Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) 28983 181st Ave, New Prague, MN 56071 Rev. Henry T. Koch [email protected] Church: (952) 758-2828 Pastor’s Home: (952) 758-3245 Worship: Sunday 9 AM Tuesday 6:30 PM Saturday Noon www.efriedens.com June 2015 Free Concert June 16 Musician Chris Driesbach will be performing at Friedens Tuesday evening, June 16th. He will participate in our informal 6:30 PM service, then present his concert at 7:15. For those new to Friedens, you may check out chrisdriesbach.com. Chris sings original Christian songs in a variety of styles. He says of them, “Some songs are moving, some are thought-provoking, some are funny- but all give glory to God. I haven't always been a Christian, and I love to tell the story, in words and music, of how God brought me to faith.” He notes of himself, “I'm a WELS Christian singer and songwriter, bringing my music to WELS and ELS churches all over the US. I am also living proof of the power of the Holy Spirit, who gave me the gift of faith after I had lived 42 years as an atheist. My music reflects both that story and my current life as a Christian.” Divine Call Received Sunday afternoon, May 31, Pastor Koch learned by phone that Christ Ev. Lutheran Church of Eden Prairie had issued a divine call to have him serve as their new pastor. Their previous pastor, Rev. John Dolan, had just retired. (Greater numbers of baby boomer pastors are reaching retirement age). Christ Lutheran was one of several congregations which did not receive a graduate from the seminary this past month. The call to Pastor Koch is evidence of how a lower number of young men training for public ministry has a ripple effect through the synod, even for congregations that have a pastor. According to synod President Schroeder, the number of congregations requesting pastors or teachers is larger than it has been in some time. The vacancy rate is a healthy 7%, but he says, “We don’t want to see that number continue to grow.” What does this mean? How did this call to our pastor happen? Pastor Koch now has two calls, and must weigh where the Lord would have him serve going forward. It is not automatic that a call is accepted. The receiving of a call rightly prompts the pastor and the members of his current church to pause and evaluate their work together. The path of ministry and selecting calls to accept is not about “moving up” in some way, nor pursuing a path to personal advantage. The pastor weighs the needs of the two congregations, his gifts, the welfare of his family, and what effect a change of ministry would have on the congregation he presently serves. Feel free to speak to your pastor, if you wish, about his call. Your pastor expects to reach a decision within a couple/few weeks. Pastor Koch had not requested to be placed on a call list. Our synod generally will not place a called worker on a list for a congregation to consider for the first 5 years after someone accepts a new call. (Pastor Koch has been at Friedens for 7 years). At a calling meeting the congregation considers names prepared by the district president, as well as any nominations made from the floor. Please keep Pastor Koch and both congregations in your prayers, that the Lord of his Church guides his workers where he would have them serve, and blesses them in their work. Member News New member welcome potluck is coming up soon, on Sunday, June 14th. In recent months God has blessed us to have seven adults join us by confirmation or profession of faith plus five teen confirmands. The June 14 potluck is a way we can all welcome them to Friedens’ flock. Teen News Friedens’s teens meet for Bible Study the first Sunday of each month. The teens met three times in May, once for a Sunday Bible Class, and on two Thursdays, for tennis and a bike trip. The mission trip to Colorado is coming up June 20 to 27. Teens will be picked up at 7:15 AM at the Elko rest stop on I-35. About 1 AM the next morning they will arrive in Colorado Springs, worship there at 9 AM, then distribute outreach materials around Fount of Life and Salem churches. That afternoon they will tour the Air Force Academy and stop at Garden of the Gods. On Monday morning they will raft on the Arkansas River, then head to Denver. The next morning they will assist with outreach at Castle Rock, Highland Ranch and Littleton churches, then hike at Bergen Peak—and that is just the schedule through Tuesday! Chaplain Ed Fredrich, from the Lutheran Home, Belle Plaine, will conduct services at Friedens in pastor’s absence. Surveys As was mentioned last month, congregational surveys are being completed. We appreciate the participation given on the first weekend it was offered. If you have not yet completed a survey, please ask the pastor or secretary for a copy, and return it promptly, so our snapshot of Friedens in 2015 will be complete. God-willing, this will help us recognize blessings received, and plan ministry moving forward! Vacation Bible School Vacation Bible School here-- June 8-12! This year’s theme is “Camp Discovery—Jesus at Work Through Us.” We meet from 9 AM to noon Monday through Friday. Teens and adults help with snacks, singing, Bible teaching, crafts, outdoor activity, registration, publicity, and memory rhythms. We still