From the Pastor: March 2018

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1

The month of March will move ahead quickly here at Kerkhoven Lutheran. During this month the fifth graders are meeting on Wednesdays at 3:15. They are receiving instruction regarding the sacrament of Holy Communion. The youth anticipate receiving a first communion on Maundy Thursday March 29th. Good Friday worship will follow the next night also beginning at 7:30 PM. Thank you for prioritizing these Holy Week worship opportunities upon your family calendar. Easter arrives on April 1 and that is not an April Fools joke.

Until then, we continue gathering together as people of prayer in our Sunday and Wednesday worship times. We pray for the call committee and the contacts they will soon be making with pastoral candidates. Thank you for keeping this call process on the front burner of your prayer life this month. We pray for the Holy Spirit to guide the call process. It is the Holy Spirit’s role to help people discern the best use of their personal gifts for life and service. That discernment likely involves honest communication about their vocations between a pastor and their spouse; likely expanding to include communication between parents and their children. Moving is a faith venture for any family. At our end, the discernment includes our call committee being able to describe the vision that God is calling us to bring to life in this chapter of the congregation’s life and mission. We have the wonderful assets of our growing families, our generous hearts and our longing to be united spiritually in a common mission together. Thank you for praying for all this and more.

I guess what I am suggesting is that there are sensitive dynamics set in motion whenever one congregation begins to let go of its beloved pastor while another congregation imagines that pastor’s gifts contributing to the life of their church and community. Pastors and families and congregations are all on a faith journey at the same time. This interim time is a great time to prepare to put our best foot forward as we anticipate a new pastoral dynamic alive at Kerkhoven Lutheran. God give us patience as we experience the dynamic unfolding. And God give us the assurance of the good things we hope for and the conviction to pray for them even before we can see them.

Prayerfully,

Interim Pastor Gary Mikkelson

KERKHOVEN LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES

February 7, 2018

The Kerkhoven Lutheran Church Council met on Wednesday, February 7, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. President Kelly Hauge called the meeting to order.

Devotions given by Kelly Hauge. March Devotions – Ross Carlson

KLC Mission Statement, All Council

The January 2018 Secretary’s Report was accepted as printed. T.Collins/A.Hanson

The January 2018 Treasurer’s Report was accepted as printed. M.Hauge/T.Collins

Worship & Witness Board: Chairperson – Marlene Hauge

Board Report by Marlene Hauge:a. Music full through Marchb. Ushers – few openings left for March

Outreach & Evangelism Board: Chairperson – no Chairperson yet

Board Report by Ann Hanson: a. Board meets next Sundayb. Outreach Project – Two appreciation treats left (EMS/Kerkhoven City Council)

Christian Education Board: Chairperson - Tiffany Collins

Board Report by Tiffany Collins:a. No Sunday School on February 18, 2018 due to school vacation and the struggle finding

teachersb. Summer schedule to begin on May 20, 2018

Stewardship and Finance Board: Chairperson – no Chairperson yet

Board Report by Kayla Kelm: a. No report

Property and Grounds Board: Chairperson - Barb Norton

Board Report by Barb Norton:a. Parsonage fuel oil filledb. Lawn mowing bids being accepted through mid-Marchc. Spoke to resident regarding dog next doord. Parsonage projects that remain will be completed in the summere. Outside railing needs repair

f. Landscaping to be done on southside of church as that is where water is coming in the basement

WELCA Board: President: Carmen Maus

Board Report by Kayla Kelm:a. Serving community meal on March 8, 2018

Pastor’s Report:a. Refer to printed reportb. Installation of new and current members on February 11, 2018

Old Business:1. $1,000 prize won from Synod Assembly2. Call Committee - Naomi is the chairperson, Jessi Carlson is the contact person for interested

candidates3. Balcony railing4. Audit is complete for the church, Luther League, & WELCA

New Business:1. WiFi in the Fellowship Hall

i. Ross will check on router2. Report from the Annual Meeting3. Increase in employee wages – start January 1, 2018

