President Dave Bitler called the January meeting of the Epiphany Lutheran District to order at 2:00 P.M., January 8, 2012, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Springfield. Pastor Mark Johnson led devotions based on 2 Timothy 4.
The secretary's minutes were read and approved. Treasurer Jane Moody reported a collection of $40 and a donation from Our Savior’s Women of $100. The current balance is $438.41. The report was approved.
Reports
New Hope—none
Our Savior's—This was Pastor Stewart Carlson's last Sunday. Ladies' quilting will begin, mission emphasis for this month is EEMN.
Stately--Good Christmas eve and day services.
St. John--Quilting is on-going, good Christmas services.
Belview--Grew from 6to 52 members in one year, 91 people attended the Christmas Eve service.
St. Paul's--Excellent Christmas eve participation--319.
Albion--Deciding whether to have dual membership with Epiphany and Augustana Districts.
Old Business
Ricardo (our Haiti Mission child) did not require surgery. The mission wants to know how to direct the $390 Epiphany sent which was designated for the surgery. A motion was made, seconded, and carried to direct it to the mission's medical fund.
New Business None
Program
An open discussion of missions of member congregations was held. Albion was visited by Pastor Scott Grorud from Augustana District on the subject of missions. Other members shared the various mission efforts supported by their congregations. Additional opportunities are presented in various LCMC publications such as the quarterly and Connections.
Attention was directed to the LSMC Leadership Conference in Fargo April 16-18 and the Youth Group event in Nashville July 5-8. Next month Our Savior's of Lamberton will host the meeting on February 12, 2:00 P.M., March at Belview.
EPIPHANY
LUTHERAN DISTRICT
Christ
Lutheran Church, Comfrey
October
16, 2011
President Dave Bitler called the October
meeting of the Epiphany Lutheran District to order at 2:00 P.M. , October 16,
2011, at Christ Lutheran Church, rural Comfrey.
Pastor Roger Godfredsen led devotions based on the book of Jonah.
The secretary's minutes were read and
approved. The treasurer reported a
balance of $487.31. Our sponsored child
in the care of HHHO in Haiti needs a surgical procedure. We are asked to help with expenses.
Reports
Belview--will note its 1 year
anniversary. 9 students are enrolled in
Sunday School.
New Hope--51 students are attending Sunday
School. There is an active youth group. An egg-bake brunch was held.
Our Savior's--57 Sunday School students
have been matched with Prayer Partners.
Convention delegates Taylor Vollmer and Connie Lambert gave their LCMC
reports to the congregation. The Luther
League is raking people's leaves today.
Christ, Stately--6 students were in
confirmation class today.
St. John--Clean up the town day is today,
giving help for those who need it. 2
baptisms took place today.
St. Paul--Dave reported the LCMC
Convention to the council and will report to the congregation. There was a baptism today.
Old Business--none
New Business
The group discussed a special offering for
the sponsored child's surgery. A motion
was made to donate $100 from the treasury and take a special offering. The motion was seconded and carried.
Pastor Bob Springer of Albion Lutheran was
introduced as a visitor.
Dave Bitler read a letter of resignation
that he had received from Pastor Rusty Bailey, District Pastor, who is unable
to attend Sunday afternoon meetings because of schedule conflicts. The resignation was accepted. It was decided to wait until spring elections
to replace him.
Program
An open discussion of the LCMC Convention
was held. Dave reported on Men in
Missions, and Youth Encounter. Dave and
Allen reported on Michael Bonham's breakout, When Disasters Happen. Delores and Roger reported on Calling a Pastor. Judy reported on Meg Madson's The Two
Kingdoms. Winifred reported on Mark
Vander Tuig's Small Strong Churches. He
stressed claiming your strengths, adding a new strength, and acting by giving
yourself away. Kay encouraged
subscription to Connections.
Connie summed up the experience by noting the excellent speakers and
singing of hymns in 4-part harmony.
The next meeting will be held at St. John
on November 13.
EPIPHANY LUTHERAN DISTRICT St. Paul Lutheran Church, Springfield June 17, 2011
Vice
President Dave Bitler called the June meeting of Epiphany Lutheran
District
to order at 2:00 P.M. June 17, 2011, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in
Springfield. He introduced the guest
speaker from Food for the Poor.
