February 2014 Board Officers Chairman Stan Grunenwald Vice Chair Our Redeemer Lutheran Redeeming The Times Randy Erickson Treasurer Mary Thurnau Financial Secretary Nancy Loscheider Recording Secretary “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the him and tell him never to pull that fire alarm again! But the “slavery”. Slaves obey their masters. But, unlike our modern Lord.” Romans 12:11. deputy stopped me with some very wise words. “Don’t tell him understanding of the term because of our civil war era slavery, never to touch it again or he may be afraid to pull the alarm when submitting to the Lord as our master is a good thing. He is there really is a fire.” benevolent. His ways are perfect. And His will is that I do the good Kim Gibeau I was just delivering the John Kruse donuts! A couple weeks ago I was on my way with Asher to go ice Elder Trustee Clyde Thurnau Pastor Chris Gorshe Officers Not On Board Asst Recording Secretary Val Strugar Trustees Dennis Dixon Keith Diebold Roger Brown Jeff Gilbert Clyde Thurnau Elders Dana Borchardt Mark Box Jerry Crowe Phill Gorath Kelly Morris Adam Morrow Russ Shields fishing, but I had to stop off at the church to deliver donuts for a Administrative Asst Linda Morrow Preschool Director that. I was ready to put the fear of God in my son because of his and run, but Tim was working that day so we started talking. mistake, but I may have also frightened him into making a in doing His will. Paul says to “be fervent in spirit”. The Greek Asher had been in the car, but made his way inside wondering mistake later. I wonder how often that happens in life. As we word for “fervent” literally means to “bubble up”. As disciples of what was taking me so long. All have been studying Romans 12 a Christ...out of love for Him in of a sudden, the fire alarm is ringing. LOUDLY. passage keeps sticking out to me. Pauls tells us not to be “slothful response to all that He does...we seek to be obedient. But when in zeal”, but to be “fervent in spirit”. I must confess that there guilt and shame stand in the way of the good God wants me to do, are times when I sense that God is prompting me to do something I should allow God’s Spirit to bubble up within me. When the or say something that might be helpful to others, but I am afraid sin of pride stands in the way, I should allow the Spirit to bubble to pull the trigger. Past hurts, past experiences with that individ- up within me. Then I am acting by His power and authority, ra- ual person, and sometimes even just doubts about my ability to say ther than my own. Tim and I were standing within arms reach of my very curious son, but neither of us saw him reach for that shiny red lever which tempted him so. To make a long story short, we are very blessed to have such wonderful firefighters in Cohasset who shut Even the Sherriff deputy was nice. I mentioned to him on my way or do the right thing often keeps me paralyzed. Krystine Jurvelin back down the hall that Asher was curled up under Linda’s desk It shouldn’t be that way. Paul tells me to “serve the Donna Derby Jessica Dixon Monica Beighley crying because he was afraid of the sound. I was going to scold Lord”. At the heart of the Greek word “serve” is the word Preschool Teachers that he desires in His Kingdom. sexual harrassment seminar. I was just going to drop the donuts off the alarm and didn’t even seem annoyed by the false call. Staff I hadn’t thought of Further, I am not alone In Christ, Pastor Chris Gorshe Custodian John Kruse Please Join Us! Controller Ron Evensen DCE Tim Stroming Pastor Chris Gorshe Worship: Sunday—8:30AM & 11:00AM Wednesday—7PM Education Hour: Sunday—9:45AM Contact Us! Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 35568 Foxtail Lane PO Box 8 Cohasset, MN 55721 Office: 218.328.5165 Pastor Gorshe: 218.999.7192 Preschool: 218.999.7193 >>>>>Check out our website at www.ourredeemercohasset.org<<<<< F e b r u a r y 2 0 1 4 OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN A SPIRITUAL HEALTH CHECKLIST Do I have a healthy DIET? A. Do I feed on His Word daily? There were 365 days in this past year. I read or listened to God's Word _______ days in this year. With God's help, I promise to feed on His Word _______ days in this coming year. B. Do I talk to Him daily in prayer? There were 365 days in this past year. I addressed God in prayer _______ days this past year. With God's help, I promise to come to His throne of grace _______ days in this coming year. C. Do I worship in His house weekly? Our local fellowship gathered for worship 66 times this year. I worshipped in the Lord's house _______ times this year. With God's help, I promise to answer His invitation to worship _______ times in the coming year. D. Do I eat at His table when He invites me to His feast? Our local Body of Christ celebrated the Lord's Supper 55 times. I communed at