First United Methodist Church March 2020

Grace courier lindstrommethodist.org

March Mission Focus—Family Pathways Food Shelf

March is MN Foodshare Month! Minnesota For many of these families, celebrating Inside this issue: FoodShare began its work in 1982 with a birthdays is a financial strain or impossibil- campaign advanced by congregations to ity. You can help make birthdays special From the pastor... 2 restock food shelves in the 7-county Twin by donating or contributing to a Birthday Cities Metropolitan Area. We will support Box. Suggested items include: cake mix, MN Foodshare through our missions giving frosting, sprinkles, candles, cupcake liners, New Members 2 to Family Pathways Food Shelf. What we birthday plates and napkins, balloons, raise is matched financially in part by wrapping paper or gift bags, and small Prayers & 3 Minnesota FoodShare. Every $1 from you gifts such as: crayons, markers, color books, Birthdays provides $7 of buying power through games and books. There is a Birthday Box Family Pathways’ food bank partners. Unidos en Cristo 3 Donations of nutritious foods are also donation bin next to our regular Food always appreciated. Shelf shopping cart donation center. These items will also be distributed through the Council Minutes 4 Across East Central Minnesota, over 8% Family Pathways Food Shelf. of our neighbors do not have enough This-N-That 6 money to buy food for their family. Many Thank you for your generosity! of them report going hungry or skipping Lenten Journey 6 meals to ensure food goes to their chil- You can make a donation of money or dren. Over half of the individuals who food anytime during the month of March. visit Family Pathways Food Shelf are There are envelopes in each pew for your under 18 or over 65 years of age. donation. Dates to remember: March 7 Family Pathways Food Shelf “Most Wanted” List Set your clocks AHEAD one hour! Daylight Saving Time Begins Fresh, frozen, or canned fruit: Hearty soups: March 8 apples, oranges, mixed fruit, pears, etc chunky soups, stews, cream of mushroom soup Fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables: March 12 green beans, corn, mixed vegetables, etc Peanut Butter Hope Circle at 1:30p

Bags of potatoes, carrots, or onions Personal hygiene and household cleaning products: March 15 Whole grain pasta, rice shampoo, body wash, toothbrushes, tooth- Mission Sunday— paste, mouthwash Food Shelf Baking and cooking items: Tampons and pads vegetable oil, flour, sugar, spices Diapers and wipes March 27-April 1 Pastor Dale taking Canned meats: Laundry detergent, dish soap, disinfect- continuing education tuna, chicken, salmon ants, etc From the pastor... Confirmation

Journey of Stones Confirmation Classes will NOT be held during Lent. Class will resume Wednesday, April 15, 7:00p. Dear Friends,

The season of Lent is a special time for Christians. Every year, these holy, forty days, are set aside for New Members us to reflect on our own brokenness and need for con- fession, repentance, and forgiveness. The season con- Joining the membership of First UMC on Feb. 23 are: cludes on Easter Sunday, following Holy Week, with the assurance that, in Christ’s suffering, death, and Jerry Barnhart resurrection, we have been given the promise of new 28600 Fairway Lane life eternal. This year we will have a powerful oppor- Apt. 400 tunity to experience this evolution of emotion, reflec- Chisago City MN 55013 tion, acceptance, and celebration as we embark to- 651-257-7929 gether on a “Journey of Stones.” Fred and Barb Prindle My weekly sermons will be based on scriptural refer- 5083 381st Lane ences to stones that will call us to prayerful and hon- North Branch MN 55056 est repentance. Weekly themes will include: Written Barb: 612-865-1553 in Stone, Rejected Stones, Sticks and Stones, Hearts of Fred: 952-447-5984 Stone, Upon this Rock, Crying Stones, The Final Stone, Stones to Bread, and finally, The White Stone. Fred joined as a full member of First UMC, while Barb joined as an Affiliate Member (keeping her full To aid us in our reflection and worship experience, membership at another Methodist Church) each Sunday you will be invited to come forward during the hymn following the sermon, and place a stone at the foot of the cross, as a symbol of our sin and all those things which separate us from God. You can bring your own stones or pick one up outside the sanctuary from some that will be provided. Children/Youth News If you would appreciate going deeper into your Sun- Erin Thorvaldson day experience, we will be discussing the previous week’s Sunday scripture and sermon at our Wednes- Thank you to all that helped with the Super Bowl Sun- day evening adult Bible studies. day service. The kids look forward to this day and really enjoy taking the lead and worshiping with eve- I expect this will be a moving experience for you, if ryone. Thank you to all that donated money for the you allow it to be. We are all sinners in need of noisy offering; we raised $270 for the food shelf. God’s incredible expression of love, mercy and for- giveness that comes to us by way of the cross and Children, Youth and Family Meeting empty tomb. To reflect on this undeserved gift during Sunday, March 15th 10:30 in the lounge Lent is what will, potentially, make our Easter cele- bration more meaningful than ever. So join me (and Easter Carnival - April 4th - Helpers are needed for the Holy Spirit!) on this journey of stones, as we await games, check with Katie Leadholm on ways to help. together, the Final Stone’s removal and the emer- gence of new life in Christ. Youth Easter Breakfast - Come to church hungry on Easter Sunday, our youth will be serving breakfast Lenten Blessings to you, with a variety of egg bakes and other yummy treats.

