January, 2015
United Lutheran Church, Bella Vista, Arkansas
The
Voice
The staff at United Lutheran Church wishes
each of you a Happy New Year and prays
that 2015 will be a great year for all of us.
1
Martha Circle is helping make decorations. The sign up
sheet is out and I need volunteers to help decorate, set up,
serve and clean up. We served about 130 at the pie social.
We had a great selection of pie and good fellowship.
PROPERTY – Rick Hebar
COUNCIL MINUTES
President Robert Frazier called the United
Lutheran Church council meeting to order on
December 4, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. The following
members were present: Richardson, McNew,
McNew, Kloss, Hebar, Dykema, Klitzke, Jones,
Overton, Hall and Pastor Nelson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: Sherman
DEVOTIONS
Book Study of Power Surge (Dar Dykema). Share
peace of the Lord.
MINUTES
MSC, the minutes for October, 2014 were accepted
with the amendment to the date being changed to
November 13, 2014.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The summary of operations showed total
benevolences included dedicated accounts are
$59,469 or 15.2% of total revenues. The year to
date for 2014 is positive $170.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Worship Services 7
Classes Taught 7
Meetings attended 13
Home Communions 2
Misc. Activities: November 12 Skype interview
with Ordination Candidate
November 14-15 Attended the AR-OK Synod
Candidacy Retreat in Tulsa, OK.
Announced Engagement to be married on February
15, 2015.
STAFF REPORTS
Stephen Ministry report received,
MISSION TEAM REPORTS
HOSPITALITY/EVANGELISM Dar Dykema
Will be putting together a proposal for an
evangelism opportunity.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Stephanie Jones
The children/youth families are going to do Advent
readings on Sundays, and the Youth Christmas
program will be during the 9:30 service on
December 14.
PARISH FELLOWSHIP – Dorothy Klitzke
The theme for the Christmas dinner will be "Over
the River and through the Woods", which will be
held at noon on Christmas Day.
The elevator passed its “witness inspection.” This is the
inspection that is conducted by our regular service
company and witnessed by a State of Arkansas
inspector. We will receive an invoice from the State of
Arkansas for our certification and the certificate will be
posted in the elevator.
Dennis Berg and Vern Hinz repaired the lights for the
flagpole in the front of the church and the flags are now
illuminated again during the evening hours.
We have completed a preliminary study of the cost of
placing protective cages over the fourteen (14) HVAC
units to discourage the theft of copper wiring. It appears
that the cost of purchasing and shipping the cages will be
prohibitive. Additionally, the burden and cost of
installing these cages falls upon the Property Committee
rather than the manufacturer. As a result, we will not be
purchasing these cages in the foreseeable future.
We have contacted Carroll Electric Cooperative to have
an energy audit performed. The energy audit will be
conducted on Monday, January 12 at 9:00 a.m. We will
encourage anyone who is interested to observe the
audit. Carroll Electric will provide recommendations for
conserving electricity and the Property Committee will
implement those recommendations as time and funding
will permit.
Volunteers raked and removed leaves from the south side
of the church and from the gravel bank in the church
parking lot. Despite a great deal of effort, we were able
to remove and dump only a portion of those leaves. We
will have to consider hiring a service if we wish to have
all leaves removed from the church property.
MUTUAL MINISTRY – Bob McNew
The passage of the budget will create a part-time position
in our office to assist Kay. Applications may be picked
up in the office and returned by December 19. Starting
date will be January 6, 2015.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC – Ann McNew
A screen and projector has been ordered for Luther Hall.
Can we build a Mission Church within an existing
church? Come to "Re-United Live", the new name for
"Abundant Life", at 5:00 p.m. on December 14, in
Fellowship Hall!
We need 2 Head Ushers to replace Jack Sadenwasser and
Dick Skrei.
