The St. Olaf Caller

April 2009

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From the Desk of Pastor Matt

“To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”   1 Corinthians 12:4-7

The following has been heavily borrowed from Kelly Fryer’s, “Reclaiming the ‘L’ Word”:

            There is nothing at all in the Bible that would support the idea that pastors are supposed to be the only ministers—or even the most important ones—in the church.  In fact, Paul goes out of his way to help us imagine the church as a human body, where each single part is just as important as every other (1 Corinthians 12).  That is, each part working together for the common good.  And the only part of the Bible that talks about what a pastor’s job description looks like says that the pastor is to equip the people of God for ministry (Ephesians 4:11-13).

Now I don’t know exactly when it got started that pastors started thinking that they were the biggest fish in the pond.  Nor do I know when congregation members started thinking that all they should do is put money in the offering plate and pay someone else to do their job for them.  Who started this?!  If all pastors are depressed, no wonder!  The Bible makes it clear that the ministry is NOT just the pastor’s job; It is something EVERYONE is supposed to be doing.  Everyone has something to offer. And, frankly, Lutherans ought to know this better than anybody else.

            Martin Luther, who knew the Bible intimately, grasped hold of this idea and called it “the priesthood of all believers”.  Luther didn’t limit this idea to all Christians simply supporting those who take up the call to ministry.  Luther wrote that all people who are baptized ARE CALLED TO DO ministry.  Have you been baptized?  Good, then you are a part of this great community whom God sends out to make a difference in the world. 
In other words, use the phrase that is found throughout both Old and New Testaments—God has blessed you so that you can be a blessing to others.

            This idea that every Christian belongs to a “priesthood of all believers” is critical to the health, vitality, and renewal of our churches (after all, statistics show that the “one man show” idea hasn’t been working too well.  We have lost around 50% of our members since the 1970s).  It is the safeguard against ever thinking that any ONE of us is the only one that matters.  It is a challenge to create communities of faith where people are responsible for their own spiritual lives; and where we can care for and pray with one another.  It is a invitation to be God’s people in the world, making a difference everywhere we go.  We have been given gifts to share.  We each have been given a job to do.  A pastor’s job is to lead God’s people into the freedom Christ died for… to spark our imaginations so that we might be able to get a glimpse of what God is up to in the world… to call us into the future God has in store for us… to challenge us to go wherever the Spirit leads… and to equip us to do what God calls us to do.  A pastor’s job, in a word, is to help us become who we are: member of a priesthood of all believers.  And our job, as the baptized people of God is to get busy… at church, at home, at work, in the community, and wherever God sends us… being God’s people and doing what God leads us to do.

            This “priesthood of all believers” is really what our mission statement is about—“Sharing God’s Love…Caring for Community!” The very words reflect that we are ALL children of God.  We as God’s people are gathered into natural clusters known as families, but we are also gathered into a greater identity, through our baptism, which is known as the body of Christ.  The purpose of St. Olaf gathered around our mission statement can engage us at multiple levels—to equip, educate, encourage, and send us out to DO Christ’s work at church, at home and away from home—so we can be all that God has recreated us to be. 

Come, let us be a blessing to others,

 Pastor Matt

April Anniversaries
9     Terry and Frank Borden                                 
15   Dave and Ann Marie Kraemer                        
20   Joseph and Vicky St.George                           
26   Brian and Jennifer Schutze                              
30   Lawrence and Lisa Rolefson                          

April Birthdays
3       Mary Jacobson, Kelly Senfleben
4       Andrea Hills , Dennis Portz
5       Jason Bates
7       Esther Mason, Dennis Uhlman
9       Michael Stuettgen
10     Chad Smithyman
11     Carol Evert
12     Steven Sumnicht
14     Linda Egelseer, Donna Schell, Scott Stewart
15     Daniel Hermanson, Abigail Hoffmann
17     Tylor Reed
18     Christy Fritche, Debra Solveson
19     Bruce Benson
20     Joshua Uhlman
21     Brenda Houghtaling, Kathy Smithyman
22     Connie Kreuser
25     Jeffrey Brewer
26     Brian Brady, Lauren Morrissey
27     Christine Guenther, Jill Guenther
27     Alexander Schuett
28     Bert Chaffin, Dale Eske
29     Sarah Stuettgen
30     Mitch Solveson

Cemetery Plots Available
The church has two cemetery plots for sale in Wisconsin Memorial Park on West Capitol Drive in Brookfield .  The gravesites are $1695 each and are in a valued part of the park which is almost filled. If you or someone you know is interested in these plots, please call the church office.

