First English Lutheran Church

P A R I S H C A L L E R

October 2019

FELC

Mission Statement

By the grace of God First

English Lutheran Church will

grow as one family of faith,

secure in the knowledge of

Christ’s gift of salvation,

proclaiming God’s love for all.

Dr. Stephen and Jodi Swanson,

Missionaries/Tanzania

Nancie Haukos, Youth & Children’s

Program Director

Mari Athey, Parish Secretary

Liz Ketz, Financial Secretary

Office: 839-2527/Fax: 839-3319 Email: felcort@firstenglish.net Website: www.firstenglish.net

Office hours: M/W 8:30 am–3:00 pm, T/TH/F 8:30-12:00 noon Building hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

First English Lutheran Church

9 NW 3rd Street

Ortonville, MN 56278

Return Service Requested

“Show us how to LOVE….and worship” “Jesus replied: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and

with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is

like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39

It is hard to believe that 3 full months have flown by since Pastor Dave’s retirement in

the midst of a global shut down due to the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. Since that

time, we have continued to have services virtually, live in the parking lot on Wednesdays,

and most recently in-house at regular service time. While we do not have an interim pastor

to lead us, our Church Board, Lay Ministry Board, Worship Arts and Music Committee,

Evangelism Board, Christian Education and Youth and Family Boards, Church Properties

and Stewardship Boards, Parish Nurses, our capable staff and many volunteers have continued to step up to provide

worship opportunities and spiritual care to our congregation.

There are now several ways to access our services. You can watch them Live on Facebook or listen live on KDIO

radio at 9 a.m. We have had a couple of technical challenges but, feel like we are getting close to the quality you all

deserve. If you cannot worship Sunday morning, the videos of the services are on the church’s Facebook page and also

the church website: firstenglish.net. A huge thank you to our tech team. Archived music is being retrieved from previous

videos by Terry Kalberg so we can have songs with words during the service. The Gospel, Sermon, Communion and

Benediction are provided by Pastor Renee Tecklenberg from Corsica, SD via video which are recorded on Zoom weekly.

Hopefully in the future, we can meet her in person. We are thankful for her faithfulness and great sermons and she always

has a couple of jokes to share with us. We are always looking for volunteers to be part of this important ministry. Let us

know if you are interested.

Financially we are holding our own. The church was able to apply of the Federal Government back in April for

the Paycheck Protection Plan which allowed us to get a loan for payroll purposes. Our financial secretary Liz is in the

process of submitting the paperwork to have that loan forgiven. It has really helped. As you can imagine, our giving is

down under the circumstances so don’t forget, even if you don’t see the offering plate, your giving is still vitally

important. Thank you all for your faithfulness.

A transition team has been formed to help us get ready to move to the process of calling a new pastor. Our

congregation returned over 100 surveys that were sent out to assess the strengths and needs of our parish. Those results

are being reviewed and tabulated and along with other community information used to create a “Ministry Site Profile”.

This profile lets a potential pastor know what we are about, our area and our congregation’s expectations. Once approved

by our board, this document will go the Synod for approval and then we can move to the call process. The constitution

says, "A call committee of six voting members and the President of the Congregation shall be selected by the

Congregation Council when a pastoral vacancy occurs. Term of office will terminate upon installation of newly called

pastor." If you have an interest in serving in this capacity, please call the church office.

Even in this trying time of a pandemic, we remain hopeful for our future as a congregation, embracing new ways of

worship, continuing to put safety first in our facility and looking for opportunities to share God’s Love to our community.

Peace!

Becky Parker, Treasurer

YOUTH NEWS

October 2020

I hope all the kids are having a good first month of school. Even with the recent change for the older kids. Happy Grandparents Day to all that are Grandparents! I hope you had a great day! I have been working with the Board of Education quite a bit this month on trying to put a Sunday School plan in

place. We have some good ideas in the works, and you should be receiving a letter with details soon. We are still in search of someone to teach Confirmation. You will be notified when we have a plan in place for

this. I am also still working on ways to get Kids Club started. There a requite a

few things to work on with the social distancing and the volunteer aspect.