Motion made and accepted for Lent Offering to be split – half to General Fund and half to Lakeland Conference which support campus ministry and would be a credit to yearly obligation. R.Carlson/K.Kelm

Bible School:Report by Barb Norton:

Theme ship wrecked Our church serves meal on Wednesday Helpers will need background checks In March registration will go out

Motion to Adjourn. T.Collins/R.Carlson

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer

Bonnie Carlson, Secretary

Present: Pastor Gary, Kelly Hauge, Ted Almen, Kayla Kelm, Ann Hanson, Tiffany Collins, Barb Norton, Marlene Hauge, Ross Carlson, Bonnie Carlson

Next Church Council Meeting: March 7, 2018 Church Boards meets at 7:00 p.m., unless board has designated an alternative date/time:

Church Council meets at 8:30 p.m., following Lenten Worship

KMS Community Backpack Project

There has been no change to the backpack project. Our numbers have decreased some which is mostly due to the changes in enrollment in the KMS district. The only change that we will be seeing in the program is that our truck delivering our food from Second Harvest will now be arriving at 11:30 am on the second Tuesday of each month.

Ridgewater Campus Meal MinistryOur February meal was served on February 27, the students enjoyed the hot turkey sandwiches that we served in addition to our regular casseroles. Our regular schedule of serving is the fourth Tuesday of each month, from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Last semester we served a few more students but served at least 130 on the 27th. Our March serving date is scheduled for the 27th. Sign-up sheets are on the table between the offices. We so appreciate all of the support and donations from the KLC family for this ministry. Special thanks to the following people who donated food and/or came to help us serve: Mona Doering, Ellamae Henry, Marcia and Donny Lottman, Phyllis Meyer, Phyllis Loven, Pam Johnson, Barb Wenisch, Juanita Halverson, Doris Bakkken, Donna Baker, Marlene Hauge, and Ann Hanson.

Community Senior Citizens Meal and Education Thursday Food and Fun returns Thursday, March 8, at the Kerkhoven Civic Center.  Lunch will be served by the Kerkhoven Lutheran Church group at 11:30.  It sounds like there's a mighty tasty casserole

on the menu, along with other items.  Kali Beckman of KB Fitness, will be leading the program on chair exercises.  Sign up for door prizes. Remember to call Kim at the City Office, 264-2581, if you would like a ride by Tuesday, March 6 at 3pm.  Invite a neighbor and friend.  See you there.

Meals on Wheels DeliveryKLC has a group of volunteers that each day drive to Benson and pick up the meals for DeGraff, Murdock and Kerkhoven residents and transport them to Kerkhoven, delivering any meals for residents in DeGraff and Murdock along the way. The same people have been doing this since we agreed to take over

this responsibility when it appeared that without someone stepping up to do this the service would no longer be offered in either of the three communities. We are very appreciative for the members of KLC that has been doing this for the past several years. They are Ruth Ann Ashburn, Jerry and Viva Lundberg, Eldon and Marlene Hauge and Lee and Phyllis Meyer and Jane Quale has been a back-up person. As you can see this means that some people are making more than one trip a week. We are in need of

additional volunteers to help with this ministry. If this is a possibility for you to serve these residents in

our communities please contact Lee Meyer as he has the information on what is necessary to get started helping. Thank you!

LUTHER LEAGUE EVENTS

THANK YOU!!!Thank you to the Luther League and their families and church members who helped serve the meal and help clean up at Calvary Lutheran Church. You are blessed for giving up your time to serve others. Thanks again!

Luther League Lenten Suppers

The Luther League will be serving hot dish suppers on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. on the following nights: March 7,

March 14, March 21. Free will donations. Please join the Luther League for food and fellowship prior to the Lenten services at 7:30 p.m.

Mark Your Calendars:

Saturday, March 31 – 9:30 a.m. – Luther League Easter Practice/Set-up *REMEMBER TO BRING YOUR INSTRUMENTS AND MUSIC STANDS

Sunday, April 1 - Easter - 6:30 a.m. – Luther League Sunrise Service 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. - Easter Breakfast

No Sunday School (People with instruments will also play in the beginning of the 9:30 a.m. service.)