His table _______ times this year. With God's help, I promise to commune at his table _______ times in this coming year. Am I properly EXERCISING my faith? A. Have I studied the apostles' doctrine with my brothers and sisters in Christ? Our local Body of Christ held Bible study over 70 times this year I was in Bible study _______ times. With God's help, I promise to attend Bible study _______ times in the coming year. B. Have I served my Lord, using time and talents for Kingdom work? Our congregation has over 900 opportunities for service. I offered _______ hours in using my talents and time for Kingdom work this past year. With God's help, I plan to serve _______ hours in the coming year. C. Have I used the blessing of treasures for the support and expansion of His Kingdom? >>>>>Check out our website at www.ourredeemercohasset.org<<<<< Redeeming The Times Page 3 DEALING WITH CONFLICT Conflict is a natural part of growth and family living. Many conflicts are simply symptoms of something else. Most people do not deal openly with conflict because no one has ever taught them effective ways of dealing with it. On the positive side, conflict does provide opportunity for growth in a relationship. Unresolved and buried conflicts arise from their grave and interfere with growth and satisfying relationships. Many people are surprised that conflicts happen...even in the church! Often, when conflict happens in the church, people who have been hurt by the conflict become sad or even angry. They may even wonder why they should continue to be part of an organization that seems so “unchristian”. But the church is not a place for perfect people. And perhaps when we are surprised by conflict in the church we have forgotten that the church is a hospital for sinners...of which I am chief! What choices do we have in dealing with conflicts? Counselor James Fairfield has suggested five styles of dealing with conflict. after your own interests or your self-concept is threatened in a conflict, you may choose to win! No matter what the cost you must win! Domination is usually reflected in this style; personal relationships take second place. Giving in to get along is another style called yielding. You may not like it, but rather than risk a confrontation you choose this path. Give a little to get a little is called compromise. You may find that it is important to let up on some of your demands or ideas in order to help the other person give a little. You don’t want to win all the time nor do you want the other person to win all the time. A person may choose to resolve conflicts. In this style of dealing with conflicts, a situation, attitude, or behavior is changed by open and direct communication. How then can we resolve conflicts? Consider trying and applying these principles: The first is to withdraw . If you have a tendency to view conflict as a hopeless inevitability that you can do little to control, you may not even try. You may withdraw physically by leaving the scene or you may leave psychologically. 1. Select an appropriate time and place. “A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment, how good it is” (Proverbs 15:23 Amplified). At least, turn off the TV, radio and find a place to sit facing each other or go out to a restaurant for coffee. If you feel that you must always look CONTINUED PG. 4 Redeeming The Times Page 4 DEALING WITH CONFLICT (CONTINUED) When a conflict arises, instead of demanding that you be heard, listen carefully to the other person (see Proverbs 18:13 and James 1:19). Any changes that one person wants to see in another must be heard and understood. 2. Define the problem. How do you define the problem and how does the other person define it? This can objectify the problem, making it less personal and bring a different perspective. 3. Define the areas of agreement and disagreement in the conflict. Celebrate how much you agree on before discussing the areas of disagreement. Notice how you might share the same motive (solving the problem, restoring peace, etc.,) though you might have different solutions to the problem. 4. Here comes the difficult part. A few conflicts may be just one-sided, but most involve contributions from both sides. Identify your own contribution to the problem. What do you bring to the conflict in your own personality or history that contributes to the problem? (e.g. Worrier vs. Laid back person) When you accept some responsibility for a problem, the other sees a willingness to cooperate and will probably be much more open to the discussion. 5. help, especially if you find your emotions running high. Your emotional attachment to certain solutions may blind you to other possibilities. Ask outsiders from a partnership perspective: “Here’s the problem we’re experiencing. Can you see some other solutions that we’re not seeing?” 