2
SOCIAL MINISTRY – Judy Kloss
The Food Bags for Helping Hands have been coming back filled to the
brim. Helping Hands will pick them up around noon on Monday
December 15. Need 4-5 men to help load them, I have put notice in
bulletins.
The date for Feed my Starving Children has been set for March 14,
2015. They will notify me when they have a planning meeting.
The Thanksgiving Offering was $1190.00 - $476.00 went to World
Hunger, $476.00 went to Salvation Army and $238.00 went to the
Building Maintenance fund.
STEWARDSHIP – Roy Sherman
"2015 Envelopes are in the narthex. The majority of envelope holders
have a new number assigned for 2015 as we reduced the order quantity.
Simply Giving participants are reminded to submit a new form for
their 2015 withholding to the office."
FACILITY REQUESTS
None
SECRETARY – Brandy Overton
Thank you notes were received from the following: Single Parent
Scholarship Fund and Mr. Henning for the Scholarship that United has
provided.
VICE PRESIDENT – Theda Hall
Met with Abundant Life Team (Pastor Joe Liles, Jessica Liles, Holly
Jones, Lindsey Lawson, Jerry Shaw, Lois Carlson, Jay Yates, Pastor
Nelson & Theda Hall to discuss how to market Abundant Life Service.
Brandy Overton was on speaker phone with us.
Pastor Nelson and I met with Kelly Young from NWA Advertising for
the Benton County Record, Rogers Morning News and The Vista.
Have black & white ads running in the Vista during Advent for the
Advent Wednesday Suppers & Devotions for December 3, 10, & 17.
Cost will be $ 83.50 x 3. Black and White Ads will be running for
Sunday Advent Services along with Wednesday Advent Suppers and
Devotions in the Benton County Daily Record and the Rogers Morning
News for November 30, December 7, 14, & 21. Cost will $165.80 x 3.
The November 30 ad will be $185.70.
Christmas Eve Services will be color ads (2 x 5) for the Benton County
Record that will run December 17 and 21 for $276.90. The Vista 2 x 5
color ads will run on the 17 for $123.50.
We also placed a ½ page ad in the Bella Vista City Guide for $383.00.
This is a year- long magazine representing Bella Vista. It will be
similar to the one ad placed last year.
We will meet again in December to decide whether or not to place a
New Years ad.
Call Committee Update –
None
New Business
MSC to approve the Bylaws Revision to be announced at the
Congregational meeting this month.
Adjourn at 6:52 p.m. with the Lord’s Prayer
January 8, 2015 Next Council Meeting
Respectfully submitted,
Brandy Overton, Secretary
When you are given a gift you realize
that you are obligated to thank the giver.
But what about the giver who as given
the best gift of all?
How often do we really thank God the
Father for the gift of His son, Jesus?
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HAPPY NEW YEAR from your Parish Nurses to all our United Lutheran members, families, and friends.
Learn to enjoy the little things, there are so many of them.
Do you have your New Years Resolutions? How are you going to reduce the stress in your life?
It is the time of the year when we are looking to a New Year. Tomorrow is the first blank page of
your book that you will be creating in 2015.
Stress is the tension you feel when faced with a situation that's new, unpleasant or threatening.
Stress is an automatic physical reaction and some stress is ok. Change can cause stress, daily living can
also be stressful. Stress affects your emotions and your body.
What can you do to manage stress in your life? POSITIVE thinking is one of the most powerful and an
effective weapon people of any age can do. Plan, Believe in yourself, imagine a favorable outcome,
develop interest, and have some fun in your life. We all should be making Health and Fitness an important
part of our daily lives.
Take a deep breath and do some stress busters in your life. Below are just a few examples you can use to
help reduce stress. You can add your own stress busters to the list.
