March 2010

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From the Desk of Pastor Matt

Many of his followers heard this and said, “This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?  Because of this, many of Jesus’ followers turned back and would not go with him any more. So he asked the twelve disciples, “And you—would you also like to leave?”  Simon Peter answered him, “Lord to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.” 

(John 7:40-43)

 Lent is not easy.  Its message focuses us on some of the more difficult topics of life—temptation, sin, betrayal, hardships…  No, Lent is not easy.  Some people then ask, so why do we do Lent?  Why not always look on the bright side of life? 

 Perhaps it’s because putting on a happy face does not make the difficult topics go away.  They still persist.  They still pounce on us from the shadows.  They still linger in our memories.  Given enough time, we will all experience some sort of hardship.  Furthermore, to insist on avoiding hardships means that we must also avoid those going through them, and that just makes the difficult times worse.   

There is an alternative though—since the hardships will not go away on their own, then maybe we can use our time and presence to bring healing and health to those difficult situations.  Perhaps we can be the expression of God’s love to those people and places.

 Robert Frost once wrote, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”  That less traveled road is the road of healing and wellness.  It is the road of health.  It is the road down which the words of eternal life travel to transform our current realities into blessings.  The kind of transformation that turns a cancer victim into the leader of a cancer support group…a parent who has lost a child into a grief counselor…a person turns from seeing the glass half empty to the glass half full.

 “I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.”  A difference in my life.  A difference in the lives of those around me.  A difference in the world as the blessing ripples out.  A difference in the Kingdom of God as people see what God is doing in our midst. 

 “I took the one less traveled by, and that made all the difference.”  Come, let us follow Jesus into Lent, and see the difference our Lord makes. 

In Christ’s peace,

Pastor Matt

Easter Flowers
The deadline to order flowers for Easter is Sunday March 29th. Order forms can be found at church or in the printed March Caller.  There are several types of flowers available. Please make checks payable to: St. Olaf’s Lutheran Church. Order forms may be returned to the office or placed in the offering plate. Don't forget the deadline is March 29th!

Contemporary Worship
Our Praise worship services will continue with the first Sunday of each month at 10:30 a.m.  Get the word out, pray for us, and join us! 

Lenten Walk on Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, March 28, during our Education Hour from 10:15-11:15 you will have the chance to walk through the events that led up to the miraculous resurrection of our Lord.  Various rooms will be set up around the church which will have a specific scene from Jesus’ life.  Sunday School children will go through with their classes.  Parents and congregation members are also invited to travel from scene to scene with a guide who will help them experience the life of Christ.  We will meet in the Fellowship Hall and then small groups will leave every few minutes.  This is a great opportunity to see and feel the events leading up to Holy Week.  Come and experience! 

Pie Fundraiser
Thank you for buying and eating pies. $304 was raised for debt reduction. Thanks to Larry Christopherson for donating more elderberries, we have some to make more pies if anyone would like.  Jessie Bohen 920-474-4028 and Elaine Monis 920-474-4092.

Together in Faith begins in March
Once again we are inviting our Sunday School families to take part in our Together in Faith curriculum with their children.  The younger classes meet March 7 & March 14 during our Sunday School hour.  Third, fourth and fifth graders meet for three weeks—March 7, 14 & 21.  Each age level learns about a different aspect of our Lutheran faith and learns how to incorporate it into our daily lives.  After the classes have been completed each week in church the students will be sharing with the congregation as they help to lead us in the Lord’s Prayer, the Apostles’ Creed or reading the Scripture.  Help support our children as they, along with their families, learn and experience how we can all grow together in faith. 

Let's put together some Health Kits
We will be collecting Health Kits during the various weeks of Lent.  Health kits help people who have been displaced by natural disasters such as the earthquake in Haiti or to help refugees living in exile.  Please help us to collect these items for Lutheran World Relief.  If you prefer to donate items at one time, feel free. Thanks in advance for your donations.
Third week of Lent - One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging
Fourth week of Lent - One sturdy comb
Fifth week of Lent - One metal nail file or nail clippers with file attached, remove packaging (do not substitute cardboard emery boards for the file)
Holy Week - Six Band-Aids, preferably 1/2" to 3/4"; secure together with a rubber band

Thanks to the February Stewards
Roger & Lyn Johnson, John & Lisa Christenson and family, Dick & Linda Feutz, John & Jenni Guenther, Gerry & Jessie Bohen, Julie & Braden Bohen, Dolores Johnson, Larry & Lisa Rolefson, Aldon & Phylliss Schlieve, Truman Schultz, Dave & Lisa Sutrick

New Member Classes
Classes are beginning for anyone interested in joining St. Olaf's. There will be four meetings April 11, 18, 25 and May 2, Sunday evenings 6:30 - 7:30. 