Easter Breakfast Everyone is invited to the annual Luther League Easter Breakfast on Sunday, April 1 from 7:30-9:00 a.m. immediately following

the 6:30 a.m. Sunrise Service. Menu: pancakes, scrambled eggs, ham, muffins, orange juice, milk, and coffee. Free will donation.

Luther League Sunday Morning Coffee Schedule

--The individual with the * in front of their name is responsible for contacting the people they serve with. If you are unable to serve on the day you are scheduled, please find your own replacement. Plan for around 130 people. Be at church around 9 a.m., as church may get out early. --Bring juice or lemonade. --Jean Lilly usually has already started the coffee.

March 4th *Brad & Lauren AndersonMatthew MolenaarHalie Nichols

March 11 th *Jared & Julia Carlson Dylan & Isaac RudningenBailey Petersen

March 18 th *Jackson & Christian ZiehlKatrina Nichols

March 25 th * Mattea & Brett Brendemuehl Luke HoeferMasyn Olson

April 1st EASTER!* No Coffee- L.L. Breakfast Everyone Serves

Bridal ShowerOpen House Bridal Shower for Brooke Bursch (bride elect of Matthew Falk) will be held Saturday, March 24th at 1:00 p.m. at Kerkhoven Lutheran Church.

Couple is registered at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Mills Fleet Farm and Target.

All are welcome! 

VBS Vacation Bible School (VBS) will be held June 4-8 at Kerkhoven Evangelical Free Church in Kerkhoven from 6:00-8:10 p.m. (with a meal served from 5:15-6:00 p.m.). The

theme is Shipwrecked. A form will be sent home with each child 4 years old to 6th grade. The registration form needs to be returned to Barb Norton by Sunday, April 8 th . Please contact Barb Norton at 264-1613 (h) or 320-894-2128 (c) with any questions you may have.

Each church pays for the youth going to VBS. Parents, please volunteer to be a group leader or helper and/or donate food for the VBS meal or snacks. Signup sheets for donating food for the VBS meal and snacks will be by the church office in the near future.

Also, we need other congregation members to volunteer to be group leaders, helpers, kitchen workers, decoration/set up, and clean up and donate food for the VBS meal or snacks. Please contact Barb if you are interested.

Background checks - Each volunteer age 18 + must have had a background check within the past 3 years. More information will be given at a later date.

March Acolyte ScheduleMarch 4, 2018 8:30 am Boyd Doering and Addison Grothe

10:45 am Lindsey Henry and Abby Holtkamp

March 7, 2018 7:30 pm Keagan Miller and Ella Molenaar

March 11, 2018 8:30 am Jett Olson and Axel Nelson 10:45 am Logan Rudningen and Kaden Toutges

March 14, 2018 7:30 pm Emily Wagner and Lily Winter

March 18, 2018 8:30 am Isabel Wirth and Emily Zurn10:45 am Kelsey Cortez and Jared Cortez

March 21, 2018 7:30 pm Axel Nelson and Elyse VandenEinde

March 25, 2018 8:30 am Boyd Doering and Lindsey Henry10:45 am Quinn Lottman

March 29, 2018 7:30 pm Addison Grothe and Savannah Petersen

March 30, 2018 7:30 pm Kelsey Cortez and Jared Cortez

March WELCA NewsThe quilting ministry has ended for this year. We thank everyone who has been a part of this quilting season and we are already making our plans for our next year.

The project for March and April: New Born KitGlobal Health Mission Project

1 reg. size bath towel (48”- 52”))1 wash cloth 1 bath size bar ivory soap (in original packaging)1 newborn cotton t-shirt (size 0-3, or newborn)1 newborn stocking cap (small size, a newborn’s head is about 14”)1 receiving blanket (approx.. 30” X 30”) cotton, acrylic, or light flannel 2 cloth diapers2 diaper pins(Lay items on the towel and fold towel to enclose everything inside. Place the wrapped items in a large (2gallon or larger) Zip-loc plastic bag. Include note: “Newborn Kit”. The note should be visible through the bag. Squeeze the air out of the bag before sealing.