Chuck Robertson is a retired Lutheran pastor
who devotes his time to informing congregations about the work of Food for the
Poor. The organization is an
interdenominational ministry which began with an orphanage in Haiti in
cooperation with the Lutheran Church.
Food for the Poor relies on 80 speakers who are retired pastors to
spread its message of the great need. The
organization feeds 2 million people daily in the Caribbean and Central America.
In Haiti over 200,000 people are fed
once a day. Food for the Poor has also
assisted in building 75,000 termite-proof houses of cinder blocks and bamboo.
The need is great 18 months after the
earthquake. Of the 300,000 people who
died, most were among the educated people working in office buildings. The remaining population needs homes,
education, food, and sanitation.
Business
The secretary's minutes were read and
approved. Treasurer Jane Moody reported
offerings of $232.25, bills paid of $484.26, and a postage and News Office
bills outstanding.
Delores reported that Green Lake Bible
Camp will not agree to the Okoboji Bible Camp statement on sexuality.
Pastor Lindgren led devotions based on
1Corinthians 13:8, 13. Love never ends-a
true statement because God is Love. Love
was the motivation for God to send Jesus and for Christ to die for us.
Reports
Lamberton-none
Comfrey
New Hope-good financial situation, good attendance, averaging 95-105 in June
St.
John's-nothing to report
Peace
in Christ, Comfrey-voted to close the building, Shepherd of Peace is intact and
looking for a home
Belview-good
attendance, visitors from Lamberton
Stately-attendance
is down considerably, 9:30 services, they like the new pastor
Beyond
the River Academy-4 new students will start in July. The others progress as expected. A gathering is being planned to be held just
before the national convention.
There were no additional bus sign-ups for
the convention.
The next meeting will be held August 21 at
2:00 o'clock at Belview Word of Life Church located in Sheer Design on Main.
Donations to Food for the Poor will be on
an individual basis.
The meeting was adjourned and closed with
the Lord's Prayer.
Respectfully
submitted,
Emily
Hagedon
EPIPHANY
LUTHERAN DISTRICT
New
Hope Lutheran Church, Comfrey
April
10, 2011
President
Randy Therkilsen called the April meeting of Epiphany Lutheran District to
order at 2:00 P.M. April 10, 2011, at New Hope Lutheran Church in Comfrey. He led the group in prayer. Pastor Lindgren led devotions based on I Corinthians 13:4.
Things done without love accomplish nothing. Love is intentional commitment to
another. Faith is lived in loving service.
The
secretary's minutes were read and corrected as follows: "Belview--Grace
Lutheran held their vote on October 17.
Word of Life Lutheran held their first service November 14 in the Legion
building." The minutes were approved as
corrected. There was no treasurer's
report because Jane does not have the records yet.
Reports
New
Hope-- had a Good Friday service with speaking parts. Confirmation was held on Palm Sunday.
Stately--ordained their pastor, Roger Godfredson, on March 20. They had good attendance.
Belview
Word of Life---42 were at worship today.
It was the second meeting in their new place. They are pairing with Wang for Lent. Attendance was over 50 last Sunday. They have an organ, keyboard, choir, and
Sunday School. Confirmation will be May
15.
St. Paul
Lutheran--will have a sauerkraut and brat supper Wednesday, April 27.
Our
Savior's--The Lenten series is on the last week of Jesus' life. Confirmation will be May 1.
BTRA--started the new group of students March 1.
Lutheran
Trust--The annual payments are split 1/3 to each, Epiphany District, BTRA, and
Shalom Ministry Team.
Old Business
The one
remaining board position was filled by unanimous agreement. Delores Lindley from St. John's agreed to
take the position.
A member
suggested that the district look into Green Lake Bible Camp to determine
whether its program is consistent with LCMC theology. Dave Eliason wants it to be a pan-Lutheran
organization. The camp reportedly has
hired an Episcopal pastor. Another
option for future consideration is Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp.
New Business
There was no
new business. The Board will plan the
next program. They will meet following
the general meeting.
Program
Pastor
Stew Carlson gave a history and basic outline of differences in theology of the
various denominations of the Christian Church.
The next
meeting will be held May 22 at 2:00 in Stately.
The meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully
submitted,
Emily
Hagedon, Secretary
EPIPHANY LUTHERAN DISTRICT
St. John's Lutheran Church, Springfield
March 20. 2011
President Todd
Knorr called the meeting to order at 2:00 P.M. March 20, 2011, at St. John's
Lutheran Church in Springfield. He led
the group in prayer. Pastor Bailey led
devotions based on John 3. He must
increase and we must decrease. Faith
grows by suffering. The work of God is
to believe Him who He sent.