have some openings for volunteers and space available for more children. Our thanks for many who have already responded with donations of materials, money and time! May 11th, 2015 Church Council Meeting June Birthdays Pastor opened with meditation. Previous minutes approved. Pastor’s report: Chris Driesbach concert tentatively scheduled for June 6th. VBS will be June 8th to 12th. The Youth Mission Trip to Colorado is June 20th to 27th. Treasurer’s report for April was approved. Elders report: Discussed follow up to the March 23rd leadership workshop and a congregational survey. Trustee’s report: Building walkthroughs planned to find any needed maintenance. Old Business New member welcome rescheduled for June 14th with potluck after service. New Business: Discussed review of Fellowship Hall rental. Cemetery rules to be updated by the cemetery committee, and brought back to the council. Approved updating the Church computer. Date of the next meeting will be June 8th at 6:30. Vivian Bloch June Usher/Elder Schedule Sunday, June 7 Sunday, June 14 Sunday, June 21 Sunday, June 28 Sunday, July 5 Mike Meyer Roger Meyer Russ Meyer Scott Meyer Tim Meyer Troy Rabenberg Will Rancour Matt Schellin Patrick Schaefer Dave Sulzle Justin Storlie Tom Thomsen David Tietz Austin Warner David Warner Randy Warner Matthew Ullom Ben Barnack DeLynn Barta Dale Benson Aaron Baerbock Ruth Brooks Mark Fahrenkamp MaddilynHolicky Duane Jirik Patty Lau Forest Lehmen Christopher Meyer Darrell Meyer Matthew Meyer Sue Meyer Robin Pittmann Megan Rabenberg Ryan Rancour Ann Ruehling David Tietz Cheryl Warner FIFAF Cookout When: Thursday, June 25 @ 6:00PM Where: Friedens Fellowship Hall Who: Women of the congregation Please bring a dish to pass Grilled meats and beverages will be provided Jirik Invitation Baerbock Fadden Jirik Baerbock At 4:30 PM, on Sunday, June 14th, Chris Driesbach will present his “How Can Creation Be True” Special Worship Service at Grace Lutheran Church in Le Sueur, MN. Grilled Hot Dogs, chips, water & coffee (and condiments) will follow (outside, if weather permits) along with picnic style games. Chris will bring his guitar out for a little extra entertainment. The larger community is being invited. Vacation Bible School Summer 2015 VBS is right around the corner! This year's theme is "Camp Discovery: Jesus at Work Through Us." Registration forms are now available on the table in the entryway. Children who are 4 years old through entering sixth grade are welcome to attend. Teens and adults are also needed to volunteer as group and site leaders-a volunteer sign-up sheet is available on the table in the entryway. Finally, volunteers are needed to help serve lunch for VBS children and their parents on Friday, June 12th. Anyone who is available may sign up on the volunteer sign-up sheet. If you have any questions, contact Lexi Barta or Cindy Koch. Date: June 8-12, 9 a.m.-Noon, MondayFriday Ireland Pastor James Humann, retired WELS pastor, invites you to join him on an eleven day tour featuring The Best of Ireland. Ireland is perhaps one of the safest places today to visit. The tour leaves March 24, 2016 and returns April 3, 2016. Visit the Waterford Glass factory to see the famous Waterford crystal made by hand. Kiss the Blarney Stone! Spend a full day exploring the "Ring of Kerry." View the aweinspiring Cliffs of Moher. The scenery of the seascapes and lakes, the green of the glen and mountainside, the quaint thatched roof cottages, the music, food and drink are unforgettable. For a colorful brochure describing the daily itinerary, tour conditions and costs, please e-mail Pastor James Humann at [email protected]. If you'd prefer a hard copy of the brochure, be sure to include your name and mailing address. Golf Outing Mt. Olive in Shakopee is sponsoring an 18-hole Father's Day golf outing at Creeksbend Golf Course on Hwy 13 near New Prague. The Greens fee is $25 payable to Pastor Schwertfeger. Carts are extra. Tee times begin at noon on Sunday, June 21st. Please reply by Friday, June 19th so that final reservations can be made. 952-445-2872 or cell phone @ 612250-9343. Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church June 2015 28983 Sunday 181st Monday Ave New Prague, MN 56071952-758-2828 www.efriedens.com Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 6:30PM Worship 7:10 Marriage Class 3 9:45 AM Bible Class 4:15PM 5&6 Catechism 5:40PM 7&8 Catechism 4 6:30PM FIFAF 5 6 8:00AM Elders’ Meeting Noon Worship 7 9:00AM Communion 10:10AM Coffee Hour/Ladies Aid 8 9:00-Noon VBS 6:30PM Church Council Meeting 9 9:00-Noon VBS 6:30PM Worship 10 9:00-Noon VBS 11 9:00-Noon VBS 1:00PM Ladies Aid 6:30PM Youth Group 12 9:00-Noon VBS 13 Noon Worship 14 9:00 Worship Service 10:15AM Bible Class New Member Orientation/Potluck 21 9:00AM Communion 10:15AM Bible Class 15 16 6:30PM Worship 7:15PM Chris Driesbach Concert 17 9:45 AM Bible Class 18 19 20 Noon Worship Youth leave for Mission Trip to Denver 22 23 6:30PM Worship 24 25 6:00PM Evening Ladies Cookout 26 27 Noon Worship Youth return from Mission Trip 28 9:00 Worship Service 10:15AM Bible Class 29 11:00AM Worship at Mala Strana 30 6:30PM Worship 1 9:45 AM Bible Class 2 6:30PM Youth Group 3 4 Independence Day
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