6. Decide on one solution to try. State positively what behaviors on your part would probably help, and to be willing to ask for the other person’s opinion. As they share with you, be open to their feelings, observations, and suggestions. Watch out for defensiveness! 7. Set up a mutually agreed upon time to evaluate the effectiveness of the solution. Conflict is a fact of life. It has been defined as a clash, contention, or sharp disagreement over interests, ideas, etc. Why does conflict occur? The answer is simple: We are human beings—imperfect people whom God graciously loves in spite of our imperfection. Each of us has our own desires, wants, needs, and goals. Whenever any of these differ from those of another, conflict may occur. Our beliefs, ideas, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors will be different. The differences themselves are not the problem, but rather our reaction to them. Brainstorm all possible solutions. Seek outside Milestones Baptisms Funerals Donny Bowers – 1/11/14 Weddings February 2014 Page 5 R12 Becoming a Romans 12 Christian Romans 12 is well underway! There are over 170 of our members involved in small groups studying the Chip Ingram series. We have almost doubled our small group attendance during the six weeks of R12. Our youth have over 15 in attendance at a Sunday night meeting. And their parents meet on the same night. What a great way to get teens and parents talking! We are also excited to have two small groups comprised of snow-birds meeting in Arizona. So far we are seeing some very positive results from R12. More and more people are in God’s word as a result of this campaign. Hopefully we will see more and more commitment from Christians who are “all in” wanting to serve in Christ’s Kingdom as together we respond to His Great love for us. And it has been fun to read what people have shared about how God is leading them to pray. Check out the bulletin board in the narthex to read about how some of your brothers and sisters in Christ are praying for you. There are still four weeks left of the R12 journey. Please join us during the month of February to continue learning about True Spirituality... Sunday, February 2 – R12 week 3. Host small groups from Feb. 2-8. Sunday, February 9 – R12 week 4. Host small groups from Feb. 9-15. Sunday, February 16 – R12 week 5. Host small groups from Feb. 16-22. Sunday, February 23 – R12 week 6. Host small groups from Feb. 23-March 1. TBA – Church-wide servant event. We still have not decided on a servant event to do at the conclusion of this series. Please continue to pray that God will direct us toward a worthy goal for our servant event. If you have an idea for something we could do selflessly in the Cohasset community please talk to Pastor as soon as possible. The cost for R12 is $10.00 per participant. If you have not paid for the materials yet, please get that to your small group leader as soon as possible. If you cannot pay $10.00 we will cover the cost. If you can pay more in order to cover the cost for those who cannot pay please do so. Dollars And Sense Fiscal Year 2013 Current Month: December Dec. Actual YTD Actual YTD Budget Total Income 49,571.15 482,456.17 538,449.00 Total expense 43,139.02 469,537.33 Income less expense +6,432.13 +12,918.84 Mortgage Balance: $238,569.15 This is the report as it is given by the treasurer from our Shepherd’s Staff program for tracking church finances and membership data. The column that you especially want to notice is the Year to date Actual income minus the Total Expenses Actual, which gives us a surplus of $12,918.84. As of this report the 2013 budget had not been cleared. But this is a reasonable estimate of our year end situation. Once again our leadership has managed resources very well. We spent less than we received in offerings. However, we were short of our budget expectations by $55,992.83. For the last couple of years we had a built in cushion because we were not paying the DCE salary. Tim Stroming has filled that position well, but we need to make sure we step up our giving so that we meet our responsibility to support our Called workers. Giving has been way down in the last several months. Please remember that Our Redeemer counts on you to support the mission with your giving. On a very positive note, giving to reduce our mortgage debt has been very generous. Several members have given beyond what we could have expected. Thank you to all who have helped us to reduce this significant debt. Page 6 10 Things Kids Want While They're at Your Church by Dale Hudson 1. A leader who knows their name. Kids want to be known personally. If they get lost in the crowd, you'll lose them. It's vital you get them out of the row and into a small circle. 2. They want to have fun. They want to laugh ... play games ... be kids. When parents pick up their children, there's a reason they ask them, "Did you have fun today?" 