The
secretary's minutes were read and approved.
The current treasury balance is $327.21 with all bills paid and child
sponsorship in HHHO paid. Upcoming bills
include postage, postcards, and liability insurance.
The liability
insurance policy with Lutheran Trust will cover Epiphany District and the
groups it sponsors, Beyond the River Academy and the Shalom Ministry Team, if
approved. A brief explanation of the
work of the Shalom Ministry Team followed.
A motion was made by Winifred, seconded by Dave Bitler to approve adding
Shalom Team coverage. The motion
carried. Emily will contact Lutheran
Trust to add their name to the coverage.
The cost of the coverage will be shared by the three groups.
Nominations
were opened for the offices of President, Treasurer, and 2 Board Members at
Large. The following were nominated or volunteered:
President----Randy
Therkilsen
Treasurer----Jane
Moody
Board---------Todd
Knorr - 1 year to fill Dave Bittler's term
Board---------Judy
Grannes
Vice
President---Dave Bitler (to replace VP Randy Therkilsen)
Delores Lindley will fill the remaining board position. Continuing officers and board
members are Emily Hagedon (Secretary) and Winifred Churchill and Connie
Johnson. A motion was made to cast a
unanimous ballot for the slate of candidates.
The motion was seconded and carried.
Reports
Beyond the
River Academy-Pastor Bailey explained the pastoral training program and
reported that about 6 new students have been added.
Belview----Grace Lutheran held their vote on October
17 and the newly formed Word of Life held their first service
November 14 in the Legion building. A
rental space is being renovated in a beauty shop for their use. A pulpit and altar have been given. Pastors have been calling them to serve.
St. Paul's----
voted over 80% in their final vote to leave ELCA.
New Hope----attendance
and giving are increasing.
Program
Pastor Bailey and a group of lay mission
volunteers to Haiti presented the program.
They spent a week in January helping move the 26 orphans served by
Haitian Helping Haitians Organization into their new housing. They carried hygiene kits, school kits and
Proclaimers to the Haitians. While they
were there, they purchased food and packed food kits. Past mission groups have planted banana trees for the orphanage. Future groups will work on diverting water
back to original channels that were damaged by the earthquake.
An offering
was taken to support the Haiti mission.
The next
meeting will be held at 2:00 P.M. April 10 at New Hope, Comfrey.
Respectfully
submitted,
Emily
Hagedon, Secretary
EPIPHANY LUTHERAN DISTRICT
Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lamberton
September 19, 2010
President Todd Knorr called the meeting
to order at 2:00 P.M., September 19, 2010, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in
Lamberton. He led the group in
prayer. Pastor Stew Carlson led devotions based on Luke 24:1 ff and
v.27. All teachings point to the cross.
The secretary's minutes were read and
approved with the correction that New Hope's eggbake will be held the second Sunday
of October. Tonya Knorr reported a
treasury balance of $169.21. She is
paying our monthly support check for one of the Haitian orphans at HHH.
Reports
Emily reported that we are waiting for a
liability insurance quote from Lutheran Trust for the Epiphany/BTRA policy.
BTRA will hold a gathering Oct. 1 and 2
before LCMC. The website has been
renewed and updated. They have had one
new inquiry this week and another today.
New Hope passed their vote today 83-28 to leave ELCA. They remain in LCMC.
St. Paul has Mission Festival next Sunday
titled "Taste of India." Saturday
evening their pastor's missionary father will speak.
Immanuel of Swea City is sending 10 or
more people in a mission group to HHH on January 8-15 or 10-17. They leave Minneapolis at 4:00 A.M. The cost
is $1600-1700 plus passport, shots, and discretionary cash. The winter temperatures are 85-90 degrees.
Grace Lutheran in Belview will vote in
October to leave ELCA.
Our Savior's had 3 baptisms this month.
Stately will have one confirmation next
month.
Program
Pastor
Carlson gave the program entitled , "Reflections on Lutheranism."
EPIPHANY
DISTRICT
Sunday,
October 24, 2010
The
Epiphany District meeting was called to order by Secretary Emily Hagedon on
Sunday, October 24, 2010 at 2:05 P.M.
She appointed Jane Moody to be Secretary.