Special Communion
We will have Special Communion on Maundy Thursday, April 9^th at 11:00 a.m.   Please join us for a worship service, followed by a lunch.

New Member Classes
We are holding new member classes on Sunday evenings from April 19^th through May 17^th.  The classes will be held from 6:30-7:30 . Please let Tom Ziebell (920-474-7411) or the church office (920-474-7042) by April 5^th.

Lay Ministry Schedule

 Altar Guild: Marlene Connell & Liz Laack
Counters:  Milton Bliss, Larry Christopherson & Roger Johnson
For questions regarding the following, please call:
Acolytes:   Robyn Cowell 262-673-9693
Assisting Ministers: Gwen Downing 262-673-6717

Taking Faith Home
Holy Ground
By Marilyn Sharpe (TYFI.org)

Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.
Exodus 3:5

One breathtaking evening, sitting on a friend’s deck overlooking a gorgeous lake, I put on a sweater to watch the sunset, listen to the quieting woodland sounds, hear a loon’s plaintive cry … and I slipped off my sandals. I knew that I stood on holy ground.

I grew up in Minnesota . The still water of an evening lake, surrounded by birch and pine, has always been holy ground. I see the fingerprints of the creator God there. First, my parents showed me awe, wrapped in their loving embrace. Then, my husband and I discovered it together, wilderness canoe camping on our honeymoon. Later, we shared it with our children, lying on a dock, much too late at night, watching the Northern Lights or huddled in an impromptu igloo in our front yard, marveling at the crystalline beauty of winter. Now, we hold our grandchildren and re-experience wonder and awe in their young eyes, and we give thanks for this holy ground.

In Exodus, Moses slowed down to notice the burning bush, to hear God call him by name, to turn aside, to stand before God. What is the message for us in families?

We need to slow down. Otherwise, we will speed past the holy. We need to notice. Children help us do that with their lively sense of wonder and their questions. It can be contagious that wonder, seeing the world through the fresh eyes of a child. We need to listen for the voice of God, calling us by name, claiming us in the waters of our baptism. We need to stand before God, listening to the improbable things God will ask us to do, on behalf of the world He loved so much that He sent his only son. We need to thank God for the holy ground of our lives.

So, what and where is holy ground for you and for your family? Sometimes it is a place apart. It may be the mountains or ocean or a quiet lake. It may be your grandparents’ home or the church you grew up in. It may be a country, whose beauty or the needs of its people, that calls you to come as a family. It most certainly is in the car with a proud teen, celebrating the story of their success; the bedside of a little one, after prayers and goodnight kisses; the delight of a toddler who has a sand castle to show you; a birthday party for one you weren’t sure would live until this day; the dinner table, the everydayness of it, wrapped in love.

Thank God for this holy ground, and tell your children…

Holy Week Schedule

Maundy Thursday, April 9,

11:00 a.m. Special Communion

7:00 p.m. Worship with First Communion for 4^th & 5^th graders

Good Friday, April 10, 7:00 p.m. Tenebrae Service

Saturday, April 11, 5:00 p.m. Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 12

    7:00 a.m.   Worship service with Holy Communion

    9:00 a.m.    Worship service with Holy Communion

7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Easter Breakfast

Baskets of Love

St. Olaf Parish Life Committee, in cooperation with Sunday School Students, is proud to announce the 3rd Annual Baskets of Love Project.  This was a huge success last year, and we’d like to keep it going!  We would greatly appreciate your donations of the following type of items (enough to fill approx. 18 smaller sized baskets).  Individually wrapped, non–perishable food items (oatmeal, granola bars, puddings, etc..), small individual toiletries (lotions, tissues), activity books, note cards, stamps, and anything else you can give to brighten someone’s day!  We will be delivering the baskets to our homebound and elderly members shortly after Easter.  Donations will be accepted starting Sunday, March 15 through Palm Sunday (April 5^th).  Please place items in the bin provided near the mailboxes. Thanking you in advance for your generous support!  Any items leftover will be donated to the local food pantry.

