Heritage Herald – April 2026 Edition
From Pastor’s Desk
I Know That My Redeemer Lives — And That Changes Everything
The season of Easter magnifies the joyful hope we have in knowing the Risen Christ. It is a season of renewed hope. The earth softens, new life pushes through, and we are reminded that what once seemed dormant is not gone—it is simply waiting. In the same way, our faith is anchored in a living hope: “I know that my Redeemer lives.” These words are not just a declaration; they are a transformation.
To say “I know” is to move beyond uncertainty into trust. Life brings questions, grief, and moments when God can feel distant. Yet faith speaks with quiet confidence—not because everything is understood, but because the One we trust is alive and present.
To proclaim “my Redeemer” is deeply personal. Redemption is not abstract; it meets us in our brokenness, restores what feels lost, and calls us by name. We are not forgotten. We are known, loved, and continually made new.
And to affirm “He lives” changes everything. Because He lives:
- Hope is stronger than despair.
- Forgiveness is greater than failure.
- Love has the final word over fear.
The resurrection is not just an event we remember—it is a reality we live in. It shapes how we face hardship, how we treat one another, and how we see the future. Even in uncertain times, we are not without hope. Even in endings, God is bringing new beginnings.
This April, as we reflect on the risen Christ, may we carry this truth into our daily lives. Let it shape our conversations, our choices, and our outlook. Let it remind us that we are a resurrection people—called to live with courage, compassion, and unwavering hope.
“I know that my Redeemer lives”—and because of that, nothing is the same.
Council Update –
Inreach
- InReach Board is working with the Heritage Youth families to plan for the Fiesta Night annual event, which is scheduled for March 22.
- InReach Board has discussed with Good Shepherd about developing a plan for a Pickleball league.
- InReach Board would like to explore an opportunity to build a pavilion overlooking the lake on our property where fellowship meals can be hosted among other activities.
- Thanks go out to Sarah Smith for her continued youth-focused weekly devotions. Josh is going to post them to the Church’s Facebook page.
Spiritual Oversight
- Reflection on the Saturday evening worship with discussion of the weekly worship schedule going forward. (from Pastor)
- Recruiting one more individual to the BOE
- Filling Communion spots for the remainder of the month
- Review of the Stipends for the Organists, Choir director/s, Guest Preachers (working with Phil)
- Fine tuning remuneration for worship musicians. (from Pastor)
- Finalize budget by end of April/beginning of May
School Board
- Science Night is scheduled for March 19.
- Summer Program – Aides
- Katie has a lead on a 15 passenger van/minibus. Do we have an interest in pursuing it?
- School board missed meeting in February. School board meeting on Thursday, March 12th
- Some kind of recognition for MaKenna?
Outreach
- Micah spoke with Brad Kerkow and will be getting the congregation started on the “Everybody Outreach” program. The synod covers up to $1,000 per congregation, but it usually costs less than that.
- The board is aiming for the end of March for the next Heritage Night Out.
Properties
- Water heater needs to be replaced
- One remaining parking lot light has issues. Jesse is getting an estimate. Also looking to replace light outside school entry.
- Bill Weitzel has volunteered to help out with handyman needs
Treasurer
Chairman
- Alex is trained to help stream services.
- Parking lot camera is installed; playground camera in also installed.
- Gym closet door now has fob reader.
- Hammerheads have turned their key in and are now using fobs.
TLC/Office
- TLC:
- The next meeting will be on Tuesday, April 7th, at 6:30pm.
- Lenten suppers are all planned.
- Office:
- Palms have been ordered for Palm Sunday.
- Easter flowers are ordered.
- VBS is being planned.
Lime Creek Decommissioning
On Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 10:30 AM, the Friends of Lime Creek Society is planning a decommissioning service for the Lime Creek Lutheran Church building (rural Lake Mills, Iowa). This is the historic location where thirteen pastors, desiring to remain faithful to God’s Word rather than compromise, met to reorganize our Synod in 1918. We are inviting convention delegates and anyone interested to attend, as we thank God for the many years He provided Word and Sacrament ministry in this location and officially close the building. Following the service, there will be a meal and then a program. Please RSVP to attend the service and meal at FriendsofLimeCreek.org. A charter bus will be available for transportation between Mankato and Lime Creek for $26.00 per seat. It will depart Bethany College at 9:00 AM and return after the program in the afternoon. If you plan to ride the bus, please also register for that at FriendsofLimeCreek.org.
School & Church Security
The security of our building and grounds is very important. Here are a few points that need your attention:
1) Council has appointed Alex Hanson as Security Consultant: Alex has great expertise in this area and is leading us through a security assessment and in developing a security plan for both the church and the school. We’ve already identified a few items that we can take immediate action on.
Time & Talent Survey
The Church Council has updated the Time & Talent Survey. They are asking that all members take a moment to click on the Heritage Time and Talent Survey 2025 and fill out the simple Google form.
If you haven’t taken the Time & Talent Survey yet, we will have an electronic version (tablet) circulating during fellowship time for the next few Sundays. Please plan to take a few minutes to fill it out. Thanks!
Adult Bible Study Opportunities
Women’s Bible Study.
Men’s Bible Study
The Men’s Thursday Morning Bible Class meets on Thursdays at 9 am.
