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February, 2015
United Lutheran Church, Bella Vista, Arkansas
The
Voice
Calling all football fans! United's JAM Childrens Ministry will be
holding our annual "Souper Bowl" fundraiser on February 1, 2015
following the church service. This year in addition to collecting donations,
we would like to serve you a soup lunch downstairs. You will place your
donation in your team's pot as usual, but this time we will be serving a
lunch. Please sign up if you plan to attend, as you know a head count is
crucial to ensure everyone gets food. If there is bad weather on February 1,
we will reschedule for the following Sunday. All donations will go towards
our Pack Shak goal of $1500. The Pack Shak of NWA is a local
organization similar to Feed My Starving Children, except they come to our
church to pack the meals and we get to decide where locally the food will
go. More info to come! A sign up sheet is in the narthex for the soup
lunch. Thank You!
1
What a difference a year can make! A year ago I was wading through the muddy waters of grief,
having recently lost Barbara, my wife of 48 years to retinal melanoma we had believed to have
been removed from her body forever, twelve years previously. Needless to say, the cancer came
back with a vengeance. The final month of Barb’s life was particularly difficult, made bearable by
the aid and comfort of my daughters and their families who live in Fayetteville, the visits and
prayers of members of United Lutheran Church, and the visits and prayers of Jerry Shaw, who
served as a Stephen Minister to me during those dark days.
Just as I was beginning to pick up the pieces of my life and paying careful attention to the
conventional wisdom I was receiving from a variety of sources to “Make no major decisions for a
year!” I learned that Robin Appleton had just lost her husband, Donny, to a heart attack while they
were living and working in Ohio. I had known the Appletons and worked with them on various
youth and Bible school activities while I was the called pastor here at United Lutheran several
years ago.
We shared lots of walks and talks, movies and sports events, concerts and bike rides, enjoying the
passage of time with each other. Suffice it to say that over the following months Robin and I
found joy and delight in each other’s company, enough to want to continue to walk through life
together and to commit ourselves to each other in marriage for as long as God gives us the
remainder of our lives together.
We will be married on Transfiguration Sunday, February 15, 2015 at the 9:30 AM worship service
here at United Lutheran Church. Neither of us could think of a more fitting venue than here within
the “heart and soul” of United Lutheran Church, which has been a blessing to both of us. Our
marriage will be celebrated on “God’s day, in God’s house, among God’s people!”
Bishop Mike Girlinghouse of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod will preside at the worship service
and at the exchange of vows and rings within the service. Our children and their spouses will
stand up for us and bless us with their prayers and support. The congregation will do so also.
After the marriage ceremony, Robin and I will assist Bishop Girlinghouse with serving the Lord’s
Supper to the congregation.
A reception in Fellowship Hall will follow.
All are invited to join us!
2
COUNCIL MINUTES
President Robert Frazier called the United
Lutheran Church council meeting to order on
January 8, 2015 at 6:00 p.m. The following
members were present, Richardson, McNew,
McNew, Kloss, Hebar, Dykema, Klitzke, Jones,
Overton, Hall, Sherman and Pastor Nelson.
MEMBERS ABSENT: None
DEVOTIONS
Book Study of Power Surge
Share peace of the Lord.
MINUTES
MSC, the minutes for December, 2014 were
accepted.
TREASURER’S REPORT
The summary of operations showed total
benevolences including dedicated accounts are
$72,243 or 16.6% of total revenues. The year to
date is positive $10,605.
PASTOR’S REPORT
Worship Services 9
Classes Taught 4
Meetings attended 19
Home Communions 1
Funerals/Memorial 1
December 4, 2014 Ann Barbieri
Hours Counseling 1
Working with Good Shepherd Lutheran in
Fayetteville for the Journey Together Faithfully
study.
STAFF REPORTS
Stephen Ministry report received. Nurses report
received.
MISSION TEAM REPORTS
HOSPITALITY/EVANGELISM Dar Dykema
Pastor Solberg’s vision for ULC
Go to the synod convention up north—Get
permission from our bishop and the other
synod bishops.
