PO Box 29 5064 County Road 13 Nisswa, MN 56468

Main Phone: 218-963-2564 Web: lccnisswa.org E-mail: lcc@lccnisswa.org

Lutheran Church of the Cross

Welcoming all people into discipleship

STAFF

Pastor Drew Bakken 218-961-2014

Pastor Kari Williamson 218-961-2013

Director of Youth and Family Ministry Zach Malecha 218-961-2015

Director of Children and Family Ministry Kari Erickson 218-961-2012

Director of Music Ministry/Organist Cathy Taylor 218-961-2053

Financial Secretary Karen Wiele 218-961-2016

Lay Ministry Coordinator Sally Hodgson 218-961-2052

Senior Choir Director Brian Stubbs

Organist Laura Raedeke

Bell Choir Director Judy Rickbeil

King’s Kids Carol Smith

Custodian Clint Baker 218-963-2564

ELCA Global Missionary Bradn Buerkle

LCC Office Laurie Hemish 218-961-2011

2019 CHURCH COUNCIL

President Matt Karlgaard Social Justice/Global David Grell

Vice President David Grell Worship & Music Mike Smith

Treasurer Colleen Both Youth Jen Henry

Secretary Jaime Boesen Stewardship Craig Fink

Cong. Life Hilary Johnson LCC Foundation Dan Halland

Education Pam Johnson

Properties Jason Martinson

CURRENT RESIDENT OR

Address label here

Lutheran Church of the

Cross

2019

Cross

Currents

Dear Lutheran Church of Cross Community –

Remember that you are dust and to dust and you shall return. These are words that we hear on Ash Wednesday as the season of Lent begins – this year on March 6th. During Lent we begin a deeply personal and communal pilgrimage together.

Lent is a time of preparation for Holy Week; we adorn the church in purple for forty days (not including the Sundays). The communion rail will be in place for those that would like to kneel as they receive God’s meal of love and grace during this season. These forty days invite us into a time of reflection; a time to draw closer to God as He draws closer to us. As we worship together during our mid-week Lenten Services and Sunday Mornings, we are invited to sojourn with each other. Once again, we will hear from fellow members who will share their Fifth Gospel – their faith story – during Wednesday evening worship.

Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return –these words remind us of our mortality…that one day we will die. We become more acutely aware of the messiness of everyday life, for it is a dirty road that we must travel; one that we identify with the hurt and pain in our lives and the lives of others around the world. The phrase that is spoken to us on Ash Wednesday not only provides us with awareness, but also with hope, for we are reminded God is right beside us on the dirty and messy road we travel each day. In our Lenten contemplation, as we turn inward and ask God for hope, healing and forgiveness, we hear Him loud and clear: I love you, I forgive you, and my grace is given to you freely. These words change us – thus changing our neighbors and the strangers we meet.

As we embark on this journey together, may God’s grace and love which changes everything hold you and bring you strength. Blessings - Pastor Kari PS –in the newsletter you will find many ways that we can grow together while on this Lenten

journey. See you in church!

Page 2

OTHER IMPORTANT UPCOMING EVENTS/DATES:

Mar 1-3: Youth at Cardia Deo Mar 3: Forum: This Changes Everything—God’s Grace Changes Everything 9:30 Mar 3: Toilet Paper and Hygiene Items Drive begins Mar 4 & 18: MOPS 8:30 Mar 4: Youth Team Meeting 6:30 Mar 4, 11, 18, 25: Prayer Shawl Group 1:00 pm Mar 4 & 18: Suicide Loss Survivor Group 7:00 pm Mar 5, 12, 19, 26: Computer Lab 9:00am—1pm Mar 5: Stewardship Meeting 4:00 pm Mar 6: Lakes Area Food Shelf Board Meeting 9:00 Mar 6: ASH WEDNESDAY—Baked Potato Bar 5:30, Worship 6:45 Mar 7, 14, 21, 28: Toning with a Purpose 9:45 am; walking warm up 9:30 Mar 7: CR13 Task Force Meeting 4:00 Mar 7: Church Council 7:00 (note date change) Mar 10: Daylight Savings Time begins Mar 11: Quilters 8:30 Mar 11: Soul Sisters 11:00 Mar 13: Gather Together Study 10:00 Mar 13, 20, 27: Lent Supper 5:45, Worship 6:45 - Pack the Pews 3/20 Mar 20: Creation Care Meeting 4:30 Mar 21: Congregational Book Study 7:00pm Mar 23: Miss Nisswa Pageant 6:30 Mar 24: Pack the Pews Mar 24: Forum: Make It Ok 9:30 Mar 24: BWCA Mini Gathering 12:00 Mar 24: Route 56 Pool Party 2:00 Mar 25: Brewing Theology 7:00 Mar 28: Garden Club 12:00 Mar 29: 8th Grade Retreat 6:30 Mar 31: Jazz Worship 8:15 & 10:30 Mar 31: Lakes Area Music Festival 2:00

If you would like to receive weekly eblast notifications, please email Laurie at laurie@lccnisswa.org with your email address you wish to receive notices on.

If you have changed your phone number, only use your cell number, changed your mailing address, etc., please let us know so we can correct your information in our database.

Page 31

EASTER GARDEN Please fill out the order form below to do-nate to the Easter Garden to help decorate our church and to memorialize or honor loved ones during this season. Your gifts will be listed in the Easter Sunday bulletins. The cost is $15.00 per tribute. You may drop your form and payment in the offering plate or bring it to the church office. Please write "Easter Garden" on the check memo line. Thank you!

