We are Family! - Zion Lutheran Church
Transcription
We are Family! - Zion Lutheran Church
ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH 221 N. LOCKWOOD ST. P.O. BOX 125 WOODVILLE, WI 54028 PHONE 715-698-2707 “We are Family!” NON-PROFIT U.S. Postage Paid Woodville, WI PERMIT NO. 1 ZION MAY HIGHLIGHTS LAST DAY OF SUNDAY SCHOOL Sunday, May 6th WOODVILLE SYTTENDE MAI Thursday, Friday & Saturday—May 17, 18, & 19 GRADUATE RECOGNITION—SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED Sunday, May 13 SUMMER SCHEDULE—WORSHIP TIME CHANGES Begins Sunday, May 13th 1 service at 9:00 a.m. MEMORIAL DAY— MAY 28 Church office closed c r u h C n a r e h t Zion Lu h MAY 1 2 3 4 5 6 MAY BIRTHDAYS SUMMER NEWSLETTER Benson Campbell, Wendy Eggen, Bridget Oleson, Addison Rasmussen Paige Doornink, Axel Mahoney *Betty Helgeson Camryn Margelofsky Brenna Iverson, *Ovila Stang, Ken Weiske Madison Campbell, Christy Gregg, Lyla Larson We will have only ONE church newsletter for the months of JUNE & JULY. Please keep your calendars for the two months and if you have articles for either newsletter, please have them in to the church office by FRIDAY, MAY 18th. Thank you for getting your information in early. Committees may need to look ahead to prepare for this change. 7 8 *Ramona Dittman, Hunter Kastel 9 Jim Gunderson 10 Trevor Anderson, Heather Koenning, Lillian Palmer 11 Russell Halderson, Bre Hanson, Cindy Krager, Jean Peavey, Claudia Pomasl 12 Thomas Huenink, Annette Michaud, Jacki Rykal 13 Jeff Lorentz 14 Austin Freeland, *Elton Johnson, Tiffany Neely 15 Jon Tollefson 16 17 18 19 Benita Gregg, Jessica Stark 20 Tricia Britton, Cody Hemenway, Bob Sell, Kevin Tollefson 21 Kari Gregg 22 Anne Mandehr, Carol Preston, Cindy Wipijewski 23 Matt McGee, Deb Monicken 24 Jed Hopp 25 Karissa Danielson, Cassidy Hemenway, Tim Hemenway, Doug Henry, Paul Hofland, Nathan Wheeler 26 Aaron Peterson, Jeff Schneider, Jodi Wagner 27 Bill Butler, Kristen Hofland 28 Bob Eicher, Tim Gregg, Don Johnson 29 Lori Hadley 30 Deb Benson 31 *Vernon Lund, Bob Terpstra *Seniors of the Week HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES TO BE RECOGNIZED Sunday, May 13th at the 9:00 am worship will be the public recognition of our members who are graduating from High School. We will take a moment to hear about their plans for the future and will keep them in our prayers as they use the gifts that God has given them. Names of graduates will be published in the Sunday bulletin. 2012 ZION SCHOLARSHIP TO BE AWARDED Sunday, May 13 the educational scholarship from Zion Lutheran Church will be awarded to 2 Zion members who wish to pursue a continued education. Former recipients of Zion’s Scholarship are: Laura Handrahan, Dana Ducklow, Scott Rademaker, Sarah Dodge, Sarah Peavey, Dan Zielinski, Tara Monicken, Kyle Anderson, Robyn Donahoe, Greg Lund, Julia Monicken and Kelsey Ducklow, Jolissa Doornink, Kerry Danielson, Leah Veenendaal, Nathan Stone, Sarah Gaustad, Aaron Hovde, Stephanie Larson, Derek Boldt, Bailey Larson and Jordan Lorenz. Congratulations to all who apply and best wishes on their continued education. Anyone who would like to make a donation to the Scholarship Fund, please call the church office and direct your special gift to “Zion Lutheran Church Scholarship Fund.” We are glad to be able to further the education of our young men and women. ZION STAFF Keith Anderson – Pastor Andy Boe - Part-time Associate Pastor Jill Boston – Secretary Sarah Dodge – Ministry Coordinator John & Rachel Terkelsen and LeAnn Storm – Custodial Staff Laura Ramlow – Chime Choir Director Elizabeth Weingarten— Sr. Choir Director Officers of the Congregation Paul Hofland – President Sarah Veenendall – Vice-President Sue Stene – Secretary Dick Rademaker – Treasurer Paul Hofland-688-2928; Sarah Veenendall—688-4676; Sue Stene-698-2621 Brian Bergquist-698-3062; Gloria Bunnell-698-3014; Carol Hajicek– 684-4871; Tim Holldorf—772-4648; Michele Jarosch –715-563-1440; Larry Knegendorf—698-2321; Nik Ramlow—688-3508; Tom Vandeberg– 698-2901 PHONE – 715-698-2707 FAX – 698-3419 Website— www.zionlutheranwoodville.com Zion e-mail—[email protected] Pastor Keith e-mail—[email protected] WORSHIP ASSISTANTS May 6 8:30 Ushers—Dave, Wendy, Colton Sander, & 10:45 Ushers—Bradley McGee & Benita Gregg 8:30 Reader—Susan Randall 10:45 Reader—Kathy Handrahan 8:30 Greeters—Dan & Cheryl Slind Communion Prep—Sylvia Sandvig 8:30 Communion helper—Lisa Lovestrand 10:45 