Church Bowling and Pizza - Date to be determined soon. All are Welcome. Join us for bowling or come Pr. Dale cheer others on.

2 lindstrommethodist.org In Our Prayers...

Cole Anderson; Sandy Danielson; Brad Elshaug; Birthdays! Brian Elshaug; Olga Determan; Bonnie Bielicki…….March 1 Baby Lilly (Erin Thorvaldson); Boni Stockel…….March 4 the family of Ed Oswald; Nordell Anderson…….March 5 Shari Crawford (Erin Thorvaldson’s aunt); Nancy Thalacker…….March 5 Dylan Marshall (Erin Thorvaldson) Brody Thorvaldson…….March 13 Jim Palmer…….March 16 Sarah Sandgren…….March 18 Our Deepest Sympathy to... Diana Westrum…..March 19 Terry Kopp and his family on the death of his father, Tess Sandgren…….March 20 Robert, on February 3rd. Lisa Hughes…….March 26 Shirley Oswald…….March 27 Char Loula…….March 29 Pastoral Care Vicki Pearson…….March 31

Hospitals no longer telephone churches, because of the privacy act, to let us know that one of our mem- bers have been admitted. Purchased something for the church?

Please notify the church office, 257-4306, if you To get an accurate count of giving to the church, desire pastoral care for illness, hospitalizations, or please let us know if you have purchased something surgeries. for the church but have not asked for reimbursement. We will list that purchase on your giving statement as a "gift-in-kind" so it will show on your contribution statement and the church knows how much is being Our General Fund Budget for 2020 is $174,321, given. which becomes $14,527 per month. If you have any questions, please contact Lloyd General Fund giving for January was $9,786.82. Jones, 651-213-3110..

Unidos en Cristo weekends Experience New Testament Christianity Worship Attendance in February Unidos en Cristo (formally Cursillo) is a 3-day learn- Feb. 2—91 ing, sharing and inspirational experience of living in a Christian community. During the three days of a Feb. 9—54 week-end, a person experiences authentic Christian fellowship and the joy of being part of a genuine Feb. 16—63 Christian community.

Feb. 23—71 2020 Clergy & Spouse's UEC# 301

Tuesday August 11th - Friday August 14th Nursery Held at The Well

We are pleased to be able to provide 14770 Canada Ave. W. Rosemount, MN 55068

a Nursery during the worship service. It is designed for infants through 2 years. If you would like to participate in an Unidos en Cristo weekend or would like more information, please contact Scott or Cheryl Lecy, 651-462-5725. Children are always welcome in the worship service. Prison Ministry...if you’re interested in Charis Prison Ministry, please contact Scott Lecy, 612-805-2524. 3 lindstrommethodist.org The mission for March is Family Pathways. Adrienne will also Church Council Minutes promote “Birthday Boxes” for Family Pathways. These boxes