Name __________________________________________________ Please print legibly

_______# plants donated at $15 = _________________ _____ in memory of________________________________________ ___________________________________________________ _____ in honor of _________________________________________ ___________________________________________________

Page 30

If you are a mother of young children, please join us Monday

mornings in the Celebration Center and find out what MOPS is

all about! Our remaining meeting dates this year are:

3/4 & 3/18, 4/1 & 15, 5/6 & 20.

The MOPS Kids program provides quality, loving care for

children ages infant through kindergarten. While mothers

attend the MOPS meeting, the children enjoy a program

designed to meet their needs. The children are divided into age groups and

are involved in activities including Bible stories, crafts, music and play.

Everything is already prepared. All our volunteers have to do is show up and

play with our sweet kiddos!

What: Central Lakes MOPS/MOPS Kids

Where: Lutheran Church of the Cross

When: Most 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 9:00 to 11:15am

(Oct - May)

**Central Lakes MOPS is looking for volunteers who would love to play with

preschoolers a few times this year, or for every meeting!

For more information contact:

Lisa Trosdahl

320-232-0695

lisa.trosdahl@gmail.com

Treasurer's Report - Financial Summary 2019 General Fund

Page 3

The February Council meeting scheduled for February 7th was cancelled due to inclement weather. The March meeting will cover the two month period. Financials for January and February will be published in the April newsletter.

Thank you for gifting our ministry together. You make sure Worship space is provided; pastor, musicians, and staff are compensated; ministry supplies are bought; etc. By your general offering today, you are making sure that such ministries as Lutheran Social Services, Teen Challenge, and Global Ministries, and many others are blessed by your Christian love. Thank you! To give with your mobile device, scan the QR code to the right.

GRACE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH—PEQUOT LAKES FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2019

Refreshments @ 9:30am; Worship @ 10:30am Inclement weather date: March 8

Come gather with us as we join 169 countries around the world for a day of prayer. We are encouraged to widen our circles; to expand our communities with those who are not yet at our table. The table is ready and open to everyone. There is a place for you to help build and strengthen the communities around God’s table. One of World Day of Prayer’s guiding principles is that prayer is rooted in listening to God and to one another. Partake of this worship service as we listen to the people of Slovenia, who weave prayer into their everyday life. They invite us to follow prayer with action.

Let us walk in faith and prayerful action!

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CHILDREN &

SUNDAY SCHOOL FUN & FELLOWSHIP!

Kids are welcome and invited to read scripture at worship. If you are interested, let Sally Hodgson know!

Having fun with Dave Holtz on Camp Sunday!

Zach & Kari having a blast with 6th graders at

the Courage Retreat!

Our King’s Kids sharing special music -

Page 29

LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS 2019 SPRING RUMMAGE SALE

APRIL 26TH AND 27TH

2019 Spring Rummage Sale Theme: Reflecting the Light of God. Please consider joining us as we reflect the light of God with courage, boldness and guidance

from our Lord by once again bringing hope to people in need through our LCC 2019 Spring Rummage Sale.

Donate clothing, furniture, electrical items, tools, appliances and other miscellaneous items that are gently used and in working condition. Please consider delivering large items to the church during the Spring Rummage Sale Set Up Days of April 22nd –24th . If necessary, pick up services can be arranged. Thank you for your generous donations in the past! Prayerfully consider Volunteering for one of the many Volunteer Opportunities during the sale days and set up/take down. Volunteers are currently needed in some very important positions! Invite others to come to the 2019 Spring Rummage Sale. Request a monetary donation from the proceeds of the 2019 Spring Rummage Sale for your favorite ministry.

The Lord truly has blessed us to be a blessing to others through the LCC Rummage Sales.

Watch for additional 2019 LCC Spring Rummage Sale Information.

For any questions regarding donating items or volunteering contact Carolyn Blanck (963-7660)

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” —Mother Teresa

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We’re joining Minnesota’s FoodShare March campaign to help supply the Lakes Area Food Shelf (LAFS). There are various ways for you to be involved in this effort… Cash donations earmarked for the LAFS—they can stretch cash

donations farther than food donations. LCC’s Toiletree—grab a list from the display in the narthex and

bring something to add to our “tree”. Noisy Offering—collect/bring all of your pocket change and

bring to church for a special offering on Wednesday, March 20 or Sunday, March 24.

Pack the Pews—grab a list from the display in the narthex and bring a bag of groceries to church on Wednesday, March 20 or Sunday, March 24.

“...uniting people of faith, serving people in need.”

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” —Mother Teresa

PACK THE PEWS GROCERY LIST:

Peanut butter Oatmeal (regular and instant) Mayonnaise Pickles Canned tuna and chicken Ramen Noodles Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Pudding Mix (instant) Popcorn Diapers—size 2 and up Healthy Snacks (packable items for lunch boxes) Baking items:

Chocolate chips Powdered and brown sugar Marshmallows Evaporated milk Sweetened condensed milk Nuts Vanilla

TOILETREE LIST:

Toilet Paper Shampoo and Conditioner Body Wash Disposable Razors Toothpaste Toothbrushes Antiperspirant/Deodorant Feminine Hygiene Items

We will collect items from March 3—25.

Page 5

FUN TIMES at Rte. 56—

making pizza and friend-

ship bracelets, and bowl-

ing….next up: paracord

bracelets and finger-knit

scarves! Reminder that

we don’t meet during

Lent. See you on April

24!

Thanks to all who

came for Parent’s

Time Out—we had

a great evening of

food, activities,

games and

devotion!

We are collect-

ing toiletries for

the Lakes Area

Food Shelf in

March in

addition to

creating a toilet

paper tower.

