The St. Olaf Caller

March 2011

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From the Desk of Pastor Matt

But a Samaritan while traveling came near him; and when he saw him, he was moved with pity. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, having poured oil and wine on them. Then he put him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
(Luke 10:33-34)
           

Several years ago a group of researchers conducted an experiment in which seminary students were each told that they had been selected to help record a talk about the Good Samaritan.  The problem was that the recording was to be done in a building all the way across campus, and because of a tight schedule they would have to hurry to get there.  On the path to the other building the researchers had planted an actor playing a sick homeless man slumped in an alley, coughing and suffering.  The excited students each hurried across campus for their important assignment, and as it turned out, almost none of them turned out to actually be Good Samaritans.  Almost all of them hurried past the suffering man.  One student even stepped over the man’s body as he rushed across campus to teach about the parable of the Good Samaritan!

The seminary students, of course, were not bad people.  They were just human.  Like the priest and the Levite, they simply had other priorities that kept them from acting with compassion.  Knowing the right thing to do and actually doing the right thing are two completely different things. 

That’s what sets the Good Samaritan apart.  He had plenty of reasons to do as the priest and Levite did, passing by on the other side of the road.  He was traveling that road and needed to get to his destination as soon as he could.  The dying man could have been a trap used to lure him into an ambush by thieves.  Any number of things could have gotten in the way of his compassion…  but for some reason, they didn’t.  He did the unthinkable.  He stopped. 

The Good Samaritan. Ever since we had over 70 people show interest in Family Promise, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about the Good Samaritan.  There are plenty of things that could have gotten in our way, but they didn’t.  We, too, stopped.  We, too, had compassion.  We, too, are looking to make a positive difference in our own area by partnering with Family Promise.  The Good Samaritan.

We are having a trial date for Family Promise before we sign up.  Our trial week is from March 13th to the 20th.  We have all the responsibilities broken down into simple tasks.  Please stop by the table where we serve coffee after worship and look at the ways you can help.  A little bit of work by a lot of people goes a long ways in a Good Samaritan congregation.  Thanks be to God!

 In Christ’s Mission,

Pastor Matt

 

 

Easter Choir

     Is anyone interested in singing in an Easter Choir?  If there are enough interested people (we would need at least ten) that would be willing to commit to being at two (2); that’s right, only 2 rehearsals, it can happen!  Rehearsals would be on Sunday mornings, April 3 and April 10, at 7:45 a.m.  We would sing at the 9:00 a.m. worship service on Easter, April 24th.

     If interested, contact Clara Birkel, 262-622-3191, before Monday, March 27th.

 

 

 

Ecumenical Lenten Service,

St. Olaf’s  will be hosting the ecumenical Service on Wednesday, March 23, 2011.  Music and Worship has decided to purchase fruit, cheese, and vegetable trays.

We will be in need of finger foods such ascookies and bars.  Please bring your donation to the Fellowship Hall no later than 6:30 P.M. on March 23rd.

Thank you!  Music and Worship Committee

 

 

Women of Grace

At the Women of Grace's October meeting, by majority vote of those present, it was decided that money from our Bake Sale (held during the lutefisk dinner) go to missions/benevolences.  Disbursement will be as follows:  $300 to each of these organizations - Lutherdale, Lutheran World Relief, Lutheran Social Services, ELCA Global Missions, ELCA World Hunger, Women of the ELCA; $100 to Hebron, $100 to PAVE, $500 towards Avdi's plane fare, for a total disbursement of $2,500.  

Of the net income of $4,407.83 derived from the lutefisk dinner, $1,000 will be given to St. Olaf's General Fund.  Balance is designated for possible kitchen improvements and upcoming projects.  --Lyn Johnson, Treasurer, Women of Grace

 

 

Pick ‘n Save We Care Program Discontinued
Please note that the program that gave money back to St. Olaf from shopping at Pick ‘n Save is no longer running.  Instead, Pick ‘n Save gift cards are now available through Scrip.  So use the Scrip program for gift cards so our church still benefits from your grocery shopping. 

 

 

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! 

 

 

 

Joyous Light                  
 Join us every 3rd Saturday of the month for our evening prayer service called "Joyous Light" written by Ray Makeever.  Ray is a graduate of Luther Seminary and a well-known musician.  This worship service is a beautiful way to center ourselves and celebrate God's Light in our life and in our world. 