Communion helper—Kelly DeGross Coffee servers—Sunday School 8:30 Acolytes— Brock Orton, Brett Anderson 10:45 Acolytes—Abby Anderson, Hannah Addyman Wheelchair—Dennis Russett & Terry Larson Videographer—David Leon May 13—WORSHIP SCHEDULE CHANGES TO ONE SERVICE 9:00 Ushers— same as the 6th 9:00 Reader—Telford Norvold 9:00 Greeters—Terry & Judy Stone Coffee servers—Jason & Amy Anderson & Ron & Jan Anderson 9:00 Acolytes—Grace Holldorf, Megan Jacobson Wheelchair—same as the 6th Videographer-same as the 6th May 20 9:00 Ushers—Dale & Joann Nelson & Ai & Joan Cronk 9:00 Reader—Elaine Carlson 9:00 Greeter—Wes & Karen Swanson Communion Prep—Sandra Anderson 9:00 Communion Helpers—Elaine Albrightson, Doug Albrigtson, Barb DeLander Coffee servers—Relay for Life 9:00 Acolytes—Joe Jelen, Eric Bergquist Wheelchair—Jerry & Marilyn Hovde Videographer—Kyle Howard May 27 9:00 Ushers— same as the 20th 9:00 Reader—Bonnie Haas 9:00 Greeters—Wally & Carolyn Nelson Coffee servers—Greg & Mary Jacobson, Walt & Dorene Jacobson 9:00 Acolytes—Derek DeGross, Ethan DeWitt Wheelchair—same as the 20th Videographer—same as the 20th The acolyte schedule is posted on Pastor Keith’s office door. Altar Guild for May—Dorene Jacobson & Judy Veenendaal FOOD PANTRY NEWS As part of the March national food drive event, the AgStar Fund for Rural America put out a challenge to its employees to participate in a month long food drive event. The employees of the AgStar Baldwin, Wisconsin office are very much aware of the current demands being made on the local food shelves. The employees eagerly took on this challenge and donated $2086 to the pantry of their choice. The funds raised of $2,086 were donated to 13 different food shelves within the Pierce, St. Croix, Polk, and Dunn counties of Wisconsin. All of the funds donated by the employees received matching funds from the AgStar Fund for Rural America, for a total donation of $4,172. Sincerely, Heide Bishop and Pam Herink BIBLE STUDY AT ZION WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY “Sunday morning texts” is a discussion oriented course that will focus on the following Sundays Bible readings. Led by Pastor Keith meets in the church Library from 9:00—10:30 a.m. Wednesdays MEN’S BREAKFAST AND BIBLE STUDY Led by Ralph Bader at the Woodville Café from 6:30–7:30 a.m. the 2nd & 4th Wednesdays each month. WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDIES Circles 1 & 3 – Thurs. May 24 —9:30 am Hostess: Rachel Terkelsen Leader: Mary Anderson Circle 2-Thurs., May 10—7 pm Hostess: Karen Swanson Leader: Annette Sabol Circle 4-Thurs., May 23—noon Hostess: Potluck Leader: Nancy Larson Circles 5 & 6 -Thurs.,May 17—1:30 pm Hostesses: Circle 5 Leader: Jerry Knippenberg SALAD LUNCHEON Mark your calendars to attend the annual salad bar luncheon at Zion on Thursday, June 14th. Circles 1, 3, & 5 will serve. JOSEPH’S SQUARE Joseph’s square is a unique men’s group that meets on Saturday mornings beginning with Bible Study that leads us into a Men’s Woodworking group. If you are interested in working with wood or just gathering in the shop for some fun and creativity, give the church office a call. Meet at Ron Weikum’s shop. Saturday’s from 8:30—11:00 a.m. MISSION PROJECT NEEDS With garage sales right around the corner, remember our mission projects. We can always use sleepers or gowns up to 24 months (no feet), receiving blankets, small t-shirts, sweaters with hoods, and infant socks. No onesies, please! TUESDAY COMMUNITY SUPPER Date: March 6, 2012 Number of people: 205 Donations: $120.00 Church dues: 0 Expenses: $290.84 Checkbook balance: $1742.57 May God give you a humble attitude like that of Jesus, and bless you as a servant. Blessings, Joann C. Nelson Treasurer FROM PASTOR KEITH Plans are under way for Zion’s 125th Anniversary celebration. We are hoping to unite the generations to have a great party and times for fellowship, worship, feasting, and all around good fun. The weekend for the celebration will be Saturday and Sunday, September 8 & 9, 2012. Tentative plans include: Saturday, Sept. 8 Afternoon—Softball FUN tournament at Steven Park Pigroast at Zion Later afternoon—Music group at Church Carnival for kids Sunday, Sept. 9 9:00 a.m.