24

Sugar Creek Bible Camp

For more information, contact Sugar Creek at 608-734-3113 or check their website at: www.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org

2020 Upcoming Events Aug 9-12 Family Camp – Session 1

Aug 13-16 Family Camp – Session 2

August 17 Golf Tournament (fundraiser) – Viroqua Hills

Aug 16-18 Grandparent-Grandchild Camp - CANCELLED

September 12 ANNUAL AUCTION, 5K FUN RUN or WALK

You’re home with your kids. This is a great time to sign up for camp!

There is a revised schedule with a new beginning camp date of July 12, 2020.

Go online at http://wp.sugarcreekbiblecamp.org/ to see updated schedule and to

register.

Q: Can a frog jump higher than an average tent? A: Of course, an average tent can’t jump! Q: What do bears call campers in sleeping bags? A: Soft Tacos Q: What’s another name for a sleeping bag? A: A nap sack. Q. What is the color of the wind? A. Blew.

1

Pastor’s Page June 2020

Greetings Siblings in Christ, Times are changing and so is the church. We have now weathered two and a half months of Covid-19 precautions together, and we as the church together will continue to do what we can to ensure that everyone can maintain safe practices as we move forward. While we are being safe it does not mean that we cannot be connected. Here is what I am envisioning…

The council has agreed to listen to the guidance of the Badger Bounce Back Plan and the guidance of the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Which warn against moving too quickly and the spread of aerosols. With that being said, for the time being we will continue to gather for Sunday Worship Online. When the time comes for us to begin gathering again in building, things will look different then before. It is being recommended that singing be put on hold, social distancing be continued and masking highly recommended. So for the time being I hope we can continue to enjoy singing together online!

With the Safer at Home orders lifted, it should be possible to provide Holy Communion to members via a “driveway no-contact service.” Which I am calling Sidewalk Sacraments, in which you may invite me to your driveway/sidewalk to share in Holy Communion from a safe distance. This would allow you to step out of your home bringing elements from your home to share in a small worship and devotion.

Throughout this time I think the digital offerings have been a success. As we began this time online we had many people

2

Pastor’s Page continued

enjoying virtual coffee hour at 10am on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and even more people participating in the daily evening prayer at 6pm. As we begin to move out of the Safer at Home orders with extreme caution, I have seen less people participating in these offerings. I would like to continue to offer these ministries to you, but it appears the need is less as we learn to live into this new reality. I would like to invite you into Prayer at 6pm Monday-Thursday, and Virtual Coffee at 10am Monday and Wednesday.

I pray that you are well, and can assure you that although we are not gathering in our building, Church has not been canceled, hope has not been canceled, love and peace have not been canceled!

Peace is with you, Pastor Alyssa Mitchell

Sidewalk Sacrament

“Since we are all essentially homebound, I am offering to provide a ‘driveway’ communion service to you and your family. If you are interested, you and other members of your household would come out of your home and remain on the stoop or porch. Bring

bread and wine or grape juice from your house. We will share in a brief worship service with me standing 10-12 feet away. You and your family will share communion. I will not have any contact with you or the elements you will eat and drink. You are welcome to share this invitation with adjoining neighbors, explaining to them that they would stay at the front of their respective houses (or 10-12 feet distant from you and from where I could stand). It will take about 10-20 minutes. Would you like me to stop by your driveway? Please call me if you are interested in having me stop by. -Pastor Alyssa Mitchell

* There is no physical contact and aerosolization should be minimal given distance and outdoor environment. A mask for the minister is highly recommended. At all times the minister will model strict social distancing measures.

23

Community Outreach Opportunities

Mobile Food Pantry

The WAFER Mobile Food Pantry stops in front of the Mindoro Lutheran Church once a month from 12:30-1:30pm. If you or someone you know needs some extra food to make it through the month, please come to the Mobile Food Pantry. Families from La Crosse and now Jackson and Monroe counties are invited. Look for upcoming dates and times at https://waferlacrosse.org/mobile-pantry/ You can also contact WAFER at 608-782-6003.

The Mobile Food Pantry will be here on Tues, June 30 from

12:30-1:30pm.