 

 

Women of Grace

Mark your calendars for the next Women of Grace meeting to be held on Monday, March 28 at 7 p.m. 

 

 

Maple Syrup Time is Near!

We are asking for donations of canning jar lids & screw tops for the upcoming maple syrup fundraiser. An estimate of 300 lids are needed, 250 screw tops, small mouth preferred, although a few wide-mouth would be welcome.  Pint jars would also be welcome - maybe some that are just collecting dust in your basement?  Please leave on the shelf in the kitchen.

For those who are new to St. Olaf's, all proceeds from sale of the maple syrup is designated for the Mortgage Reduction Fund.  Thanks for your support!  --- Roger & Lyn Johnson

 

 

 

March Anniversaries

2     Greg & Jody Homulos
10   Daniel & Melissa Meier

 

 

March Birthdays

2       Austin Becker
3       Dawn Freiburger, Deborah Krahn
4       Glenn Mason
5       Lavonne Christenson, Dolores Johnson
5       Olivia Rohlffs, Jennifer Schutze
6       Brynn Johnson
7       Austin Brewer
9       Riley Smeaton
11      Kevin Schultz
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, Lisa Iaquinta
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      Hannah Wentz
28      Kathy Monis
29      Mark Solveson, Kala Uhlman
30      Patricia Rolefson
31     Glen Houghtaling
 

 

 

Get to know Esther Christenson

Esther is a long time member of St. Olaf Lutheran Church; graduate of Dodge County Normal School, Mayville, WI; and mother of 9 children - 5 boys and 4 girls.

    She was born in 1918 to Norwegian parents, Sigurd Lunde and Ellen nee Hanson.  Her father was a land surveyor for the federal government, and they lived in many places throughout our country.  Esther was one of 4 children; her sister Clarice Monis was also very active at St. Olaf.

    In 1940, she married Irving Christenson at St. Olaf Lutheran Church.  They farmed on Toland Corners together until his death in 1976.

    Always an active person, Esther taught in local one room country schools.  She was a 4-H leader and sang in the church choir with her sister Clarice.  Esther enjoys working a daily crossword puzzle, reading, board games, and art appreciation.

    The small brick church in Oconomowoc on the corner of Oakwood and Grove was the site of confirmation for Esther.  At that time, it was known as the First English Lutheran Church, then the original Our Savior's Lutheran Church now located at Lisbon and Greenland Ave. in Oconomowoc.

    The church and her family have surrounded her life.  Three of her children worship with us at St. Olaf - Jane, Mary, and John.

 

 

Set Aside a Time to Pray 6:33 a.m. or p.m. 

As we remember to pray each day, think of this verse:

  The Lord is with you when you are with Him. If you seek Him, He will be found by you.
                             2 Chronicles 15:2

 
       Since God is everywhere, we are free to sense His presence whenever we take the time to quiet our souls and turn our prayers to Him.  But sometimes, amid the many demands of everyday life, we turn our thoughts far from God; when we do, we suffer. 
      Do you set aside quiet moments each day to offer praise to your Creator? You most certainly should. Silence is a gift that you give to yourself and to God. During these moments of stillness, you will often sense the infinite love and power of your Creator – and He, in turn, will speak directly to your heart.

The familiar words of Psalm 46:10 remind us to

“Be still, and know that I am God.” When we do so, we encounter the awesome presence of  our loving Heavenly Father, and we are comforted in the knowledge that God is not just near. He is here.

 

 

March Lay Ministry Schedule

Date

Asst. Minister

Acolyte

Sat. Mar. 6
5:00 p.m.

Linda Fredrick 

 

Sun. Mar. 7
9:00 a.m.

Jane Christenson

Lauren Snowberger

Sun. Mar. 7
10:30 a.m.

Linda Fredrick

Hannah Wentz

Ash Wed.
Mar. 9 - 7 p.m.

Bernie Krahn

 

Sat. Mar. 12
5:00 p.m.

Dave Johnston

 

Sun. Mar. 13
9:00 a.m.

Hannah Scheife

Catherine Van Lare

Sat. Mar. 19
5:00 p.m.

June Sumnicht

 

Sun. Mar. 20
9:00 a.m.

Marie Galbraith

Thomas Guenther

Sat. Mar. 26
5:00 p.m.