Choose one or two stress busters that you can put in your life to help you manage your stress:
See problems as Challenges, Read the Bible, Stop and Smell the Roses, Love Others,
Never Drink and Drive, Be Faithful, Be around Positive People, Laugh Often,
Get Regular check ups, Take a walk, Get Organized, Do Neck Rolls, Stretch often,
Learn to say No, Encourage others, Use Proper Lighting, Ask others for Help,
Exercise, Set realistic Goals, Have a Hobby, Visualize a Peaceful Scene,
Learn to Relax, Sing a Song, Talk things out, Believe in Others,
Avoid Dangerous Drugs, Control your Weight, Reflect on your joys,
Give Hugs, Read Good Books, Take Breaks, Vacation, Delegate Work,
Budget Time and Money, Believe in Yourself, Be Kind, Cry if Necessary,
Be Flexible, Forgive and Forget, Reflect on your Joys, Massage tight Muscles,
Love Yourself, and take care of yourself.
Please try and reduce the stress you can in your life.
DON'T SWEAT THE LITTLE STUFF.
Charlotte Spencer & Tonja Seusy.
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Notes from the Music Department
JANUARY 2015 VOICE
HAPPY NEW YEAR! We not only are celebrating a new calendar year, but we are also beginning a
New Church year as we celebrate Epiphany (the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles and all nations)
and the Baptism of our Lord.
We would like to THANK ALL who provided Special Music for our Worship Services in December:
the Chancel Bells and their Director, Margaret Seba; United Choir; the Youth Choir and their Director,
Claire Redlaczyk; Phyllis Bergstrom, Digital Piano; Kate Lennon-vocalist and Sara Terry-accompanist
(granddaughters of Ardy Schultz); Orchestra, and Members of the Highland Winds-Char Sorenson, Ray
Gerstin, Rick Hebar and Marland Thurston.
A “Special THANK YOU” to Margaret Seba and Kathy Henning for accompanying our United Choir
during Virginia Dale's absence!
United Lutheran Church was well represented by members of our United Choir- Ralph Picht, Char
Sorenson, Jean Kittelson, Kathy Henning, Ann McNew and Lois Carlson in the Community
presentation of the “Messiah” on Sunday afternoon, December 21 at the Bella Vista Lutheran Church.
We THANK Joe Patton for playing the trombone solo, “MY TRIBUTE” for the Worship Service on
Sunday, January 4.
Orchestra resumes rehearsals January 7 at 5:45 PM.
United Choir resumes rehearsals January 7 at 7 PM.
Chancel Bells resume rehearsals January 8 at 3:15 PM.
January is a good time to join any or all of our Music Groups! There are no tryouts—just come and
join us!
WELCOME BACK Virginia and Dick Dale!
Don't forget--- Sunday, January 11 at 5 PM is “REUNITED LIVE” --our monthly “outreach Worship
Service “ with a light meal followed by singing with the Neighborhood Praise Band and Worship in
Fellowship Hall. Please INVITE and BRING your Friends and Neighbors to this “family friendly”
evening of Fellowship.
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A sincere thank you goes to Dennis Berg and Vern Hinz
for repairing the light standard for the flags in front of the
church. “Old Glory” can once again be seen waving
proudly, even at night.
The Property Committee wishes to thank the Henning
Family (Rick, Kathy, And Brian), Bob McNew, Garey
Olson, and the Wehner’s (Tom and Betty) for their hard
work in raking and hauling leaves from the grounds on
Saturday.
It took the community of United Lutheran Church to
pack, drive and deliver hundreds of meals to the
community of Bella Vista during the month of
November. Some did it once, some many times. So if
you packed a meal, drove a route, delivered a meal or had
a conversation with a recipient, thank you to the
following: Hippes, Seba, Sherwood, Armiger, Skreis,
Hermans, Hvidsten, Hartman, Appleton, Schmidt,
Krumreys, Pudas, Eidem, Mosbys, Cornwells, Lovaas,
Dorans, Lindeman , Buechler, Spencers, Nugents, Heist,
Christianson, Lamars, DeGroot, Maki, Hall and Kloss.