Check out the

display in the

narthex for

needed items, or

check the

“Upcoming

Events tab on

our website,

lccnisswa.org

Page 6

When you are reading this, six youth, Ellie and I will be at Cardia Deo.

Cardia Deo is the synod wide High School Youth Gathering. It takes place at Camp Big Sandy, on Big Sandy Lake, in McGregor, Minnesota.

I think I can speak for all of us when I say, “We are really looking forward to this retreat.”

Last year, for some of us, this quick weekend was one of the most powerful times of the year. I think it’s the small groups that really do it. Throughout the weekend there are five breakout sessions led by their peers. There are no adults forcing these conversations. It’s all volunteer youth from our synod who commit to a year on the LYO Board. These youth continually impress me. Small little communities are formed. Friendly faces are recognized. Stories are shared.

Jim, a sophomore in our youth group, recently shared with me, “Cardia Deo really impacted my life. I realized that I can talk to anyone and I made lots of friends there.” He told me this like 10 months after we went to Cardia Deo. This stuff sticks.

So there are no rolls this weekend. For that I am sorry - I know they are tasty. However, it is so cool that six of our youth gladly are giving up their full weekend to go to Cardia Deo! These are the things that really impact the future of their faith. When we see God in our communities our lives are changed.

Thank you to this congregation who budgets scholarships for each of these youth. Our youth pay about 50% of the cost, and our congregation covers the rest. Thank you to my wife, Ellie, for being there for our high schoolers.

We look forward to this adventure and we cannot wait to report back!

In peace, Zach

FROM ZACH'S DESK:

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Congregational Book Study and Small Groups:

Welcome to a yearlong journey through scripture with Brian McLaren’s “WE MAKE THE ROAD BY WALKING.” This book can be used for individuals, families, or within your small group. There are great thought provoking questions at the end of each chapter. We are excited for you to join us on the third Thursday of the month at 7pm. Pastor Drew will lead discussion as we dive deeper into the readings. If you are interested in being in a small group please feel free to call Pastor Drew at 218-963-2564 or email him at pastordrewlcc@gmail.com.

Next group study date—March 21 at 7 pm. INDIVIDUAL READING TIMELINE

Mar 3—Mar 9—Jesus and the Multitudes Mar 10—Mar 16—Jesus and Hell Mar 17—Mar 23—Jesus, Violence, and Power Mar 24—Mar 30—Making It Real Mar 31—Apr 6—A New Identity

Join Gloria’s Gang of Guys & Gals for “Toning With a Purpose” on Thursday mornings at 9:45 in Chapel Hall. Walking warmup at 9:30. Please bring exercise bands and hand weights. There is no fee for the classes, but any free will offerings are donated to the Smile Train.

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LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS Church Council Meeting

Thursday, February 7, 2019 The February Council meeting scheduled for February 7th was cancelled due to inclement weather. The March meeting will cover the two month period. Next Council Meeting will be March 7, 7:00 p.m. due to Brainerd and Pequot Lakes Schools Spring Break the following week. All are welcome at Council meetings. Approved minutes and approved financial reports are available in the church office to any member upon request. If you would like to have something on the Council meeting agenda, please submit it in writing addressed to President Karlgaard and delivered to the office manager in the church office no less than one week prior to the monthly Council meeting, the council meets the second Thursday of the month. If the request is submitted less than one week prior to the next Council meeting it will be addressed at the following monthly meeting.

Council Highlights from February 2019

Lutheran Church of the Cross

Contact Vicki Kopplin, Coordinator of Heartland Conference with any questions vickikopplin@gmail.com

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Confirmation During Lent So what does confirmation during lent look like? First off, it is an expectation that confirmation youth attend Lenten worship services, afterwards join us for Snack Time! Snack Time is a conversation based on that night’s Fifth Gospel, given by a member of our congregation. We will, obviously, eat classic school snacks like: Scooby Doo Fruit Snacks, Dippy Cheese Sticks, Fruit by the Foot, and more! We are also inviting each Lenten speaker to join us. This starts on March 13th.

Baked Potato Bar Join us for the most exciting meal of the year at LCC on March 6th. It is our goal to raise $1250 to help send five kids to camp this summer! We are sending a record number of 26 young people to Luther Crest Bible Camp! Thank you for your continued support with this vital ministry. It is our goal to raise $7500 annually for camp scholarships.

March Food Shelf Drive Lots of things are happening! We love that our congregation gives so generously for events like this! Thanks for all you do! We have the Toilet-Tree, Noisy Offering and Pack the Pews coming up in March. Please consult page ____ for more information

Spring Activities Hey YOUTH! Yeah youth. Let me know which spring activities you are involved with and send me some dates of your home games! Can’t wait to watch you in the sun!

BWCAW Mini Gathering BWCAWers! Our next Mini Gathering is March 24th. We will check up on John the Baptist’s wildernesses. Looking forward to gathering with you all.

We are always thankful for our band who leads us in worship on Wednesdays and

sometimes on Sundays! We have Danny on guitar, Izzy on drums and Ben on bass for

youth representation! Thanks for doing what you do!

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March 3rd LCC 2019—“This Changes Everything”

Continuing on our journey to explore this year’s theme for LCC, the March 3 forum will focus on how God’s Grace Changes Everything. God’s gift of grace is given to you freely each day— just because you are you. How does that truth change everything? How does God’s continuing promise of daily grace change everything for you and your neighbor?

Come and explore with us in Chapel Hall at 9:30; enjoy fellowship and conversation about grace and the Transfiguration of Jesus from the gospel of Luke 9: 28-36.