—Worship 10:30—large group photo on church steps and lawn 10:30—brunch in Fellowship Hall There are MANY details to pursue, but we are hoping to connect with close friends of the church including church members who have gone into the ministry, Zion’s Interns, former pastors, and Synod Staff. We also want to connect with former choir members and recruit new choir members for some kind of mass choral presentation. Worship will be a centerpiece for our celebrations. We have been talking throughout Lent and Easter about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Part of that is to draw nearer to God so that we can extend a life of faith to the communities in which we live. Part of discipleship is to invite others into a closer relationship with Jesus Christ. Sooooooo… as we party… and celebrate… and play… and pray… we remember that we are doing all of this to bring honor to God. As we do this, we also seek to honor one another, so many hands, many gifts, many hearts dedicated to this task will do a great deal to continue bringing the family of Christ here at Zion closer together. This will be a wonderful time, so I encourage everyone to put these dates on your calendar, to be part of your Fall plans. Blessings to our family in Christ here at Zion. Pastor Keith FROM SARAH MINISTRY COORDINATOR Z.A.P. is right around the corner! The first day of Z.A.P. will be Wednesday, June 13th. We will still be meeting from 8 am to noon, with lunch and snacks included in the free program. Registration is available online at www.zionlutheranwoodville.com or by picking up a brochure at church. Children ages 4 to 5th grade are encouraged to join us. Volunteers are always needed for all areas, one day or many days. Please let me know if you would like to interact with our fantastic youth during our summer program! College Care Packages will be going out the beginning of May. Donations will be accepted until May 1st. If you know a college student who is a member at Zion, please email me ([email protected]) or call me (715-688-9190) with the name, address, and date of finals (if known). This ministry is always very appreciated by our college students and helps them know that we are thinking about them and praying for their success. Youth Gathering group is counting down the days until New Orleans! We have 2 fundraisers left. We are selling carnations for Mother’s Day. Orders are due by Wednesday, May 2nd. Carnations are $2 each and can be picked up after 9:00 am worship on Sunday, May 13th. The other fundraiser will be at Nilssen’s in Baldwin on Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd. We will be serving hot ham and cheese sandwiches, chips, soda, and bars. We will also have a bake sale. Free-will offering will be accepted. Watch the bulletin for more details. Hope to see you there! Last Day of School Party for middle school students will be on Thursday, June 7th from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. We will serve walking tacos and have activities planned. All middle school youth are welcome to join us! There is no cost for this party! Cherish Our Children offers a weekly devotional e-mail. If you are interested in receiving the e-mail, please let me know. Keep praying for our kids! Sarah Dodge FROM PASTOR ANDY IN OUR TIME TOO! It has never ceased to amaze me that the followers of Jesus, beginning with those who were eye witnesses to the resurrection, and spreading to those “… who have not seen and yet believe … (The words at the end of John’s Gospel) were able to move forward in a positive and loving way after the post Easter resurrection appearances of Jesus, his ascension to the Father, and then the gift of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost. The growth of Christianity from Jerusalem into the Roman Empire and further was simply amazing. This growth, empowered by the Holy Spirit and individuals and small groups of committed believers, took place despite great opposition. The traditional Jewish community did not want the “followers of the way” to become a successful reforming group for the Jewish community and synagogues. The political situation in the “Holy Land” was in continues chaos as the Jews chafed under the rule of the Roman Empire. The Roman Emperor ruled most of the Mediterranean world and was fearful of, and repressive to, “subversive” groups that formed anywhere in its boarders. St Paul and other early Christian evangelists, and ordinary every day Christians, were able to be examples of God’s love, forgiveness, and hope in their every day lives. The Christian community grew larger and more prominent in society. In our time we, too, are the recipients of the Good