3. A lesson that will hold their attention. They want you to connect with their learning style. They want you to teach truth on a level they can understand. If they are saying the lesson is "boring," guess what ... it is. 4. They want to talk and share their thoughts. Instead of a one-sided "download" of information, they want to learn by being part of a conversation. 5. Rooms decorated with them in mind. They want environments with bright, kid-friendly colors and decorating themes connected to kid culture. 6. An opportunity to serve. They don't want to be known as the church of tomorrow ... they want to be the church of today. They are eager to serve and make a difference. 7. A friend their age. They want to build a friendship with someone in their class. 8. They want to be prayed for. They want someone who will pray for their prayer requests, even if it's a sick puppy. 9. They want to be listened to. They want someone who will listen ... really listen as they share about their week ... their favorite video game ... their fears ... their dreams ... their family. 10. They want to be affirmed. They want someone to believe in them. Someone to see potential in them. Someone to show them God has a great plan for their life. Regular Meeting Schedule: January—Annual Voter’s Meeting Organization February—Board Meeting Our Redeemer has a church board (members listed on the ber are also designated as congregational meetings. All voting front page of this newsletter) with members elected by the congrega- members may participate at these meetings. Special voters meet- April—Quarterly Voter’s Meeting tion. The board regularly handles the decisions regarding the day to ings are occasionally called by the pastor or the board chairman. May—Board Meeting day business of the church. Board meetings are regularly These emergency meetings must June—Board Meeting be announced to the congregation July—Quarterly Voter’s Meeting at two Sunday morning services scheduled for the first Monday of each month at 6:30. March—Board Meeting prior to convening. We also have which time new officers are elected and the budg- August—Board Meeting a Preschool Board which reports directly to the Church Board each September—Board Meeting month. All members are welcome to attend Church board meetings, October—Quarterly Voter’s Meeting et is approved. The but only board members are al- regualar board meetings in April, July, and Octo- lowed to vote. The January meeting is the annual meeting, at November—Board Meeting December—Board Meeting February 2014 Page 7 Worship Schedule Wednesday—7 PM Blended Service with Holy Communion Sunday—8:30 AM Blended Service with Holy Communion Sunday—11:00 AM Band-Led Modern Service with Holy Communion Sunday Fellowship Time—9:30 AM to 11:00 AM Coffee and Donuts Provided 4th Sunday Youth Cinnamon Rolls Offered Sunday Education Hour—9:45 AM to 10:45 AM Adult Study with Pastor Gorshe in Berean Room Kids For Christ (KFC) Sunday School Starts in David Room Confirmation in Rabbi Room We have many opportunities for friends and members of Our Redeemer to receive prayer or offer prayer. 1. Each Sunday (8:30 service) following Communion (following the Greeting of Peace during the R12 campaign), you may go to the Library to pray with and talk to one of the Elders or Parish nurses. This time has been especially helpful for many people who have been sick or just need to talk about things going on in their lives. We would like to offer this at the 11AM service as well, but are short-handed. Is this something that you might be interested in helping with? 2. If you would like to have Pastor pray publicly for you or a loved one during the service, please fill out a yellow prayer card and hand it to him before the service. It is helpful if the card is filled out completely. And there is a place to check whether the prayer is anonymous or if you would like the prayer printed in the bulletin. 3. Prayers are printed in the bulletin at the request of members. I will not ordinarily include someone in the bulletin unless given permission to do so. All members are encouraged to take the weekly bulletins home in order to pray for our church family during daily devotions. 4. We have a prayer team that meets regularly on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30. This is a great time to pray for ongoing needs relating to the ministry of Our Redeemer. 