The ADRC of La Crosse County is parked outside Mindoro

Lutheran every Wednesday from 11:30am to 1:00pm to provide

frozen meals to seniors 60 years of age or older. Individuals may

reserve any desired number of frozen meals to then prepare/consume

throughout the week. Reservations are required and voluntary

contributions are requested ($4/meal) however no one is ever denied

because of the inability to donate. All donations are kept confidential.

Additionally, ADRC staff will be available to assist with information,

assistance and counseling related to long-term care and other programs

and services for older adults and adults with

disabilities. Information/assistance provided

is free of charge.

To learn more, determine eligibility or reserve

meal(s), call the ADRC at 608-785-5700.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10AM. All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B.S. is done.

Moses was leading his people through the desert for 40 years. It seems, even in Biblical times men avoided asking the way.

22

Confirmation Students and High School Students

As of this newsletter printing, the 2021 ELCA Youth Gathering, June 29-July 3, 2021, is still happening in Minneapolis.

Youth who are in 8th to 12th grade at the time of registration (Fall 2020) are eligible to attend. Adult leaders must be at least 21 at the time of the Gathering. The recommended ratio is one adult for every seven youth.

Join Us at Our Gathering

We invite all women to experience a life-changing event with other bold women of faith, August 5-8, 2021, in Sunny Phoenix, Arizona.

Women of the ELCA Events Rescheduled

Since the restrictions regarding Covid-19 put limits on the number of people who

can be together and other things, the W-ELCA North Conference Summer

Event will be postponed until 2021. We trust this would be in everyone's

best interest now. Be safe all and know God is with us no matter how long this

pandemic lasts.

Thanks, Deb Sveen & Living Hope, Ettrick

3

Mindoro & Lewis Valley Men’s Group Breakfast

No Men’s Group Breakfast in June.

The Men’s Group meets the first Tuesday of every month

with location to vary.

For more information, call Jack Card at 608-526-3456.

Your Congregations at work

Bike Blessing

Sunday, June 28, 2020; 1:00pm

Join us at Lewis Valley Lutheran’s parking lot for a fun event that will allow people to come together while maintaining safe space! All bikers are welcome to join us, we just ask that they abide by distancing requests!

All bikes and bikers will be blessed in a small service, before taking off on a ride together.

A fee will donation will be collected to help support the church’s ministry.

Can’t Watch Worship on live stream on Sunday Mornings?

Watch Worship on our website when it is convenient. Here’s how:

Go to the church website:

https://www.mindorolewisvalleychurches.org/

At the top of the page, hover over or click on “Worship”.

There will be a drop down with Full Service; click on Full Service

Choose the service you would like to watch.

Christ in Our Home July, August, September edition is here!

We have the July, August, September edition of Christ in Our Home at Mindoro Lutheran. If you would like a copy, please come to the church 9:00am-3:00pm, Monday-Friday, ring the bell at the right side of the doors, and pick up your copy. They are on the bookcase to the right as you walk in.

https://www.mindorolewisvalleychurches.org/

4

Your Congregations at work

Church Member—Hospital Visits

If you or a family member are in the hospital, please let Pastor Alyssa or the church office know. We can no longer call to find out who is in the hospitals and the chaplains aren’t calling to let us know.

Since the restrictions regarding Covid-19 put limits on the

number of people who can be together and other things, the North

Conference Summer Event will be postponed until 2021. We trust

this would be in everyone's best interest now.

Be safe all and know God is with us no matter how long this

pandemic lasts. ~Thanks, Deb Sveen & the Living Hope W-ELCA

Visiting is not a good idea right now, but please stay in touch with a call or “just thinking of you” card/letter to our nursing home bound and our homebound.

If you need a phone number or an address, please call the church office for it.