I have October 7th at 5:30 p.m. set for Youth Group ditch clean-up with a pizza party afterwards. This will be for all 8-12th grade youth that are able to help. If this changes, I will let you know.

There are so many things that are uncertain currently. I am trying my best to get everything running, but it is taking some time.

The Board of Education and myself delivered bibles to the 3-year-old’s and 3rd graders. I hope you saw their pictures during the September 27th worship service. Kids love their bibles!

Thank you to Steve and Lori Strei for their donation to the youth.

Thank you to all that donated for God’s work, Our hands.

You are all such a caring, kind bunch of people! Happy Fall! Stay healthy and happy, Nancie Haukos

Show Us How to LOVE

and worship

First English Lutheran Church- Council Minutes

September 2, 2020 Present: President Kristi Ehrenberg, Vice President Marilyn Chindvall, Treasurer Becky Parker, Amy

Hodenfield for Christian Education Board.

Action Items

The boards were to meet individually prior to this full council meeting. Written reports were submitted by

Church Properties and Youth and Family. The meeting began with a review of the Ministry Site Profile that is

being worked on by our Transition Team. The boards were asked to consider what things we do here at our

church (our stories) that we would consider unique and give a strong message to a potential pastor looking for a

call about the culture of First English Lutheran Church.

M/S/P Parker/Chindvall to approve the minutes of the August Council Meeting, M/S/P Chindvall/Parker to

approve the August Treasurer’s report.

Board Reports

Lay Ministry: Transition Team Report: The team has been working on filling out our Ministry Site Profile

using the information from the 108 congregational surveys received. All things "youth" was a predominant

theme throughout the surveys. The team continues to work with completing the community sections of the

profile as well as the financial information. The Synod has come out with their new recommendations

regarding salaries, etc. Pastor Catherine and Pastor Nissen both have offered their assistance with reviewing

and helping to complete our profile. Pastor Renee will continue to provide pulpit supply, as she has been,

through September. Lay assistants have been lined up for the month of September. Communion packs can be

picked up to have at home for communion Sundays. If in-house, follow the guidance of Pastor Renee as she

blesses the elements during the words of institution and once complete, place used supplies back in original bag

and dispose of upon exiting church. Plans are to complete staff

interviews in September or October, so they are completed by

November council meeting. Still working on confirmation date.

The WAM report was reviewed. M/S/P - Sara/Brent. The

secretary will continue with the 24 hour per week schedule until

a need for more hours arises. The Board of Lay Ministry will

meet again via Zoom on Monday, September 14, 2020, at 7 pm.

Christian Education: Confirmation interviews/Service: No

interviews are setup and we are awaiting a date for the service to

be scheduled. Confirmation Classes are not schedule yet as we

don’t have teachers yet. This is being addressed with a hopeful

starting date in October. Rally day – October 4th At the Refuge

Nature Hunt, will postpone to the next Sunday if weather is not

permissible. Fall SS curriculum/staffing needs/Calendar-

Planning to try large group 1x month in outdoor setting to allow

for Social Distancing. Take out boxed activities from church for

remaining Sundays. At the full board it was discussed that the Sunday School could use the whole basement to

be able to better social distance since we are not anticipating coffee hour any time soon. 3-year-old and 3rd

grade Bibles will be delivered on September 20th and correspond with the children’s sermon that day. First

Communion Update. Amy will hold classes for kids who have not finished on September 27th, TBD

Youth and Family: Their board did not meet, but Nancie indicated she is available and working in numerous

ways to help keep in touch with our youth.

Evangelism: No Report

Stewardship Board did not meet.

Evangelism Board did not meet.

Church Properties: Nitz Construction was contacted to give an estimate on the ridge cap and see if can be

completed by fall. 4 other contractors contacted said they would not have time. Status of the tuck point: still a

50/50 chance of completion this year. Seal the Narthex stained glass window, that’s part of the tuck-pointing

when we get a heavy rain. When they redid the windows, he said the windows are sealed up. Haven’t heard any

updates. It will likely not get done this year. Alley wiring work will get completed once the city completes the

street project. Sealcoating/crack-filling: Checking into this and couldn’t get ahold of anyone at Bituminous.

