THE MESSENGER

Monthly news for Emmanuel Lutheran Church – Menominee, Michigan

_____________________________________________________

FEBRUARY 2018

Lent begins on Ash Wednesday

February 14, with services of

Holy Communion and Imposition of Ashes

At Emmanuel Lutheran Church

10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Midweek Lenten Services and Soup Suppers

will be shared with Bethel Lutheran and held at

Bethel Lutheran Church

Services will take place on

Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

beginning, February 21

A soup supper will be served at5:00 p.m.

FROM THE PASTOR

Brothers and Sisters in Christ;

The dust has settled….anxiety has leveled off….we can exhale once

again.

The Annual Meeting is over.

In all truth and honesty, the annual meeting is truly a wonderful time

for us as a congregation to celebrate who God has made us and where

God is leading us. Yes, the time put in leading up to the meeting, of

compiling reports and statistics and coordinating nominees and the like,

is hectic and chaotic at times, but when it all comes together and it’s all

packaged neatly into this meeting, it gives you pause, and humbly

reminds you that you are a significant part of God’s greater plan. That’s

a pretty powerful realization.

It’s also a realization that gives us energy, perspective and focus. One

of the great joys that was lifted up and celebrated during the meeting

was the significant budget surplus that we were blessed to end 2017

with. This can be viewed from a couple of different ways: 1) we were

able to pay all of our expenses and put some extra money into our

maintenance fund, or, 2) our congregation has a greater vision for how

we can be active and responsive in our world in mission and ministry.

It’s been said that ten dollar companies are built on ten dollar ideas and

that million dollar companies are born from million dollar ideas. Maybe

as a congregation we’re leaning more toward the million dollar idea

than the ten dollar one. I hope so and I look forward in the coming

months to engaging with and challenging our church council to explore

what this may mean as we journey through 2018.

Dare we dream big? Dare we dream outside the box? Most certainly.

As you are all aware, fourteen of us are headed to Houston in June for

the National Youth Gathering. But maybe another fourteen feel called

to providing a missional outreach opportunity for our local community.

Maybe another fourteen feel called to travel domestically to assist in

the clean-up and rebuilding projects following the many natural

disasters that occurred in our nation last year. Maybe another fourteen

seek to guide or be active in conversations revolving around renewal of

worship or music. I feel that we are in a place right now where we do

dare to dream what more our church can be and do.

If the Holy Spirit is alive and active within you, it is so very important to

release it and make it known around you. Jesus’ parting words in St.

Matthew, those words better known as the great commission, read, “Go

therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name

of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to

obey everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you

always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NRSV)

There’s a lot in those words, and, just as importantly, there’s no

boundaries around them. Jesus simply says, “Go…..for I am with you,

always.”

No rules, no restrictions, no reasons not to go. Exhale and let go, and

know that when you do, the Spirit goes with you.

Peace,

Pastor Mark

P.S. As I stated in the Annual Meeting, one of my greatly anticipated projects for this coming year is to gather our stories. I will do this by proposing questions periodically throughout the year and then compiling your answers to be published by the 2019 Annual Meeting. This is an opportunity for all Emmanuel’s members of all ages to connect through our baptismal identities as the gathered saints. Please feel free to email your responses to me (pastor2901@e-mmanuel.com), mail them in (2901 13th Street, Menominee, MI 49858), or simply leave them in the marked collection box in the narthex. The first question is: What is your favorite memory/memories of Emmanuel?

Church Council Debbie Villas President

Mike Bellisle Vice President

Ronda Pedersen Secretary

Dave Anderson Treasurer

Anna Magrane Youth Council Member

Council Members Mike Bellisle Kathy Bero

Darrell Eland Stacey Hansen

Boni Nerat-Heckel Ronda Pedersen

Adam Starzynski Matt Vanni

Jim Zobel

Nominating Committee Debbie Lemery Gary Gustafson Randy Demeuse

Representing Emmanuel at the

Northern Great Lakes Synod Assembly James & Terrie Porras Matt Vanni

Representatives for the Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Annual Meeting on April 15, 2018 Al Rasmussen Linda Davis

Mission Endowment Committee Denise Ruleau Nathan Anderson

Thanks to all who were in attendance at the Annual Meeting and

those who contribute to the life of our church through volunteering. It

is on days like this that we are reminded how blessed we truly are!

