Registration began at 12:30 p.m. on Friday at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.  There were 302 in attendance on Friday and 272 in attendance on Saturday.   There were 22 workshops offered which had much wonderful information to give us.  When the business meetings were not in session,  I attended four workshops.  In addition I heard presentations given by John Nunes of Lutheran World Relief;  Cam Martin from the Executive Board of the churchwide WELCA; Pastor Johan Hinderlie, Executive Director of Mount Carmel Ministries in Alexandria, Minnesota and his wife Sonja, Program Director at Mount Carmel; and Bishop Jon Anderson of the SW Minnesota Synod of the ELCA. 

From the workshops and the speakers, I learned many things which I thought would interest us as members at Grace.  As you know, there are 10 “church conferences” in the SWMN Synod.  Grace Lutheran in Luverne is in the Shetek conference.   A resolution was passed at our Synod Assembly in June 2009 which asked each of the 10 conferences to be a companion to one of the “ELCA Church Circuits” in South Africa.  In accordance with that resolution, the Shetek Conference is paired up with what is called the Ondini Circuit in South Africa. There are 50 churches in 12 parishes in the Ondini area.  Only 3 pastors serve these 50 churches.   It is important to emphasize that the purpose of the companionship program is for us to share our gifts with the Ondini circuit and for the Ondini circuit to share its gifts with us.  We are sharing our skills at farming with the Ondini  Circuit Churches.  By the time apartheid ended in 1994, the people in Ondini Circuit had lost their memory of how to farm to sustain themselves.  Under the new government all of the land was given to the churches in South Africa.  Since 1994, the churches have been busy distributing the land back to the Black people from whom it was taken by the white colonists.  With our help, the people are now learning how to prepare the land for planting and how to harvest their crops.  They are growing enough food to feed themselves and to sell to others.  One of their money-making projects is to make communion wafers, package them, and sell them.  We will see those wafers soon at Grace Lutheran.  Also, in the near future,  the new farmers will be raising chickens based on the super successful incubation program started by the Watonwan Conference in the Shiyane Circuit.  What do we receive from the Ondini Circuit? We learn how to do more with less.  For example, the pastors do not have to do visitation because the women take care of this.  The women meet in groups of 2 or 3 every Thursday and have Bible studies and do visits for people in need.  Men are now helping out with funerals (instead of just women).  Church members are very joyful in their giving – even dancing their way to the altar to place their offerings in the basket.  We can learn the joy of giving from their example.  10 years ago there were more Lutherans in Africa than in the United States.  Today there are more Lutherans in just Tanzania and Ethiopia (2 African countries) than there are in the United States!  We can learn to be more effective evangelizers. 

Did you know that the main expertise of Lutheran World Relief (LWR) is to teach farming?  Did you know that in the 35 impoverished countries served by LWR that 80% of the people doing the work of farming are women?  Did you know that only 2% of these farms are owned by women?  Did you know that approximately 500,000 people a year get malaria in Africa?  Many die of this terrible disease.  Worldwide, each 30 seconds a child dies from malaria.  When a young African boy was asked what he wanted to be when he grew up, he said:  “Alive!”.  What is needed?  Protective nets, diagnostic tests, anti-malarial drugs, and indoor spraying are needed.  As I write this to you, the Lutheran Malaria Initiative is working hard day and night to help eradicate this horrible disease.  Praise God! 

Member churches of the SWMN Synod brought offerings of health kits, religious books, and money to the conference.  From all member churches a total of 4,162 health kits were received.  Grace donated 1 box of health kits and 1 box of books.  From all member churches a total of $9,230.69 in cash offering was received.  Grace donated $150.00. 

New officers are Marion McCrory, president (incumbent); Laurie Krueger, treasurer (incumbent); board members at large:  Kathy Bergs, Cindy Erickson, Joan Iverson, Julie Jarvi, and Marlys Zetah; and delegates to the Triennial Convention being held on July 14, 2011, in Spokane, Washington are Kathy Bergs, Cindy Erickson, Mona Gregersen, Joan Iverson, Jeanine Kalstrom, Marsha Nelson, Marlys Pearson, JoAnn Pedersen, Karen Skarphol, Sharon Struthers, and Marie Weeks.