Inscription Auction Ending Soon
Did you notice the empty picture frame on the wall? The original painting of St. Olaf's Church will be hung there permanently.

Are you looking for a way to thank God for your many blessings? Would you like to have your family remembered or memorialize an ancestor or a loved one? Consider making a bid for the inscription rights to the painting. An engraved plate with the highest bidder's choice of inscription will be attached to the frame. The amount of the highest bid will go directly to reducing the principal on the building loan. Enter your bid and date on the bidding sheet located on the table across from the office. Then call in your name and the amount and date of your bid to Roger Johnson at 920-474-3168. Watch the bidding sheet. You can increase your bid. 

The end of the auction for the inscription rights is drawing near.  If you are considering a bid, it is strongly suggested you do it very soon.  If there is no further interest, the auction will be ended, the lone bidder's choice of inscription will be attached to the painting, and the painting hung in the church.

Join us for UFF-DA
On Sunday, May 17 we will sponsor our third UFF-DA class during our regular Sunday School hour.  UFF-DA (Uniting Faith and the Forty Developmental Assets) is a fun time for everyone  in the church to focus on an asset that will help all of us to have a fulfilling life in Christ.  Games, stories, activities for all ages, so join us in the Sanctuary after church and then we will move to the Fellowship Hall.

May Day Celebration
Join us for a May Day Celebration on Friday, May 1 at  5:30 .  We will begin with a casual meal, have a program by Michael Drake, a very talented comic and musician, at 6 and end with a dessert buffet.  Our May event has typically been a Mother/Child event, but this year everyone is included, and you can still bring your mother!  It will be a night to laugh and eat and have fun together so try not to miss it.  Tickets are $3 and will be available soon.  Please bring a dessert to share and your sense of humor! 

Let's Have Some FUN!!!
      St. Olaf Congregation was organized 165 years ago and is still going strong.  Let's celebrate God's blessings all year long during this anniversary year.
      One of our special blessings is that we are such an active congregation.  There will be many special events throughout the year.  Let's use this 165^th anniversary as an impetus to make these upcoming events well attended and successful.  For example, many old timers remember the Ice Cream Socials having old time themes and costumes.  Let's plan a Retro theme for the Ice Cream Social on July 26.
      Members have pointed out some special needs at St. Olaf's.  Let's make it a 165^th anniversary goal to complete some of these projects.  For example, there is talk of needing a sign advertising worship times and special events.  Let's complete this project as a 165th anniversary gift.
      A group of volunteers has been meeting on Sunday mornings after church to plan additional celebrations and list projects that could be undertaken this anniversary year.  These events and projects will be posted at the church.
      To have successful special events and projects will require the time and talents of many St. Olaf members; old members, new members, ALL members.  Let's have some fun together!  Volunteer to help on an event or project that interests you.
      Some special talent needs are:  photography, printing, graphic design, data entry, proof reading, letter writing, telephone callers, public relations, legal advice, masons, carpenters, electricians, sign painting, decorating, cooks, kitchen helpers, and the list goes on.  Please offer your talents and join the Celebration of 165 years of God's Blessings in this place.
      There will be a sign up sheet in the church or call George or Elaine Monis (920-474-4092), Lucy Braunschweig (920-474-4637), or Roger Johnson (920-474-3168).  Volunteers are asked sign up and then to reach out and invite a new member or less active member to volunteer with you.

 
Grocery Receipts
St. Olaf Lutheran Church is now registered with Sentry Foods in Oconomowoc to receive a percentage of your grocery bill.  Please deposit your stamped grocery receipt in the coffee can near the kiosk.

