 201. Mark your calendars and come enjoy an hour or so of fun and fellowship. If you want to help, but can not make the meetings, please call we would love to have you! Esther Kindt 471-2274 & Ann Olsen 354-5461.
SCOUTS NEWS
After having a very successful summer, it is time to look on to the future. Yes, we are looking for new growth, both in cub scouts and boy scouts. Boys from ages 6 to 10 can join cub scouts. This program lets boys have fun with other scouts in dens. They, along with the help from their family, can grow in scouting.
If the young man is 11 years old or older, he can join boy scouts. This program lets young men work together in patrols. This is a group of 8 - 10 boys. They work, camp, eat, hike and do scouting with their friends. Some of the activities are summer camp, camporees, klondike derby and winter camping to mention a few.
If interested, sign up is September 17, at St. Paul church at 7:00 p.m. The cub scout contact person is Glen Helwig, 354-8626. The boy scout contact person is Dennis Johnson, 354-5592.
FALL CHRISTIAN FAMILY CAMPOUT
The campout will be September 11-13 at Hoeft State Park in Roger City.
Friday: Set up camp and get acquainted.
Saturday Activities: bike riding, exchange of craft ideas, horseshoes, hiking, fishing and visiting. A potluck supper is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Bring a dish to pass, your own table service and beverage. A Campfire get-together follows the potluck.
Sunday: Worship Service at 10:00 a.m. with a coffee hour following the service. Bring your coffee and a snack to share.
No reservations are needed. Just come and enjoy God's great outdoors, fellowship and relaxation. Encourage your camping friends to join us. If you can't join us on Friday, come on Saturday or Sunday. Non campers are also welcome to come and join in any or all of our activities. If you have any questions please call Jerry & Doris Neumann at 354-5721 or John & Elly Diamond at 354-4677.
HARVEST DINNER - Thursday, October 15, 1998. Put this date on your calendar and be thinking of ways you can help.
FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
The fall worship schedule will be a little different begin Sunday, September 6th. Worship for the late service will be moved back 15 minutes. That means that worship will start at 10:45 a.m. rather than the 10:30 a.m. This schedule will be evaluated in late fall or early winter to see if it is working and helping with the parking/fellowship/ Sunday School/general congestion on Sunday morning. Your comments and thoughts will be appreciated after we have tried it for several months. The other worship opportunities remains the same. Saturday evening at 5:30 , Sunday at 8:00, 9:20 and now at 10:45. The 8 and 10:45 worship services will continue with the Lutheran Book of Worship format while the Saturday evening and 9:20 Sunday morning services are a more relaxed/causal format in terms of music and format. So join us, we have something for you.
SUMMER OFFICE HOURS COME TO A CLOSE
The church office is now open from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Some days the office will be closed over the lunch hour. If you plan to come on your lunch hour, please call prior to coming. It may save you aggravation and disappointment at not being able to find someone in the office. Also, remember that if you call around 9:30 a.m., the line may be busy. We have staff devotions at 9:30 and a brief staff meeting. If the line is busy, try back later. Thanks!
Please make note of our Internet Web page. Our site address is www.stpaul.org. This is a great way for yourself, family and friends to stay informed about activities and events at St. Paul. Feel free to use this as a means of communication. If you have an E-Mail address, forward it to Linda at linda@stpaul.org.
The following was a Temple Talk by Rodney Lang,
Congregation President conducted at each service on the 15th and 16th of August.
As stated in a letter mailed on Thursday the 13th of August by Pastor Ron, he has decided to accept a call to Christ Lutheran Church of Las Vegas, NV.
With regret, the Council has accepted his letter of resignation. We have been blessed with Pastor Ron's leadership for over 11 1/2 years and wish him, Alice and his family the best.
Pastor Ron will be departing for Las Vegas on Sunday October 11th. This Sunday will include a reception. Details will be made available as soon as they are known.
Pastor Dan's call is coterminous with Pastor Ron's. What this means is he must submit his resignation within 6 months after Pastor Ron's resignation. Within this 6 month period Pastor Dan can be called to be our Pastor. He has indicated he would be happy to be our Senior Pastor if we so choose.
Bishop Hansen is fully aware of our situation and will be meeting with the executive committee, Council and Pastor Dan on Sunday the 13th of September. Additional information will be made available to the congregation as it becomes known.