Prepare a DVD on the outstanding features of the
area ie. Crystal Bridges, Walton Arts, Arends
Center, U of A football, basketball, baseball, track
and any others I may have overlooked, including
local golf courses and cost to play.
Ask people from the congregation to host these
visitors for a period of time and get people to
volunteer to show people around, take them to
church and tell them about our activities at church and the
community.
We would need people to volunteer to go to these synod
meetings.
YOUTH AND EDUCATION Stephanie Jones
Per Lindsay – Souper Bowl Sunday there will be a soup
lunch right after service; there is no Sunday School that
day. People will place donations in their team’s pot and
receive soup. Proceeds go to Pack Shack.
Per Janelle – There is a youth meeting she will be
attending at Christ the King on Saturday from 12-4.
PARISH FELLOWSHIP – Dorothy Klitzke
The Christmas dinner served 98, down about 20 from last
year due to many going north to families for Christmas.
The donations received were $460 which paid for the
food and decorations and 3 new water or
punch servers.
May 17, 2015 United will celebrate 40 years as a
congregation with a special church service at 9:30
followed by a pot luck.
PROPERTY – Rick Hebar
Despite repeated requests, the contractor that completed
the siding work on the south side of the church this
summer has not submitted an estimate for the needed
soffit repairs on the old sanctuary area. We will solicit
estimates from other contractors and submit those
estimates to the Council as they become available.
We have obtained the services of a local person for snow
removal from the parking lot area.
Bella Vista code enforcement officers made a site
inspection of the church grounds on December 17 and
demanded corrective action be taken on the twelve (12)
culverts on church property. The culvert openings needed
to be cleared of all leaves and other debris and maintained
to insure proper flow of storm water drainage. The
project was completed on December 31.
Arrangements will be made for the annual inspection and
any necessary recharging of all fire extinguishers in the
church.
MUTUAL MINISTRY – Bob McNew
Kathy Henning has been hired to fill the new position as
assistant to Kay in the office. She will be an excellent
addition to our staff. Her husband, Rick works with our
Sunday projection and is the tech person for Re-United
Live.
WORSHIP AND MUSIC – Ann McNew
Two new Head Ushers, Jim Kloss and Dick Muller, join
Head Ushers, Joe Eidem and Ron Rear.
Rick Henning is in charge of projection for Re-United
Live services.
Lenten services: Ash Wednesday, February 18; Maundy
Thursday, April 2; Good Friday, April 3, all held in the
Sanctuary. The five Wednesday "Supper Church"
services on February 25, March, 4, 11, 18, 25, all held3in
Luther Hall.
SOCIAL MINISTRY – Judy Kloss
168 food bags for Helping Hands & 14 helpers to load the
Helping Hands truck on Monday December 15.
Thanksgiving offering As of 12/08/2014 $1,215.00: ELCA &
Salvation Army each receive $486.00 & Building
Maintenance $243.
Advent suppers as of 12/30/2014 if no other expenses $803.35:
$401.68 to youth for convention $401.68 care & share with
matching funds from Thrivent up to $400.00
Advent Offering as of 12/28/2014 $3,065.00:
Village House & Building Maintenance each get $613.00,
Courtesy Van & Bella Vista Boys & Girls Club each receive
$919.50.
Christmas offering as of 12/28/2014 $4,221.91:
Feed My Starving Children & Good Samaritan Fund each
would receive $1,688.76, Building Maintenance $844.38.
Feed my Starving Children will be unable to get the hanger that
they have used for the past 3 years. They have a meeting
planned & will inform me as soon as possible if they have
located a new place.
STEWARDSHIP – Roy Sherman
The year end reports for the Columbarium and Endowment
accounts have been issued.
FACILITY REQUESTS
None
SECRETARY – Brandy Overton
Thank you notes were received from the following: Restoration
Village 200.00, ELCA 459.00, Apostle Build sponsorship
2,290.00, Mosaic 100, Glen Duffy Gravette Schools for snacks
and supplies, Single Parent Scholarship for the groceries.
VICE PRESIDENT – Theda Hall
Call Committee Update –
None
New Business
Motion was approved for the ULC Piecemakers to receive $300
for expenses from the 2015 budget.