Please contact the church office 920-474-7042 or Tom Ziebell 920-474-7411

March Anniversaries and Birthdays 
2     Gregory and Jody Homulos
10    Daniel and Melissa Meier

  2    Austin Becker
  3    Dawn Freiburger, Deborah Krahn
  4    Glenn Mason
  5    Lavonne Christenson, Dolores Johnson,
  5    Jennifer Schutze
  6    Brynn Johnson
  7    Austin Brewer
  9    Riley Smeaton
  11  Kevin Schultz
  12  Kenneth Ziebell
  13  Justin Schultz
  14  Trevor Millikin, Virginia Petersen,
  14  Michael Schlehlein
  15  Jane Christenson, Rebecca Schuett
  16  Patricia Kraft, Haley Roraff, Randy Sikkema
  17  Sherri Krueger, Trevor Schell, Alyssa Schutze
  18  Kyle Johnson, Douglas Kreger
  19  Jeffrey Dauss
  20  Gertrude Guenther, David Much
  20  Maxwell Roth, Cindy Stuettgen
  22  Carter Meier
  23  Lisa Kreger
  24  Rachel Savatski, Jerry Schlieve
  25  George Birkel
  26  Ashley Hoppe
  27  Kendra Stewart, Hannah Wentz
  28  Kathy Monis
  29  Mark Solveson, Kala Uhlman
  30  Patricia Rolefson
  31  Glen Houghtaling

Many Thanks
            The following practiced great stewardship by cutting wood for the upcoming St. Olaf's sugar bush.  Many thanks to Jim Lumsden, Paula Olson, John Straight, Nate Stewart, Bruce Benson, the Hautala family, Jon Monis, Shayne Johnson, and Tim Schuett.  Thanks also to those who donated jars for maple syrup.  Their time, talents, and contributions will be converted to treasure for St. Olaf's when the sap runs in March.        

            God doesn't turn the sap into maple syrup for us. He provides the talents, the wood, and the maple sap.  It's up to us to convert that which he provides into treasure to support the ministry.  Last year's maple syrup production produced $790 for St. Olaf's general fund.  We can double or triple that amount in 2010.  We will have about 150 pails out and two cooking fires.  We have enough quart jars but need 150 more sealable pint jars by March.  I will need help in March carrying sap and tending the fires.  It is something a family can do together and will be an intergenerational event.  Get some exercise and fresh air and help turn time into treasure for St. Olaf's.

Generous Gifts
The Women of Grace announce with joy the receipt of generous and much needed gifts for our mission in Christ.  $1,000 will be divided to outside national and international mission projects, including Lutheran World Relief which helps Haiti, the Women of the ELCA's mission projects and Lutheran Social Services.  In addition, we will be giving $2,000 to the St. Olaf general fund and $2,000 to the St. Olaf Building Fund.  We thank everyone who helped make these profits possible with all the help received at the Lutefisk Dinner.  

Volunteers Needed
Would you be willing to be a Hospice Volunteer who helps patients and families deal with a terminal illness?  If so, please contact Patty Healy, Volunteer Coordinator for Rolland Nelson Crossroads Home Hospice at 920-474-7830 or email to patti.healy@phci.org for more information.  New volunteer training will be starting mid-March. Our Hospice is affiliated with ProHealth Care, Inc. and Waukesha Memorial Hospital and Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital.  We serve clients in Waukesha, Jefferson, Walworth, Washington and Dodge Counties.  We assign you to visit patients close to your community.

Special Communion
There will be a special communion worship service followed by a meal on Maundy Thursday, April 1 beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Please call the church office if you are in need of a ride.

Celebrating First Communion
The following students will celebrate First Communion on Maundy Thursday at the 7:00 p.m. worship service:  Hannah Fick, Colin Hautala, Keya Schmidt, Lauren Snowberger, Krista Stewart, Catherine Van Lare and Andrew Wiegel.

Lent & Holy Week Schedule
Ecumenical Services:
Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the following churches.