ROMANS and CHRISTIANS

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

8:00 PM meet at Grace

6-12^th grade youth

I ______________________ plan to attend the Romans and Christians game

I ___________________ covenant with other youth members to act in a Christ -like manner

          Youth

while traveling to, from and in attendance at the Gathering. I will participate in all service and worship activities. I will be mindful of my behavior and language, and always show respect to fellow members of Grace youth, chaperons and other Gathering attendees. I understand that chaperons will discipline me if my behavior is disrespectful. I also understand that if my behavior is considered serious, my parents will be called and asked to pick me up.

We __________________________________________ parents/guardians of

_____________________ understand that the chaperons will act in a responsible way to insure our youth’s safety in all activities. Therefore, we release Grace Lutheran Church and their representatives (chaperons) of all liability in case of an accident or injury to our youth.

We authorize the chaperons to seek any medical attention necessary in the case that our youth may be ill or injured. We authorize the issuance of aspirin or non-aspirin pain – killer by chaperons. Chaperons should be aware that my youth is taking medication for/ is allergic to /or has the following medical concern _______________________________________.

We ______________________________as parents understand that this gathering is a spiritual, faith-nurturing event and that each youth in attendance needs to be mindful of their actions and words at all times. If my youth is disruptive and disrespectful to others while in attendance, chaperons have the prerogative to discipline. If a chaperon feels that the behavior is of serious manner, parents will be called and will be expected to immediately pick up their youth from the event.

We can be reached at ____________________________

I ______________________ as a parent would like to be a Roman.

Schedule

2009-10

Date                              Saturday 5:30/Sunday 8:15A Worship            10:45 Worship

October   

3-4                                Brian Richters and Family                                     Kennedy Gonnerman and family                                                                                                                                                  

17-18                           Micah Stensland-Bos and Family                          Hannah Hoogland and Family 

24-25 Reformation    Tyler Gruis and Family                                         Alec Hoven and Family                                     

31- 1^st                          Tatiana Gust and Family                                       Spencer Swier

November  

14-15                       Niki Severson and Family                                     Christopher Kramer and Family           

December

5-6                           Cori Nath and Family                                           Isaac Hudson and Family

20-21                       Jakob Olson and Family                                        Madilyn Oye and Family

25: Christmas Day                 Nick Overgaard

    10:00 AM Worship

6^th grade Communion Set Up Schedule

2010

Date                              Saturday 5:30/Sunday 8:15A Worship            10:45 Worship

January

2-3                           Brian Richters and Family                                     Jordin Swanson and Family

16-17                       Susan Thompson and Family                                Erik Tofteland and family

February

6-7                           Taylor Nelson and Family                                     Emily Wendland and family                  

17 Ash Wednesday     Tatiana Gust and Family

20-21                       Paul Witte and family                                            Kennedy Gonnerman and family

March

6-7                           Cori Nath and Family                                            Hannah Hoogland and Family

20-21                       Madilyn Oye and Family                                        Isaac Hudson and Family

April

1 Maundy Thursday    Micah Stensland-Bos and Family

3-4                           Tyler Gruis and Family                                         Susan Thompson and Family

17-18                       Niki Severson and Family                                     Christopher Kramer and Family 

May

1-2                           Jordin Swanson and Family                                   Emily Wendland and Family        

15-16                       Paul Witte and Family                                    Mace Walgrave and Family

All 9^th grade youth participate in Sunday worship by serving as an usher at designated months of the year. You are responsible to usher at all Sundays in your designated month. A reminder note will be sent to you at the beginning of the month in which you are serving as an usher.

1. Dress appropriately (No t-shirts or shorts)
2. Ushers must be at church 20 minutes prior to the beginning of church (7:55 or 10:25)
3. Contact the designated head usher for instructions specific for your Sunday.
4. You have a leadership position in worship, follow along with the liturgy and music.

An usher is a very important part of our worship service; therefore it is very important that you are here on the designated date. If you are unable to serve as an usher on the date scheduled, you must find a substitute. You are important to our Worship service!

Each confirmation youth serving as an usher will receive Worship credit for their participation.