5. We have a prayer chain. You may activate the prayer chain by calling the church office or Millie Grunenwald or Linda Gorath with the requested prayer. The prayer is then passed along by phone to a list of members who pray for that request. Annual Men’s Retreat The Men’s Retreat will be held on March 14 & 15. The theme is “Dare To Be Uncommon”. We will be viewing a video series by Coach Tony Dungy.This incredible curriculum will inspire and energize you with insight straight from respected Super Bowl–winning coach Tony Dungy! No matter what kind of team you lead—a sports team, a class, a family, a church—people are looking to you for guidance, and you want to lead them well. In Dare to Be Uncommon, Tony challenges you to instill uncommonly strong character in your team members— and teach them how to win in life. Retreat begins at 5:30 p.m. for supper on Friday. We resumes at 6:00 a.m. for breakfast on Saturday. We will continue our discussion and fellowship until 2:00 p.m. These are the topics of Discussion. Session 1: Cultivating Uncommon Character Session 2: The Power of Positive Influence Session 3: Reaching Your Full Potential Session 4: Living with Purpose You can sign up at the information table in the Narthex. Valentine Luncheon Remember those yummy luncheons prepared for any and all who could come last winter? Well—we’re being treated again. Join us for a soup lunch on Thursday, February 13th at noon. Don’t bring anything but yourself and your smile. Our Redeemer Book Club March 26 Three From Galilee From Marjorie Holmes, one of the most beloved authors of our times, the inspiring sequel to her national bestseller, Two From Galilee...Three From Galilee. Rooted in her broad knowledge of the Bible and of history, Marjorie's wonderful new novel explores the "lost years" of Jesus' young manhood-a period not even mentioned in the Bible. Meeting in church library at 5:30. April 23 The Heart Mender by Andy Andrews. Andy Andrews now delivers an adventure set sharply against the warm waters and white sands of the Gulf of Mexico in WWII America. Saddened and unable to abandon her resentment toward the Nazi war machine that took her husband’s life, the young and attractive Helen Mason is living a bitter, lonely existence. Shirley Stenerson is the hostess. May 28 Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline Orphan Train is a gripping story of friendship and second chances. Penobscot Indian Molly Ayer is close to “aging out” of the foster care system. A community service position helping an elderly woman clean out her home is the only thing keeping Molly out of juvie and worse... As she helps Vivian sort through her possessions and memories, Molly learns that she and Vivian aren’t as different as they seem to be. Sue Zeige is the hostess. (R)ESC(U)ED Minnesota Youth Gathering coming soon! [un]Paved Ministries equips students to become "imitators" of Christ through a life of service! March 28-29, 2014 at Concordia University, St. Paul, MN Description: • When? Friday, March 28th - Saturday, March 29th, 2014 • Where? Concordia University, St. Paul, MN • For Whom? Junior - Senior High (and of course adults who disciple them) • Cost? $65.00 per person Join us for a weekend of spiritual growth, fellowship, service, and fun! Night in the Dome Kickball Tournament Concordia University St.Paul FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2014 Your youth group (grades 7-12) is invited to attend Concordia's annual kickball tournament in the Concordia Dome over Sea Foam Stadium. When: Friday, March 21, 2014 Where: Sea Foam Stadium on the Concordia University, St. Paul campus • Time: 6pm - 10pm • Cost: $25 per team Registration Deadline: Friday, March 7, 2014 *or until event is full. Space is limited! See DCE Tim for more Details • • Concordia St. Paul - 2014 Junior High Youth Gathering April 11-12, 2014. "Mourning to Morning" Isaiah 50:4. All Junior High youth (6th to 8th grade) are invited to come to the 30th annual Junior High Youth Gathering! See DCE Tim for more Details Cabin Fever Reliever The Cabin Fever Reliever Dinner will be Saturday, February 22nd. Social hour will be at 5:30 followed by dinner at 6:30. Our goal is to support the mission of our church. All proceeds do go directly back into our church. With your support we have been able to help individuals, families, or groups that may be in need as well as provide for needs of the church. Tickets will be $8.00 per ticket. (Presale tickets are recommended) Tickets will be available to purchase at the Hospitality Table before and after church beginning February 2nd. Please contact Jim Eckert or Lisa Box if you are interested in donating a Silent Auction or Raffle item. There is also a sign up sheet located at the Hospitality table for serving and clean up that evening as well as food donations. We look forward to spending this evening with you. Please spread the word! This is a wonderful evening of fellowship with friends and with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s make this an opportunity to invite someone who has been on your mind and to reach out to those whom God has put upon your heart. God has so richly blessed us. Let us return that blessing to others. Sincerely, The Hospitality Committee The Fruit of the Spirit for January 2014 was "Faithfulness". In