Devotions were given by Pastor Jim
Lindgren. He read from 1 Cor. 9 starting
with verse 24. Life is running a race
that needs to be won. The prize is Jesus Christ. Christians need to be disciplined. We need to read the Bible daily, be in the
Word and in prayer.
The
Secretary's minutes were read by Emily.
Corrections included changing the meeting date to October 24. www.epiphanydistrict.com
is the website for the Chilstrom and
Soron articles. The Minutes were
approved.
No
Treasurer's report was given.
Because
there were several new faces, everyone introduced themselves and said where
they were from.
Reports:
BTRA: Roger Godfredsen graduated and was recognized
at the LCMC National Convention. The
website is www.beyondtheriveracademy.com. Fifteen to
eighteen students are now taking classes.
For many it is a second career.
Three graduated so far this year.
New
Hope(Comfrey): Attendance and donations
are up. Sunday School is doing well.
Immanuel in Iowa: doing well.
About ten kids went to a meeting in Michigan.
Grace
(Belview): Voted 80-48 to stay in
ELCA. There will be an informational
meeting for a new LCMC Congregation for Belview-Echo area on November 7 at the
Odean Hall in Belview.
Our
Savior's (Lamberton): Organ dedication
next Sunday. Prayer partners with Sunday
School. There is a good turn out for
Sunday School. Pastor Stew will preach
on Martin Luther, Calvin and Wesley beliefs on Reformation Sunday.
Stately(rural
Comfrey): Had a Confirmation. They had services in September for the new
unnamed church.
First
Church and Shepherd of Peace (Comfrey):
Sunday School started. Pastor Lee
Harder baptized their newest grandchild on Oct. 10. A potluck dinner was served.
St.
John's (Springfield): They are in the
process of determining which District to join or they may join more than one and include Epiphany
District. There are questions between
Sundown and St. John's concerning affiliation.
They have an active Sunday School.
Darfur: Part of a 5-point parish sharing 2
Pastors. Albion is having their second
vote November 1.
LCMC Convention:
Speakers included:
Efrem Smith from Minneapolis.
Wrote the book "Jumpin' the Fence".
Don't be afraid to try something new as a means to explore God's
Word. Live the covenant--go out and
witness. Anybody can do it, not just
persons with degrees or special education.
Johan Hinderlie Executive Director of Mount Carmel Ministries at
Alexandria. He dressed as and portrayed
Martin Luther for the first hour or his presentation.
Enrique Estrada from Mexico led
the first Bible Study. He supervises 4
new churches. Life is very dangerous in
Mexico. Many Catholics come to his
churches searching to know Jesus. In spite
of the danger they continue to come.
Challa Baro was originally
from Ethiopia. He became the Assistant
Pastor in 2007 of the Oromo Church in Minneapolis which is the largest immigrant
church in the ELCA. He said the ELCA is
killing itself. He stated several times
that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
A
Rapper, during a break period, portrayed Barabbas at Christ's crucifixion in
one of his presentations. This was
excellent -- especially great for teens and adults.
The
brief business session was led by the Honorable G.Barry Anderson.
The
Sunday night worship service featured brass and an organ with 44 members of the
choir. The sermon was excellent. A special prayer time was held for persons
needing to talk to a minister. Several
ministers came to the front of the church to pray with anyone who wanted to
come forward.
Church
Area Meetings: All the congregations are
evenly divided into areas. Each area elects a member to serve on the Board of Trustees. The Board plans the next convention which
will be held at the Civic Center in Des Moines, IA., October 2-5, 2011.
There
were numerous breakout sessions on many topics of interest to convention goers.
To mention a few: Life Together Churches which is interested in helping
small churches and house churches get
started. Haitians Helping Haitians is
being supported through BTRA as well as other sources. Pastor Bailey of Swea
City7, IA has put together one mission and is planning a second for
January. The Gulf Areas are also not
getting financial that has been pledged to them. Much of the help they are
receiving is coming through the churches.
There
were about 30 vendors with displays at the convention from various churches,
missionaries, Bible camps, publishers.
The
next meeting will be Sunday, November 21 at St. John's in Springfield at 2:00 .
The
meeting was adjourned and an offering was taken.