Not sure that we could get it done yet this year. Can likely get equipment from the highway department next

spring, if we want to wait until then.

Next meeting, Monday, October 5, 2020 with all boards in person, masks and social distancing at the church

beginning at 7 p.m. with council and one member of each board to follow.

Respectfully submitted,

Becky Parker

CHURCH NEWS PRAYERS FOR HEALING AND COMFORT

Marlow Hansen; Bev Jones; Brenda Kafka; Gerry Nypen; Mark Nypen; Gail Olson; Marlys Selvig; Ken

Simonitch; Aaron Smith; Anders Anderson; Paulette Bakeberg; Daryl Bell; Bennett Carlson; Christian Carlson;

Grayson Carlson; Matt Carlson; Clifford Christensen; Paul Erdman; Verden Gerber; Loren Grimm;

Larry Helgeson; Natalie Henneberg; Betty Hoeke; Angela Nelson; Linda Olson; Bella Rademacher;

Janice Redfield; Isaiah Tandoh; Reginae Tandoh; Dorothy Tangen; Vicki Torgerson; Terry Ward;

Kelvin Weber; and Michael Zinski. AT FAIRWAY VIEW NEIGHBORHOODS: Joan Block; Howard

Janssen; Eleanor Nickolauson; Betty Saeger; & Cheryl Wittnebel. ALL OUR MILITARY who are deployed

to areas of conflict. When names are added to the prayer list please include an address for the Day of Love

Ladies to send cards. Please let us know when a name should be removed.

KDIO BROADCASTS (sponsored . . . )

. . . (Sunday, September 6) memory of Donald & Joyce Koch from Kathy Haukos & family.

. . . (Sunday, September 13) in honor of the First English Lutheran Church Women.

. . . (Sunday, September 20) in honor of Donald Tiegs on his 90th birthday on September 16th. Sponsored by

Richard, Elizabeth, and Ross and their families.

. . . (Sunday, September 27) in memory of Dr. Roger and his wife, Evelyn Nolop.

SCHEDULING Keyboard/Organist Lay Assistant Lector Usher Out

October 4 Kathy Haukos Marilyn Hanson Marge Dragseth Vern Nickolauson

October 11 Carol Ydstie Pastor Kathryn Ranet Schmeichel Eldon Knutson

October 18 Lisa Berdan Ehrenberg’s Sara Mattison Darin Ehrenberg

October 25 Amy Adelman Liz Ketz Ellie Helgeson Harley Helgeson

ALTAR GUILD TEAMS –OCTOBER

Sacristy, Sanctuary, Banners & Surplices:

Fair Linens:

Brass Care:

Flower Committee:

Mary Weber, Anne Tonn

Evelyn Olson

Mary Lou Olson & Virginia Wildung

Kris Redfield, Julie Hipple

SCANDINAVIAN FOOD FAIR UPDATE

A sincere thank-you to those of you who have sent checks to the FELCW

for our “Virtual” 2020 Scandinavian Food Fair. It certainly has a different

ring to it, but 2020 has not been the “norm” for any of us. These funds and

any future funds donated to the FELCW in lieu of their donations to our

yearly Food Fair will be used for the gifts given by the women each year

to many organizations. If you desire to make a donation, you can leave it

at the church office, or you can call Ethel at 320-305-0825.

Kathy and I appreciate the support that has been given.

Stay safe…stay healthy. Blessings to all.

Kathy and Ethel

THANK YOU’SThank you for supporting FELCs giving emphasis!

January……………………………………………Technology Fund

February .................................................. Service Trip Scholarship

March …………………………. .. Big Stone Lake Area Food Shelf

April ........................................................ SWMN Funding Initiative

May ........ Global Missions - Companion Synod in South Africa

June .................................................................... Someplace Safe

July ....................................................................... Families in Need

August ................................................................... Baptism Chests

September ....................................................... Endowment Fund

October ........................................... Jaycees Project Christmas

November ................. God’s Work, Our Hands/Service Projects

December ....................................................... ELCA Missionaries

October 2020

Designated Funds

Building (please specify) $______

Operating Fund $______

Other Jaycees Project _ _

Christmas $______

Name_____________________________

First Communion 2020

Sunday September 27th the children who began their

First Communion classes last fall, completed their final

class in the first communion series.