the 57th Psalm we read of God's great love and faithfulness that reaches to the skies. As the coordinator of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church's Ruby's Pantry site in Cohasset, I am assured each month by individual people who faithfully come to physically work, preparing our food items to be placed in each share, and greeting and serving each participant at the church. I am also given the silent assurance of completed tasks done by those who are not able to attend the distribution process. In two and a half years, we have provided to area residence shares of food and not once said “Oh, I am sorry no one showed up to work today.” We have had Volunteers come and go. For some they have conflicting work schedules, or family demands. Some Volunteers even have shared that it is too much work physically for them, or the length of time is too long. So they come and stay as long as they can and do what they are able. There are people in our congregation who have never been to a distribution to just visit and soak up what that means. I can say, these people are faithful to our church's commitment of Ruby's Pantry as they pray continually for each Volunteer, and for the families who come and participate. God uses each and every worker. Two of our very faithful Volunteers who haven't been to a distribution are "Our Bag Ladies" Yep, I called them bag ladies. They give many, many countless hours each month to Ruby's Pantry as they sort and fold all the donated used plastic bags. The ladies bagging the potatoes call our Bag Ladies “Heaven Sent,” because they make their job so much easier. It would be nice if you would speak to Carol Bernhardt or Pauline Boynton and learn the folding process. I like to think, it is always good to have new helpers come on board to ease some of the tired hands, arms and legs completing each task that needs to be done. Please pray with me for continual growth in Volunteers who serve in Jesus’ name. Each January we are asked to registration for all Volunteers and Participants again. Please join me in giving special Thanks to each of the ladies who so cheerfully assisted all of us again this year. I especially want to say Thanks for alphabetizing everyone! Wow, did you make my job go smoothly! -We began the day below zero and ended the day with snow and still below zero. -We sold 354 Shares -We had 85 Volunteers -We still are able to draw 3 names for shares paid by Affinity Plus’s donation from last summer. The participants continue to say “Thank You” for the gift. In the Love of Christ, MaryLee Responses and Comments About Ruby’s Pantry • To Ruby’s Pantry Volunteers and Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and the Lord: I’m so grateful as a mother that you were so kind to my son, Eric, last year in his time of need. God bless you and all who are with your church. You helped when we couldn’t. Brenda P. • Dear Our Redeemer Lutheran and Ruby’s Pantry My dad is a pastor and receives a number of Blessing Boxes each month. My husband and I help him distribute the boxes and we are also blessed with some of the food. My husband has recently lost his job and due to health circumstances, I am not able to work. We are getting food support through the state, but that only helps us buy groceries for 2 weeks. The groceries we receive through Ruby’s Pantry helps for the other 2 weeks. We are so thankful that we receive the Blessing Box each month. This is one thing we know we can count on. My family wants to thank you for your ministry because without it a lot of people would go hungry. I thank the Lord for your servant’s heart and your compassion for people. Sincerely, Crissy A. • Dear MaryLee Thanks for all you do to coordinate Ruby’s Pantry. Your phone calls, reminders….The Lord is using you to reach so many in need. The Shares of food we distribute each month has been an outreach ministry for our church as well. Thank you for the lives touched by your willingness to give. May the Lord bless and keep you. Heidi H. PRAYER TEAM Ladies Prayer Breakfast Saturday, February 15th Our Redeemer Prayer at 9:00 am at Team will meet to pray on Tuesday, February Embers/Bridgemans. This is time 11th at 5:30 pm here at for food, fellowship and prayers for our church and other concerns. church. Everyone is All ladies are welcome. welcome to join us. LUTHERANS FOR LIFE FEBRUARY 24TH Pastor Jim Tule and Sarah Winandy of PRO-LIFE MINISTRIES OF DULUTH will be the special guest speakers February 24th from 7:00-8:30 p.m. SALEM LUTHERAN BRETHREN CHURCH, 602 NE 8th Avenue, Grand Rapids. “TURNING THE TIDE OF THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION” (exposing Planned Parenthood) Jim is currently the Director of the Duluth branch oﬃce of PRO-LIFE ACTION MINISTRIES. He moved his family to Duluth in 1998 a?er more than 20 years in ministry with the Chris@an and