Dekorra Lutheran Church N3099 Smith Road, Poynette, WI 53955-9435 Phone: (608) 635-7200 E-Mail Address: [email protected] Web Page Address: www.dekorralutheran.org Ryan Rouse, Pastor Cell Phone: (608) 566-4365 E-Mail: [email protected] - February 2015 Newsletter From The Pastor… During the month of January I was blessed with the opportunity to lead two women’s Bible studies, from the Gather magazine that the ladies subscribe to, and I thought the lesson on forgiveness that it provided was very informative and interesting. In fact, I was so inspired by the subject matter and the conversations during our time together, that I decided to use it as a jumping off point in my newsletter article this month. After all, as Christians we are called by our Lord and Savior to not only love one another as he has loved us, but we are also called to forgive others as he has forgiven us. Let’s face it, as difficult as it can be to show compassion and caring to the plethora of people that are part of our lives, it can be even more problematic to offer up forgiveness to them when we have been wronged. Perhaps this is because in our culture and society it can be very easy to give into the temptation of retaliation when we have been wronged or hurt by another person. If someone does something to upset us, or if they cause us grief, our initial reaction is to make them suffer as we have suffered. If they insult us, we insult them back, if they take something from us, we take something from them, and often times this cycle will continue over and over again. If we want to stop this repetitive cycle, typically it either takes an outside mediator to step in to try and help put an end to the conflict, or it takes an apology and a showing of true remorse from the offending party before the plaintiff may be able to offer up forgiveness. Often times, however, this can be a difficult thing for us to do because either we have a hard time letting go of the offense, or in some instances we worry that if we offer up some kind of pardon or absolution, than we are saying that what happened to us was ok. In reality, as I’m sure you are well aware, when we are willing to forgive someone, basically we are telling the other person that we are not going to let what they did continue to affect how we relate to one another, that we are willing to move past the hurt, the pain, or whatever feelings we are harboring related to the wrongdoing. In our Bible study from 2 Samuel Chapter 11 after learning about King David’s indiscretion with a soldier’s wife, and his murdering of her husband Uriah, we had some good conversation involving repentance and the possibility of people being able to change for the better. In the story that we read we witnessed the prophet Nathan confronting David and helping him to see the error of his ways. After coming to the realization that he had done something truly terrible he ends up asking God for forgiveness and is able to move beyond his sin and offense. Although we may often find it difficult to forgive others for hurting us, I believe that Jesus commands us to forgive, and we find numerous lessons on forgiveness in scripture, because it is imperative for our wellbeing. When we hold onto grudges, when we bottle things inside, and when we aren’t willing to let go of the pain and/or anger, not only are we harming the other person, but we are ultimately harming ourselves. In fact, medical studies involving this subject matter have revealed that individuals who are unable to forgive are more prone to disease, illness, high blood pressure, etc…And of course, the opposite of this is also true. If you know people who are able to embrace forgiveness regularly than you have probably noticed that they are typically happy, carefree, and wonderful individuals to be around. This month as we head into Lent, I pray that we will remember just how important forgiveness is to God! It is so important that he was willing to send his son to die on a cross so that we might receive forgiveness and be reconciled in our relationship with him and with one another. So in February, as we journey with Christ to the tomb, I pray that each week as we share the peace of Christ before communion we will remember to truly forgive those who have offended us and let go of any grudges or resentments that we are holding on to. May you all be extremely blessed during this Lenten season, Pastor Ryan Education Sunday School News: On February 1st the Sunday school children will be singing at the 8:00am worship service. They will be singing two songs that they have been practicing during the Sunday school opening. One of the songs is "Praise him Praise him all ye little children" and the other one is "I am a C.H.R.I.S.T.I.A.N." Also we would like to let you all know that we are hoping to have an Easter program sometime in April. Confirmation News: Please note that on February 18th the students are expected to attend our Ash Wednesday worship service and during the season of Lent they are expected to attend 4 of the 8 Lenten worship services. Council President’s Report…. Fellow Church Members; When I started on the Church Council three years ago, my role was different from when I leave in February. I began with the idea that I would just help out. Change came quickly with the retirement of Pastor Dan and with President Walt resigning because of family matters. The experience has been both frustrating and rewarding. The rewards have come with the hiring of Pastor Ryan and our Office Manager, Terry Hinkel. Also, I thank Dennis Jones and Jerry Carncross for all the hours spent getting the new software installed to handle the church’s finances. At the Annual Meeting, my replacement will be elected as well as other members of the Council. They also will face changing challenges in the new year. With an updated Constitution in place and most of the Continuing Resolutions updated and the accounting policies in place, the new Council may have time to emphasize different directions. Membership is down from a few years ago; what might increase attendance? Maintenance concerns such as replacing