21

A farmer lived on a quiet rural highway. But, as time went by, the traffic slowly built up at an alarming rate. The traffic was so heavy and so fast that his chickens were being run over at a rate of three to six a day. So one day he called the sheriff's office and said, "You've got to do something about all of these people driving so fast and killing all of my chickens." "What do you want me to do?" asked the sheriff. "I don't care, just do something about those drivers!" So the next day he had the county workers go out and erect a SLOW caution sign. So the farmer called and called and called every day for three weeks. Finally, he asked the sheriff, "Your signs are doing no good. Is it all right for me to put up my own sign?" The sheriff told him, "Sure thing, put up your own sign." He was going to let the farmer do just about anything in order to have him stop calling. Well, the sheriff got no more calls from the farmer. Three weeks after the farmer’s last call, the sheriff decided to call him. "How's the problem with those drivers. Did you put up your sign?" "Oh, I sure did. And not one chicken has been killed since then. I've got to go. I'm very busy." And he hung up the phone. The sheriff thought to himself, "I'd better go to that farmer's house and look at that sign. There might be something there that WE could use to slow down drivers." So the sheriff drove out to the farmer's house, and he saw the sign. It was a whole sheet of plywood. And written in large yellow letters were the words: SLOW: NUDIST COLONY!

Q: Who was the greatest male financier in the Bible? A: Noah. He was floating his stock while everyone else was in liquidation. Q: What do we have that Adam never had? A: Ancestors Q. How does Moses make his coffee? A. Hebrews it. Q. How do we know Peter was a rich fisherman? A. By his net income. Q. Why did God create man before woman? A. Because He didn’t want any advice on how to do it. Q: At what time of day was Adam created? A: A little before Eve. Q: Why didn't they play cards on the Ark? A: Because Noah was standing on the deck Q. Why didn't Noah go fishing? A. He only had two worms. Q. Did Eve ever have a date with Adam? A. No, just an apple. Q: Who was the greatest female financier in the Bible? A: Pharaoh's daughter. She went down to the bank of the Nile and drew out a little

prophet.

20

Pictures from Facebook Worship attendees

4/28/20 would have been Confirmation Sunday for Mitchell Berg, Morgan Dobbs,

and Brielle Werner.

5/3/20 Pastor Alyssa’s family came to visit.

5/10/20 Jared’s

parents up in the balcony.

5/10/20 Dennis Anderson and Rich

Sinclair

5/10/20 Honorary W-ELCA Sunday

5/17/20 Graduate’s Sunday

5/24/20 Veterans, Auxiliary, & current service members honoring Memorial Day.

5

Councils meet Tuesday, June 9, 2020, at Mindoro 6:30pm Joint Council;

Mindoro & Lewis Valley immediately following Joint

Council Members - Please check your email for updates from Pastor Alyssa on the “location”.

COMMITTEES/TEAMS AT LEWIS VALLEY AND MINDORO

Church Councils: LV - President Gary Wortman, VP Sharon Pfaff, Secretary Becky Whalen, Ivy Endris, Bill Knutson, Sharon Pfaff, Nick Sinotte; MLC - President Jim Hines, VP Cindy Tracey, Secretary Mary Kastenschmidt, Rita Cox, John McRae, Ron Moore, Debbie Salek, Sandy Stetzer, Ginny Wegner

Education: Betty Pfaff, Nikki Christopherson, Rita Holley, Lara Hines, Beth McRae

Finance: MLC: Pastor Alyssa, Jodi Anderson, Jim Hines, Heather Koss, John McRae, Cindy Roberts; LV: Pastor Alyssa, Jodi Anderson, Karen Knutson, Becky Whalen, Jason Young

Parsonage: Bill Cox, Rich Sinclair, Kay Pfaff, Jerome Nelson, Dennis Olson, Gary Wortman

Property: MLC: Ron Moore, Mark Roberts, Rich Sinclair; LV: Jerome Nelson, Dennis Olson, Gary Wortman

Staff Support: Alice Baumer, Lillian Nordin, Carol Taylor, Ginny Wegner

Stewardship: Rita Cox, Jim Hines, Debbie Peterson, LV members needed

Worship: Barb Anderson, Ivy Endris, Debbie Peterson, Sharon Pfaff, Ginny Wegner

Please let the church office know if

you have a

CHANGE OF ADDRESS,

CHANGE OF PHONE NUMBER

AND/OR CHANGE OF E-MAIL

ADDRESS.

When you hear someone

mention the colors “red

and green” you don’t think

of Christmas, you think of

a battle over hymnals.

6

Melrose-Mindoro High School Graduates

Kaylee Haag will attend UW-Eau Claire. Ethan Kastenschmidt will attend UW-Madison majoring in Biology with a pre-med track.

Bethany Johnsrud Lauren Koss will attend UW-La Crosse majoring in Business Management.