Monthly council minutes will be available

in the church narthex and on the church website

2018 LENT THEME:

BAPTISM’S CALL TO DISCIPLESHIP “Martin Luther taught that through baptism every Christian has a

holy calling in the world, a vocation from God that is lived out in

work, relationships and every part of our daily lives.” [from “Form A

Faithful Foundation,” an article in the January issue of Living Lutheran.] Our midweek Lenten series this year will focus on the gifts and

promises of baptism expressed in the rite of Affirmation of

Baptism in response to the question, “Do you intend to continue in

the covenant God made with you in holy baptism?” The series is

designed to help us understand how our baptism is a call to

discipleship.

Midweek Lenten services, a joint venture between Bethel

and Emmanuel congregations in Menominee, will be held

at Bethel on five consecutive Wednesdays following

Ash Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

February 21 “To LIVE among God’s faithful people”

Preacher: Rev. James Duehring, Assistant to the Bishop,

Northern Great Lakes Synod

February 28 “To HEAR the word of God and share in the Lord’s

Supper”

Preacher: Rev. Craig Mansur, BAMC Chaplain

March 7 “To PROCLAIM the good news of God in Christ”

Preacher: Rev. Doug Schoen, Retired

March 14 “To SERVE all people following the example of

Jesus”

Preacher: Rev. Mark Laatsch, Pastor of Emmanuel

March 21 “To STRIVE for JUSTICE and PEACE in all the

earth”

Preacher: Rev. Scott Ehle, Pastor of Bethel

LENTEN SOUP SUPPERS

5:00 – 5:45pm on Wednesdays - We need your help!

Bethel Lutheran Church is hosting the annual Lenten Soup

Suppers this year. We need your help to provide the simple meal of

soup, bread and dessert. If you can help prepare any of these

ingredients Please see the sign-up chart in the church narthex

or call the church office to volunteer. If you volunteer please be

prepared to donate any one (or more) of the following items:

2 gallons of your favorite soup

1 loaf of bread

1 pan of bars or 2 dozen cookies.

Thank you – from Gary Gustafson

Thank you so much for your wonderful and kind expression of

gratitude given to me on Sunday, January 14. It has been a

pleasure and a blessing to have been able to serve our church as

treasurer for the past 35 years. I really appreciate your

thoughtfulness and am blessed to call Emmanuel my church.

NEW MEMBER CLASS

Pastor Mark will host a New Member class for those who are

interested in membership at Emmanuel. This class will take place

on Saturday, February 17th, at 10:00 am in the narthex. The class

will last approximately 2 hours and will share with prospective

members what membership in Emmanuel Lutheran church means.

We will then welcome our new members during the Sunday,

February 25th 8:00 and 10:00 services. If you are interested in

attending, or have any questions, please contact Pastor Mark at the

church at 863-3431.

From the Director: Patti Treptow

The season of Lent is soon upon us. This is a very

special time of faith reflection, repentance, and giving.

Lent is a wonderful time to teach our children about the deeper meanings

of our faith and to engage them in our Lenten journey. Parents and

family members play a critical role in providing opportunities for our

children to learn discipleship and to practice forgiveness and grace and

what it means to be a Christian.

As you prepare your hearts for a deeper relationship with our

Lord this Lenten season, help your children do the same. By doing so,

you will not only deepen your faith, you will be teaching your children

important aspects of our faith, and in the process you will strengthen the

relationships within your family.

In the following pages you will find more information on our

youth and family activities…...

The last day of winter classes is Sunday, February 11

th. We will

be taking a break from classes during Lent. The spring session of

classes start on Sunday, April 15th.

Emmanuel Confirmation students will be participating in the

Northern Great Lakes Synod event

MARKED!