February 18, 2020 help families that may have financial struggles, to be able to celebrate birthdays. Adrienne will have more information avail- Opening Prayer: Pastor Dale able. Publicity/Social Media –Erin Thorvaldson Devotion, submitted by Erin Thorvaldson Submitting a photo to the press with information on our noisy Overcoming Negative Thoughts (Colossians 2:7) offering. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be Lay Leader – Andy Wilkerson Andy would like to see our congregation get more involved in built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you community events such as Karl Oskar and Ki-Chi-Saga Day were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. events, including parades. Pastor’s Report- We will be looking at forming an Evangelism Committee that Finishing “Hidden Heroes of the Bible” series this week. would concentrate on outreach events. We’ve studied Epaphras, Barnabas, and Joseph of Arimathea. FUMC will apply for grants available to assist churches with Beginning new Bible study series based on Lenten theme, outreach and evangelism. “Journey of Stones”, on March 4 and will conclude April 1. We will be having at least three outdoor service this summer Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 26 with 7:00 p.m. wor- (one in June, July and August). We would like to find ways to ship including communion and imposition of ashes. Our theme this use our fabulous pavilion! year will be “Journey of Stones.” In midst of worship and sermon Staff/Parish Relations Committee (SPRC) preparation. This committee will be working on reviewing and updating the Confirmation continues on Wednesday evenings. Six students. job descriptions for the church secretary and worship band We will not meet during Lent and will resume after Easter on leader and will submit a plan for these position replacements to April 15 with a short study of the parables. the administrative council for approval. Tom Ervasti began his role as Choir Director. He has met with Finance – Scott Lecy Kaye Oien and our worship planning team. Thank you, Tom! Scott Lecy has resigned from the Finance Chair position. Scott Received resignation letters from Scott Lecy (Finance Chair) will train the new person and he will be available to help them effective immediately, and from Beth Lunsford (Worship Team to make a smooth transition. Leader) effective April 30. Also received notice of retirement from Office Administrator, Carol Schmidt, effective July 31. Groups/Teams: Looking for a volunteer to fill the role of Finance Chair (talk to Worship- Beth Lunsford has resigned from the worship leader Pr. Dale or Scott Lecy if interested). SPRC has begun the process position effective April 30th. of evaluating the needs of the present congregation in regard Children, Youth & Family – Erin Thorvaldson to Carol’s and Beth’s positions and will make recommendations Children and Family meeting March 15th to council. Unfortunately, decreased financial offerings pledged Discuss fundraising opportunities and received in 2020 could likely influence these recommenda- Easter breakfast, summer event planning tions. Camp and Mission opportunities Met for Worship Planning on Jan. 26. Hope Circle/Hospitality – Juanita Morgan Officiated at Ed Oswald’s funeral on Feb. 1 Thank you to Hope Circle for “adopting” our church’s youth and Youth Sunday - Souper Bowl Sunday (Feb. 2) - Received $270 making them feel special and praying for them. for local food shelf. Thank you! Choir-Tom Ervasti Met with SPRC on Feb. 16. The choir will be singing two Sundays in March, three Sundays in Thankful for Dorothy Lecy and Pat McDermott for covering April and on Mother’s Day. office needs while Carol was on vacation. Ongoing pastoral care as needed, weekly sermon prep., and Upcoming Events: member visits. Bowling: March 29th open to church- Watch bulletin for more Reception of three new members on Sunday, Feb. 23 information. (Fred and Barb Prindle and Rev. Jerry Barnhart) Easter Carnival-Saturday, April 4th-Katie and Peter Leadholm Continuing Education Retreat at the Benedictine Center’s School will organize. of Lectio Divina in St. Paul. March 27 - April 1. Guest worship Easter Breakfast-Sunday April 12th- Wendy Vanderwerf will leader in my place on Sunday, March 29. organize. End of year outdoor movie-Date TBD Committee Reports: Cookout and Fishing Tournament - Spring/Summer date TBD Trustees – Lloyd Jones New floor in fellowship hall and kitchen will be installed after Additional Item: Easter. Duane Lunsford read a letter from himself and Beth, expressing Foundation – Donn Arnold reasons they will be leaving FUMC on 4/30/20. The Foundation Committee met in January and worked on add- ing additional essay questions to the Blackford Scholarship ap- Adjourn with Lord’s Prayer plication. They would like to encourage scholarship applicants to Next Meeting: Tuesday March 17th, 7:00 pm have a closer connection with our congregation by sharing more information about themselves and how they would use the schol- Respectfully submitted by Mark & Wendy Vanderwerf arship. Missions – Adrienne Stegmeir Rebecca Ervasti and Pat McDermott have expressed interest in joining the Missions Committee.