Kaitlyn Opland will attend Western Technical College for general study classes and then will transfer to UW-Stevens Point to major in Environmental Science.

Ava Stayton

Monika Tracey

Congratulations Graduates!

Post-Secondary Education Graduates

Katie Tracey Winona State University Baccalaureate of Science degree Katie will continue on with her nursing education.

Blake Young Western Technical College - La Crosse Degree in Mechanical Design

19

Council Minutes continued

Seemore

People are saying “We are figuring out the new normal.” I really miss the “old normal” - people moving around, talking, and eating in the church buildings. On Sundays, Pastor Alyssa, Jared, and Sharon are great to see, but I really, really miss seeing everyone.

Cheri and Mona are here on their regular schedules. But, Cheri is taking this year’s spring cleaning way to seriously. She’s organizing everything as she cleans. Who would have ever thought that the storage room in Mindoro Lutheran’s basement could hold so much stuff; she even cleaned up the few crumbs I had been saving behind the boxes of Sunday School items for real emergencies! Mona - she just sits and works at her computer - talking to herself. I just kind of leave her alone.

With all this extra time on my hands, I have watched Jared very close and have now figured out how to get onto the computer and the internet. It is so much

fun!! Of course I watch Sunday worship in person, but I can also watch it live at 9:00am on Facebook. And, I can watch Sunday worship in the recorded version anytime after the live broadcast on the Churches’ web page and even again on

Facebook. I also see Pastor Alyssa and can talk with her and others during 10:00am Virtual Coffee on Zoom - I even have virtual cookie crumbs - oh! can you imagine that!! :-) At 6:00pm, I listen and pray with everyone at Pastor Alyssa’s Daily Prayer time on Facebook. This can also be watched later in its recorded version on Facebook if you can’t be on Facebook right at 6:00pm. Check it out! Let Pastor know your there by typing in a “Hi”, “Hello”, “It’s great to see you”, ...

There is a shrub in the front of the church that needs trimming. We are going to contact Ronnie Moore and see if he is willing to do this.

The council asked Jodi to check into purchasing Zoom since we will probably be meeting virtually for some time. She will check it out and let us know the cost. Hopefully, it will be in service before our next meeting.

Respectfully, Mary Kastenschmidt, Secretary

(Pending approval at the June meeting)

18

Council Minutes continued

details for plant/flower availability and pre-ordering is available.

Communion Servers: None needed for June.

Adjourn: Barb moved, Bill seconded; MMSP.

Respectfully submitted, Becky Whalen, Secretary

(Pending approval at the June meeting)

Mindoro Lutheran Church Council Meeting Tuesday, May 12, 2020 This Was Done On Zoom

Present: Jodi Anderson, Rita Cox, Ginny Wegner, Jim Hines, Cindy Tracey, Sandy Stetzer and Mary Kastenschmidt.

Ginny made a motion to accept the agenda, secretary's report, president's report and team reports seconded by Cindy Tracey. MMSP This was done because we had such a short time to have our meeting and we had important matters to discuss.

Jodi went over the treasurer's report and things are looking somewhat better. People are still giving even though we are having virtual services. Some individuals have given at the bank, some via PayPal and others by mailing in their offering. We still encourage people to give electronically so there is a continuation of funds. Jodi has gotten information from the bank to track everything for the PPE loan. She has downloaded it so it will be easier to track.

7

Can you guess the graduate? See answers and graduation pictures on Page 14.

1 2

4 3

5 6 7

8

Baptismal Anniversaries

June 1 Mike Sullivan

June 3 Lillian Nordin

June 5 Eloise Thum

June 7 Margo Weindorfer

June 10 Madisyn Sedevie

June 11 Laurie Gappa Mitchell Berg

June 13 Daina Dobbs Ryker Werner

June 15 JoAnn Nelson Tyler Opland

June 17 Edwin Oefstedahl

June 18 Leslie Bryhn Marie Puent

June 19 Davey Kirchner Julie Hanson

June 20 Jenna Hanson Allison Gerdes

June 21 Steve Kirchner

June 24 Lara Hines

June 25 Luis Cruz-Pfaff

June 26 Marley Dobbs

June 28 Russell Van Riper

Wedding Anniversaries

June 3 Bill & Karen Knutson

June 8 Duke & Ali Cunningham

June 9 Randolph & Bernice Opland

June 10 Sheldon & Carol Taylor 40 years

June 17 Bill & Rita Cox Leslie & Melissa Bryhn

June 19 Gary & Mary Wortman 55 years

June 20 Chase & Morgan Miller 5 years

June 23 Brian & Natalie Caulum

June 26 Michael & Linda Knudtson

June 27 Kevin & Nicole Christopherson

June 29 Richard & Daina Dobbs

June 30 Dale & Betty Kirchner

17

Council Minutes continued

seconded to put the money into the church’s General Fund at the 60/40 split. MMSP.