News (the Gospel) of Jesus Christ in our lives and in the culture around us. As we move ahead in our concern for our families, our communities, and our world we need to remember the example of the early church members who, as we still do today, brought God’s love, forgiveness (reconciliation) and hope into their daily lives. God has always loved us where we are in life. Jesus was God’s own son in the midst of God’s people living their daily lives. We are not “called out of this life,” to serve God in heaven, but we are “called into this life” to bring the good news (Gospel) to all we encounter daily. Thank your for being an example of God’s care and love each day as you go about your daily tasks in and out of church at home, school, work, and play, in our community and in our world! Someone will continue to see and hear the good news through you today and tomorrow! Pastor Andy Boe CONFIRMATION MEETING… 7TH, 8TH AND 9TH GRADES On Wednesday, May 2 this is our Confirmation plan: 7:00 p.m. – GRADE 7 – Students and parents meet in fellowship hall to get “the scoop” on Confirmation and what to expect for next fall. 7:00 p.m. – GRADES 8 & 9 – regular small group meetings with guides… PARTY! 8:10—8:30—ALL TOGETHER for announcements and closing devotions. We hope that this will be a valuable time of transition for the newer and older students and that the parents will be able to share thoughts for the future faith building for our families here at Zion. WORDS OF THANKS Thank you for your financial gift to Feed My Starving Children. Your contribution will provide 1,136 life saving meals to God’s hungry children around the world. We stand in awe of the blessings showered by you and our Lord on FMSC. Your prayerful support and financial donations allow us to answer the cry of starving children and give hope to struggling communities around the world. Last year, volunteers packed nearly 127 million meals to feed His hungriest children. “Blessed are those who are generous, because they feed the poor.” Proverbs 22:9 Mark Crea—Executive Director Thank you for your gift to the Family Resource Center St. Croix Valley. Your support will help us provide programs and services that grow healthy, strong kids and families right here in Western Wisconsin. Together we can build a better community. We appreciate your help! We wish to thank all who thought of Leona during her battle with cancer. Thanks to everyone for the prayers, cards, food, and wonderful visits. A very special thanks to all the nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who helped take such loving care of her during her journey home. Special thanks to Adoray Hospice, Pastor Keith Anderson, Pastor Andy Boe and members of the Zion Church. A huge thank you to Ross Keehr for his knowledge and kindness to the family after our loss. Leona is loved and missed by all who knew her. Bless all your heartsThe Family of Leona Wang Thanks to Darcy Almquist and area Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. Their Scouting For Food drive on April 14th provided a great deal of food to area food pantries. Zion’s Food Pantry received so many great items. Thanks to the Scouts and to the Baldwin and Woodville Communities for their generous support. Zion’s Food Pantry Thank you for all your support during my sister’s illness. You were so good to her and helpful. God Bless you, Vicky Benson ZION QUILTERS The quilters met on April 5th and with 7 workers, they made 8 quilts, 14 personal care kits and 6 baby care kits. They meet next on May 3rd. For their mission projects they could still use new or gently usedHand towels Sleepers up to 18 months Receiving blankets Cloth diapers Thank you! THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ORDERED EASTER FLOWERS: In Memory of: Genevieve Knippenberg and June Rogier from Jerry Knippenberg Roy Traynor from Arlene Traynor and family Skip Larson and Grand-daughter Alyssa Hagen from Carole Larson Tom Lund from Russ Lund family Delores Terpstra from Ralph & Darlene Bader Andy Tollefson from Kelly & Scott DeGross and family Bill & Bernice Metcalf and Gladys Aaby from Steve and Janet Aaby Roy Nadeau and Dorothy Frey from Mary Frey Glenn Roycraft from Joyce Knippenberg Shereen Beaulieu from Hanley & Marie Terkelsen Kathleen Lund with all my love from your hubby Vern Lund Kathleen Lund, Leo & Aileen Robbins, Sharon Nuessmeier, Amy Rademaker from Kevin & Bunny Lund and Kevin and Greg Robert & Lillian