Pat Warnecke

 

Sun. Mar. 27
9:00 a.m.

Dave Kraemer

Carlie DeBack

Sat. Apr. 2
5:00 p.m.

Jane Christenson

 

Sun. Apr. 3
9:00 a.m.

Linda Fredrick

TBA

Sun. Apr. 3
10:30 a.m.

Justine Cadena

TBA

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

 
 

Family Promise

Anyone interested in knowing more or volunteering at St. Olaf with Family Promise, the organization that helps homeless families, fill out a pink Joyful Servant slip located by the Coffee Station and put it in the basket.  St. Olaf will do a trial week March 13-20. Sign up sheets are available for exact duties, dates and times. Check your calendars for your availability to volunteer that week.  We are blessed to be a blessing!


 

Scholarships

St. Olaf will be accepting applications for Scholarships due May 1, 2011.  Pick up an application from the kiosk in the gathering area.


 

Many Thanks

Thank you to Kyle Johnson for all the hours he spent covering with aluminum the outside exposed wood trim on the lower part of the stain glass windows to permanently prevent further deterioration from the weather.

 


Scrip Can Be Huge for St. Olaf’s

by Roger Johnson

Through the Scrip program we can buy the groceries, gas, clothes, supplies, tools, toys, etc. that we otherwise pay for with cash or credit card.  When we make our purchases with Scrip cards, we pay no more than we would at the stores, and St. Olaf's receives between 2% to 17% from every purchase.  If you buy a $50 Scrip card for K-Mart, you get a card worth $50.  We buy the cards at a discounted price through the Scrip program.  So $2 of that $50 goes to St. Olaf's.  We pay no fees to Scrip.

Cards are available for many of the stores we frequent including BP, Best Buy, Boston Store, Cabela's, Gander Mountain, Home Depot, JC Penney, K-Mart, Kohl's, Kwik Trip, Land's End, Lowe's, Marcus Theaters, Menards, Office Max, Old Navy, Piggly Wiggly, Sam's Club, Sears, Shopko, Toys R Us, Walgreen's, Walmart, and many many more including lots of restaurants.

$400 in orders is needed to place an order for the cards.  When more families get aboard, you will be able to pick up your cards at church within a week of ordering them.  In addition, we now have an inventory of cards on hand for the most popular stores.  So in many cases, you will be able to get your cards immediately.

Since the beginning of the Scrip program in July 2009 until December 30, 2010, St. Olaf's made a profit of $1,602.40 for its general fund.  Currently only about 12 families / individuals use our Scrip cards on a regular basis.  When most of the families in the congregation start to use these cards for their everyday needs and gifts, St. Olaf's will realize at least $10,000 a year for its general fund.  THAT'S FREE MONEY!

            See Sandy Friedl, Laura Lee, or DeAnn Slade for more information or to buy your Scrip cards.    

 

 

Tax Relief Act Extends IRA Owners’ Opportunity to Make Tax-Advantage Direct Gifts to Charity

By Ron Egelseer, Finance Committee

            If you have an individual retirement account (IRA) and have reached age 70-1/2, the Tax Relief Act passed in December provides you with a special tax-advantaged way to support CLCMRC.  A tax incentive that previously expired at the end of 2009 is now extended through the end of this year.

            In general terms, an IRA account owner who is at least 70-1/2 years old may distribute up to $100,000 per year by direct gift from his or her IRA to a qualifying charity.  The benefit is that this direct gift will not be included in the donor's income for tax purposes, but will count toward satisfying his or her minimum required distribution (the amount that must be withdrawn from one's IRA each year to avoid penalty).

            If the direct gift is made by January 31, 2011, the donor may elect to treat it as made in 2010, which has two potential advantages:  (1) it can count toward satisfying his or her minimum required distribution for 2010, and (2) it permits him or her to make a second contribution up to $100,000 for 2011.  If a husband and wife have separate IRAs, each one may make a direct gift up to this limit.

            Generally the direct gift must be made from a traditional IRA, not a qualified plan or a 403(b) plan.  (In unusual circumstances, it may be possible to use a Roth IRA, but you would need to contact your tax adviser about this.)

            Only certain charities qualify to receive direct gifts.  Direct gifts may not be made to donor advised funds, most private foundations, and "supporting organizations".  And, of course, the correct procedure must be followed -- the payment must be made by the IRA trustee directly to the charity.