March 24th “Make It Ok” Kathy Snell

Join Kathy Sell from Crow Wing Energized for a Make It OK presentation to learn more about reducing mental health stigma. The most recent Crow Wing County Community Health Survey found that more than 1 in 4 adults in Crow Wing County experience mental illness. Most will wait an average of ten years before seeking treatment, largely due to the stigma. The Make It OK campaign is designed to

encourage people to talk more openly about mental illnesses and ask for help.

Update on improvements to County Road 13 impacting Lutheran Church of the Cross. The Task Force recently had a meeting with the County to discuss changes to the entrances to our church parking lot and right of way acquisition. We are in the process of interviewing an architect to help design a new parking lot to handle traffic and pedestrian flow and a future overall site plan for LCC. At this time, the proposed backage road on our west property line will not be happening this summer. Any questions, please contact Pr. Drew.

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The 47th annual Miss Nisswa Scholarship Pageant and the 28th annual Little Miss Nisswa program will be held at the Lutheran Church of the Cross on March 23rd at 6:30pm with doors opening at 6:00pm. The Nisswa Youth Scholarship Organization is very pleased and thankful to again have this event held at the church. These girls will go on to represent Nisswa at many well attended events in the area. It should be a great program so please come out to support our girls and find out who will be Miss Nisswa 2019.

What do you think reflects "The Spirit of America"? The Art & Faith committee are looking for submissions (drawings, paintings, photography, etc.) for this patriotic theme that will be displayed in May. Watch for more information or contact Danae Anderson for questions at 218-330-2338.

Thinking of gardening this summer?

Sign up now for a plot in our beautiful Community Garden at LCC. Sign up sheets are available in the rack outside the church office. If you have any questions, please call Janyce Halligan at 218-568-4480.

The Lakes Area Music Festival presents... ALTIUS QUARTET

Sunday, March 31 | 2 p.m. Lutheran Church of the Cross, Celebration Center

Entering its second decade presenting the nations best classical musicians, the Lakes Area Music Festival has recently announced a new program for 2019. A String Quartet Fellowship will invite one emerging professional ensemble to Minnesota for a paid summer of intensive rehearsal and performance opportunities.

Selected from an international pool of applicants, the Altius Quartet of Boulder, CO will serve as the inaugural ensemble. They will give their first performance as fellows on Sunday, March 31 at Lutheran Church of the Cross. Join them for an up-close and intimate program of string quartet repertoire and learn more about LAMF's upcoming 2019 season. Open to the public; donation-based admission in lieu of ticket sales.

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ART AND FAITH GALLERYART AND FAITH GALLERY "LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE: A PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAY”

Part of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:15, is the familiar aphorism that we do not light a candle merely to put it under a bushel, but instead we light a candle to place it on a candlestick to give light to all within the house. And then Matthew 5:16 reminds each of us to “let your life so shine" - meaning to use your God gifted attributes so as to benefit others - "before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.”

A faithful life is a life about “thou,” not about “me.”

LCC member John Erickson has extensively photographed the superb actors of Brainerd and Pequot Lakes community theatres and in his exhibition “Let Your Light So Shine: A Photographic Essay,” he has vigorously distilled thousands of his theatre photographs into a powerfully brief LCC Art and Faith Gallery exhibition concentrated on CLC Theatre, opening Sunday, March 3, and closing Sunday, March 31. “Let Your Light So Shine” places theatrical performance squarely within the principles of Matthew 5:15 - 16.

We may unfairly think of actors as people who seek the spotlight to shine on them, but “Let Your Light So Shine” makes clear that it is the theatrical artistry of the actors - their lights shining through, outward onto us - which allows us to understand the inner truths of the lives found in their characters within the play itself, thus benefitting others through the good works of the actors, glorifying God, not self.

Let your light so shine.

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Hymn of the Month

March 2019

Hymn #329 As the Sun with Longer Journey (NAGEL)

March 6 is Ash Wednesday which is the start of the forty day journey of Lent. This March we will feature a Lenten hymn “As the Sun with Longer Journey” written by John Patrick Earls, OSB and Carl F. Schalk. I love the text of this hymn in how it relates the changing of the seasons to our life in Christ. Lent is the time for waiting and watching for redemption through Jesus death and resurrection. As the days get longer, the ice and snow start melting, we get closer to that Easter Day of Resurrection and new life.

John Patrick Earls, writer of the text, is a member of the order of St. Benedict in Collegeville, MN. He uses the words “’sun’s growing radiance’ in ‘the season’s yearly round’ to point to the Trinitarian new life in baptisms’ ‘healing waters’”.

Carl F. Schalk is the composer of the music of this hymn. He was approached by the editors of With One Voice (our old blue hymnals) with a tune to go with the text of J. P. Earls. He came up with the tune NAGEL which he named after his daughter.

I hope you enjoy this new to us Lent hymn.

Cathy Taylor, Director of Music (Portions of this article are taken with permission from Evangelical Lutheran Worship Hymnal Companion, Augsburg

Fortress, Copyright©2010.)

Central Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge will be at LCC

Please join us for a special message of hope and healing as Adult and Teen Challenge help lead our services on Sunday, March 3. The students will sing songs of praise and give testimony of their journey of redemption and healing from addiction - sharing stories that are

heart-felt and at times very raw. After each service, you will have the opportunity to support their work through a special offering as you leave the sanctuary. Lunch will be served in Celebration Center following late worship, and all are welcome to join us for food and fellowship.

Livestreaming of worship will not be available on March 3.

Volunteers are needed for serving and preparing food – if you can help on Sunday, March 3, please contact Cathy Taylor or sign up in the narthex.