Sunday, February 25th

This year's MARKED event is hosted by First

Lutheran in Gladstone, Michigan. We will join with other

Confirmation youth in our synod for a day of music,

service, worship, learning, food, and fun!

A letter with detailed information and a registration form will be

mailed out to all Confirmation students the first week in February. An

important component of the MARKED event is the service project. This

year, we will be collecting kid friendly foods for local school backpack

programs.

Congregation!.... you can help us by donating Mac 'n Cheese

Cups (not boxes), Chef Boyardee canned products, applesauce or fruit

cups, snack sandwich crackers, granola bars, peanut butter, ramen

noodles, popcorn, and individual cereal portions. We will be collecting

these items on February 18th

and 25th

.

Youth and Family Ministry

Confirmation students will be

serving at the Lenten Soup Suppers.

This year, the suppers and services will

be held at Bethel Lutheran Church in

Menominee. Please report to Bethel's

kitchen at 4:45 p.m. Serving is from 5:00-6:00 p.m. with worship

service to follow. Please check the schedule below to see which

supper you will be working.

February 21st Aidan Bellisle

Seth Johnson

Laura Magrane

Rachel Magrane

Emma Aichner

Ryan Demmith

February 28th

Gabe Davis

Molly Knutson

Rylee McCarthy

Beau Anders

Gavin Hansen

March 7th

Alex Engman

Collin Engman

Nicholas Kriedeman

Brennen Barrette

Avery Johnson

Ava Slawinski

March 14th

Mason Heckel

Max Heckel

Brea Leow

Marisa Camps

Matt Mellinger

Olivia Stewart

March 21st Lindsay Johnson

Kade Lesperance

Layla Weissgerber

Dylan Ziemke

Kaden Starzynski

5th

Grade

First Communion Training

5th grade Holy Communion training will start

on March 4th

and will run for four weeks. Our 5th

graders will then join with their family for a traditional Seder Meal on

Maundy Thursday and then take their first Holy Communion during the

Maundy Thursday worship service on March 29th. Letters and

registration forms regarding the training will go out mid- February. Any

6th grader who did not complete the training last year is welcome to

attend. Please inform the church office if your 6th grader wishes to

participate in the communion training.

Gift Basket Drawing Fundraiser Starting January 28

th through February 11

th, tickets will be

available in the church narthex for gift basket drawings. Money raised

from the ticket sales will go toward covering the costs for our youth to

attend the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering that will be held June 27th -July

1st. Winners of each gift basket will be announced at the Potato Bar

Luncheon Fundraiser on February 11th. You need not be in attendance to

win!

Potato Bar Luncheon Fundraiser Sunday, February 11

th the congregation is invited to join us

immediately after the 10:00 a.m. youth-led worship service for a Potato

Bar Luncheon and gift basket drawings. We will provide baked

potatoes with all fix-ins to top your spud! The dinner

will be a free-will offering to raise monies for the youth

who are registered to attend the 2018 ELCA Youth

Gathering.

Along with a delicious dinner,

fellowship, and gift basket drawings, there

will be a short presentation on the National

Youth Gathering. Our participating youth,

their parents, and chaperones are working hard on preparing a fun-filled

event! Also, an anonymous donor has stepped forward offering to match

all donations up to $2500! We hope you can attend to help us get there!

Our 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering Participants

Helping at the Annual Meeting/Luncheon

Sunday, January 28, 2018

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

WEDNESDAY MORNING MEN’S GROUP

Join us each Wednesday, 7:30 a.m., at the Serving Spoon for a

time of fellowship with friends, sharing stories and enjoying a cup

of coffee. Bring a friend!

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES

The Sarah Circle will meet on Tuesday, February 13 at 1:00 p.m.

hosted by Carolyn Haglund

Seeking Enlightenment Group will be meeting on Thursday,

February 22, at 6:30pm. It is a time of sharing and encouraging

each other on our Christian journey, contact Robin Gustafson at

906-290-1003 for location details.