The First Communion ceremony will be on

Sunday, October 11th at 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Kathryn will be leading the service.

Due to the COVID-19 restrictions,

this worship service will only be for the

First Communion youth members and their immediate

families. We will be close to the suggested maximum

capacity with all the families and those working the service.

We will still be hosting the worship Sunday at 9 a.m. on Facebook Live,

KDIO, and Channel 3 on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Part of the Board of Lay Ministry’s job description says that the board is to:

Ensure that a pastoral relations committee is active and that it offers verbal encouragement and/or

directions to the pastor(s). Current members of this committee are Garry Swenson, Nancy Nolop,

Scott Simonitch, and Shannon Millerbernd.

If any congregant has an issue and doesn’t feel they can talk directly to the Pastor, they are invited

to speak to one of the committee members. Please consider this an open invitation; both negative

and positive comments are welcome. The committee meets with the Pastor twice each year, more

frequently if necessary. Thank you to those willing to serve in this capacity.

‘As members of the ELCA, we believe that we are freed in Christ to serve and love our neighbor. With our hands, we do God’s

work of restoring and reconciling

communities in Jesus Christ’s name

throughout the world.’

Thank you so very much for all

your cards and calls with Mark’s

passing in late August. Cathy, Joe,

and I appreciated it.

Sharron Johnson

With the increasing number of COVID-19

outbreaks, we ask that you please stay home

if you are feeling ill or showing any symptoms.

If you do happen to come to service and

find out you have tested positive for COVID-

19, you need to call the church immediately

so we can begin calling the other members

who were present that Sunday. If you have

any questions, please feel free to call the

church office 839-2527.

Due to the increase in technology services, we are

asking anyone who has an interest in helping run our

technology desk to please give our office a call. There

are many different types of jobs with all sorts of

different experience levels. We would really love to

have extra help. We will train you!

THE TIME FOR FALL FEASTING IS UPON US

Trinity Lutheran Church is hosting their annual Ol’ Settlers’ Supper

on Saturday, October 3rd from 5-7p.m. This is a drive thru only

event. To-go meals will be available for $10 each.

Menu

*roast beef *mashed potatoes *gravy *sausages

*glazed carrots *sauerkraut *bread *pie (pumpkin or apple).

For meal reservations please call the church

office 320-839-3422 or Betty at 320-305-0353.

Trinity Lutheran Church, 341 Park Street, Ortonville, MN

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

October 2020 ✞ ✞ ✞First English Lutheran Church

Daily Lenten Devotions are available @ www.firstenglish.net - click on “Weekly Schedule & Daily Devotions”

1

2 9:00 am Bulletin Printed

3

4 9:00 am Worship – Communion -

KDIO Broadcast

10:30 am Rally Sunday at Big Stone

Refuge

510:00 am Staff Mtg.

7:00 pm Council (at

church)

6

7 9:30 am TV Broadcast

5:30 pm TV Broadcast

8

99:00 am Bulletin Printed 10

11 9:00 am Worship – First

Communion - KDIO Broadcast

(worship serviced closed to First

Communion families only)

12 10:00 am Staff Meeting

13 14 9:30 am TV Broadcast

5:30 pm TV Broadcast

15

16 9:00 am Bulletin Printed

17

18 9:00 am Contemporary

Worship – Mission Emphasis Sunday -

KDIO Broadcast

19 10:00 am Staff Meeting

20

21 9:30 am TV Broadcast

5:30 pm TV Broadcast

Newsletter Deadline

22 23 9:00 am Bulletin Printed 24

25 9:00 am Worship – KDIO

Broadcast

10:30 Confirmation

26 10:00 am Staff Meeting

27

28 9:30 am TV Broadcast

5:30 pm TV Broadcast

29 30 31