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Don’t forget to spring forward Sunday, March 10th. Remember to set your clocks ahead 1 hour Saturday night, March 9th.

We will not be hosting New Pathways—March 3-10 Any questions, please call Darrell Barnack at 963-6059 or email dbarnack@charter.net

Thank goodness it’s

On Fridays in March and April, Pastor Kari will be at Stonehouse Coffee in Baxter at noon to read, reflect, and have conversation about HOPE and the Book of Psalms. The devotional book, “Lasting Hope” will be the resource for this time of fellowship. We will explore the Psalms assigned to Ash Wednesday and Sundays in Lent and Holy Week.

Pick up your copy of “Lasting Hope” at church and plan to join us!

See Pr. Kari with questions

March 8, 14, 21, 28; April 5 & 12—12 Noon—Stonehouse Coffee in Baxter

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Your Creation Care Team invites all interested LCC members to join us at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Brainerd on Saturday, March 30, 9:30 am-3:30 pm for our annual NE MN Synod EcoFaith Network Summit (see poster). Bethlehem's new Creation Care Team is hosting this as their first event, along with help from the Creation Care Teams of Lord of Life Lutheran in Baxter and LCC. At this Summit, we will learn what it means to bring Earth stewardship into the life and work of the Church, as well as into our individual lives.

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Soup Kitchen News

Thursday, February 7, 2019 was an occasion when our Senior Choir had the privilege of living God’s word via the Brainerd Soup Kitchen. When at 5:00 pm, the doors opened, 20 of God’s beautiful women and men entered to find their dinner ready, and 11 choir members prepared to server their meal. Two days prior, four members inventoried the kitchen’s food supplies. With many available options, a spaghetti dinner was the choice. (spaghetti with meat sauce, cheesy French bread, tossed green vegetable salad, fruit cup, brownies with ice cream, coffee, hot chocolate, and water. Take home containers were available for extra meals. Choir members participating: Dick & Maureen Schmidt, Ray & Betty Arveson, Brian & Jenny Stubbs, Mugs Duker, Sharon Ingvoldstad, Mary Frost, Judy Rickbeil, and Sharon Taute. LCC serves the first Thursday of every month. There is a sign up sheet in the Fireside lounge hallway. If YOU would like to help, give Ann Bergin a call or text at 218-820-5511.

Page 11

Thursday Morning Prayer

8:30 – 9:30 in the Sanctuary

As we turn the page to the month of March, we turn the season here at church to Lent. Lent is a season of reflection and walking close with Jesus as he journeys to the cross. Journey with us on Thursday mornings to center our hearts and minds thru prayer. Blessings – Pastor Kari

Holy Land Trip November 9-19, 2019

We have 24 travelers all ready for our adventure to the Holy Land! There is still plenty of room for you to join and experience walking in Jesus’s footsteps. Some of the highlights of our trip will be:

· The peaceful waters of Galilee · The Church of the Nativity · The Via Dolorosa and stations of the Cross · The Church of the Holy Sepulcher · The Jordan River · The Dead Sea · See where Jesus preached the Beatitudes · Be immersed in the sights and sounds of Jerusalem, Galilee and Bethlehem.

To register and view the brochure go to Group Travel Directors at www.gtd.org Brochures are also in Pastor Kari’s office and in the narthex. See you in Holy Land!! For more information see Pastor Kari.

Social Justice Task Force – is excited to welcome Kathy Sell from Crow Wing Energized for a Make it Ok presentation on reducing mental health stigma on March 24. Look for other opportunities to join the Social Justice Task Force as we educate ourselves on these important issues in our community.

Page 12 Page 21

LCC Solar Array and Energy Update from the Creation Care Team

We now have 2 complete calendar years (2017 & 2018) of data from our solar array. Our solar system has been very consistent over these two years, producing a total of just over 10,000 kWh per year. On average we are producing around 23 kWh per day, approximately 7% of our total electricity needs, with an estimated savings of $1,000-$1,300 per year on our electricity costs. We can also be proud of the environmental benefits our system has had in this short time period. By transferring a small portion of our electricity from coal-fired generation to solar, we have reduced our carbon footprint by over 20 tons (the equivalent of planting 485 trees) in just under 3 years!

In 2018 our total electricity use decreased by 16% from the prior year, however our total amount paid to Minnesota Power increased by 6%. Our electricity rate increased from $0.11 per kWh in 2017 to $0.13 per kWh in 2018 which accounts for the increase in cost. This illustrates why reducing our electricity use and getting more of our energy from solar is not only environmentally responsible but is fiscally responsible as well. According to the US Energy Information Administration, residential electricity rates have increased nationally by around 15% over the last 10 years and will continue to increase in the short-term and long-term (through 2040). For a large consumer like LCC, these increases can really add up. Producing more of our own electricity through solar generation is one way to reduce this expense over time.

Solar Array Statistics

2016 2017 2018 2019 Total

Days in Service 223 365 365 46 999

Total Electricity Produced (kWh) 5,887 10,227 10,362 345 26,822

Average Daily Production (kWh) 26.4 28.0 28.4 7.50 22.6

Total Electricity Used (kWh) 88,527 157,87

6 133,97

0 11,57

4 391,948

Total Electricity Used per day (kWh) 397 433 367 252 392

Solar Percent of Total 6.6% 6.5% 7.7% 3.0% 6.8%

Estimated Savings $ 647 $ 1,028 $ 1,347 $ 38 $ 3,060

Carbon Offset (tons) 4.5 7.8 7.9 0.30 20.5

Carbon Offset (trees planted) 106 185 187 6 485

How Much Energy Produced?