Jane Moody, Secretary Pro
Tem
EPIPHANY LUTHERAN DISTRICT
First Church, Comfrey
August 29, 2010
President
Todd Knorr called the meeting of Epiphany Lutheran District to order at 2:00
P.M., August 29, 2010, at First Church in Comfrey. He led the group in prayer. Pastor Ray Miller presented devotions and led
the group in a hymn. His meditation
asked the question, "Are we in end times?"
The secretary's minutes were read and
corrected to say, "Albion takes a vote next week." Treasurer Tonya Knorr reported a balance of
$33.00 after renewing the website.
Reports
Shepherd
of Peace reported that they are worshiping with First Church in Comfrey and
have Pastor Ray Miller serving as interim pastor. Next month we will all worship with Christ
Lutheran in Stately Twp. Sunday school
will begin September 12.
BTRA currently has 17 students enrolled, 3
graduates, 3 new applications, and is planning a mini-convention prior to the
LCMC Gathering in Golden Valley.
Our Savior's will begin Sunday School on
September 12. The sermon for Rally
Sunday is "Lutheranism Matters."
St. Paul reported that this was their
rally Sunday. Wednesday, September 15,
2010, will be their German Supper with sauerkraut and brats.
New Hope Sunday School starts
Sept.12. The Men's Steak Fry will be the
last Sunday of the month and the Eggbake will be the second Sunday of
September. Confirmation will begin the
12th of September at 10:00 A.M.
Program
Pastor
Bailey reported on his August mission to Haiti.
He visited with Haitian Helping Haitians personnel who were one of the
first triage teams after the earthquake to form a soup kitchen. Each person in his team took a limit of 2 70#
bags full of shoes, toothpaste, etc. to give away. Each family also got oil, beans, and a bag of
rice from the gifts Pr. Bailey brought.
He is working to help Food for the Poor team up with HHH to build 50
homes.
Pastor Bailey started a new congregation
among the people he met. He handed out a
Proclaimer (Faith Comes by Hearing-- New Testament in Creole) to each
congregation.
HHH has 24 children currently in Connie's
care in an orphanage consisting of 3 rooms with an outhouse. Some of the children are adoptable, some are
not. She needs pillowcase dresses,
t-shirts, and swimsuits for them.
HHH is hoping to acquire new land
consisting of 21/2 acres, a well, cabana, latrine, and building. Connie will focus on forming a boarding
school. She will speak at a breakout at
the LCMC Convention.
The LCMC Gathering will be held October
3-6 in Golden Valley. The next meeting
of Epiphany will be held September 19 at Our Savior's in Lamberton.
Respectfully
submitted,
Emily
Hagedon, Secretary
The April meeting was held at Shepherd of Peace Church in Lamberton on Sunday, April 18. If you missed it, you may enjoy reading about what Connie Marthaler of Haitians Helping Haitians shared with us under Epiphany Events and Missionary Visits. The entire minutes of the meeting will be posted at a later date.
EPIPHANY
LUTHERAN DISTRICT
New
Hope Lutheran Church, Comfrey
February
28, 2010
Vice
President Randy Therkilsen called the meeting of the Epiphany Lutheran District
to order at 2:00 p.m. February 28, 2010, at New Hope Lutheran Church,
Comfrey.Pastor Lindgren led the opening
hymn, "In the Cross Of Christ I Glory" followed by devotions based on
I Corinthians 1:18--"For the message of the cross is foolishness to those
who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God".
The minutes of the January meeting were not
available.The treasury has a balance of
$393.30.
Reports
Christ Lutheran is serving soup and
sandwiches before the Lenten services.
Shepherd of Peace and UCC of Comfrey are
sharing Lenten services following potluck suppers.
New Hope is having an evangelism campaign,
inviting a neighbor who has no church affiliation to services at New Hope.
Grace Lutheran had a LCMC speaker in
January.Pastor Ken Kimball from
Lutheran CORE will be speaking at an informational meeting at 7:00 p.m. on
March 22.
St. Paul's Lutheran--members of the
congregation were surveyed to state their preference as to staying with or
leaving the ELCA.A vote will be taken.
Our Saviors--there will be a trip to North
Heights to attend the Passion Play.
BTRA has sixteen active students.There continues to be inquiries about the
program.
Program
Pastor Lindgren showed a DVD from the fall
LCMC gathering.Walt Kallestad, a former
ELCA pastor, spoke about his affiliation with LCMC.He made a commitment to build up the body of
Christ.He talked about what can be done
to make the church healthy. It is important to spend time in the Word of God as
His Word transforms lives.The Bible is
the final authority on everything.