Well done, good and faithful servants. Thank YOU
Thank you to the following for providing poinsettias
to decorate our narthex and Fellowship Hall: Cal &
Mariann Floren, Clare Ann Stubbs, Ken & Lois Lawson,
Tim & Stephanie Ensley, Dick & Joyce Strunk, Robert &
Theda Hall, Walt & Betty Knocke, Vern & Kathryn Hinz,
Darwin & Nancy Krumrey, Bill Lindeman, and Don &
Toni Hippe.
My sincere thanks go out to all my United Lutheran
Church family for your support, calls, cards, and gifts and
to all who attended the memorial service for Ann. Your
gifts are being given to the listed party and also to Ann’s
favorite animal shelter, Villalobos Rescue Center , New
Orleans, LA. God bless you all. Frank Barbieri
A big thank you to Orrin Armiger, Rick Hebar,
John Overton, Jim Schmidt, Dick Skrei, Buck
Kreager, Ron Rear, Mike Seusy, John & Marilyn
Cornwell, Louise Wobig, Theda Hall, & Dar
Dykema for helping load the 168 food bags on the
Helping Hands truck. Thanks again from the
Social Ministry Team
Thanks for so many words of consolation, cards,
and calls we have received over this year at the
deaths of my brother, son and now my sister. I
have gotten a lot of help from the choir. Music
has been the best medicine. God bless all ULC,
Cliff Stolpe
A big thank you to everyone who filled 168 bags
full to the top with food for Helping Hands.
Thrivent will add hams to each bag. Thanks to
your generosity 168 families will be enjoying a
wonderful Christmas dinner. Thank you from the
Social Ministry Team.
For all the many kind thoughts, words, and deeds
shown to me, I thank each of you. It is my
pleasure to work with everyone at United
Lutheran.
Kay Anderson
Thank you to United Lutheran for the beautiful prayer
shawl and to the home communion server who delivered
it to me. Dot Fritz
A huge thanks to all the following who took part in
picking up litter for 2 miles on Rte. 279 on December,10,
2014: Duane Kuske, Carole Walford, Ben Walford, Marv
Boicourt, Joe Eidem, George Hildre, Bob Holliday, Don
Christianson, Rick Hebar, Mark Maki, Jim Schmidt, Ron
Olson, and Marge Taylor. Bud Taylor
Dear Friends, Here is our mailing address:
Pastor & Mrs. Richard Solberg
c/o Fellowship Community Church
Rua Carlos Sampaio 107, Bela Vista
Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil 01333-021
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Martha Circle
Morning Circles
Jan 11
January 7– 9:15 a.m.
Deborah ....... Helen Eidem
January 7 9:30 a.m.
Elizabeth ...... Louise Wobig
Mary............. Annette Janssen
Naomi ......... Jan Hutcherson
Rachel ......... Jane Nelson
Jan 9 9:00 a.m.
Jan 21 9:00 a.m.
Jan 28 11:30 a.m.
Jan 28 9:30 a.m.
Afternoon Circles
January 6 – 1:00 p.m.
Hannah ........ Char Sorenson
January 13 – 1:00 p.m.
Martha…….Jan Hutcherson
(At Church)
This month’s
Gather is for
January and
February, so
don’t throw it
away!
Evening Circle
January 5 7:00 p.m.
Priscilla ......... Jan Dolan (at church)
Piecemakers – The Piecemakers will be back at work
on Thursday, January 8 making quilts for Lutheran
World Relief and for local needs. Everyone is invited
to join them at 9:00 every Thursday in Luther Hall.
There are lots of tasks for people who don’t sew. If
you’d like to be part of a wonderful fellowship, join us
any time. You can also pick up kits to sew at home.
Thank you for all your help.