Average MN Home 2.5 years

Energy Star Refrigerator 45 years

LED Light Bulb 306 years

AA Batteries 8,941,063

Eiffel Tower 11 nights

Page 20 A Message from our ELCA Global Missionary

Russian Correspondent

One of the challenges of serving in the Russian Lutheran Church is the use here of an older lectionary; it is based on a six-year cycle and each Sunday has a single, designated “preaching text.” This year during Epiphany, on the Sunday when we celebrate Jesus's baptism, the text was from the book of Joshua (3:5-11,17) - the story of the chosen people crossing the Jordan. Joshua is a book of the Bible that many of us might tend to avoid. For modern readers it raises uncomfortable questions about the connec-tion between faith and violence; even more significantly in my context, the book's dominant image of conquest of land brings to mind current disputes between Russia and its neighbors. Yet, if one can look beyond or through these difficulties, the text can be helpful on another level. As the Pentateuch closes, God has brought the people out of slavery. The time under Moses's leadership was filled with much that was positive – manna in the desert, pillars of cloud and flame for navigation, commandments for the guidance of everyday living, and God's direct conversation with the people through their leader. But now, after Moses's death, a new era has arrived; God forms relationships differently. There are some disappointments that come with this change, certainly; sometimes it seems preferable to go back to the old way. Yet in a new time there are also new horizons, new hopes, a new vision for the future. The Russian Lutheran Church has a history that can find parallels with the history of the chosen people. They, too, were an ethnic minority (Germans, mostly, but also Finns and Estonians and Latvians) in a land (the Russian Empire) that viewed their presence as something positive...until they didn't. Then these minority peoples were a problem, a threat. While they did not know slavery as such, the labor camps where they were sent caused much suffering; they were torn from their homes, their places of worship were closed or destroyed, and thousands upon thousands died. Then times changed again. And while there may not have been a single, individual Moses for Russian Lutherans, there were a great many leaders, most of whom came from abroad, who helped guide the church as it was first emerging from what was a kind of slavery under the Communist regime. These “moses” took the church quite far...but not yet into the promised land. For the church to go further, to really become a Russian Lutheran church (and not just ethnic minorities practicing their faith on Russian soil), they would need new leaders. And now the Russian Lutheran church is at that stage of settling the land. In doing so there is no trace of an invasion mentality – their neighbors, after all, are not enemies. And just as many Old Testament scholars today would say that the chosen people coming into the Promised Land had a lot to do with winning over hearts and minds to the values and faith of the Hebrew people, so, too, Lutherans spread the Gospel here through word and action, convincing people of the power of the Good News through exemplary lives of faith. The book of Joshua has limited use insofar as it speaks of taking faith into new territories, but other parts of Scripture provide metaphors that prove to be more helpful; Russian Lutherans together with others in the former Soviet Union have the resurrection of our Lord at the center of their thinking and their action. They have experienced a death, and now catch glimpses of new life. Our Lutheran churches in Russia and in the United States were never called to become dominant in the political and religious landscapes of our respective countries. But we the baptized are called to enter a new era, trusting in the Lord's guidance; putting aside disappointments and taking note of all the little epiphanies that have a place both in this season and throughout the year, we continue on our common journey of faith, striving onward (even through death) to the resurrection that awaits. Your brother in Christ, Bradn

Every body of water becomes "the Jordan" for Eastern Orthodox Christians as they jump in the frigid water on the day of Christ's Baptism

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Page 14

MM, MM GOOD!

Faith, family and fellowship— We will be offering a good hearty meal at 5:45 pm for you to enjoy before the Lenten Service at 6:45 pm. Here’s what’s on the menu:

Healthy Salad & Dressings Savory Soups Meat & Cheese Choices w/ Dinner Rolls PB & J for the kids Cookies for dessert Coffee, Milk & Water

All this, plus great fellowship with your fellow LCC members. Free will offering. This will be a great chance for our working families to participate in our Wednesday activities – no cooking and the family will be well fed!

Groups Serving Suppers: March 6: Children & Youth Ministries Potato Bar @ 5:30 pm March 13: Creation Care Team March 20: Sr. Choir, Bells of Praise, & Worship & Music Committee March 27: Church Council April 3: Church Staff April 10: Children & Youth Ministries

Sunday, April 14 8:15 and 10:30 AM Palm Sunday Worship with Holy Communion Thursday, April 18 6:45 PM - Maundy Thursday Worship with Holy Communion (First Communion) Friday, April 19 6:45 PM - Good Friday Tenebrae Service Sunday, April 21 7:00, 8:15 and 10:30 AM Easter Sunday Celebration Worship with Holy Communion Easter Breakfast Served 7:45 - 10:30 AM

All Lenten and Holy Week services will be live streamed and can be viewed via our website: lccnisswa.org

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On behalf of the Staff and Board of Directors at Bridges of Hope, thank you for helping us help families in the Lakes Area. Your recent gift makes it possible for us to continue to serve our community in times of need. Because of donors like you, there is a place to call for help. Thank you for partnering with Bridges of Hope in serving the Lakes Area. Sincerely, Kassie Heisserer

On behalf of the Board of Directors, Staff and the families we serve, I would like to personally thank you for making our work possible. Your generous contribution has blessed us financially which allows us to continue our mission of providing positive role models and guidance to youth within our community. Marilyn Holmvig

Thank you for your donation to Sharing Bread Soup Kitchen. Your generous gift of money helps pay for 60-80 meals per day at our facility. With Gratitude, Glen Gustafson