March dates to remember: Tulip circle serves for MarchMarch 10 : 9:30 p.m. WELCA Unit Meeting – Newborn Kit items

MARCH DECON, LECTOR AND USHER SCHEDULE

Deacon Lector Ushers

March 4: 8:30 am Marlene Hauge Heidi Winter Nathan and Mindy Ruka10:45 am Arlene Carls Mona Doering Carls and Williams

March 7: 7:30 pm Lee and Phyllis Meyer

March 11: 8:30 am Viva Lundberg Mary Lou Carlson Ryan Maus Family10:45 am Eric Rudningen Theresa Smith Smith/Brendemuehl

March 14: 7:30 pm Jerry and Viva Lundberg March 18: 8:30 am Jim Just Jim Just Family

10:45 am Amber Doering Scott Doering Family

March 21: 7:30 pm Smith/Brendemuehl

March 25: 8:30 am Kayla Kelm Wayne Rudningen Family10:45 am Sue Nelson Eldon and Marlene Hauge

March 29: 7:30 pm Marlene Hauge Jim Just Family Maundy Thursday

March 30: 7:30 pm Eldon and Marlene Hauge Good Friday

FEBRUARY AND MARCH ALTAR GUILDMona Just and Jane Quale

RECOGNITION OF BAPTISMSWe will be recognizing all of our Sunday School youth who have baptisms in March at the worship service on March 18. All of these children will be invited up to the front and presented with a shell in memory of their baptism. We celebrate their baptisms because that is the day that they became a part of God’s family and started on their journey of faith in God.

Olivia Lynn Lundberg – 2nd Gemma Rudningen – 3rd Brielle Thorkelson – 19th

BAPTISMS IN MARCHMany people remember people’s birthdays, but we also need to remember the day of our spiritual birth, our baptismal day. If your baptism is not listed below, and you know you were baptized in January please give the office a call and we will update our church records. Also please take note of who was baptized during this month and wish them a happy baptismal day.

Roger Jeseritz – 1st Courtney Walsh – 14th Brielle Torkelson = 19th

Jon Rothers – 1st Ruth Henry – 14th Bill Doering – 20th

Olivia Lundberg – 2nd Faye Helms – 14th Earle Jolstad – 25th

Gemma Rudningen – 3rd Terry Yokom – 15th Dennis Doering – 29th

Wayne Nelson – 4th Kevin Hauge – 16th Katie Ziehl – 30th

Henry Arends – 5th Michael Holtkamp – 16th Travis Falk – 30th

Donna Baker – 9th

The following people have birthdays in MarchBeverly Henjum – 1st Katrina Nichols – 10th Kyle Meyer – 23rd

Roger Jeseritz – 1st Sarah Carlson – 12th Genevieve Berger – 23rd

Nicole Muller – 1st Terry Petersen – 12th Becky Spanier – 23rd

Boyd Doering – 2nd Bryce Guse – 15th Nicholas Baker – 24th

Abby Holtkamp – 2nd Pat Molenaar – 15th Earle Jolstad – 25th

Carol Hjelle – 3rd Axel Nelson – 16th Wyatt Rudningen – 25th

Galen Henjum – 3rd John Hjelle – 16th Lindsey Henry – 26th

David Amundson – 3rd Kris Wagner – 18th Kelly Hauge – 28th

Cortney Lundberg – 3rd Ruth Ann Ashburn – 20th Hayden Larson – 29th

Ella Molenaar – 5th Becky Mulder – 21st Jared Kelm – 30th

Barney Lilly – 5th Dan Henry – 23rd Kolbie Nystrom – 30th

Adrian Gordon – 9th Matthew Falk – 23rd

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL! If we missed your birthday, please let Ann Hanson know.