Hajicek from Carol Hajicek Mae Shefland from Wally Shefland, Doug & Debbie Monicken, Gary & Sherry Boldt and their families George Peterson from Mary Norton John Terkelsen Jr. from John & Rachel Terkelsen Diane Collins, Lawny & Verna Hansen, George Sabol and Oscar & Bertha Krogh from Annette Sabol & Alex Collins In Honor of: Our family from Wally & Carolyn Nelson Doris Peterson from Mary Norton Our beautiful children; Dylan, Janessa and Trinity from Karl & Sarah Karau Carol Sabol, Steve Sabol and Chuck Collins from Annette Sabol & Alex Collins Our risen Lord to my children and grandchildren from Larry Knegendorf MEMORIAL GIFTS In Memory of……… Vaughn Jensen General Fund: Duane & Judy Veenendaal Roof: Sandra Anderson, Judy Jensen Leona Wang General Fund: Duane & Judy Veenendaal, Carole Larson, Hugh & Diane Lockerby, Terrie & Michael Ferber, Tom & Kathleen Vandeberg, Don & MaryAnn Iverson, Ai & Joan Cronk, Virginia Helgeson, Margaret Nelson, Vanita Olson, Jerry & Marilyn Hovde, Lorraine Achterhof, Doug & Jackie Mathison Food Pantry: Bob & Ruth Hard, Irma Mohn Youth Gathering: Steve & Janet Aaby, Greg & Mary Jacobson Cemetery Road: Keith & Judy Albrightson Quilters: Don & Darlene Olson Window Fund: Nancy Johnson, Ralph & Darlene Bader, Gloria Bunnell Roof: Sharon Wynveen, Allen & Barb DeLander, Wally & Carolyn Nelson, John & Rachel Terkelsen, Hanley & Marie Terkelsen, Mary Ellen, Elizabeth, Kari, & David Leon, Leone Osborne, Janice Helgeson, Walt & Dorene Jacobson, Ron & Marilyn Zillmer, John & Evelyn Wallesverd Building & Repair: Ron & Janice Anderson Sunday School: Craig & Kelly Albrightson, Les & Dorothy Holm Scholarship: Russ & Lucille Lund, Betty Helgeson, Keith & Mary Anderson Cemetery: Arlene Traynor, Harold & Arlene Halverson, Shirley Holerud, George Helgeson Social Concerns: Milo & Elaine Carlson Z.A.P. Adam & Sarah Dodge Jeannie Gunderson Food Pantry: Tim & Sylvia Sandvig Melody Muffet Scholarship: Robert & Mary Sell ZLCW: Warren & Vicky Benson General: Jerry & Marilyn Hovde Verlyn Newton General: Jerry & Marilyn Hovde Josh Gokey Scholarship: Jerry & Marilyn Hovde Howard Helgeson Cemetery Arch: Tom & Linda Solum Roof: Robert & Karen Eicher George Peterson Roof: Robert & Karen Eicher In Honor of……. Nancy Weikum’s birthday Food Pantry: Dale & Joann Nelson Joseph’s Square: Adam & Sarah Dodge, John & Evelyn Wallesverd Ron Weikum’s birthday Joseph’s Square: Dale & Joann Nelson, Adam & Sarah Dodge, John & Evelyn Wallesverd COUNCIL MINUTES Zion Congregation Council Minutes March 20, 2012 Minutes approved April 17, 2012 2012 Council Members: Paul Hofland, Sue Stene, Brian Bergquist, Pastor Keith Anderson, Carol Hajicek, Gloria Bunnell, Tom Vandeberg, Sarah Veenendall, Pastor Andy Boe, Tim Holldorf, Michele Jarosch, Larry Knegendorf, Nik Ramlow, Dick Rademaker, Treasurer. *Denotes members absent President Hofland opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Devotions were led by Gloria Bunnell Guests: none Correspondence Received/Forwarded: nothing received Reports: Secretary’s Report: Motion by Vandeberg, seconded by Bunnell, to accept the Council Minutes for February 21, 2012; motion carried Treasurer’s Report: Motion by Veenendall, seconded by Hajicek, to approve the February 2012, Treasurer’s Report; motion carried. Pastor’s Report: “Beyond our Doors” Bible Study 1 Wedding: Ron Riek and Lori Saari (March 10) Funerals: Gladys Ellefson (March 1) Transferred: Brenda, Suzanne, Rebecca & Reuben Riek Committee Reports: Minutes of committee meetings were included in the packet. Resources: Discussion about creating a Sexual Misconduct policy at the recommendation of the church’s insurance company. A small committee was created to look into this, the members are: Sarah Dodge, Carol Hajicek, Tom Vandeberg and Pastor Anderson. Looking into the possibility of sprucing up the hallways to the Fellowship Hall, for the 125th anniversary. Faith & Life: nothing for council Fellowship/Serving & Missions: nothing for council Old Business: AED Training –Sandy Reed did some training with the Confirmation kids and Boy Scouts. In the future a training in the Fellowship Hall at coffee hour with Sandy Reed. New Business: Council Retreat – April 14th from 8am – 11:30am at Park View Endowment Committee needs a council member as a representative, Pastor will talk with Larry Knegendorf. Agenda Items for April Meeting: Sexual Misconduct policy committee Ideas on how to spruce up the hallways