Open discussion
Pastor Bailey had a short presentation on
Haiti.
Election of officers and board members will
be held at the March meeting.Offices to
be filled are vice president, secretary and three board members.
M/S/C to send $200.00 to the Haiti
fund.
Other
The LCMC Leadership Conference will be in
Omaha, April 25-27.
The next meeting will be March 21 at 2:00
p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran.
The meeting was adjourned with the Lord's
Prayer.
Respectfully
submitted,
Connie
Johnson, secretary
EPIPHANY LUTHERAN DISTRICT Shepherd of Peace, Lamberton November 15, 2009
President Todd Knorr opened the meeting of the Epiphany Lutheran District with prayer at 2:00 p.m. at Shepherd of Peace, Lamberton. Pastor Ben DenHartog welcomed everyone and led in devotions. God is faithful in His word. Trust in Him, acknowledge Him and celebrate Him all day, everyday. The hymn, "My Hope is Built on Nothing Less" was sung. The secretary's report was approved. There is $233.20 in the treasury.
Program The program was presented by Pastor Pari Bailey, Pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Belview, who attended the Lutheran CORE (Coalition for Renewal) Convention in Fishers, Indiana In September 2009. She began with prayer. Lutheran CORE is a confessing and confessional movement within the Lutheran Church to preserve the authority of the Scriptures according to the Lutheran Confessions, to remain within the church and to work with congregations to reform the Lutheran Church. It is open to all who share their commitment for renewal--congregations, lay people, pastors and other reform movements. There is a sense of hope and renewal that God is doing something with North American Lutheranism. When Synods fail to do the job then lay people and the church community must do so. Reports Our Savior--The call committee is moving forward interviewing pastors. They have a Praise Band. BTRA--There are a dozen new students enrolled in the academy. There have applications from North Carolina and Texas. Other The DVD of the annual LCMC gathering is being mailed out. Pastor Carlson had copies of "The Lutheran Hedgehog" newsletter to hand out. Pastor Carlson will be speaking at a church in Waseca that will be voting on leaving the ELCA. It was suggested that the DVD of the annual LCMC gathering be shown at the January meeting. We are to listen to Redwood Falls radio station KLGR or Windom station KDOM for meeting cancellations Our next meeting will be 2:00 p.m., January 17, 2010 at Christ Lutheran Church, Stately. The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Connie Johnson, secretary
EPIPHANY LUTHERAN DISTRICT Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lamberton October 18, 2009
President Todd Knorr called the meeting of the Epiphany Lutheran District to order with prayer at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Lamberton. Pastor Carlson, Interim pastor at Our Savior's, led devotions based on Romans1:16-17. Righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last. Righteous people live by faith. The secretary's report was accepted as amended. There is $300.20 in the treasury. There are no outstanding bills.
Reports: BTRA--The board will meet Monday, October 19 to rework the grant from Thrivent. There were inquiries about the Academy at the Conference. Our Savior's--They are continuing to interview pastors. There has been good attendance at Sunday services. New Hope--Groups composed of twenty members continue to meet with board members discussing many issues, especially the National Assembly. There continues to be good attendance at Sunday services. Lay visitation team---Members spoke at a church in Waseca that is considering severing their association with the ELCA. They need one hundred signatures to do so. The Lutheran Church at Ceylon has taken their first vote to leave the ELCA.
Program: The 9th annual LCMC Conference was attended by 716 members representing 250 congregations. Those in attendance from the Epiphany Lutheran District reported on the sessions, workshops, sermons, Bible studies, mission work and the DVD that is being made about LCMC. The 2010 Conference will be held in Altoona. Iowa. Pastor Carlson gave a detailed account regarding his seminary program. He discussed positive experiences, understanding the gospel, ethics, mission churches, full communion, office of ministry, justification, morality, understanding Lutherans and interpreting scripture.
Other: The district will send written condolences to members who have lost family members. Pastor Lindgren displayed "Reclaim" materials that can be ordered. The Heartland District will have a mini convention next spring. A new group in South Dakota joined the Heartland District. Do we want a December meeting? The next meeting will be at Shepherd of Peace, Lamberton, on November15 at 2:00 p.m. instead of the previously announced Christ Lutheran, Stately.