Motion was approved to allow for sound boards/signage to be
purchased for the Fellowship Hall for Reunited Services not to
exceed a budget of $800.
Adjourn at 7:14 with the Lord’s Prayer
February 12, 2015 Next Council Meeting
Respectfully submitted,
Brandy Overton, Secretary
For Pastor Fred and Robin with
the love and blessing of
all United Lutheran Church
February 15, 2015
Why are we to "Pray for the peace of
Jerusalem?". Do you know that Jerusalem is
mentioned over 500 times in the Bible? It is
also the place where Jesus will set up His
kingdom. So if it is that important to Jesus
should it not be important for us as well?
4
February is typically the month that we think about heart health. Making time for a heart
-healthy lifestyle doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task. A few small lifestyle
changes can lead to heart-healthy habits that require very little thought or effort. Ask
yourself each week:
Did I have a fruit or vegetable with each meal?
Did I drink more than 3 sugary drinks this week?
Did I eat whole grain products?
Did I eat any fish this week?
Did I eat more than 3 servings of red meat this week?
Did I eat foods that are high in salt?
Did I complete 30 minutes of activity 3-4 times this week?
Get creative on how you can improve each week. I recently gained inspiration from our
85 year old neighbor who walks 2-3 miles each day and in nicer weather he bikes 15-20
miles several times per week. I am now walking at least 4 times per week at least 30
minutes with him. (burning more calories in this cold weather) Our time goes fast and we
sure have fun visiting along the way. Each positive step we make is a step towards a
heart healthy lifestyle. We will be prayerful as you think about some small change you
can make this month to have a healthier heart lifestyle.
Tonja Seusy
Charlotte Spencer
5
Notes from the Music Department
First of all, an “over due” THANK YOU goes to Kathy Henning and
Brian Henning for singing a vocal duet during communion for our December 28
Worship Service! Brian is the son of Kathy and Rick Henning.
Also, we would like to WELCOME Kathy Henning to our Orchestra!
Kathy and Virginia Dale will be alternating playing the electronic keyboard,
using various string, wind, and brass settings, and the Roland Digital Piano with the Orchestra each
week.
Dick and Virginia Dale have purchased a flute and have offered to let someone, who has played
flute in a High School or College Band, but does not currently have a flute, play this flute in our
Orchestra. Janet Troutner would be very happy to have someone join her in the flute section of our
Orchestra! Remember, once you have played an instrument, it is like riding a bicycle, you don't forget
how, and before long you will be playing with “the greatest of ease”!!! Flutists, please give this some
“serious consideration”!
We WELCOME BACK the Chancel Bells who will be playing the Prelude during the Worship
Service on February 8, and the Youth Choir who will be singing February 15.
February is a short month, but we have two Special Worship Services. Transfiguration Sunday is
February 15, which is also the Sunday Pastor Fred and Robin will be married during the Worship
Service. Bishop Girlinghouse will conduct the Worship Service and the wedding ceremony. Special
Music will include Phyllis Bergstrom playing “Canon in D” on the Roland Digital Piano, the Choir
singing “High Upon a Mountain” with John Cornwell playing the drums and Dick Dale playing the E flat
Alto Saxophone for the Anthem. The Choir will sing a second number, “The Greatest of These Is Love”,
during communion following the Wedding Ceremony.
Wednesday, February 18, is Ash Wednesday with the imposition of ashes. This Worship Service
is at 6:15 PM. Beginning Wednesday, February 25, and all Wednesday Lenten Services thereafter, a
light meal will be served at 6:00 PM followed by the Worship Service in Luther Hall.
Because of the Wednesday evening services in Lent, Orchestra will begin rehearsing at 4:45 PM
on Wednesday, February 18 and each Wednesday thereafter through March 25.
United Choir will rehearse at 6:00 PM on Ash Wednesday, February 18, and will sing during the Ash
Wednesday service. Choir rehearsal will also follow the Ash Wednesday Service.