Thank you for your gracious gift to ELCA World Hunger. Blessed are you for sharing your blessings with others. The Rev. Daniel Rift Thank you for your recent gift to ELCA Good Gifts. You gift equips God’s people around the world with what they need to live abundant lives. Christina Jackson-Skelton

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March 2019 Birthdays

1. Martin Baker, Mickie

Deline, Judy Heslop, Lyle

Thell

2. Alexander Evanson, Kinley

Obe, William Winegar

3. Lola Chase, Mike Cowger,

Jeremiah Eisenschenk,

Teigen Friis, Megan Hintz,

Claire Loge, Oscar Prahm

4. Blake Anderson, Addison

Gorr, Jason Martinson

5. Kaitlyn Anderholm, Jan

Halligan, Ethan Johnson,

Joshua Stark, Amy Wark

6. Jeanyne Hess, Christopher

Macy, Kristy Peterson

7. Doris Bergersen, Craig Fink,

Hannah Hayes, Aiden

Hernandez, Phyllis Hill,

Karsyn Jacobs

8. Jon Avenson, Duane Blanck,

Eric Johnson, Jed Klein,

Nancy Phillips

9. Nick Evanson, Connie

Meyers, Linda Rasinski,

Jack Warden

10. Dennis Hins, Abe Mrosla,

Ana Wickham

11. Dave Endicott, Joe Haeg,

Gary Hiles, Al Larson, Justin

Ohotto

12. Isaac Boesen, Heather

Jaeche, Jim Kottke, Marie

Olness, Michael Rude,

Norah Ulrich

13. Jackie Kottke, Karen Lara

14. Jeff Aga, Zane Gromer, Carol

Heidmann, Diana Heikkila,

Brenda Myers, Steve

Osmera, Matthew Skogen

15. Walter Prahm, Lori Rich,

Hannah Ulrich

16. Emily Bachman, Elise

Carlson, Eileen Holland,

Daniel Macy, Libby Rihm

17. Harvey Anderson, Mark

Hahn, Dirk Henry, Dylan

Paulson, Allison Timmons

18. Tom Anderson, Renee

Boesen, Stephanie

Marquardt, Lizzi Ortmeier,

Jim Swanson

19. Ramona Stumvoll, Olivia

Trosdahl

20. Maria Clarine, Chris

Lindholm, Dawn Maine,

Peter Nistler

21. Sharon Baker, Drew Bakken,

Barrett Campbell, John

Erickson, Jane Erickson,

Mike Gromer, Mark Hallan,

Sandy Hins, Roger Johnson,

Pete Mogenson, Josephine

Nistler, Jerry Raedeke,

Carrie Taylor, Randy

Thomson, Louise Warden

22. Meghan McAllister, Andrew

Whiteman

23. Emory Alverson, Moriah

Benz, Casey Gromer, Blair

Jedinak, Marcia Turcotte

24. Gail Anderson, Sharon

Endicott, Katharine Mitchell

25. Chuck Carlson, Dennis

Holmen, Kevin Kosobud, Val

Lueck, Beth Najjar, Judy

Swenson

26. Matthew Blanch, Karen

Clarine, Evelyn Helsene,

Sharon Holland, Linda

Larson

27. Avery Gorr

28. Ella Anderson, Carol

Campbell, Charlee Sullivan

29. Landen Brill, Judith Kuusisto,

Sophie Schamber, Braden

Yundak-Moran

30. Carolyn Blanck, Bryan Trees

31. Krista Fogarty, Avah

Meierding

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MARCH 3 MARCH 10 MARCH 17 MARCH 24 MARCH 31

8:15 Al & Sue Schmidt 10:30 Harvey & Vickie Anderson Family

8:15 Rick & Faeth Harms 10:30

8:15 Gary & JoAnn Rivers 10:30 Bruce & Jeanne Anderson

8:15 Kevin & Betsy Egan 10:30 Dave & Karla Hoelmer

8:15 Bob & Rhoda Trafas 10:30 Chris & Holly Olson

8:15 David & Heather Grell 10:30 Larry & Vickie Ottem

8:15 Jon Wennberg Lyle Amundson 10:30 Bill Weik

8:15 Uldis & Pat Birznieks 10:30 Rod & Karen Opp

8:15 John & Marcie Hofmann 10:30 Larry & Vickie Ottem

8:15 Dave & Julie Anderholm 10:30 Brian & Nikki Stark

8:15 Dave & Bonnie Stevens 10:30 Dave & Esther Endicott

8:15 Jane Nemitz Mary Frost Barb Elmquist 10:30 Carolyn Macy Darrell Paske Jerry Raedeke

8:15 Tim & Ann Bergin 10:30 Terry Frovik Pauline Gustafson

8:15 Lee & Nancy Wangstad 10:30 Brian & Jenny Stubbs

8:15 Rachel Gerhartz 10:30 Bruce & Julie Domino

Teen Challenge Program

8:15 Barb Elmquist 10:30 Tami Lueck

8:15 Uldis Birznieks 10:30 Hilary Johnson

8:15 Jerry Raedeke 10:30 Alicia Green

8:15 Paula West 10:30 Danae Anderson

8:15 Logan Knutson Elizabeth Knutson Ethan Thomas 10:30 Jayley Andresen Scarlett Anderson Vanessa Anderson

8:15 Andy Grell Weston Hiles 10:30 Payton Scott Jake Merseth Colin Stotko

8:15 Vaughn Peterson Will Taylor Carly Maine 10:30 Ryan Gerlich Hannah Hayes Colin Stotko