Devotions for April will be given by Nik Ramlow. There being no further business, motion by Vandeberg, seconded by Ramlow to adjourn; motion carried and the meeting closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectfully submitted in Christ, Susan Stene WALKING TOGETHER: A CONGREGATIONAL RESOURCE EVENT On Saturday, March 17th, 5 people from Zion attended Walking Together in Chippewa Falls, sponsored by the Northwest Synod of Wisconsin. We were able to attend many interesting workshops and wanted to share some of the fantastic things we learned! Blended Worship - Worship as if God Matters: This workshop was about getting away from the consumer mentality of our culture that tends to extend into our worship services. How often do we talk about the service in terms of what we liked or didn't like about it and make it all about US instead of all about GOD! It's not that what we do in worship doesn't matter or that how we worship doesn't matter, but the focus should be on proclaiming and honoring God, not pleasing people. Every service should have profound respect and honor for the holiness of God and for the love and accessibility of Jesus and in doing so we can both honor our traditions and be open to innovation and newness. What we personally like or dislike is irrelevant we can engage with and rejoice in what touches us and thank God for what touches someone else. Safeguarding God's Children: As much as we would like to think it couldn't happen in our congregation, we need be aware of situations where there is potential for sexual abuse of children. Abusers look like everyone else and are experts at targeting their victims while staying under the radar. While policies have their place, the best prevention is to run our programs and activities in such a way as to minimize the chances for an abuser to act. As the presenter put it, "light and air" need to be present in every situation. Many resources are available for educating church leaders, staff and volunteers. Forming Faith in a multi-media world: 6th grade Bible year: This workshop tied in nicely with both Z.A.P. and our new Sunday School rotation system. The themes covered included ways to use videos so that children are not just watching, but interacting with the story. Handouts were given that provided specific examples. I am looking forward to utilizing some of the information shared in the handouts! Faith Formation and Youth with Autism Children with autism are unique individuals. Sometimes people in our congregations don’t always know or understand how to work with this individuals. The workshop covered what autism is and how we can include people with autism into our congregation life. One of my biggest take-aways personally was to use social stories to get through a church service. Sometimes church is difficult for people with autism because they like to know what is happening. It is also difficult to be in a room with many people that the individual doesn’t know. She also talked about how God is relational. Children with autism often have a difficult time with relationships. We often think in the church of our relationships with God and with others in our faith community. How can we start to involve people with autism into our relationships and how does God seek to engage individuals with autism? Connections Matter: Building Relationships One Person at a Time The main point I got from this workshop was that anytime we draw a line between ourselves and someone else, Jesus is always on the other side. While we will never be best friends with every single person, we all need to accept the differences in others and learn to find ways to get along. It isn’t always easy, but Jesus wants us to use our unique qualities and find unique qualities in others. “Living Inside Out” Pastor Lesher talked about finding time to pray and ask for comments, as to when and where we pray. He showed us several books for different ages to find our spirituality. He seemed to get lost in his thoughts several times and so I did not learn much from this class. “I Was Hungry…” These two ladies gave a good presentation on community suppers. They or a community organization serve a meal every week. With just free will donations plus financial help from the community, they have covered their expenses, help purchase a new stove and refrigerator and sent $2000 to ELCA Hunger Missions. The handouts covered several items in making the meals a success.