missionary Alliance Church. Sarah is a homemaker and mother of ﬁve who has volunteered the last nine years as a street counselor with PRO-LIFE ACTION MINISTRIES. All are welcome. Please plan to aend this informa@ve presenta@on. LUTHERANS FOR LIFE equip and educate people to be Gospel-mo@vated voices FOR LIFE, speaking the truth in love. For more informa@on contact Craig Nelson, chapter President at 326-5993 or Pam Nagel at 326-4968 or [email protected] THE ABORTION/MENTAL HEALTH CONNECTION Many pro-life volunteers enter into that eﬀort "to save the babies." However most come to realize there are great risks for the mother as well, separate from the physical complica@ons which can occur. These risks are related to long-term impacts on mental health. Not all post-abor@ve girls and women will react the same way and some may exhibit no apparent long las@ng problems. However, several valid studies show an increase in harmful a?er-eﬀects including increased drug and alcohol abuse and recurrent depression. The large scale studies linking abor@on to suicide are the most heartbreaking. A study done by a pro-abor@on researcher in Finland compared data on deaths of all women ages 15-49 years over a 7 year period, focusing on deaths within one year of the last pregnancy event. (Total pregnancies: 696,672.) The result showed a 6 @mes greater suicide rate among post-abor@ves than among those who delivered their babies. He felt that number might actually be higher because of deaths whose causes were listed as "unclear or accidental." The highest numbers of deaths occurred within 1 year of the abor@on or around the original due date. 1 A U.S. study showed a 3.1 @mes greater suicide rate among post-abor@ve women over those who went to delivery. 2 The American Assoc. of Pro-Life Obstetricians/Gynecologists says, "It deﬁes all ra@onal medical thinking to simply ignore these ﬁndings."3 While abor@on is viewed as a “right” for women, evidence shows that for so many it leads to broken lives and despair. There is a challenge here for Chris@ans and for churches. It has been said that people don’t speak out against abor@on because it has not broken their hearts. Our hearts should be broken not only by the taking of human life but by the devasta@on that o?en follows in its a?ermath. 1 GIssler, M., et al.,"Pregnancy Associated Deaths in Finland 1987-94, Acta Obstetricia et Gynecologicia Scandinavia; 76:651-657. Reardonn, et. al., Deaths Accosiated With Pregnancy Outcomes; Southern Medical Journal, Vol. 95 #8. 3 hp://www.aaplog.org/complica@ons-of-induced-abor@on/induced-abor@on-and-maternal-mortality/induced-abor@on-and-maternal-suicide/ 2 Contributor: Carolyn McElfatrick DearSisters~In~Christ, AsIamwritingthispriortotheWomen’sVisionRetreat,Ican’ttellyou whattranspired.WhatIcantellyouiswehavewonderful,caringwomen thatattendOurRedeemersoIamcon#identthattheretreatwasamazing,I hopeyouwereabletoattend.Iwillhaveafullreportoutverysoon. SecretSisterRevealwillbeSOON…watchforinformation! InHim, JodiMartin President,ESTHERSisters-In-Christ It’s hard to believe that it is February already! This month our lesson will focus on EMBRACING YOUR HUSBAND: MARRIAGE WITH ATTITUDE a Video Segment with Sherry Surratt, very appropriate as Valentine’s Day is almost here. All the members of the MOPS group will receive their Know & Loved 52 Devotions from Psalms at the next meeting! We also have a few copies of “The Artist’s Daughter” for the group to share, I read it and was a very easy read, I hope you enjoy both of the books. We are still in need of some volunteer “Grandmas” to watch the babies (1 and under) during our morning group, if you can help please let me know. Thank you! Blessing to you, Jodi Martin MOPS-Cohasset Coordinator G.L.O.R.Y. ACOLYTES: Feb 2 Feb 9 Feb 16 Feb 23 USHERS AND SCRIPTURE READERS FEB 9 8:30 11:00 8:30 11:00 Meghan Lutz Hannah Salisbury Sara Dingmann Sam Lutz Anthony Montana Tara Schultz Madison Seeley Ashley Kortekaas Carlee Klenotich Jordan Klenotich Jens Pearson Brandon Howsen Joe Stroming Sam Lutz BABY BOTTLES FOR BREPHOS THANK YOU for those who con@nue to support BREPHOS PREGNANCY CENTER by ﬁlling the Baby Boles with CHANGE! A BABY BOTTLE that contains about $40 will supply two packages of 144 count diapers. At BREPHOS, a new mother can receive a packet of twelve diapers per allowed visits. That equals 24 packets. During these visits, they are encouraged to become educated on all areas of being a new mother, how to care for their babies through nutri@on and other areas. Your con@nued support for our only PREGNANCY CENTER is so important! Want to learn more about BREPHOS? www.brephos.org Secret Sister Reveal It’s time to let your Secret Sister know who you are and who has been supplying all the fun surprises. This will happen at a brunch on Sat urday, February 8th at 10:30 am. Come with your final card or