Simply Giving is a Good Thing
by Roger Johnson
Simply Giving is a way to make your offerings to the general and building funds through electronic fund transfer.  Many families already utilize electronic transfer of funds from their checking accounts for other purposes.  Others have never tried it and may be wary of the process.  We want to get all the information to you and ask you to consider Simply Giving.  You have heard Pastor talk of the First Fruits concept.  Simply Giving is an effective and easy way to give of your first fruits.

The advantages of Simply Giving to you are:
No more thinking about how much you should put in the envelope this week.  No checks to write.  No more writing checks or looking for cash at the last minute.  No playing catch-up at year's end.  Safer than writing a check.  

The advantages of Simply Giving to the church are:
The church will know that a certain amount of money will come in each week regardless of snow storms, flu outbreaks, summer holidays, or whatever.

Helps the counters and makes church's book keeping easier.  Encourages individuals to evaluate their giving habits and maybe make some positive changes

Things you should know about Simply Giving: You pay no fees.  You determine frequency of your pledge withdrawals.  You can choose deducting from a checking or savings account.  No one can deduct money from your account unless you authorize it.

Simply Giving is good for almost everyone.  It is especially good for those who have steady income, do a lot of weekend traveling, go south for the winter or up north in the summer.  Simply Giving may not be good for you if your financial situation fluctuates wildly throughout the month, you anticipate being laid off, or your income is from part time or seasonal work.  Those who would like to put an envelope in the plate, can still do so. Simply Giving stamps will be provided at your request for the empty envelopes you put in the plate.

If I’m interested, what should I do?

 Those families that use it, like it very much.  Ask them.  Simply Giving brochures and applications are on the table in the foyer.  If you have questions, ask Denise or Roger Johnson.

Complete the authorization form & return to church office.  Don't mail it to Vanco. 

St. Olaf Sunday School presents

Easter

 April 26 – May 10

Now we can rejoice in the Easter story!  This part of the story is significant because in no other religion has a 'god' ever raised himself from the dead.  He triumphed over sin and death, and He has the power to take us to be with Him when we die.  During Lent and Holy Week we have focused on the Palm Sunday, the Last Supper, the Crucifixion and now on Jesus'  Resurrection.

The message of Jesus dying on the cross to save us, and then raising from the dead is, like Christmas, very important, maybe even more so.  The message is a life-changing one, and gives us forgiveness and hope for a future with God.  This is a great time to talk to your children about Jesus’s death and resurrection. 

Sunday School Classes

• In the Oasis Café we will have Resurrection Buns and tell the whole story of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
• In Colors of Faith we will concentrate on butterflies as a wonderful sign of new life, just as Jesus brought us new life with Easter! 
• In Creation Exploration we will see the power of the resurrection and God’s love come alive. 

 Our focus verse:

 Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified.

He is not here; he has risen,  just as he said.  Matthew 28:5-6

VBS Needs
It's that time of year again to start thinking about VBS.  The theme this year is Gospel Light's Son Rock Kids Camp.  Your child will let their creativity flow as they create crafts that emphasize Bible stories, the daily truths, and more!  I'm asking for everyone's help to make the adventure come alive for all VBS students.  The Art area needs the following supplies to make this happen.

     Wrapping paper tubes- 40

Paper towel tubes- 30

Toilet paper tubes- 40

colored masking or electrical tape any color-5 rolls

twine rope- 4 rolls

circular magnet with hole in it- 40 of them

wooden dowels ¼ in. diameter by 18 inches long-40 of them

glitter- colors blue, silver, gold- 3 of each color

blue food coloring- 1 bottle

white rectangle blank label stickers- 40 of them

wide ruled spiral notebooks- 30 of them

large paper clips- 3 boxes

small paper clips- 2 boxes

white paper plates- pack of 50

pine needles, acorns, twigs, leaves- as many as you can get

stick or branch 18 to 24 inches long- 30 of them

silk or plastic flowers- large bag of them

large blue disposable plastic plates ( 2 per child)- 80 of them

yarn any color

cardboard oatmeal canister with lid-40 of them

flat brown spray paint- 4 cans

clear acrylic spray-3 cans

white card stock - 60 sheets

large yellow construction paper- 3 packs

stones 2 or 3 inches-30 of them

large pine cones- 30 of them

craft glue- 10 bottles

black or blue permanent markers- 10

tongue depressors – 100

solid color ceramic tiles 3x3 or bigger-need not to match- 40 of them

window screen-cut into sizes of 5 ½ x 13inch rectangles one for each child-40 of them

 A bin will be labeled outside the nursery door for any items you can donate! 