            This technique offers significant advantages over withdrawing funds from one's IRA and donating them to charity.  While at first glance the income and deduction may appear to be a "wash", it isn't necessarily so.  Some taxpayers use the standard deduction, and do not itemize.  Some taxpayers who itemize receive only limited tax benefits from their itemized deductions.  Others may lose tax benefits by taking the IRA withdrawal into income, even if they turn around and give it to charity.  The technical rules go beyond what we can discuss here, but your tax adviser will be able to explain.


 

Buck a Chick

Join us this Lent with Buck-a-Chick!  For one dollar, you can purchase and decorate a paper chick for yourself or in honor of a friend or family member.  We’ll be hanging the colorful chicks in a prominent spot.  Just one dollar will provide a family living in poverty with a little chick.  Soon enough, this chick will begin producing eggs.  Its eggs make protein-rich meals and can be sold at the marketplace for income—helping a family escape hunger and poverty for good.

 


WANTED - Favorite Bible Verses

The Music & Worship committee is looking to have some new church banners made. We would like to collect favorite Bible verses and then see which ones can be used for the new banners.  Write them down and turn them into the church office, put them in the offering plate, or hand them to any member of the Music & Worship committee. If you have suggestions for art work or pictures to be used with the Bible verse include that also. Thanks.

 
 

Taking Faith Home  

Treasured Traditions

By Marilyn Sharpe (TYFI.org)

         This month, for the thirtieth year, three generations of Sharpes will make our annual pilgrimage to Isle O’ Dreams Lodge on Bad Axe Lake. No, it is not a suburb of Lake Wobegon, a figment of Garrison Keillor’s fertile imagination, but a very real place, a wonderful resort on a pristine lake near Park Rapids, MN.

         We are together, with no screens or cell phones or work or other distractions. We tell our stories at the campfire. We play games and talk about important things late into the night. We eat the fish caught by Papa and Hayden. We connect with friends who have become Isle O’Dreams family over the years. We spend time on and in the water. We listen to the sounds of loons calling and to one another. We look with awe at this beautiful piece of God’s creation and at one another.

         This is holy ground. This is Sabbath. We are truly present with one another and with the God who created us and is present in our family.

         When I began working with The Youth & Family Institute, I learned that this embodied one of the Four Key practices for nurturing faith: Rituals and Traditions are those treasured experiences that we repeat over and over again. They give our families identity. They are the ways in which we are known by others. They make life predictable and joyous.

         So, what are some other examples of family rituals or traditions? Growing up, every Sunday night during fall, winter, and spring, my family spread out a blanket in front of the fireplace, roasted hot dogs, served with potato chips and red fruit jello, and made s’mores, while we watched “I Love Lassie.” We had other favorite experiences: fancy birthday cakes, summer swimming and picnicking on a friend’s beach on the St. Croix River, a new outfit the first day of school, holidays gathered with grandparents and extended family, Christmas Eve service together at church, practicing class presentations for the whole family after dinner in the kitchen.

         In the family that I have raised, some of our favorite traditions are Christmas Eve at church and with extended family, Christmas Day in our pajamas all day (including our fanciest dinner of the year) until all depart for home at 10pm, visiting grandparents’ graves after Easter worship, selecting a birthday menu that doesn’t have to be balanced or nutritious, Advent devotions by the light of the Christmas tree and candles on two yule logs, grace before meals, eating by candlelight every night to claim the presence of Jesus, Christmas cookies from a Swedish grandmother’s recipe, homemade croutons, saying “I love you” before ending a phone call, and making the sign of the cross on beloved grandchildren’s foreheads when they are tucked into bed.

         All of us have rituals and traditions. So, what are your favorites? How can they become God-bearing, reminding us of the love of God we know in Jesus Christ? Are there some that you no longer enjoy or that drain you of time and energy? Let them go. Wish you had a new one? This is the truth: if you do something once and a child loves it, it is your new family tradition, “the way we always do it.”

         God’s blessings on all of your rituals and traditions! 

FAMILY ACTIVITIES

1. Ask your family, “What are the things we do over and over again as a family that you really cherish?” Make a list.

2. Plan to do one of those cherished family traditions each week for the rest of the summer. (Okay, so the snow fort will need to wait a few months, we hope!)