Respectfully submitted, Connie Johnson
EPIPHANY
LUTHERAN DISTRICT
New
Hope Lutheran Church, Comfrey
September
20, 2009
President Todd Knorr called the meeting to order and opened with prayer. Pastor Lindgren led devotions based on Exodus 35. Worship is a vital and central part of God. We are called to worship, required to be a worshipping people. The minutes were read and approved. There is a balance of $761.20 in the treasury with two unpaid bills of $28.00 and $11.95. Reports BTRA: The grant request from Thrivent is being finalized. Pastor Rusty Bailey had an article published in the third quarter edition of BY THE WORD. His article was entitled "The Authority of the Local Congregation". There are fourteen students actively involved in classes. There have been three ordinations. Our Saviors: Interviews for a new pastor will begin September 25. New Hope: Council members will meet with small groups to share concerns about the ELCA assembly and other concerns they might have. Christ: Sunday school has started. Immanuel Lutheran, Swea City: This is the fiftieth year for the facility. There will be a reunion on Reformation Day. Rally Day was held for Sunday school. Shepherd of Peace: There is one student enrolled in Sunday school. Grace Lutheran, Belview: They have suspended giving to the Synod. President Knorr asked us to keep these churches in our thoughts and prayers. Program Pastor Bailey introduced Dan Duke, a native of Indiana and Silas Nfor from Cameroon, Africa. They are with the Wycliffe Bible Translation Ministry in Cameroon, Africa. Dan trains local people to translate to their native language. It takes many years to do this as they have to be taught to read first. He showed a DVD from 1998 about his work with the Pygmy tribe who are hunters and gatherers. They were fearful and resistant to the outside. He was accepted by the Pygmy tribe because a friend of theirs was a friend of his. Dan met with them informally asking about language translation. Silas worked with Dan for fourteen years in the Victory Vision Ministry. He cooked for missionaries. Silas had a vision for young people. He takes delinquents and those coming out of prison to live with his family. He partners with churches and prison ministries to teach these young people life skills and how to make a living. In conclusion, Dan and Silas praised God with music. Silas played a drum and Dan a guitar and harmonica. We are encouraged to pray for these missionaries and their work in Cameroon. Business The Epiphany District will meet as a group at the LCMC Annual Gathering to be held October 4-7 at Atonement Lutheran Church in Fargo, ND. Let Todd or a board member know if you have suggestions for future programs The Lutheran CORE will be meeting in Indiana. The agenda consists of calling churches back to scripture and how we respond to what is being done by the synod. The Epiphany District gave $175.00 to Dan and to Silas to help promote their ministries.
Christ Lutheran Church, Comfrey August 17, 2009
President Todd Knorr called the meeting to order ad opened with prayer. Pastor Lindgren led devotions based on Romans 12:1-2. Are our decisions faithful and God-honoring? Are we willing to let the Spirit transform us? Jesus is the only one who can restore us to God.
The secretary's minutes were read and approved. Treasurer Tonya Knorr reported a balance of $801.15 with an unpaid postage bill of $28.
Reports: BTRA--Pastor Harder reported that a grant request to Thrivent is in the final stage of writing. The Board meets Friday. Our Savior's--Applications are being received for a pastor. New Hope--Planning is going forward for Sunday School. Teachers are being sought. A baptism was held. Christ--Also had a baptism, which Randy performed. VBS put together blankets for missions. Shepherd of Peace--Several people have registered for the Fargo convention. Pastor Ben will also attend. He currently taking a BTRA class.
Program: The program for the day was presented by the 6 members of the lay visitation team who were trained at a weekend retreat. Team members Todd and Tonya Knorr, Alan Stark, Randy Therkilsen, Winifred Churchill, and Emily Hagedon answered questions from the audience designed to cover areas of concern brought up by individuals and congregations trying to decide their future relationship in ELCA or other church bodies. Lively discussion followed the questions with concern expressed that more imore information is needed by many congregations.
Business: There is one applicant for a scholarship to the fall convention so far. Winifred made a motion, seconded by Alan, to provide $200 from Epiphany for each scolarship. The motion carried. The New Ulm Journal story about the Fridley Lutheran Church which is concerned about ELCA and wants to leave was presented for discussion. Pastor Lindgren will get a contact address to pass on to Winifred and Emily to send them information. Pastor Lindgren reported Word Alone is urging members to be more direct in relating ELCA problems to the people.
The next meeting will be held at New Hope on September 20 at 2:00.