Shopping With Single Parents Project
Thank you to everyone who supported this project
with their dollars and their time. Because of you, we
met our goal to provide shoppers and funds to help
15 families have a happier holiday. Coordinator
Debbie Olson had 15 volunteers who shopped with
our families: Kay Anderson, Mary Boicourt, Marilyn
Cornwell, Debra Eidem, Theda Hall, Glenda Heist, ,
Stevie Lamar, Bonnie Larson, Maxine McClain,
Brandy Overton, Tonja Seusy, Carrol Hildre, Robin
Appleton, Vicki Armiger, and Carole Walford.
Thank you to all our volunteers and to Debbie for the
great job she does in coordinating the project. And a
special thanks to those “last minute” people who put
us over the top just when we thought we would not
make our goal!
Take down decorations
Visiting Phoebes
Altar Guild Luncheon
Bible Study Leaders
The Conference IV Spring Gathering will be
held April 18 here at United. The theme is
“Panning for Souls,” based on Proverbs 11:25:
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and
one who waters will himself be watered.
The Fall Synodical Women’s Conference will
be at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in
Fayetteville on October 2-3. The theme is
“Spiritual Hydration” and is based on
1 Corinthians 10:4.
Donuts and Fellowship
Starting in January, we will
try something new .
During the fellowship following the service,
we will have donuts available every Sunday
instead of cookies once a month.
Thank you to Deborah and Hannah Circles
for serving our Christmas Tea. Everything was
lovely, the food was delicious, the program was
delightful, and the opportunity for fellowship
was wonderful! We appreciate the talent and
hard work of our hostesses. At the tea we
honored the women from United who died in
2014: Virginia Benning, Alice Johnson, Dorothy
Mortensen, Ruth Oberhelman and Phyllis Selig.
We thank God for their faithful service to our
congregation and to the Women of United.
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Scholarship Committee
United Lutheran Scholarship Fund awarded two scholarships in 2014. The recipients were Otto Troutner and
Brain Henning.
Otto, son of Forest and Janet Troutner, has been awarded a two semester gift. He is a 2014 graduate of
Gravette High School and is presently attending Northark CC in Harrison, AR.
Brian, son of Rick and Kathy Henning, has received a gift for the second semester at University of
Oklahoma, Norman, OK. Upon graduation this spring Brian plans to enroll at Luther Seminary.
We wish both young men God’s blessings in their futures.
DO NOT FORGET - The scholarship fund needs your continual contributions so that we may continue to
help our worthy young members with their college educations!
Thank you for your support.
Committee members: Joe & Helen Eidem, Jim & Mary Lou Schmidt, Steve & Mary Lou Stolp, Wally &
Jane Nelson
SINGLES UNITED: All singles invited to a game afternoon, Saturday, January 10, 2015 - 1:00 PM.
Fellowship Hall. Games (Farkel,etc.) and/or cards will be played - your choice. You will need a 4-some
to play Bridge or Crazy Canasta (cards furnished). Bring snacks or drinks - coffee furnished. Any
questions, give Carl Rumsey 876-6304 or Ralph Picht 855-0830 a call.
Bread for the World
The January meeting of Bread for the World will be on Wednesday,
January 21, 2015 at 9:15 a.m. at church.
Sincere thanks for the excellent response to Bread for the World Sunday.
Over 300 letters were written and over $500.00 was given to the Bread for
the World Institute. For more information contact 876-2700 or 876-5437.
Bethany Shepherd Group will meet at Highlands Parkway Clubhouse on Sunday, January 18 at
12:00 noon for soup lunch.