the carpet and the roof’s limited life span will have to be considered. The new leadership should look at Dekorra’s mission and role in the community. As in some houses, conflict may arise now and then. The issues may be major or minor and that depends on whether you are involved or just hear about it via word-of-mouth. If the issues start out as minor, they may grow to a greater concern if not addressed. The first step is to talk with Pastor Ryan and then to the Mutual Ministry. Dekorra Lutheran has a Mutual Ministry Committee in place to handle issues that are related to the Church. The ministry of any Pastor and Congregation can be strengthened when there is a small group of persons who act out of mutual concern for the Pastor, lay professionals (employees of the Church) and the Congregation. This mutual ministry becomes specific in such ways as: * Open Communication concerning the attitudes and conditions within the Congregation * Early warning of misunderstanding within the Congregation * A “listening post” and “sounding board” for the Pastor, employees and Congregation * Identifying continuing education that would assist the ministry of the pastor and lay professionals and the goals of the Congregation * Concerns for the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of the Pastor and lay professional. Through listening, interpreting, advising, conferring, evaluating, recommending, affirming and forgiving, the ministry of the Pastor and lay professional are strengthened as well as that of the Congregation. Members of the Mutual Ministry are: William Schleichert, Barb Kalan, John Weingandt, Kristine Koch and Tom Hoversten. This list of members will probably change with the election of Council members at the Annual Meeting on February 15. Conversations with these individuals should remain confidential. The newly elected Council members will have a new approach to address the welfare of Dekorra Lutheran. They need our support. Communicate with them and let them know what there is that makes you want to be a member of our Congregation. Church vitality is a mindset, and old habits are difficult to change. Romans 16:5 says “Likewise greet the church that is in their house…….” What is a Church? It’s the gathered assembly of believers in Jesus. Dekorra Lutheran Church has been a gathering Church since 1869. Let us forge ahead into the next 150 years. God bless us, each and every one. Ken Erdahl, Council President [email protected] 2 Please Remember in our Prayers: James McGinnity (sonin-law of Aileen Brager); Christine Rasmussen; Ralph Jesse; Kristen Armstrong (granddaughter of Barb & Bruno Kalan); Holli Judd (daughter of Chuck & Penny Judd; Joyce Frahm (sister of Joanne Johnson); Stephanie Steinys (friend of Janet Kienast); LeRoy Breneman (brother of June Fiske), Joanna, Joshua and Dallas (children of Mary Dibble); Betty Prucha; Alexander Lavern Fiske (great grandson of June Fiske); Rona Erdahl; Kaitlyn Schultz(daughter of Cherry Schultz), Ron Kunkle (Uncle of Lyndsay Rouse). Prayers for Those Serving our Country in the Military: Phillip Kamps, Alex Kamps (nephews of Kathy Pederson); Kent Riedel; Deontá Backovitch; Nicholas Paske (great-nephew of June Fiske); Dustin Hoiten (nephew of Ted Koch); Bill Warren (son of Cheryl Lytle); Charles Judd (nephew of Chuck & Penny Judd); Quinten Case (great-nephew of June Fiske; James Wampole (nephew of Gene & Betty Hehl); Moira McCormack, (granddaughter of Renate Lokotz). 2015 Giving Envelopes are on the kitchen counter in the old fellowship. 17th Annual Wild Game Feed February 8, 2015 - 4:30pm Dekorra Lutheran Church Tickets are now on sale and going fast. See any DMC member for tickets or call Bill Schleichert at 635-2452 or 697-4434 or stop in Church office. Tickets are $25 each. There will be door prizes, raffles and lots of great food. Dekorra Women of the ELCA… Please help us out The women of Dekorra need several volunteers to be members of the Funeral Committee. Barb Kalan has chaired this committee for many years, and has now stepped down from this position. We would like to extend a big THANK YOU to Barb for her dedication and expertise. We now need several people to work with Loretta Hoversten on this committee. When several people take on the leadership role it is easier on everyone. Please pray about accepting this call and being a part of this vital service we offer at Dekorra. Save the Date The Evangelism Committee will be having a Talent, Hobby event on Sunday, March 22. If you are interested in participating in this fun event, please let Karen Millard by March 1st. Karen can be reached at 635-7137. Bible Study All study groups will meet at Church unless otherwise noted Wednesday, February 4 1:00 pm Bible Study (Hope) Tuesday, February 10 1:00 pm Bible Study (Joy) Sunday, February 15 9:15 am Bible Study (Faith) February 18 – Ash Wednesday Greeting Cards, Napkins, Coffee, Tea, Hot Cocoa for Sale Sympathy, Get Well and Birthday greeting cards just arrived. They are $4.50 per box of 12. The other cards are marked at $4.00 or $.50 per card. Other new cards: Easter, Graduation, Confirmation at $.50 each. Napkins are $2.50 per package. Keep Saving Box Tops for Education They are worth 10 cents each; Campbell Soup Labels are worth 1 point each; Milk Moola Strips and Milk Jug Caps are worth 5 cents each. Thanks a lot to all who have been saving—you are helping both the Lodi and Poynette schools. There is a list of other items needed posted on the bulletin board outside the Church Office and in the Sanctuary. 17th Annual Wild Game Feed February 08, 2015 4:30pm until done at Dekorra Lutheran Church Tickets are now on sale and going fast. See any DMC member for tickets or call Bill Schleichert at 635-2452/697-4434. $25 per ticket. There will be door prizes, raffles and lots of great food. The items listed below will be on the menu Venison steak medallions Elk Stroganoff Orange Kist Pheasant Pork and Kraut Moose Stew Deep Fried Turkey Deep Fried Fish Bear Meat Loaf Moose meat balls Cajun Fried Rabbit Alligator Pork and Kraut Venison Italian Sausage/ onions and Green Peppers 4 :