4 lindstrommethodist.org Easter Carnival!

The Easter carnival is quick approaching and we need your help!

There are eggs that need to be filled with candy, you can pick empty ones up in the fellowship hall. We are always in need of more eggs so if you are out at thrift stores and see some that would great! Please return them filled by March 28th.

Also we could use some prizes for bingo this year. Nothing big, but different from the prizes the kids pick at the games. The Dollar Tree is a great place to look for little things. If you made a game for the carnival in years past and are storing it at home, let Katie know that you will or will not have it at church for the carnival.

One of the most favorite carnival activities is the Cake Walk!! So we will need lots of help with bring- ing treats. Please let Katie know if you can bring a few treats and have them at the church by April 4th.

Lastly, we need volunteers to make the day of the carnival run smoothly! Join us Saturday April 4th to run a game, face paint or be a smiling face when all the kids arrive! There is a sign up sheet in the fellow- ship hall.

Questions please ask Katie and Peter Leadholm.

This ‘n’ That 5. Here’s a little trivia you might find interesting: Re By Juanita Morgan the Bible-- Psalms-Chapter 117 is shortest; Chapter March 2020 119 is longest; Chapter 118 is the middle of the Bi- ble. There are 594 chapters before 118, and 594 Old News---February: chapters after 118. There are 1118 chapters. The 1. Souper Bowl Sunday was a Hit! middle verse is 118.8: “It is better to trust in the Lord Thanks to several moms, most noticeably Tina Forcier, than to put confidence in man.” Check this out. Ch.117 Adrienne Stegmeir, and Erin Thorvaldson, a dozen is short, and 119 is long. I can’t tell about the chapters. (estimated) children led the worship service, and I do like the middle verse and assume it is verifiable. served during Coffee Hour. Taylor Thorvaldson Found this info in some old papers. Anyone want to pretty much led the program, and sang a solo. Jan count chapters? Gravelle’s granddaughter did a reading. During worship the children had brief skits. The children invit- 6. KITCHEN DUTY---A blue folder is on the round ta- ed the grown-ups for “Adults’ Time.” Many adults ble in the Fellowship Hall. “Coffee Hour” serving is came and sat near the altar, and heard a message renamed. Please sign up for a Sunday in March or from the children-a clever reversal! Pastor Dale April. Easter morning will probably be special. played his guitar and sang with the music group. Communion was served by the teen girls in Confirma- 7. NEW MEMBERS—Congratulations and Welcome tion class. Toward the end of the worship service to Fred and Barb Prindle, and Jerry Barnhart who younger children took up a noisy collection---coins became new members at 1st UMC on Sunday, Febru- hitting the bottoms of coffee (empty) cans. ary 23, 2020. We thank them for already becoming involved in church activities. After worship the congregation was invited to par- take in homemade soup (3 kinds), and ice cream as I thank all of you who have taken the time to actually well as other goodies. The moms took care of the read this. Blessings always. kitchen, the young people served and cleaned up tables. February 2 was truly a Super Sunday!

2. Another cherished member of our Church has left Thank you… us. Ed Oswald, in hospice care at his home, died Jan- uary 30. Our condolences to Shirley and their family. This note was received in February ~ We have also mourned the loss of Joy Liberda this winter. Sara Otto, who was active in Hope Circle at “Dear sisters & brothers in Christ, one time, died in Apple Valley after moving to be closer to her family. And we just learned that Gordy Thank you for the generous donation to Charis of MN Schultz, a former member died in mid-February. in the amount of $1,017. Your support allows this min- They were all special people who will be remem- istry to continue to bring the love of Jesus to inmates in bered with love. Minnesota Correctional institutions.