8:15 Logan Fogarty Annie Lindholm Ella Oelke 10:30 Kelsi Martini Maci Martini Josh Stark

8:15 Logan Knutson Elizabeth Knutson Ethan Thomas 10:30 Maggie Wolter Brea Eckes Morgan Eckes

Youth & Family Ministry Team

Please sign up in Celebration Center

Dale & Connie Peterson Please sign up in Celebration Center

Dennis & Bonnie Morris

8:15 10:30

8:15 Jane Nemitz Gloria Thomas 10:30 Darrell Paske

8:15 Dave & Nora Jabas 10:30 Marv & Karen Green

8:15 Chuck Trucano 10:30 Duane Blanck

8:15 Darrell Paske 10:30

Bob Burns Bob Olson Bob Burns Bob Burns Bob Olson

Colleen Both Pat Birznieks

Colleen Both Pat Birznieks

Colleen Both Pat Birznieks

Colleen Both Pat Birznieks

Colleen Both Pat Birznieks

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

4 5 6 ASH WEDNESDAY 7

8

9

10 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT Brd & PL School Spring Break

11

12

13 14 15 16

17 SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT 18 19

20 21 22 23

24 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT/ PACK THE PEWS

25

26

27 28 29 30

31 FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

8:15 Worship w/Communion 9:15 Coffee Fellowship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship w/Communion

8:15 Jazz Worship w/ Communion 9:15 Coffee Fellowship 9;30 Sunday School 10:30 Jazz Worship w/ Communion 2:00 LAMF

8:30 Quilters 11:00 Soul Sisters 1:00 Prayer Shawl Group

9:00 Computer Lab 1:00 Book Discussion 1:00 Staff Meeting/Prayer

8:15 Worship w/ Communion 9:15 Coffee Fellowship 9:30 Sunday School 9:30 Forum: Make It Ok 10:30 Worship w/ Communion 12:00 BWCA Mini Gathering 2:00 Route 56 Pool Party

8:15 Worship w/ Communion 9:15 Coffee Fellowship 9:30 Sunday School 9:30 Forum: Grace Changes Everything 10:30 Worship w/ Communion

9:00 Computer Lab 1:00 Staff Meeting/Prayer

8:30 MOPS 1:00 Prayer Shawl Group 7:00 Suicide Loss Survivor Group

9:00 Computer Lab 1:00 Staff Meeting/Prayer 4:00 Stewardship Mtg

8:30 Text Study 10:00 Gather Together Study 5:00 Bells of Praise 5:45 Supper 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Lent Worship w/ Communion 7:30 Snack Time 7:30 Sr. Choir

9:00 Computer Lab 9:30 Good Sam Training 1:00 Staff Meeting/Prayer

8:30 MOPS 1:00 Prayer Shawl Group 1:00 Nisswa Women’s Club MTG 6:30 Youth Team Mtg 7:00 Suicide Loss Survivor Group

8:30 Text Study 5:00 Bells of Praise 5:45 Supper 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Lent Worship w/ Communion 7:30 Snack Time 7:30 Sr. Choir

8:30 Text Study 10:00 Garden Club Board Mtg 4:30 Creation Care Team 5:00 Bells of Praise 5:45 Supper 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Lent Worship w/ Communion 7:30 Snack Time 7:00 Sr. Choir

8:30 Text Study 9:00 LAFS Board Meeting 5:30 Supper-Baked Potato Bar 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Worship with Communion 7:30 Sr. Choir

8:30 Quilters 1:00 Prayer Shawl Group 7:00 Brewing Theology

8:15 Worship w/ Communion 9:15 Coffee Fellowship 9:30 Sunday School 10:30 Worship w/ Communion 11:30 Worship & Music Committee

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Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 2

3 TRANSFIGURATION OF OUR LORD

4 5 6 ASH WEDNESDAY 7

8

9

10 FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT Brd & PL School Spring Break

11

12

13 14 15 16

17 SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT 18 19

20 21 22 23

24 THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT/ PACK THE PEWS

25

26

27 28 29 30

31 FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT

2019

8:30 Thursday AM. Centering Prayer 9:45 Toning with a Purpose 7:00 Congregational Book Study 7:00 AA

8:30 Thursday AM Centering Prayer 9:45 Toning with a Purpose 12:00 Garden Club Mtg 7:00 AA

8:30 Text Study 10:00 Gather Together Study 5:00 Bells of Praise 5:45 Supper 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Lent Worship w/ Communion 7:30 Snack Time 7:30 Sr. Choir

8:30 Text Study 5:00 Bells of Praise 5:45 Supper 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Lent Worship w/ Communion 7:30 Snack Time 7:30 Sr. Choir

8:30 Thursday AM Centering Prayer 9:45 Toning with a Purpose 7:00 AA

12:00 TGIH Devotions Miss Nisswa Pageant Setup

8:30 Text Study 10:00 Garden Club Board Mtg 4:30 Creation Care Team 5:00 Bells of Praise 5:45 Supper 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Lent Worship w/ Communion 7:30 Snack Time 7:00 Sr. Choir

8:30 Text Study 9:00 LAFS Board Meeting 5:30 Supper-Baked Potato Bar 6:00 King’s Kids 6:45 Worship with Communion 7:30 Sr. Choir

8:30 Thursday AM Centering Prayer 9:45 Toning with a Purpose 4:00 CR13 Task Force 7:00 Church Council 7:00 AA

Cardia Deo—Youth Cardia Deo—Youth

6:30 Miss Nisswa Pageant

12:00 TGIH Devotions 6:30 8th Grade Retreat

12:00 TGIH Devotions

12:00 TGIH Devotions