Thank you!

Questions?  Please call Art Coordinator, Kathy Monis at 262-670-0731

Rummage Sale Items
If you brought items for the rummage sale last fall that are still in the garage, please come and pick them up before our April 4^th Properties Committee meeting.  Any items that are left will be thrown out on that day.  Thank you from the Properties Committee.

Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage
Laugh your way to a better relationship with the opposite sex.  If you are married, if you are thinking about being married, if you have children who are married or are dating, join us on Saturday, April 25 for pizza and more discussion of the NOTHING BOX, "Women telling us important things from half way across town" and the " Happy Place ".  Social Time 6:00 p.m. , Pizza 6:15 p.m. , Pastor Mark DVD at 7:00 p.m.   Cost is $15.00 per couple, $8.00 per single.  Free Childcare will be available.   More details to come.

Hanging Basket Sale
Celebrate Mother’s Day, May 10^th, with flowers!  The youth of St. Olaf’s will be sponsoring a hanging basket sale this year in honor of moms everywhere. Hanging baskets are locally grown and will be of the highest quality. Profits from this sale will be used to fund our youth events. Baskets will be available for pick up on Saturday morning, May 2^nd, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.   There is a great selection of baskets available!  Thanking you in advance from the St. Olaf Youth group for your participation!

See the order form at church.

Financial Reporting Update
submitted by Karl Monis, Treasurer
I would first like to thank everyone for their donations of time, talents, and financial contributions that continue to make St. Olaf's a beacon of hope here in this community.  With everything going on in our country and around the world, it is easy to forget the good news that comes to us through Christ.  It is especially important, during these times, to continue reaching out among our members and the community through worship, fellowship, counseling, teaching, and prayer.  I ask for your continued support of these activities.

Secondly, I want to update the congregation on how we are doing compared to our Mission Plan Budget that was approved for 2009.  Each week in the bulletin we acknowledge the giving and attendance from the previous week.  In the past, we have also noted the giving needed each week to meet our budget and mortgage.  When you compare those numbers, some weeks look pretty good, while in other weeks there is a substantial deficit.  There are some natural trends to our giving; the first week of the month is consistently stronger than other weeks.  There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, but I would like to give the congregation a better measure of our financial affairs.  You may have noticed this new figure in the bulletin; Year to Date Giving has met 74% of our Mission Plan Budget.  This percentage is calculated by adding the giving for the first two months of the year divided by 1/6 of the annual budget.  Each month we will update this figure, after the full month is complete.  So, in April you will see how we did for the first 3 months of the year, divided by one fourth of the budget.  The mortgage percentage is calculated similarly based on minimum mortgage payments.  We will continue to print the giving from the previous week.  Contact me with any questions about this information.

These figures will show whether we have the funds necessary to support our full Mission Plan this year.  We may have to adjust our plan during the year, which we explained at the annual meeting.  For example, recently the office has been open two days a week rather than the 3 days that were budgeted.  There may become a time where further adjustments are needed to the budget plan, and we ask for your prayers and support of our decisions.  I am confident in the resilience of this congregation, who has worked through many difficult times in 165 years of history.   We have many things to be thankful for, including an inspiring pastor, a motivated congregation, an accommodating facility, and the love of Jesus Christ.  Let us not forget we are his people and through him we will succeed.

 Psalms 24:1 “The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.”

Grace Matters
On April 12, 2009 , the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will discontinue production of new programs for its radio ministry, Grace Matters, but we will continue to make past programs available on this Web site.  You can listen to Grace Matters on Sundays at 7:00 a.m. on 104.9 FM and 1540 AM.