3. Take very informal photos to capture the experience. (It doesn’t matter how your hair looks or if the outfits look harmonious.) Look, really look, at how happy and relaxed you are. This is joy! This is Sabbath! This is your holy ground.

4. Make a poster of each tradition, featuring photos, words, other pictures cut out of magazines. Post your collages where friends are likely to ask, “What is this?” Then, tell them.

5. Brainstorm one thing you wish your family did ... and do it! (No, not that trip to Europe, but the walk around the lakes, the outdoor concert, fireworks, a picnic inside when it is raining, desert for breakfast on someone’s birthday, the sign of the cross on a beloved forehead before bed or as the day begins.)

 

 

 

How Can St. Olaf Save Money
by Roger Johnson

The church now has a mortgage interest rate of 4.5%.  There is no guarantee that the interest rate will be this low again when we have to refinance in a few years.  When the interest rate goes up, less of our contributions to the mortgage fund will go toward the principal. 

The large battery bank was placed just outside the sanctuary in October 2008 by the Finance Committee in an ongoing campaign to recharge the mortgage fund while the interest is low.  For the first four months after it was placed there, spare change contributed by the congregation was averaging $250 / month.  Spare change contributions have since diminished to an average of $60 / month. 

Even though the mortgage fund has so far received a $2,900 boost through the battery recharge campaign, we could do so much more if more St. Olaf's families participated in this simple and painless way to support their church. 

It may seem like a nickel and dime idea, but there is power in numbers.  If only half of St. Olaf's families would take home one of the small battery banks and dropping in their spare change, it would result in a $12,000 / year boost to the mortgage fund.  Just think what a dent we could make in paying off our mortgage if every family participated! 

Its just a matter of putting a small battery bank in your car or just inside your back door and getting into the habit of depositing your spare change.  Its so simple and painless.  Instead of bringing out a dollar bill and digging around for $.79 in change for a $1.79 item at the store, why not put down two dollar bills and bring the change home for the battery bank?  You will make a change without ever missing the change. Think of another of God's blessings as you drop in your spare change.  It is also a great way to teach your kids about saving and good stewardship.

Our new church facilities have allowed us to expand our ministry.  After we burn our mortgage, future proceeds from the battery bank can be redirected toward one of our other ministry programs.

 

 

Worship & Tithing/Benevolence Discussion Group - March 27th

       St. Olaf's has a special opportunity on March 27th. Pastor Sandy Chrostowski, from the Milwaukee Synod office, will be spending the morning with us. Pastor Sandy is currently the synod coordinator of mission starts and redevelopments as well as the synod coordinator for stewardship. She previously served as Pastor to Galilee Lutheran Church in Pewaukee for 17 years.

       Pastor Sandy will offer some insights for the congregation as to what the Synod does and how we can work together as a team to accomplish many important and worthwhile projects--so much more than we can each do on our own. Since she has served in the Lake Country Cluster, of which St. Olaf is a part, she is very familiar with the area and what congregations of the area are facing in terms of financial difficulty and the ability to tithe the congregations' benevolences.

       Following worship, refreshments will be available, and we will have a time for congregation members to gather and talk about some of their concerns and feelings about St. Olaf's finances and ability to tithe benevolences. Pastor Sandy will be available  following the members' discussion to answer any questions raised during the gathering.

       If members are unable to attend the discussion, they may submit signed letters of opinion on the matters of tithing and benevolences. Letters will only be considered if they are signed, though your name may be withheld from any discussions if you so request.

       Information gathered from this discussion group will be used to prepare any needed action questions for the congregation to vote on at the Annual Meeting on May 22nd in regard to St. Olaf's financial planning.

 

       Please plan to attend this very important gathering that may be a key factor in choosing financial directions for our congregation. This is YOUR congregation! Everyone's voice is important.

       Questions regarding March 27th may be directed to Pastor Matt, Roger Johnson, or Cindy Schlieve.

 

 

Lenten & Holy Week Schedules

Ash Wednesday, March 9, 2011
6:30 a.m.    Meditation service with distribution of ashes.  This service is ½ hour in length so please join us before you go to work.

7:00 p.m.     Worship service with distribution of ashes and Holy Communion.