Discussed safety precautions for COVID 19.

Cindy moved and Ginny seconded to adjourn the meeting. MMSP.

Meeting adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Becky Whalen, Lewis Valley Secretary

(Pending approval at the June meeting)

Lewis Valley Lutheran Church Council Minutes

May 12, 2020 In Attendance: Bill Knutson, Gary Wortman, Ivy Endris, Barb Anderson, Becky Whalen, Sharon Pfaff Absent: Nick Sinotte

President Gary Wortman called the meeting to order.

Agenda Approval: Becky moved, Barb seconded; MMSP.

Secretary’s Report: Ivy moved, Becky seconded; MMSP.

Treasurer’s Report: Barb moved, Becky seconded; MMSP.

President’s Report: Gary met with the electrician and the florescent lights will be installed in the basement and two outlets installed in the kitchen.

Team Reports – No reports

Finance: The PPE loan was applied for and we were approved. We will be able to use 75% of it for wages. We are in good standing financially.

Property (Church): Concrete has been poured behind the church. Cathy Gabrielson donated this in memory of Steve Gabrielson.

Other Business: Plant Sale is planned for May 30. Website has

16

Council Minutes

Joint Council Meeting Mindoro and Lewis Valley Lutheran Churches

May 12, 2020 Present: Pastor Alyssa, Barb Anderson, Ginny Wegner, Becky Whalen, Bill Knutson, Mary Kastenschmidt, Gary Wortman, Ivy Endris, Jim Hines, Cindy Tracey, Sharon Pfaff, Jodi Anderson Absent: Nick Sinotte, Ron Moore, Rita Cox, John McRae, Debbie Salek, Sandy Stetzer

Pastor had devotions.

Ginny made a motion to approve the minutes, Gary seconded. MMSP

Ivy made a motion to approve the agenda, Ginny seconded. MMSP

Pastor Alyssa reported that she continues to have the virtual Sunday worship services and they are going well. Attendance has been great. Pastor also continues to lead coffee hour and evening prayer sessions. Pastor also had one funeral.

Education Team: No report Outreach Team: No report

Property Team: The parsonage stove has been sold for $100. Mary made a motion to put proceeds into the parsonage fund. Gary seconded motion. MMSP. New appliances were delivered on May 9.

Staff Support Team: No report Stewardship Team: No report

Worship Team: June worship joint services are scheduled at Lewis Valley on June 7, 14, 21. There is a meeting scheduled this Thursday at the Synod to discuss how we can begin to worship together again. Once WI is allowed to move into Phase 2 of the Badger Bounce Back Plan, 50 people will be able to gather again. It is likely that we will have a “new normal” through 2020, at least. Pastor will continue virtual services into the future for those who cannot gather at the church.

Ginny made a motion and Mary seconded to renew licenses to continue live-streaming worship services. MMSP

Sam’s Club cash back $203 – – Cindy made a motion and Mary

9

Happy Birthday!! June 1 Ellayna Christopherson - 16

June 2 Lara Hines

June 3 Andrew Brockway

June 4 Becky Berg

June 5 Katrina Wharton Mackenzie Pfaff - 9

June 6 Henry Meyer Pastor Alyssa Mitchell

June 8 James Freng

June 10 Katie Tracey

June 11 Lori Ernstes

June 12 Gary Wortman

June 13 Dave Whalen Benjamin Jostad

June 14 Timothy Kunes Alan Spors

June 15 Alma Sennes Monica Anderson

June 17 Curt Krause

June 18 Gary Steele

June 19 Ron Phillips

June 20 Jocelyn Christianson

June 21 Judi Odegaard

June 24 JoDee Marco

June 25 Carrie Pfaff

June 26 Megan Olson Morgan Miller

June 28 Kay Timm Susan Loken Alyssa Baumer

June 29 Amanda Puent

Bolded names are members celebrating an 80th Birthday or above. Let’s shower them with birthday cards on their special day.