On Sunday, March 22, a VERY SPECIAL CONCERT will be held at ULC at 3 PM. The three
Community Music Groups, Village Handbell Ringers (directed by Marjorie Hemphill-Salomo), Perfect
Harmony (directed by Karen Frankenfeld), and the Five Highland Winds, who use our Church for
rehearsals, will perform along with our own ULC Choir. There is NO admission, but a Free Will
Offering will be taken and disbursed among the three groups to help with the cost of music and
equipment. Light refreshments will be served following the Concert. Please mark the date—SUNDAY,
MARCH 22 at 3 PM on your calendar and invite your friends and neighbors to attend with you.
Then on Good Friday, April 3 at 7 PM, our United Choir will present “We Remember Calvary”.
This Service is designed to recreate the emotional and spiritual aspects of the Passion story through
music. The Congregation and Choir join in singing familiar hymns as the narration and scripture paint a
vivid picture of Christ's last days and His journey to the cross. We invite Everyone to come and be a part
of this Tenebrae Service.
Daniel Salls, Director of Music at Bella Vista First Baptist Church, is organizing a Bella Vista
Community Choir made up of musicians from ALL Churches in Bella Vista to perform “Stabat Mater”
on Saturday, April 4 at 7 PM. ULC is recruiting singers and instrumentalists to participate in this Holy
Week Musical Presentation. Rehearsals begin Saturday, February 28 at 9 AM at Bella Vista Baptist
Church. Music will be provided for all singers and instrumentalists. All Musicians, please consider this
your invitation to participate in this outstanding musical presentation. For All of You who don't sing or
play an instrument, but who enjoy listening to outstanding soloists and musicians, please come and enjoy
“Stabat Mater”! It will be a night to remember!!
6
SHEPHERD GROUP NEWS
We would like to thank everyone at United
Lutheran for their prayers and cards for Gerry’s
recent successful hip replacement and the death of
my brother.
Gerry and Annette Janssen
I want to extend a sincere “thank you” to Vern
Hinz, Dennis Berg, Roger Costa, Dick Muller,
Chuck Lawson, Garey Olson, John & Brandy
Overton, Bob McNew, and Rick, Kathy, and Brian
Henning for their help maintaining the church
building and grounds. Without their assistance, it
would not be possible to keep the church property in
good repair.
Rick Hebar
Thank you to each and everyone for all of your
prayers and cards the past several months for Sandi
and Whitey. They meant so much to me and my
family. This is why we loved United for 25 years.
There will never be another Church family that will
mean so much to me. Thank you and God bless each
and everyone. Love to all Bernice and family
Breakfast Club (Formerly Men’s Club Breakfast)
Will meet Monday, February 9 at 8:00 a.m. in
Luther Hall. **Note change of day of week.
Joe Atchison of Soul’s Harbor will be the speaker.
This event is open to all members to attend.
Damascus Shepherd Group will hold a Mardi
Gras party on Monday, February 16 in Fellowship
Hall at 5:00 p.m. Call Glenda Heist for details and
to RSVP.
Simeon Shepherd Group will meet at Papa
Mike’s on Saturday, February 28 at 9:15 a.m.
Please RSVP Janssen @855-0336 or Sadenwasser
@ 855-0752. Please remember the Children’s
Shelter.
****************************************
United Singles
ALL SINGLES WELCOME
February 7, 2015 meeting --9:00 AM, breakfast at
Papa Mike's. Reservations needed. Your caller,
Carl Rumsey 876-6304, or Ralph Picht 855-0830.
The February meeting of Bread for the World
will be on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at 9:15
a.m. at church.
For more information contact 876-2700 or 8765437.
February Lenten Schedule
Ash Wednesday service with Imposition of Ashes
and Communion at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday, February
18.
Orchestra at 4:45 p.m.
Choir rehearsal at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, February 22, First Sunday in Lent
Diamond Jubilee will have a Spring Party on
Monday March 23, 2015 @ 12:30 at the Plaza.
The cost is $15.00 ( includes tax and tip) - prices
have gone up on food. Make checks payable to
Steve Plante and give to Al or Maxine McClain
before March 18, 2015.
Wednesday, February 25
Lenten supper and service at 6:00 p.m. in Luther
Hall.
Orchestra at 4:45 p.m.
Choir at 7:00 p.m.