 

Lenten Ecumenical Services

All services will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Wed., March 16    St. Catherine’s Catholic Church -Mapleton

Wed., March 23    St. Olaf’s (we will be responsible for finger foods, cookies and bars for the reception following service)

Wed., March 30    St. Paul’s Episcopal Church -Ashippun

Wed., April 6        Zion E.L.C.A. Church - Ashippun

Wed., April 13       St. Paul’s E.L.C.A. Church -Sugar Island

 

Holy Week Services

Palm Sunday               April 17            9:00 a.m.
                         Reception of new members

Maundy Thursday         April 21            7:00 p.m.
        Worship w/ First communion for 4th & 5th grade

Good Friday                 April 22            7:00 p.m.

Saturday Vigil               April 23            5:00 p.m.

Easter Sunday              April 24

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

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

   10:30 a.m.   Praise Service with Holy Communion

  8:00-10:30 a.m.   Easter breakfast served by the Women of Grace

 

St. Olaf Sunday School presents

Mary & Martha

We all lead busy lives. Even children have full schedules! What is one to do when faced with a list of numerous “good” activities? We place certain pursuits higher on the to-do list, while others wait in the wings. It’s a tricky process often requiring last minute juggling. The story of Mary and Martha speaks to this balancing act and urges us to be sure to include one critical item: spend time with God.

     Can you see yourself in this story? Can you easily identify with Martha, full of busyness, troubled by distractions? Do you long to be like Mary, sitting at the feet of Jesus, absorbing and learning? Luckily, there is more to this story than identifying with the characters. This is a story of two different responses to one singular occasion. In it, we should find not our personality type, but the kind of heart Christ longs for us to have. A heart centered in him alone. What Jesus wants is for us to make the better choice. It’s important to note that each sister wanted to serve Jesus. Jesus’ rebuke of Martha was not to say that it was not important to serve others. Indeed, this story immediately follows that of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus taught the importance of serving one’s neighbor. Jesus wants us to know that no amount of busy-ness of life is more important than the most important thing: taking time for God!  Admittedly, this takes a balancing act – one that is often not easy. How do we take time to sit at Jesus’ feet? We will explore this further, as well as why it is so important to do so. Jesus is inviting us to share a close, personal relationship with him. The only real requirement is to show up with an open heart, ready to receive. Christ wants to spend time with each of us.   What a joyous thing to celebrate! 

    Sunday School Classes

*    In the Oasis Café we will be cooking up some things where we save time so we can listen to what God is telling us.

*    In Colors of Faith we will focus on our time and talents. 

*    In Creation Exploration we will learn more about time and how Mary & Martha used their time to serve God. 

*    In Jammin’ with Jesus we will play games that help us to make good choices.

Our focus verse:

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered.  “You are worried and upset about many things.  But only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better.  And it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:41-42


 

Nominating Committee News

As many of you are aware, there have been some changes made to our election process. In 2010 the congregation voted to change our calendar year to be June 1 through May 31. Additionally, elections will take place every two (2) years at the Annual Meeting (May 22nd this year) at which time all of the officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer) and every standing committee of the congregation will be up for election. This is the first year of the new process, so it is very important for everyone to be involved.

Included in this newsletter is a nominating form. The form lists each of the officers and committees with a brief description of their duties. Space has been provided for you to list people of the congregation you feel would be a good fit for the position or committee. You may nominate yourself. A tool that may be helpful in choosing people for the offices or committees is your Membership Directory. When looking through the directory, you may come across people you had not thought about. If you don't have a directory, please contact the church office or me and a directory will be provided to you. Please return your completed forms to either the church office or place them in the box provided in the gathering area by March 27th.

Once the Nominating Committee has all the forms, we will contact everyone who has been nominated in order to determine who would like to serve in the various positions. A slate of officers and committees will be created for everyone to view prior to the Annual Meeting, and to vote on at the election at the Annual Meeting on May 22nd, 2011.

Please take the time to carefully and prayerfully consider nominations for the leaders of this congregation for the next two years. Your voice is valued and important!

Cindy J. Schlieve, Chair

Nominating Committee

 

 

St. Olaf’s Annual

Pie Auction / Social

Sunday, March 20, 2011

10:30 a.m. Pie Auction with Entertainment

 

Encouraging ALL youth, families & members of St. Olaf to participate.

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.

Proceeds will help defray the cost of summer Bible camp & Mission trip.