3. Hope Circle was scheduled to meet February 13, With gratitude, but because of the severely cold weather predicted Laura Ricker, Treasurer” for that morning, the meeting was rescheduled for Feb.19 at 1:30 p.m. That is a first. We hoped that afternoon weather would be better for driving…. Special Giving to Family Tell you about it next month. Pathways Food Shelf 4. Thank you to Barb Prindle for taking the responsi- bility of preparing a sample copy of a brochure to Thank You!! hand out to visitors at our church. We used a sample In response to the Chisago Lakes Masons (Hiram we liked, and she did all the typing on it, and then Lodge 287) annual “Double Your Donation” fund had one hundred copies printed. So now we have a drive benefiting our local Family Pathways Food hand-out!! We have placed a few at a time on the Shelf, our congregation donated $1,320.00. table in the foyer. Doubled, this is a $2,640.00 donation!

Well done, and thank you! 6 lindstrommethodist.org –

Our Lenten journey at First UMC Lindstrom this year will draw from the rich imagery and symbolism of rocks and stones found throughout Scripture. These powerful images of stones (and our tendency to throw them) are painfully repre- sentative of our sins.

As you worship with us throughout this season of Lent you will be invited to bring with you, each week, a rock or a stone (of any size or shape), representing the sin in your life, to be placed at the foot of our large wooden cross that will be displayed in our sanctuary.

On Easter Sunday morning, this collection of stones and rocks will “be moved”, as the stones sealing Jesus’ tomb “were moved”, serving as a powerful and vivid illustration of how Jesus removes our stones of sin.

Our Wednesday evening adult Bible studies will be a time of further reflection and conversation about the stones (sin) in our lives as we consider each week’s assigned scripture reading. As Easter Sunday arrives, we will give thanks that what we could not do ourselves (move our stones), someone else (Jesus) has done for us!

Weekly Themes will include:

Ash Wednesday, February 26 – Written In Stone – Exodus 32:1-24 Sunday, March 1 – Rejected Stones – Psalm 118; Mark 12:1-2 Sunday, March 8 – Sticks and Stones – John 8:1-12 Sunday, March 15 – Hearts of Stone – Luke 11:37-52 Sunday, March 22 – Upon This Rock – Matthew 16:13-20 Sunday, March 29 – Crying Stones – Luke 19:29-40 Palm Sunday, April 5 – The Final Stone – Matthew 27:60 Maundy Thursday, April 9 – Stones To Bread – Matthew 4:1-11 Easter Sunday, April 12 – The White Stone – John 20:1-18; Revelation 2:17

Online Bill Pay…do you use your computer to pay your bills on-line? If you do, you may want to send your church offering/pledge through the same on-line bill pay service. You can set up an automatic payment plan or a one time contribution. It’s easy: * First, login to your bill pay account * Select Add a Bill * Select Create an account without an account number (use the address and phone number below) First United Methodist Church P.O. Box 688 Lindstrom, MN 55045 651-257-4306

Please see Scott Lecy if you have any questions.

Unless your check or envelope designates an account, we assume it is for the General Fund. For bank-issued checks, if your contribution is for something other than General Fund, please enter in the "memo" line the account you wish your gift be recorded.

7 lindstrommethodist.org Meals on Wheels Deliverers Hope Circle meeting...

Hope Circle will be meeting Thursday, March 12 at March 2—Marvin Hultquist 9:30 a.m. All women of the church are invited! March 3—Marvin Hultquist Hostesses are Lois Anderson & Sharlene Arnold. March 4—Irv & Dorothy Lecy

March 5—Greg McCarthy

March 6—Greg McCarthy

Prayer Chain March 9—Michelle Gillespie

March 10—Ron & Juanita Morgan

March 11—Larry & Shirley Knopf

March 12—Gary Gerke If you would like a request for prayer to go out on March 13—Jim & Joyce Stafki our Prayer Chain, please call the church office, 651-

257-4306, or Lois Anderson, 651-213-1036. March 16—Phil & Joan DeMunck

March 17—Cindy Kopp Would you like to be a part of the Prayer Chain? March 18—Lois Anderson & Judy Pierre Please call the church office for more information. March 19—Dick Berglund & Wally Ostlie