7
Morning Circles
Feb 08
Feb 4– 9:15 a.m.
Deborah ........ Kay Anderson
Feb 4 - 9:30 a.m.
Elizabeth....... Joyce Whittlesey
Mary ............. Dorothy Klitzke
Naomi .......... At church
Rachel .......... Marilyn Brown (At Church)
Feb 18 9:00 a.m.
Visiting Phoebes
Feb 25 9:00 a.m.
Altar Guild
Feb 25 9:30 a.m. Bible Study Leaders
No board or General Meeting in February
Looking
Ahead….
Afternoon Circles
Feb 3 – 1:00 p.m.
Hannah ........ Nancy Krumrey
Feb 10 – 1:00 p.m.
Martha…….Nancy Krumrey
►There will be no General Meeting of the
Evening Circle
Feb 2 – 7:00 p.m.
Priscilla .......... (At Church)
Piecemakers – 9:00 a.m. Luther Hall
The Piecemakers meet every Thursday morning to
make quilts for Lutheran World Relief and for local
needs. Everyone is invited to join them at 9:00 a.m. 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.
We always need items
for the SHOEBOX
ministry. These items
are given to people who are in need of
emergency shelter. Some of the items we
use are travel or small size shampoo,
conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes,
deodorant, combs and disposable razors.
You can find a complete list of the items we
need in the SHOE BOX tub in the narthex.
Our thanks to Barbara Thorson for
delivering the items you donate.
Mary Circle
Women of United in February.
► Mark your calendars for our March Women
of United Meeting when Crystal Zickmark
of CASA of NWA will enlighten us on the
highlights of the Court Appointed Special
Advocate program and its amazing purpose.
► Next month we will distribute the envelopes
for our Bakeless Bake Sale.
► Keep clipping your
Best Choice Labels.
They earn cash for us!
Save Saturday, April 18 for the Spring Gathering
Place: United
Time: 8:30-3:00
Theme: “God’s Living Water: Panning for Souls”
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one
who waters will himself be watered. . .Proverbs 11:25
The Conference IV Spring Gathering is always a great
day, and this year will be really special because it will be
here at United. We want all of you to be blessed with
God’s Living Water as we meet with other women from
Arkansas. (And we’ll be needing your help as we host the
gathering.)
Don’t forget to shop at the ULC Coffee Corner! We have Fair Trade coffee, tea
and chocolate for you to use or to give for special occasions. We now K-cups, both regular
and decaf, for your single cup coffee maker. AND we have the delicious vanilla
rooibus tea that we had at the Christmas Tea. Check out our cups and baskets!
WANTED: knick-knacks, napkins, and other little things to add to our baskets to make them
special. Just leave them at the coffee corner. We also need helpers to make the baskets and to
help sell coffee on Sunday morning. There’s a sign up sheet in our corner.
8
February Birthdays
1
2
3
5
7
Leona Lucia
Lorraine Janzen
Virginia Schwettman
John Norris
Frank Barbieri
Frances Crivello
8 Richard Roth
9 Phyllis Bergstrom
Duane Peterson
11 Virginia Anderson
12 Marilyn Brown
Carole Olson
13 Hunter Peleaux
Vern Sutter
14 Gene Dolan
16 LoGene Test
19 Robert McNew
Roger Rahlfs
20 Dorothy Seeley
21 Albert McClain
22 Adeline Fry
Jake Grasmick
Lee Hansen
23 Harold Ditzel
Norma Dovre
24 Dorothy Ingebritson
26 Wilma Peterson
Jean Vail
28 Sonja Nelson
Marvin Schrimpf
February Anniversaries
1.
Allan & Shirley Schmidt
5.
Don & Toni Hippe
8.
George & Susan Coon
9.
Criv & Fran Crivello
12.
Duane & Connie Kuske
18.
David & Karen Anderson
24.
Ron & Rose Olson
28.
Jerry & Mable Shaw
Gifts for the bride and groom
In honor of the marriage of Pastor Fred
and Robin, United Lutheran Church
will receive gifts of money to be given
as a contribution to Heifer International
in their name. If you wish to
contribute it may be done by check to
United Lutheran and put in the offering
or the church office. Your contribution
received by February 10, 2015 will be
presented at the wedding reception on
February 15 and sent to Heifer
International in their name.