To receive worship points you must record your service on the “Worship Response Sheet”.

These sheets are to be returned to the basket in the narthex

You will have one worship credit taken away if you do not show or have a sub for your Sunday.     

2009-10 Usher Schedule

                                      8:15 Worship                     10:45 Worship

September                              Emilee Baartman                                 Reed Dreckman         

October                                  Brian Barnhart                                                Savannah Bremer                                           

                                                                                                            Hannah Swier

November                              Scott Nelson                                       Josey Kockelman       

December                               Matthew Overgaard                            Megan Petersen

January                                  Brenton Richters                                 Savannah Bremer

                                                                                                            Hannah Swier

February                                Jessica Richters                                   Scot Nelson

March                                     Emillie Baartman                                Megan Petersen

April                                       Brenton Richters                                 Brian Barnhart                                   

                                                Matt Overgaard

May                                        Jessica Richters                                   Josey Kockelman                                           

                                                Scot Nelson                                         Megan Petersen

 All 7-8^th grade youth participate in Sunday worship by serving as an acolyte at designated months of the year. Key Notes:  

                Acolyte parents/families are to sit together in the front transepts during the worship service.  It will be the parents’ responsibilities to coach your youth on the HOW of being an acolyte. This allows you, the parents to guide and be faithful in your child’s Baptismal promise!

A reminder note will be sent to you at the beginning of the month in which you are serving as an acolyte. Please review the following instruction sheet prior to arriving for the worship service.

An Acolyte is a very important part of our worship service.  Therefore it is very important that you are here on the designated date. If you are unable to serve as acolyte on the date scheduled, you must find a substitute. Then you must call the church office with that substitute’s name. You are important to our Worship service!

• Acolytes must be at the church 20 minutes prior to the beginning of the service. Ask Pastors if there is any special instructions for the service.
• You have a leadership position in worship, follow along with the liturgy and music
• Dress appropriately (no T-shirts or shorts).
• Young men be gentlemen. Allow the girls to walk in front of you.

Each confirmation youth serving as an acolyte will receive worship credit for their participation. To receive worship points you must record your service on the “Worship Response Sheet” found on the back table in the narthex (back of sanctuary). The worship response Sheets need to be returned to the basket in the back of the narthex enabling someone to record your worship credit. There will be a updated worship credit tabulation displayed on the bulletin board each month.

You will have one worship credit taken away if you do not show or have a sub for your Sunday.            

Acolyte Responsibilities

Acolytes, you are very important to the worship service. By creating an atmosphere

of hospitality and peace, church members should feel the hope, grace and the love of God when entering our church.

Preparation

1. In order to create that atmosphere, we ask that you arrive at the church by 7:55 for the first worship service and 10:25 for the second service. This will allow you to prepare yourself for the service. Review the bulletin for special events, find hymns and worship service program in your hymnals along with getting a worship credit form and pencil in your seating place.

Lighting the candles

2. Light the candles, at the front of the Sanctuary, 10 minutes before the worship service begins. Entering together from opposite sides, go to the front of the altar and light the candelabra from the Eternal candle on the altar. Light the Christ candle if needed. Light the candles on the wall, from the outside to center symbolizing the coming together of the Christ and his people. Try to light your candles simultaneously. After lighting your candles, return to your seats and place your candelabra under the seat.

3. For special services such as communion Sundays (1^st and 3^rd Sunday of each month)

Baptisms, Advent season, Christmas season and Easter services or as directed by the pastors the Christ Candle (located next to the altar) should be lit.

4. Participate in the worship service. Do not be talking or fooling around with friends.

Stand when the congregation stands and join in the responses and songs.

Offering:

5. Each Sunday offering is taken. Your responsibilities are to greet the ushers at the bottom of the steps at the beginning of the offertory song (“Create in Me…” or “Let the Vineyards…”) (NOT BEFORE).

Place the offering plates on the altar.

Communion:

6. The first and third Sundays are communion Sundays. Join the other communion assistants at the front of the altar. After receiving communion from the pastors, you will take a basket and follow one of the communion servers to collect the wine cups.

Give the baskets full of cups to the server collecting the communion vessels.