March 20—Dick Berglund & Wally Ostlie

March 23—Jon Glader March 24—Grace Schmidt & Erma Broecker Can we be of help? March 25—Wendy Braski March 26—Fred Prindle Church Office Hours: March 27—Fred Prindle Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. March 30—Jon Glader March 31—Gary Gerke Pastor Dale is available to help you with your spiritual journey. Please give us a call at 257-4306 Meals on Wheels Coordinator: if we can be of help to you in any way. Juanita Morgan, 257-9268 Church email address: [email protected]

Tech Ministries Schedule Pastor Dale’s email address: [email protected] March 1 – Sound: Craig Stockel Accompanist: Nancy Thalacker

Sunday Messages available online March 8 – Sound: Craig Stockel Accompanist: Sue Hanvey Pastor Dale’s Sunday messages are posted to our website: www.lindstrommethodist.org the week following the service. March 15 – Sound: Scott Lecy Accompanist: Nancy Thalacker Pastor Dale writes a blog on the website and posts it on Tuesdays.

March 22 – Sound: Bruce Larsen Accompanist: Sue Hanvey

March 29 – Sound: Craig Stockel Accompanist: Nancy Thalacker

lindstrommethodist.org

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9:00a Worship/ 6p Bell Choir 6p Adult Bible Study World Day Set your Sunday School 7p Confirmation of Prayer clocks AHEAD 7p Choir 10:15a Fellowship 8p Worship Team Pastor’s Day Off 1st Sunday in Lent

8 9 10 11 12 13 14 9:00a Worship/ 6p Bell Choir 6:30p Trustees 6p Adult Bible Study 9:30a Hope Pastor’s Sunday School 7p Confirmation Circle Day Off 10:15a Fellowship 7p Choir 8p Worship Team 2nd Sunday in Lent

Daylight Saving Time begins 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 9:00a Worship/ 6p Bell Choir 7p Finance 6p Adult Bible Study Pastor’s Sunday School 7p Confirmation Day Off 10:15a Fellowship 7p Church 7p Choir 10:30a Children & Council 8p Worship Team Family Meeting Newsletter Mission Sunday~ deadline Family Pathways Food Shelf

3rd Sunday in Lent 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 9:00a Worship/ 6p Bell Choir 6p Adult Bible Study Pastor’s Sunday School 7p Confirmation Day Off 7p Choir 10:15a Fellowship 8p Worship Team

4th Sunday in Lent

Pastor Dale Continuing

29 30 31 1 9:00a Worship/ 6p Bell Choir Office Hours Sunday School Monday – Friday 10:15a Fellowship 8:00a – 2:30p 10:30a Foundation

5th Sunday in Lent

Education March 27 - April 1*** *** First United Methodist Church 30828 Irene Ave. P.O. Box 688 Lindstrom, MN 55045 (651) 257*4306 Fax (651) 257*8039 lindstrommethodist.org

Address Service Requested Contains dated material Sent with a prayer to:

March 2020

First United Methodist Church Pastor Dale Stiles Practicing Grace Until We Are Perfected In Love The Grace Courier is a monthly publication of Our Ministry Team: First United Methodist Church. Pastor… Dale Stiles Deadline: the third Tuesday of each month Administrative Secretary / Treasurer... Carol Schmidt for inclusion in the next month’s publication. Children’s Coordinator... Erin Thorvaldson Choir Director… Tom Ervasti Articles received after this date will not be printed. Church Council Chairperson… Wendy Vanderwerf Place articles in the secretary’s mailbox, on the desk Custodian… Cheryl Hultquist in the office or email them to the church. The editor Finance Chairperson… reserves the right to edit any material submitted for Financial Secretary... Lloyd Jones publication. Foundation Chairperson… Donn Arnold Lay Leader… Andy Wilkerson We welcome you to worship with us! Lay Member to Annual Conference… Worship 9:00 a.m. Mission Chairperson… Adrienne Stegmeir Children leave for Sunday School during Worship Staff/Parish Relations Chairperson… Juanita Morgan

Coffee fellowship 10:15 a.m. Trustees Chairperson… Lloyd Jones Worship Team Leader… Beth Lunsford Youth Coordinator… Erin Thorvaldson Wednesday Evening Activities: 6:00p Adult Bible Study Office email: [email protected] Pastor’s email: [email protected] 7:00p Confirmation Web site: lindstrommethodist.org