In Memoriam

June 3 Doris Paisley Arlan Skoy Dewey Wegner Gary Johnson

June 13 Allan Lindvik

June 14 Leslie Hanson

June 19 Oscar Hendrickson

June 22 Marilyn Hollis

June 23 Dorothy Ofstedahl

June 25 Mildred Timm

June 27 Helen Mikkelson

June 28 Gene Holley

June 30 Kenneth Severson

Please let the church office know if a name or date is incorrect or if someone needs to be added. The information is from the church records and all records are not complete.

10

God’s Word Each Week You are encouraged to read the Bible each week.

Below are the Sunday readings for this month. Set aside personal or family time to read each week.

06/07 Genesis 1:1—2:4a; Psalm 8; 2 Corinthians 13:11-13; Matthew 28:16-20

06/14 Exodus 19:2-8; Psalm 100; Romans 5:1-8; Matthew 9:35—10:8-23

06/21 Jeremiah 20:7-13; Psalm 69:7-18; Romans 6:1b-11; Matthew 10:24-39

06/28 Jeremiah 28:5-9; Psalm 89:1-4, 15-18; Romans 6:12-23; Matthew 10:40-42

Prayed for in May: Cindy Adamson, Cathy Gabrielson’s sister & brother-in-law Karla & Gene Amann & family, Ray Beaser, Bonnie Byom, Jack Card, Bob Collins, Tim Devine, Garrett Earley, Debbie Peterson’s nephew Adam Eggum, Jim & Lara Hines’ brother-in-law Tim Bina, Troy Goodenough, Lori Hudson, Mary Kastenschmidt, Marcella Koss, Carol Lichtenberger, Hunter Linder, Bernice Opland, Dawn Pierce & family, Amelia Pike, Charlotte Sbraggia, Larry Seekamp, Alma Sennes, Arlene Severson, Nancy Spangler, John Tracey, Russell Van Riper; our healthcare workers and all essential workers; our military men and women; Kim Johnson & family & friends of Kim’s brother Lance Mihalovic; family & friends of Merlin Severson; and family & friends of Steve Hollis. We celebrate with all of our honorary members, Sunday School teachers, AV volunteers, graduates; and with Adam & Erin Glennie on the birth of their daughter Aurora.

We also prayed for in May our home or nursing home bound members: Audrey Baker, Delores Wang, Eloise Thum, Grace Kastenschmidt, Ruby Knudson, Shirley Hoff, and Yvonne & Henry Meyer.

If there is someone that should be added to the prayer list or taken off the list, please let the church office know.

In Our Prayers

One night during family prayers, little Riley said the following: Dear God. I am amazed at something. You are truly God. Heaven is so big, which means it must be so heavy – and yet it can hang so high up in the sky above the clouds. How do you do that? OK. I was just wondering. Amen.

Another nighttime prayer went like this: Dear Lord, Thank you for everything. And thank you for the world. I just love you.

You’re a great God. I just love your world. But that doesn’t mean that I love my

backyard, my great house and my comfy bed more than I love you. I love you more.

And thank you for Baskin Robbins and ice water. They are great. Amen.

15

Top Right: Ethan Kastenschmidt, Kaitlyn Opland, Lauren Koss

Bottom Left: Katie Tracey

Bottom Middle: Blake Young

Graduation Celebration Parade was on May 17, 2020

14

Melrose-Mindoro High School 2020 Graduates

4

5 2 6

3

7 1

1. Ava Stayton 2. Lauren Koss 3. Monika Tracey 4. Ethan Kastenschmidt 5. Bethany Johnsrud 6. Kaitlyn Opland 7. Kaylee Haag

11

Lewis Valley Memorials:

In Memory of Dave Beecken from Joan Beecken to thank the flower lady. Mindoro Memorials:

In Memory of Dennis Mikkelson to the Parsonage Fund from Ron Moore.

In Memory of Lance Mihalovic to the Parsonage Fund from David & Mary Kastenschmidt.