The Council members need to know your feelings, concerns and comments. Myself and other present council members will be available in the Narthex after the service. Please feel free to talk to us at any time.
This begins a process of change for St. Paul. The Council, Pastor Dan, Pastor Ron and staff ask for your prayers and support during the following months.
Thank you and God Bless.
Additional information since the Temple Talk: Don Smith is organizing the reception for Pastor Ron. Please indicate by worship card or sign-up sheet located in the Narthex and dining hall the number in your family who plan to attend. A Call committee will be established in October. Please contact Rodney Lang at 595-6279 if you are interested in serving in this capacity.
Another issue which needs your consideration is Pastor Ron's house on 2nd Ave. Pastor Ron has granted the congregation "first right of refusal". Please express your views about this property to a Council member. In accordance with the Constitution, this matter will require a congregational vote in the near future.
PASTORAL ACTS
EVELYN HAKEN passed away on August 5, 1998. Her funeral was held August 8 and was officiated by Pastor Ronald C. Bessert.
ARNOLD MARQUARDT passed away on August 21, 1998. His funeral was held August 25 and was officiated by Pastor Ronald C. Bessert and Pastor Daniel Deutsch.
MINNIE NENSEWITZ passed away on August 22, 1998. Her funeral was held August 25 and was officiated by Pastor Ronald C. Bessert.
MARK ALLAN MCINTOSH and LISA MARIE STAFFORD were married on July 24, 1998 by Pastor Ronald C. Bessert. They were attended by Katie Rondeau-Thomson and William O. McIntosh.
DEREK CHOWEN and SUSAN WERTH were married on August 22, 1998 by Pastor Ronald C. Bessert. They were attended by Debbie Werth and Brian Jones.
On August 16, 1998 TAYLOR KIMBERLY TRUMAN daughter of Jeffrey & Kendra Truman with sponsors Kimberly Kelly and Steven Truman.
Lutheran Challenge Golf Outing Springport Hills, Harrisville Sept 12, 10:00 am.
Trinity Lutheran Church of Barton City has issued a 9- hole scramble "challenge" to any 4-person team representing a church in the area or outside the area. Teams may be made up of men, women, or mixed. Traveling trophy, prizes, and a meal all for $24.00 per person. Proceeds will benefit Trinity's building fund. Registration forms are available in the KIOSK at St. Paul Lutheran. If you have any questions please call Jim Basselman 736-8813.
Everyone is cordially invited to attend the Annual Region #3 Fall Meeting of Action for L.S.S.M. It will be held at Lutheran Community Manor on Saturday, Sept. 12, 1998 at 9:00 a.m.. The lunch donation will be $5.00 and you need to make reservations by September 5, 1998 with Jenette Pernie at 354-5457.
Don't forget-----
Those who receive Lutheran Women Today its time to renew your subscription. Cost is $9.50 for a one year subscription. Deadline to order will be in September. Thank you.
Where else could you be served a meal, have lots of fun, be entertained, laugh a lot, spend some money and go home with some very wonderful homemade items??? At our Third Annual St. Paul Auction sponsored by the Education Committee.
A lite supper was served to all on August 12, when St. Paul members and members of New life filled up our dining room. They ate hot dogs, chips, veggies, pop and homemade cakes before the Silent and Live Auction began. Then it was time for Vern Kingsbury to work his magic and coax just one more $1.00, 50› or just 25› out of someone.
This was the 2nd year proceeds went to New Life Lutheran Church of Hubbard Lake. (In 1996 the first auction, spear headed by Intern Naomi Hawkins, proceeds went to ELCA World Hunger).
If you were lucky to be there you might have purchased one of the many lovely patchwork quilts, a dinner for two, a winter sleigh ride, bird houses, a garden chair, Santas, vests, perennial gardens, baked goods, canned goods, or beanie babies. We know that two people there bid Esther's salsa up so high, they had to just split it up. How much do you think the recipe would be worth?
When Vern's gavel hit "sold" for the last time that evening we had raised $4000.00 to help this new mission build their new church! Great Job!!!
Thanks to Rod Borchard, Marion Dunckel, Andrea Dutcher, Annette Kindt, Esther Kindt, and Pastor Deutsch for working all together to put this on again.
Special thanks also to Lori Ludwig for again helping to keep a tally of what everyone bought, to Don Grzeskowiak for providing the chips and especially to Vern, because we couldn't do it without his expertise. Fantastic Work!