Our Emmanuel Family

BAPTISM…

Ashton Kevin Herrild son of, Nicolas and Kelsey, was baptized on

January 7, with sponsors, Kari Karkkainen and

Christopher Beardsley

Dylan Berkley Gerondale son of Benjamin and Cheryl, was

baptized on January 28, with sponsors, Ashley Stevenson and

Zach Van Hefty

CALLED HOME BY GOD…

Henry Hendrickson passed away November 7, 2017 at the age of

76. Henry was a member of Emmanuel until he moved to the VA

Medical Center in Iron Mountain. Our sympathy to his son, Evan.

Property Notes……

Emmanuel recently had to replace the kitchen refrigerator at a cost

of $2879. The old refrigerator was approximately 30 years old and

had already been repaired several times, and so it was determined

that a new refrigerator would more efficient in the long run. While

Emmanuel was able to cover the initial replacement cost, if it is

upon your heart to reimburse all/part of this replacement cost,

please contact the church.

To make you aware, beginning February 12th, Emmanuel will be

undergoing a painting project which will stretch from outside the

west side of the fellowship room downstairs, up the stairs (parking

lot side), through the narthex, and down the east (13th Street)

stairs, concluding with painting the sanctuary. It is anticipated that

this entire project will last approximately two weeks, though no

worship services or meetings will be interrupted during this time.

Thank you for your very generous Christmas memorial donations

toward the proposed 13th Street Electronic reader board. We’ve

made significant gains in securing the necessary funds to complete

this project, though we’re not there yet. In the spring we hope to

have a concrete idea of what this sign will look like. If you would

like to know more about this sign, or would like to contribute to

established fund for it, please contact the church office and Pastor

Mark will be more than happy to speak to you about it.

Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp (FLLC) is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula,

a four-season place of beauty that attracts thousands of visitors every year. For

more than 80 years, Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp has been a special place

where God’s abundant grace is not simply taught, but experienced.

Upcoming Camps & Retreats

Week 1 – Victory Camp

June 11 - 15, 2018 $495 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 1: Guys in the Skies- A tree house adventure

camp for men & Kids

June 13 - 15, 2018

Week 2 – Women & Kids Week

June 17 - 22, 2018 $: See below. - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 3 – Junior High Night Owls ages 6th – 8th grade

June 24 - 29, 2018 $395 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 3 – Veterans ages 9th – 12th grade

June 24 - 29, 2018 $395 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 3 – Onsite Day Camp #1

June 25 - 29, 2018 $100 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 4 – Vagabond Sampler Week ages – 5th – 6th

Grade

July 1 - 3, 2018 $195 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 4 – Mighty Ones – Sampler Week ages – Grade 1

July 1 - 3, 2018 $195 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 4 – Mini Camp Sampler Week ages 2nd Grade

July 1 - 3, 2018 $195 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Grandparent/Grandkid Sampler Week all ages

July 1 - 3, 2018 Pricing by age - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 4- Villager Sampler Week ages 3rd – 4th Grade

July 1 - 3, 2018 $195

Week 5 – Mini Camp Week ages 2nd – 3rd Grade

July 8 - 11, 2018 $275 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 5 – Villager Week

July 8 - 13, 2018 $395 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 5 – Vagabond Week

July 8 - 13, 2018 $395 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

Week 5 – Venturer Week

July 8 - 13, 2018 $395 - Fortune Lake Lutheran Camp

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT EMMANUEL Worship at

8:00 & 10:00am Nursery care provided at 10:00am

Sunday School at 10:00am

CONTACT US:

Phone: (906) 863-3431 Fax: (906) 863-4193

Email: mail@e-mmanuel.com Council President, Debbie Villas

Email: elcpresident@e-mmanuel.com or

Visit us on the Web at www.e-mmanuel.com Follow us on Facebook at

Emmanuel Lutheran Church Menominee Michigan ELCA

STAFF: Pastor

The Rev. Mark Laatsch

Director of Youth & Family Ministry Mrs. Patti Treptow

Church Secretary Mrs. Judy Raygo

Custodian- inside Mrs. Carol Parrish Custodian – outside Mr. Lee Parrish

We are a congregation of the Northern Great Lakes Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America