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January Birthdays
1
2
3
6
Mavis McGary
Ronald Snyder
Donna Paris-Bluml
Lucile Aasmundstad
Jan Dolan
Ralph Picht
10 Kathy Henning
11 Joe Patton
Loletia Rear
Melissa Seusy
12 Carrol Hildre
13 Mary Lou Schmidt
14 Marlene Doran
Jean Mosby
Chuck Seeley
16 Phillip Matsler
17 Tina Evans
Jo Ann Michel
18 Lorrayne Maki
19 David Anderson
Robert Rein
21 Louise De Groot
Buck Kreager
22 Pat Kugler
Helen Smiley
Connie Wuhs
23 Mavis Hvidsten
Curt Kimpfbeck
24 Chyenne Baer
Fred Sulzberger
25 Judith Berg
Marjorie Taylor
Janet Troutner
26 Blanche Johnson
27 Margaret Christianson
Ethel Holt
28 Lorena Kilgore
29 Charles Vail
30 Barbara Thorson
January Anniversaries
8 Charles & Elsie Taylor
30 Keith & Sheila Lettow
31 Jim & Mary Lou Schmidt
Ann Barbieri
April 8, 1937 - November 20, 2014
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A New Year With The Lord
A new year is about to unfold
With new opportunities to explore
Doors will open for new experiences
New adventures with the Lord
Remember not the former things
The things of this past year
The Lord will do new things in us
Much more than we are aware
For He will make a way for us
As we put our trust in Him
And He will guide our every step
By His presence we have within
What God has placed within our hearts
We find we’ll be able to do
If we look for the opportunities
We’ll see the door to go through
We mustn’t let anything hold us back
But rise up and take our place
And be all that God wants us to be
With a fresh touch of His grace
- M.S.Lowndes
To find more about Stephen Ministry please contact a Stephen Leader.
Jerry Shaw (855-3327), Jane Nelson (855-2745), Donna Paris-Bluml (855-0319).
A Stephen Ministry Training Class begins January 12, 2015
Join us – It’s not too late!
Meetings for January will be on January 12 and January 26 @ 6:00 p.m.
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January 2015
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
4 New
Member Sunday
9:30 Worship/
Communion
10:45 Adult
Bible Class
Blood pressure
clinic
5
1 pm Staff
meeting
3 pm United in
Prayer
7 pm Priscilla
Circle
6
8am Exercise
9:15 Worship/
Music Team
1 pm Hannah
Circle
7
8 am Bible
study
9:30 Circles
5:45 Orchestra
7 pm Choir
11
9:30 Worship/
Communion
10:30 Sunday School
10:45 Adult Bible
class
5pm REUNITED
Live/FH
12
1pm staff
Meeting
3 pm United in
Prayer
5:15 pm SM
Leaders
6 pm Stephen
Ministers and
training class
13
8 am Exercise
1 pm Martha
Circle
14
8 am Men’s
Club breakfast
5:45 Orchestra
7 pm Choir
18
9:30 Worship/
Communion
10:30 Sunday School
10:45 Adult Bible
class
12Bethany Shepherd
Group
25
9:30 am Worship/
Communion
10:30 Sunday School
10:45 Adult Bible
class
19
1 pm Staff
meeting
3 pm United in
Prayer
6 pm Stephen
Minister
Training
26
1 pm Staff
meeting
3 pm United in
Prayer
6 pm Stephen
Ministers
6 pm SM
Training class
20
8 am Exercise
21 8 am Bible
class
9:15 Phoebes
9:15 Bread for
the World
5:45 Orchestra
7 pm Choir
27
8 am Exercise
28
9:30 Bible
study leaders
12 noon Lunch 11:30 Altar
and Learn/LH Guild
Thu
Fri
Sat
1
Holiday
Office closed
2
Office
closed
3
8 8 Exercise
9 Piecemakers
3 pm
Parkinson’s
Support/FH
3:15pm Chancel
Bells
6 pm Church
Council
15
8 am Exercise
9 am
Piecemakers
1 pm Diabetes
Support/Forest
Hills Church
3:15 pm
Chancel Bells
9
9 am
Undecorate
the church
10
12:00
United
Singles/FH
16
17
22
8 am Exercise
9 Piecemakers
3:15 pm
Chancel Bells
23
24
29
8 am Exercise
9 am
Piecemakers
3:15 pm
Chancel Bells
30
31
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