9
Who was St. Valentine ?
The story of the saint
The Golden Legend, a medieval book of stories about saints, says that Valentine, a priest, was imprisoned by
the emperor Claudius II for leading people to Christ. While Valentine was being interrogated by a Roman
officer, the priest preached Christ as the “one and only Light.” The officer, who had a blind daughter,
challenged Valentine to pray to Christ for her cure. The girl was cured, and the entire family was converted to
Christianity. According to legend, while awaiting execution, he wrote notes of instruction, affection and
encouragement to the Christian community in Rome, which were secretly delivered by a boy who visited him
in prison.
On Saint Valentine’s Day, we Christians have an opportunity for planting seeds of Christ’s
truth into the culture in which we live. When we remember that the heart of Saint Valentine
was, like other Christian martyrs, “pierced” by the love of Our Lord, and he shed his blood
for this, it seems appropriate that the red heart is a symbol for this powerful love. We think
about the power of the love of God to inspire our love for others.
Most Gracious Heavenly Father, You gave Saint Valentine the
courage to witness to the gospel of Christ, even to the point of giving
his life for it. Help us to endure all suffering for love of you, and to
seek you with all our hearts; for you alone are the source of life and
love. Grant that we may have the courage and love to be strong
witnesses of your truth to our friends and family and to the whole
world. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives
and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
(Taken from “buildfaith.org”)
A Stephen Minister can help. For more information call:
Jerry Shaw (855-3327), Jane Nelson (855-2745), Donna Paris-Bluml (855-0319).
Meetings for February will be on February 9 and February 23 @ 6:00 p.m.
10
February 2015
Sun
1 Souper Bowl
Sunday
9:30 a.m.
Worship/
Communion
10:45 a.m. Soup
Lunch/LH
Blood pressure
clinic before and
after services
Mon
Tue
3
9:15 am
Meeting
3 pm United in Worship/
Music
Prayer
6 pm SM
1 pm Hannah
Training
7 pm Priscilla Circle
Circle
2 1pm Staff
10
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
4
8 am Bible
class
9:30 Circles
5:45 pm
Orchestra
7 pm Choir
5
6
9:00 a.m.
Piecemakers
3:15 pm Chancel
Bells
7
9 –3
SM
Training/FH
9:00 am
United
Singles/Papa
Mike’s
11
12
13
9:00 a.m.
Piecemakers
3 pm
Parkinson’s
Support
3:15 pm Chancel
Bells
6 pm Church
Council
14
8
9 8 am
9:30 a.m.
Worship/
Communion
10:30 Sunday
School
10:45 Adult Bible
class
5:00 pm
REUNITED LIVE
Breakfast Club
1pm Staff
5:45 pm
Meeting
3 pm United in 1 pm Martha Orchestra
Circle
7 pm Choir
Prayer
5:30 pm
Stephen
Leaders
6 pm Stephen
Ministers and
SM Training
15 Transfiguration 16
17
Sunday
3 pm United in
Prayer
5 pm Damascus
Shepherd
Wedding Day
Group/FH
9:30 a.m.
6 pm SM
Worship/
Training
Communion
10:45 Reception for
Robin & Pastor
Fred/FH
18 9:15 am
Phoebes
9:15 Bread for
the World
4:45 pm
Orchestra
6:15 Ash
Wednesday
Service
7 pm Choir
19
20
9:00 a.m.
Piecemakers
3:15 pm Chancel
Bells
21
24
25 9 am Altar
Guild
9:30 am Bible
study leaders
4:45Orchestra
6 pm Lenten
supper/service/
LH
7 pm Choir
26
27
9:00 a.m.
Piecemakers
3:15 pm Chancel
Bells
28
9:15 am
Simeon SG/
Papa Mike’s
22
23
9:30 a.m.
Worship/
Communion
10:30 Sunday
School
10:45 Adult Bible
class
3 pm United in
Prayer
6 pm Stephen
Ministers and
Training
11