surprise!! There will be draw ings for next year’s Secret Sisters. If you didn’t have a Secret Sister this year, come and be in cluded in the drawing for next year’s Sisters. Ushers: Feb 2 – Larry Mercier, Dick Stenerson, Phill Gorath, Isaac Edwards Feb 9 – Carlee Klenotich, Jordan Klenotich, Jens Pearson (8:30) Brandon Howsen, Joe Stroming, Sam Lutz (11:00) Feb 16 – Dave Dimich, Wayne Raley, Alan Boyd, Chandler Boyd, Dana Borchardt Feb 23 – Dan Toewe, Lance Schultz, Sam Schultz, Randy Erickson UKRAINIAN EASTER EGGS (Pysanky) Have you ever seen Ukrainian Easter Eggs (Pysanky) and marveled at the intricate and, seemingly, complex designs and bright colors? Have you ever wondered how these eggs are made? The Ukrainian Easter Egg is not painted but is “written on”. The word “Pysanky” means “things that are written on” and the tool, the “Kistka” of “Pysak” means tool to write. The process involves “writing” on the egg with a “writing tool”. Ukrainian Easter Egg decorating has been handed down through generations of the Ukrainian people and they are famous the world over for their colorful Easter Eggs. Over 2,000 years ago, before Christianity, people decorated eggs believing that great powers were embodied in the egg. Eggs symbolized the release of the world from the shekels of winter and the coming of spring with its promise of new hope, new life and prosperity. With the advent of Christianity, Easter Eggs have come to symbolize the Resurrection and the promise of eternal life. Legend has it that as long as Pysanky are decorated, goodness will prevail over evil throughout the world. The designs, since the advent of Christianity, are highly symbolized and spiritual. Traditionally, these eggs are produced only during Lent. There was a time, so I am told, when the wives, daughters, mothers and sisters of soldiers captured by an enemy would throw Pysanky into the rivers so that their captured loved ones would be able to see the shells and know it was Easter. I will be teaching classes in the art of making Pysanky again this year. If you are interested, there will be a sign-up sheet to participate in this class. New and experienced participants are welcome. The class will be held on Tuesday, March 18, Thursday, March 20, and Tuesday, March 25, 2014, from 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M. For each new participant, there will be a fee of $45.00 to cover the cost of dyes, design sheets, tools and materials. For those who participated in the class last year, the fee will be $10.00 plus supplies needed. Included in the new participant fee are: • • • Three (3) Kistky or Pasaky (writing tools) including one (1) each fine, medium and heavy. Block of bees wax Eggs (suitable for Pysanky) • • • • Six traditional dyes Drying board Charts of symbols and colors used Design sheets Each class participant will be responsible to bring certain materials from home. The list of materials to bring is listed below. For those interested in participating in the class, your payment of the fee must be received no later than February 23, 2014. This will give enough time to order the required materials. For those of you that participate, you will have something beautiful you can be proud of and keep for many, many years. The $45.00 fee covers all the specialized tools and supplies that are required to produce Ukrainian Easter Eggs. Please bring the following items from home for each class session: Dinner candle (approx. 6” in length) Matches A low height candle holder A metal (not plastic) jar lid to rest hot tools (a metal pickle jar lid or similar) Two store bought eggs for practice (either raw or hard boiled) A cardboard egg carton One roll of toilet paper (plain paper without scents or lotions) A pair of surgical type gloves (optional) A good sense of humor • • • • • • • • If you have any questions, please call John Nelson at 218-245-1677. Receiving, Teaching, and Reaching with our Redeemer! Contact Us! Our Redeemer Lutheran Church 35568 Foxtail Lane PO Box 8 Consider the Mission – The mission of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is to receive God’s Word in order to teach our members to reach our neighbors with our Redeemer to the Glory of God. Cohasset, MN 55721 Office: 218.328.5165 Pastor Gorshe: 218.999.7192 Preschool: 218.999.7193 See the Vision – In 3 years we see a church that praises and glorifies God so that… People of all ages are so filled with God’s Word that they live it and share it. A growing number of people are discovering and using their God given gifts and abilities. We’re on the web! www.ourredeemercohasset.org People are coming closer and closer to God and one another in worship, mission, and ministry. OUR REDEEMER LUTHERAN CHURCH PO BOX 8 COHASSET MN 55721-0008 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED NONPROFIT ORG US POSTAGE PAID COHASSET MN 55721 PERMIT NO 2