March Confirmation Class Schedule

March 7: 3:15 pm 5th Grade

March 14: 3:15 pm 5th Grade 6:15 pm 8th & 9th Grade

March 21: 6:15 pm 8th & 9th Grade

March 28: 3:15 pm 5th Grade (Making bread)

March 29: 7:30 pm 5th Grade Maundy Thursday Worship with First Communion

Wednesday, March 7: 7:30 pm Third Wednesday of Lent Worship: Hymn Sing (Other

Song Book) Reading: Psalm 16:1-11

Wednesday, March 14: 7:30 pm Fourth Wednesday of Lent Worship: Hymn Sing (Classic Contemporary)

Reading: Psalm 42:1-5

Wednesday, March 21: 7:30 pm Fifth Wednesday of Lent Worship: Hymn Sing (Classic Contemporary)

Reading: Psalm 42:8-11

Thursday, March 28: 7:30 pm Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion (First Communion for 5th Grade)

Friday, March 29: 7:30 pm Good Friday Worship

The KLC newsletter, The Messenger is available to members electronically. If you would prefer to receive it in email form please leave your email address in the church office and let Ann know. This will help us conserve paper and you will be able to receive your newsletter even if you are unable to attend church at the beginning of the month.

The following is the complete list of KLC Nominated Boards, Council and Committee members:

2018 Executive Committee, Boards, Council and Committee MembersKerkhoven Lutheran Church

402 N. 12th St., PO Box 317Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Interim Pastor Gary Mikkelson – 320-420-2245

President : Kelly Hauge Vice President: Ted Almen 1040 90th St. SE 302 14th St. N., PO Box 148 Murdock, MN 56271 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Secretary: Bonnie Carlson Treasurer: Ross Carlson1470 40th St. SE 1470 10th St. NEMurdock, MN 56271 Murdock, MN 56271

BOARD OF WORSHIP AND WITNESS: (5 Board Members for varying terms as listed)

Eric Rudningen (3 years) Arlene Carls (3 years)412 N 11th St. 12670 120th Ave. NWKerkhoven, MN 56252 Pennock, MN 56279

Viva Lundberg (1years) Marlene Hauge (2 years) *305 N. 14th St. 207 15th St. N.Kerkhoven, MN 56252 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Brenda Carlson (2 years)524 Clara Ave.Murdock, MN 56271

BOARD OF EVANGELISM AND OUTREACH: (5 Board Members for varying terms as listed)

Ann Hanson (3 years) Evelyn Williams (1 years)408 No. 13th St 1310 Hwy. 12 SE

Kerkhoven, MN 56252 Kerkhoven, MN 56252Pam Johnson (2 year) Phyllis Meyer (2 year)14460 105th Ave NW 101 4th St. S.Pennock, MN 56279 DeGraff, MN 56271

Alison Nelson (2years)870 155th Ave. SEKerkhoven, MN 56252

BOARD OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: (7 Board members for varying terms as listed)

Mariah Rudningen (3 years) Alicia Molenaar (3 years)412 N 11th St. 11260 67th Ave. NWKerkhoven, MN 56252 Pennock, MN 56279

Kristy Nystrom (3 years) Kris Cortez (1 Years)301 16th St. S 30462 State Hwy. 104Kerkhoven, MN 56252 Brooten, MN 56316

Heidi Winter (1years) Dana Wenisch (2 years)408 N. 12th St. 403 South 15th StreetKerkhoven, MN 56252 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Tiffany Collins (2 years) *885 160th Ave SEKerkhoven, MN 56252

BOARD OF STEWARDSHIP & FINANCE: (5 Board members for varying terms as listed)

Kayla Kelm (3 years) Tom Baker (3 years) *7035 100th Ave NE 13610 2nd St NEMurdock, MN 56271 Spicer, MN 56288

Kris Wagner (2 years) Andrea Zurn (3 years)403 N. 7th St. 1201Grant Ave.Kerkhoven, MN 562525 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

James Just (3 years)1505 80th St. SEKerkhoven, MN 56252

BOARD OF PROPERTIES & GROUNDS: (7 Board members for varying terms as listed)

Ryan Maus (3 year) Scott Doering (3 year)1408 40th St SE 401 14th St.NMurdock, MN 56271 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Reid Carlson (1 years) Dale Erickson (1 years)309 15th St. S 312 S 15th St.Kerkhoven, MN 56252 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Barb Norton (2 years) * Jordan Hennes (2years)302 S 14th Street 401 North 13th St.Kerkhoven, MN 56252 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Ryan Carlson (3years)COMMITTES AND OTHER ELECTED POSITIONS:

NOMINATING COMMITTEE (5 members each for 2 year terms)

Cliff Nystrom (2 years) Leif Carlson (2 years)301 16th St. S 1470 40th St. SEKerkhoven, MN 56252 Murdock, MN 56271

Jordan Almen (2 years) Jaci Hennes (1 years)407 N. 11th St. PO Box 148 401 North 13th St.Kerkhoven, MN 56252 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

Sarah Holtkamp ( 1 years)660 150th Ave. SEKerkhoven, MN 56252

AUDIT COMMITTEE (3 members for varying terms)

Dana Molenaar (2 years) Tami Ruf (3 year)11260 67th Ave. NW 4084 Horizon Hills Circle NWPennock, MN 56279 Willmar, MN 56201

LeRoy Meyer (1 years)101 4th St. S.DeGraff, MN 56271

ACOLYTE DIRECTOR (1 YEAR)

Dana Wenisch403 South 15th Street Kerkhoven, MN 56252

DELEGATES TO SYNOD ASSEMBLY (1 YEAR) ALTERNATE TO SYNOD ASSEMBLY (1 YEAR)

Ryan and Carmen Maus Eldon and Marlene Hauge1408 40th St. SE 207 N. 15th St..Murdock, MN 56271 Kerkhoven, MN 56252

GREEN LAKE BIBLE CAMP REPRESENTATIVE (1 YEAR)

Faye Helms210 14th St. S.

Kerkhoven, MN 56252

KLC received the following Thank You note:

Dear Members of Kerkhoven,

Thank you for all you did to make Equipping Congregations Day so special and for helping to care for the people and make them feel welcome. Thank you for all you

do as Everyday Reformers. This was sent from Rev. Elan Hacker who is on the Equipping Congregations Board for the Synod.

There are some of you receiving the Messenger who have been given the gift of prayer and others of you have loved ones and friends in need of prayer. Please continue to remember the following person during the month.

Demi Schreiner Kaehlen FernholzMary Kay Austvold Elaine Bengston Harsey ScottPhyllis Loven Gladys Powers Carl JustBev Johnson Cami Fernholz

Sincere sympathy to the family of Rosalie Johnson, mother of Barb Erickson. Rosalie passed away Thursday, February 15th at Rice Memorial Hospital in Willmar. Her funeral service was held Friday, February 23rd at Calvary Lutheran Church in Willmar.

MISSIONARY FOR A DAYJanuary 14, 2018 In Memory of Elnora Helms by Calvin and Arlene CarlsFebruary 10, 2018 In Honor of 50th Wedding Anniversary of Bill and Kay Brendemuehl by Barney

and Jean LillyFebruary 10, 2018 In Honor of Bill and Kay Brendemuehl’s 50th Anniversary by Donna BakerFebruary 12, 2018 In Memory of Kelly Jolstad by Earle Jolstad and Sue GuetterFebruary 15, 2018 In Memory of Sheldon Baker by Donna BakerFebruary 15, 2018 In Memory of Elnora Helms by Hope HelmsFebruary 15, 2018 In Memory of Rosalie Johnson by Calvin and Arlene CarlsFebruary 23, 2018 In Memory of Rosalie Johnson, Barb Erickson mother, by Barney and Jean LillyFebruary 23, 2018 In Memory of Rosalie Johnson, by Florence SmithFebruary 26, 2018 In Memory of Angela Carls by Calvin and Arlene CarlsFebruary 26, 2018 In Memory of Rosalie Johnson by Gene and Judy HalversonFebruary 26, 2018 In Memory of Rosalie Johnson, mother of Barb Erickson, by Donna Baker

---------------------------------CLIP AND PLACE IN OFFERING PLATE----------------------------

I would like to support Missionary for a Day on the date of __________________________________________________________________________

Circle one: In honor of/In Memory of/In Thanks to God for __________________________________________________________________________

Signed: ______________________________________________________________________________