Wednesday, March 3                          
            St. Olaf’s Lutheran *

Wednesday, March 10            
            St. Paul’s Episcopal, Ashippun

Wednesday, March 17            
            Zion Lutheran, Ashippun

Wednesday, March 24            
            St. Paul’s Lutheran, Sugar Island

 *We will be responsible for finger foods for our fellowship after the service.  Please bring them to the Fellowship Hall by 6:00 p.m.

Holy Week Services:
Thursday, April 1             11:00 a.m.                 Special Communion Service

Thursday, April 1               7:00 p.m.                 Maundy Thursday Service with First Communion for 4^th/5^th graders

Friday, April 2                   7:00 p.m.                 Good Friday Tenebrae Service

Saturday, April 3             5:00 p.m.                   Easter Vigil

Easter Sunday, April 4     7:00, 9:00 a.m.          Worship Service with Holy Communion

                                 10:30 a.m.                Praise Service w/ Communion

 Praise Band
We are looking for musicians to play in St. Olaf’s Praise Band.  Our Praise Service is the first Sunday of each month and practices are held on different days.  All musicians of varying skill levels are welcome.  We are especially in need of a drummer and a bass guitar player.  See Kathy Johnston or Bruce Benson for details.

March & April Lay Ministry Schedule

March Altar Guild: Joan Uhlman & Jane Christenson
March Counters:  John Roth, Randy Buth, June Sumnicht

Retreat for 7^th – 12^th grade
March 6-7
Includes the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics. Meet here at 8:00 a.m.

Finance Notes
In an on-going effort to make the financial status of the church clearer to the congregation, the Finance committee has changed the name of the building fund to the mortgage reduction fund.  Apparently there was still some confusion over what the building fund was for.  Initially it was set up to save up money for the building addition.  Though it properly should have always been called the capital fund, it was commonly referred to as the building fund.  Now that the building addition has been completed, the money in the building fund is used strictly to pay down the existing mortgage.  Repairs and ‘finishing touches’ to the building are covered from the general fund as overseen by the Properties committee.  The building fund is currently not a place where we save up funds for a future addition 30 years down the road or a future major repair like a new roof or a new furnace.  It is strictly used to pay down the mortgage, hence, the name change.  Unfortunately, our offering envelopes that are produced and distributed by Augsburg Fortress will continue to say ‘building fund.’  We hope this does not cause confusion.

Speaking of offerings, many of us are comfortable with on-line banking and use it frequently in our personal lives.  Have you considered adding St. Olaf to your list of vendors in your electronic bill pay account with your bank?  While a gift to the church should never be considered a bill, it does come out of the same account and can be given at the same time you are handling your other financial matters.  This is a great way to keep your donations consistent especially if you know you will be away from church for a while.  For the most consistency and convenience, sign up for Simply Giving, the automatic electronic debit program sponsored by Thrivent.  It doesn’t cost you a thing and has been shown to be perfectly safe.  Those who use Simply Giving really like it.  See Denise or anyone from the Finance committee for more information.

Ronald McDonald House Charities
Dear Friends,

            On behalf of our Families, House Volunteers, Staff, Friends of RMHC and Board of Directors, please accepts my heartfelt thank you for your wonderful donation of $515 to Ronald McDonald House Charities of Eastern Wisconsin from your adult and children’s Christmas programs.

            Our House has been witness to countless moving, deeply personal stories. The medical reasons that bring families to the House are as unique as each child, but the impact of the child’s illness on each family is similar. When a child becomes ill, the family’s entire world suddenly is turned inside out. Physically, financially and emotionally stressed, families find themselves at our front door…a house built with love and filled with hope.

            Family love is the heart of our mission and truly reflects the spirit which has enabled us to provide a safe, comfortable, and nurturing environment. We are committed to providing our guests with the normalcy of home while everything important in their lives is out of control.

            Your generous support helps to ensure the fulfillment of this important mission for which we are most grateful.

            Warmest regards,
            Linda Kohler, President

St. Olaf is Invited
The Neighborhood House of Milwaukee Nature Center would like to invite the St. Olaf congregation to join us on Sunday, March 14^th, as we harvest and process our maple syrup!

     -         Enjoy a potluck lunch! Bring something to share!

-         Sit by the fire and catch up with old and new friends!

-         Take a guided nature hike!

-         Learn ALL about making maple syrup!