Baptism:

7. You are an important part of a baptismal service. You are the pastor’s assistant. They will instruct you as to their needs prior to the service.

Dismissal

8. When the service is over, at the last verse of the closing hymn join each other at the front of the altar. If the Christ Candle is lit, extinguish the flame. Walk simultaneously together to the candles on the wall. Extinguish the flames from center to the outside. Then waiting until you are both finished extinguishing, depart through the side doors. Do not return to the front of the church.  Exit through the basement.

Acolyte Schedule for 2008-2009

7^th and 8^th grade youth

                                      8:15 Worship                     10:45 Worship

September                      Cole Walgrave                                      Sydney Thielbar

                                                Gunnar Olson                                       Savanna Thielbar

October                               Joe Sommers                                        Austin Fick     

                                                                Hailey Sommers                                              Cole Walgrave

November                          Allison Schandelmeir                           Alexis Hiller    

                                                Amanda Barnhart                                 Chris Hoogland

December                          Kira Graber                                           Brady Hudson

                                Tessa Gyberg                                                    Mitchell Leuthold

January                              Hailey Hamman                                   Monaya Hustoft          

                                                Sara Kanninen                                      Erica DeBoer

February                   Spencer Schacht                       Chris Hoogland                                   

                                Paige Adams                                        Casey Klosterbuer

March                       Samantha Kramer                          Tanner Kurasch                                                                Austin Fick                                         Mitchell Leuthold

April                              Hailey Sommers                            Zane Hiller                  

                                Joe Sommers                           Brenton Thompson

May                                        Kendall Meyer                                      Nicole Severson                                                                                               Ashley Olson                                       Anna Tofteland

June                          Kira Graber                            Brooke Nattress                      

                                                                Cody Rofshus                                                   Jada Hoven

July                           Paige Adams                           Trenton Rops  

                                                Amanda Barnhart                                 Tanner Kurasch

August                      Kendall Meyer                         Colton Arends

                                      Gunnar Olson                               Tyler Kurasch

Crucifers

Crucifers are used in very special worship services: They are the cross bearers. You will lead the processionals at the beginning of the service carrying the cross. You will place the cross in a stand and be seated in the front pew on the left side of the narthex.

You will wear an acolyte robe.

Meet the pastors in the chapel 15 minutes prior to worship service

Reformation/Confirmation Sunday, October 25:

8:15 worship – Amanda Barnhart

10:30 worship – Paige Adams

Christmas Eve

          5:30 PM -  Erica DeBoer

Easter:

                        7:00 worship – Hailey Hamman

                        10:00 worship – Anna Tofteland                   

WEEK TWO         Greg Paul                                                    First Service
                                     Dan Wendland                                          Second Service

WEEK THREE     Terry Hoogland                                       First Service
                                      Bill Thompson                                          Second Service

WEEK FOUR         John Thorson                                           First Service
                                      Mark Sandager                                         Second Service

WEEK FIVE           Terry Hoogland                                       First Service
                                       Ray and Elaine Hansen                         Second Service

Week 1, 4, & 5           Traditional Services
Week 2                         Exaltation Worship Team — They usually practice Thursday
                                        night before the 2nd Sunday — Please see the Grace Notes
                                        for the time.
Week 3                         Bread of Life Worship Team – They usually practice the
                                        Wednesday night before the 3rd Sunday.  Please see the
                                        Grace Notes for the time.

*** If something should arise that you wouldn’t be able to run the soundboard, please
call another person on the contact list to trade your Sunday. ***

*****OUR THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR TIME & COMMITMENT*****

From the Worship & Music Ministry

Everyone is welcome, you do not need to be a Lutheran to join us. We welcome everyone from all religious backgrounds.

We look forward to having you join us on this trip of a lifetime. It promises to be a wonderful experience for all with time to enjoy the fellowship of old friends and new. Nawas International Travel is making the arrangements for us and has earned a reputation for reliability and excellence in their 59 years of business.

While the year 2010 seems a long time away, NOW is the time to make plans and reserve your place on the tour as space is limited. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the Passion Play and experience Luther’s Germany! Click here for a brochure. Website: http://tours.lutheranweb.net/