In Memory of Steve Hollis to the Parsonage Fund from David & Mary Kastenschmidt.

In Memory of Merlin Severson to the Parsonage Fund from Ron Moore, Edris Storandt, Alan & Marie Puent and Family, David & Mary Kastenschmidt, Alice Baumer, and Dale & Betty Kirchner.

In Memory of Bruce Olson to the Parsonage Fund from Dick & Debbie Kirchner. “Love is that condition in the human spirit so profound that it allows one to survive and , better than that, to thrive with passion, compassion and style.” ~Maya Angelou In Memory of John Michael Merrell to be applied where it is needed most. Given by his family: Franki; Michael & Gina, Jacob, and Madison; and Joshua & Heather, and Maxwell.

Thank You

Thank you Nick, Samantha and Kenna Sinotte for volunteering to mow the Mindoro Lutheran Church lawn this year. Kenna loves to help!

Simon's motor mower had broken down. His wife, Maria, kept dropping hints about getting it fixed before the grass grew too tall, but the message wasn't getting through, and Simon kept procrastinating and putting off doing the repairs. Frustrated, Maria decided on what she thought was a clever way to make her point. When Simon arrived home from work, he found Maria sitting in the grass, clipping it by hand with a tiny pair of scissors. Simon, totally amazed, watched silently for a few minutes, then went into the house only to appear again a few minutes later where he handed her a toothbrush and said, “When you finish cutting the grass,

you might as well sweep the sidewalks.”

12

A bored young man decided life would be more fun if he had a pet.

So he went to the pet store and told the owner that he wanted to buy an unusual pet. After some discussion, he finally bought a talking centipede, (100-legged bug), which came in a little white box to use for his house.

He took the box back home, found a good spot for the box, and decided he would start off by taking his new pet to church with him. So he asked the centipede in the box, "Would you like to go to church with me today? We will have a good time." But there was no answer from his new pet. This bothered him a bit, but he waited a few minutes and then asked again, "How about going to church with me and receive blessings?" But again, there was no answer from his new friend and pet. So he waited a few minutes more, thinking about the situation.

The guy decided to invite the centipede one last time. This time he put his face

up against the centipede's house and shouted, "Hey, in there! Would you like

to go to church with me and learn about God?" This time, a little voice came

out of the box, "I heard you the first time! I'm putting on my shoes!"

We are the church!

Let us know and/or send pictures of how you have been attending church and being the church. Are you watching worship and prayers on Facebook? Send a picture of you watching worship on Facebook. Are you calling or sending cards/notes to those staying at home? Send a picture of you by your mailbox. Are you helping others by picking up their groceries and medications? Send a picture of you with the items in your car. Are you making masks? Send a picture of you at the sewing machine. Are you wearing a mask when you are social distancing from others? Send a picture of you with your mask on. Other things you are doing? Send in a picture and tell us your story.

13

Lewis Valley Worship

Mission Statement: Lewis Valley Lutheran Church is committed to reaching toward God and each other, to grow in faith, fellowship and love. We offer opportunities for the community to experience the grace of God and respond in Christian commitment.

Mindoro Worship

Mission Statement: Mindoro Lutheran Church is committed to reaching toward God and to each other, to grow together in faith, fellowship and love.

May Financial Giving 5/27/20

Sunday Envelope Offering ................................................................. $2,428.00

Electronic Giving ................................................................................ $1,410.00

Pay Pal Giving ...................................................................................... $600.00

Total Giving ........................................................................................ $4,438.00

May Financial Giving 5/27/20

Sunday Envelope Offering ................................................................. $4,875.00

Electronic Giving ................................................................................ $3,425.00

Pay Pal Giving ...................................................................................... $150.00

Total Giving ........................................................................................ $8,450.00

Lewis Valley Lutheran Income & Expenses for April

April Income: $5,233.61

April Expenses: $5,284.80

*of 153 active, confirmed members

Thank you so much to the Mindoro W-ELCA for the

beautiful plant on Mother’s Day/

Honorary

Sunday and to

Cindy Tracey for delivering it.

~ Mary Phillips

Mindoro Lutheran Income & Expenses for April

April Income: $9,745.90

April Expenses: $7,422.75 *of 238 active, confirmed members