 Directions: ….  A convoy will leave church at 10:15 and you are free to stay until 4 or 5PM.  If you want to make your way there on your own it is on Hwy MM on that very short stretch between Hwy EE and Hwy 67:

Nature Center
2650 County Road MM, Neosho, WI
*Please dress appropriate for the weather*

For more information contact Jamie Shorts (262) 993-2413 or Laura Savatski (262) 670-0550

U.F.F.D.A.
Uniting Faith and the Forty Developmental Assets at Shorehaven

A big thank you to those who participated in this service project on February 6^th, 2010.  With everyone’s help, it was very successful. Shorehaven residents truly enjoyed the program and treasured the heart valentines the children gave to them. A special thank you to Phyllis Schlieve for making the oatmeal cookies that the residents (and St. Olaf members) couldn’t resist. Also, thank you to Colin Hautala for sharing his talents on the guitar. Thanks again to everyone for helping St. Olaf’s Church practice service to others, one of the 40 Developmental Assets.

Taking Faith Home
Good Questions
By Marilyn Sharpe (TYFI.org)

As a mom, I wasn’t very good at asking questions. Usually they sounded like this: How was your day? What did you do today? The answers I received were grunts, hunched shoulders, or the single word, “Fine,” delivered in a breezy voice or a snarl. At the end of questioning my kids, I knew nothing and had alienated them with my perceived meddling.

But those weren’t the worst questions I asked. Try a few of these on for relational size: Why did you...? Why didn’t you...? How many times do I have to tell you...? What were you thinking? These slammed the door shut on further conversation, relationship building, or enjoying time together.

So what do I wish I had done differently?

SETTING AND CONTEXT: Consider where and when you ask questions. Do you have your child’s undivided attention and does your child have yours? Do you have time to spend on a conversation? Have you turned off the distractions? Are others listening in? If this is a time of conflict, tension, or high drama, postpone this conversation until peace reigns. Great conversations depend on deep, respectful listening, with a generous amount of time to spend together. With youth, talk in the dark (the carpool after other kids have been dropped off, walk the dog, do a project together, tuck your teen into bed ... or, if they stay up later than you, have them tuck you in!). If talking isn’t working, write a note or pass a journal back and forth, asking and answering one another’s questions. Make a date with just one kid to do something your child wants to do with you. Then, do it. Tell your child how much that time together meant. Remember it together. Do it again. This is not a time for correcting table manners, criticizing friends, or grilling about academic performance. This is a time where the only goal is to know and love one another better.

THE QUESTIONS THEMSELVES: My biggest mistake was asking “closed” questions, the ones that can be answered with one word. They sound like: Where are you going? Do you have homework? Did you clean your room? They close down the conversation.

Better questions are “open” questions, the ones that begin a conversation. They are generous, interested, and engaged. They are an invitation to deepen the relationship. They say, “I want to know you better. I want to know who you are.” They sound like: What qualities of a friend do you value in Ben? If you could spend a day doing anything you wanted, how would you fill your day? What is hard for you about the soccer team this year? If you could change one thing about the world, what would it be and why?

When I’ve inadvertently asked a closed question, I’ve learned to ask the follow up, “Tell me more.”

THE ART OF LISTENING: This is a conversation’s most important ingredient. No one is a better conversationalist than the one who listens, really listens to you. Give undivided attention. Ask further questions and give evidence of understanding and interest. Nod, smile, lean toward the speaker. Don’t interrupt. Do remember what has been said. Ask about it as a follow up.

In Genesis 3:9, after humankind had already broken the relationship with God by sinning, God restored the relationship by asking a question, “Where are you?” Can’t we follow this divine example of building bridges to one another with a good question?

FAMILY ACTIVITIES: A COLLECTION OF GOOD QUESTIONS

 Try some of these on a walk, at the beach, around the picnic table, or at the bedside of a child you love.
1. What are the best things about being your age?
2. What are the hardest things about being your age?
3. What do you wish I knew about your life now?
4. What makes you most proud?
5. For what do I need to ask your forgiveness? Will you forgive me?
6. Where or when or how did you experience God today?
7. For what can I pray for you today?

St. Olaf’s Annual
Pie Auction / Social

 Sunday, March 21, 2010

10:30 a.m. Spaghetti lunch ($5 a plate)

11:30 a.m. Pie Auction

Encouraging ALL members of St. Olaf to attend

Invite your friends and neighbors to share the fun!

We hope you can make it! 

St. Olaf members:  donations of pies are needed

Please have them to the kitchen by 9:00 a.m. on Sunday