Whether you are new to Grace Matters or have been a long-time faithful listener, we hope you will continue to visit their website, www.gracematters.org to listen to programs online, download programs to your computer or MP3 player, or receive the pod cast. You may also order CDs and transcripts of past programs on their website or by calling 800-638-3522.

Grace Matters has interviewed many compelling guests over the years, such as broadcaster Charles Osgood, Pampered Chef CEO Doris Christopher, and Musician Peter Mayer. These programs, and all programs since 2005, are available for you to listen to and share. We hope these messages will bring you inspiration and peace.  

Listen to Grace Matters on Sundays at 7:00 a.m. on 104.9 FM or 1540 AM
Click here for Grace Matter Radio Broadcast information.

Bible Discussion
Please join us at 10:30 am Sunday April 5 to discuss the Bible.  Some of us have been reading a part of the Old Testament, the New Testament, a Psalm, and a Proverb everyday and then we get together on the first Sunday of the month to talk about what we have read in the last month.  When we discuss what we have read, it leads to a great discussion about the world around us and our lives.   Please join us.  Even if you have not been reading it is a delightful, enlightening, and enjoyable 45 minutes.  

April 2009 Youth News

 Please visit the Youth board for more info and to sign up  

 Road Side Clean Up Sat. April 4^th at 10:00 a.m.

Now that the snow has melted, have you noticed all the litter on the side of the roads?  Have you noticed that the Adopt-a-Highway signs have your “St Olaf Youth” name on them?                                                                                                                                                         

Well, it’s time once again to pitch in and do our part to make our countryside look clean again.  We are setting aside Sat. April 4^th at 10:00 a.m. to get the job done.  Need parents and youth to commit to this much needed service project.  Our area to clean begins at the Dodge County line on Hwy O about a ½ mile east of the curve and goes all the way past church to Hwy 67.  The more that come the merrier, and the less work everyone has to do.  We will share lunch together following the clean up.  Sr. High Youth and Confirmation class youth are asked to participate.   

Please bring work gloves and wear something bright along with closed toed shoes.  Sign up on the Youth Board.  

“Meet a New Friend” Brunch 

Sunday, April 19, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.

Interviews between youth and congregation members have begun and hopefully some friendships are beginning to form.  Sr. High Youth and Confirmation Class students will share a meal with those they have interviewed and share what they have learned about that person or persons with the others.   

Haley Pietila and her Mom, Sherry, along with Morgan Smeaton and her Mom, Sara, together with Justine are organizing the event.  Those youth and parents involved will be contacted with what to bring for the brunch so if you haven’t done your interview yet, please contact your person and make arrangements for your interview.  Remember to keep good notes and if you have any questions, please call Justine. 

Shorehaven

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Thanks to Bruce Shell and all those youth that have gone to Shorehaven the 4^th Sunday of each month to wheel the elderly to chapel.  Your time there is very much appreciated and I pray that you are learning what it means to be the hands and feet of Jesus wherever you are and whenever you can be.  If you haven’t volunteered for this activity yet, I strongly recommend you give it a try.  Sign up on the Youth board if you can go this day.  We will need a parent driver to go also. 

Hanging Baskets for sale during April

Delivery Sat. May 2^nd

A good way to remember Mothers, Grandmas, Godmothers, Aunts and everyone special to you on Mother’s Day is by giving a hanging basket to them.  Any youth that sell hanging baskets to their family and neighbors will have the profit from those orders put in the Youth account in their name to use for future retreats, events and trips.  Profit from Congregation members’ orders will be used for the entire group.  Order forms are available in the Gathering area and should be turned in by April 19, 2009 .  Place the filled out order forms and payments in the Hanging Basket orders box in the Gathering area.  Need youth and parent helpers to sort orders on Sat. morning, May 2^nd, following delivery at 8:00 a.m.   Let Justine know if you can help.

Looking Ahead

Confirmation Sunday is May 17^th at 9:00 a.m. with pictures being taken at 8:00 a.m.