Are You A Thrivent Member
Are you a Thrivent Member? Did you know that Thrivent has 2 ways to benefit Heritage? First is the Choice Dollar program. This is a simple program that throughout the year you can Direct Choice Dollars to your chosen non-profit. The Second is through Thrivent Action Teams. You sign up to “lead” a group of volunteers for an educational event, fundraiser, community service or fellowship project. Thrivent will provide $250 seed money to use for expenses incurred. Fiesta Night, Synod Youth Lock-in, Math & Science Night, VBS, Game Night, School Field Trips & Roller Skates rental are just some of the ways Heritage has already benefitted throughout the years. For more information you can log on to your account, both programs are under the Generosity tab across the top.
Heritage Choir
Member Directory
Click to view the Heritage Picture Directory 2025 (1) If you have a family photo that you would like us to use, please submit it to the office.
Volunteer Opportunities Around the Church
Members Helping Members
TLC – The Ladies’ Connection
The Ladies’ Connection will meet on Tuesday, April 7th at 6:30 p.m.
Companions in Prayer
My Prayer Story
I have not recently updated the congregation on the activities of Companions in Prayer. This is a group of members who have gone through education related to intercessory prayer, the process of how requests are communicated, and the importance of confidentiality. There are 3 goals as described below including activities that have taken place. If you would like more information about Companions in Prayer, we are planning to have a training and info session soon. Stay tuned for more details.
- Goal 1: Establish a group of individuals who will actively participate in intercessory prayer for individuals/groups of the congregation as well as family and friends of the congregation members. (This includes prayers for healing, for thanksgiving, for celebration, for strength, recognition of special events, )
- A total of 55 individuals were prayed for. (Sometimes 1X up to all year long.) These include those having immediate need for intercessory prayer and those who have the potential to have the concern returning. About half of the individuals were members and half friends/family of members. An additional 9 group/general prayers were offered.
- 57 cards of encouragement, congratulation or condolence were sent.
- Goal 2: Foster an active and effective prayer life of Heritage members through on-going communication that encourages individuals and families to expand their prayer life. (This could include notes in the newsletter, bulletin boards, bulletin inserts, facebook postings, etc.)
- The monthly Newsletter has continued with a “story” related to prayer each month.
- The monthly Newsletter also continues to include suggestions for congregation intercessory prayers.
- Goal 3: Develop and maintain resources that will assist individuals and groups in enriching and expanding their prayer life. (This could include samples/illustrations of prayers, scripture references for specific types of prayer, a retreat on prayer, bookmarks, notecards, etc.)
- Individualized bookmarks that commemorate Baptisms and Confirmation.
If you have a request, questions or an interest in participating, please contact Alice Schmidt or the office.
Sweet hour of prayer, sweet hour of prayer! That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne Make all my wants and wishes known;
In seasons of distress and grief, My soul has often found relief;
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer;
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare, By thy return, sweet hour of prayer.
Congregation Prayer Suggestions:
Intercessory prayer – prayers on the behalf of others – is a part of a Christian’s life. If you have a request for Companions in Prayer at Heritage to pray for you or someone you know, please contact Alice Schmidt, Pastor Anderson or the Office.
Each of you have a list of those you pray for, but consider adding these to it.
- Weather and other disasters have again impacted many in our country. Pray for their safety and patience .
- Continue to pray for our homebound members who are unable to attend services.
Serving in April
Click the link –> Greeter Calendar
Greeter Guidelines
To provide a consistent, friendly, and sincere greeting every Sunday to all members and visitors to Heritage Lutheran Church, guidelines have been developed to help accomplish that goal. Following are some of those guidelines:
- Please mark your calendar for the date you are assigned. The date assigned will be published in the Heritage Newsletter for a two-month period.
- Please be ready to greet no less than 20 minutes before each service for which you have been assigned.
- As you greet visitors, please encourage them to sign our guest book. If there are two people greeting, one of you could escort them to the guest book while the other continues to greet. Ideally you should try to introduce them to another member standing nearby. Sometimes this is difficult to do as the service is starting. In that case, try to chat with them after the service and introduce them to other members after the service.
- Stay at the door until the service is underway; visitors quite often show up late and really need extra help in getting bulletins and a place to sit. Feel free to involve the ushers as needed.
- If you have a chance, get their contact information from the guest book or by asking them for it, and then follow up with a thank you text, email, or note sent to them thanking them for visiting our church. If you inform the church office, they could help with this task.
- If you are unable to greet at both services, please ask someone to fill in for you. If you find out at the last minute, text the following who are willing to help – Remus 651-800-5827, Braun 612-237-1064, Fahning 952-200-2870, Eisenbeis 651-230-4423, Barb Oachs 952-465-5272
- If you have a conflict with the date you were assigned, please contact someone from your month or the next month and trade with them. This helps those doing the scheduling with juggling all the rescheduling. Thank You!
April Ushers, Acolytes & Communion Helpers
Click the link –> Usher Acolyte Calendar
April Recording
4/2 – Libby Paulsen
4/3 – Stan Miller
4/5- Alex Hanson
4/12 – Stan Miller
4/19 – Jason Eisenbeis
4/26 – Alex Hanson
April Altar Guild
Sondra Frimanslund/Maria Reedstrom
April Fellowship
4/5 – Easter Breakfast
4/12 – Weitzel
4/19 – Calhoun
4/26 – Barb Oachs/Ellen Bjork
April Birthdays
3 Laura Ronay
3 Leah Wobrock
11 Stacy Kiecker
12 Teresa Lehne
16 Jaycen Steward
16 Collins LaSalle
18 Klaudia Calhoun
20 Phil Holz
20 Howard Sickmann
22 Maley Remus
23 Ethan Sickmann
24 Daphne Krueger
25 David Koeplin
25 Brad Frimanslund
27 Martin Paulsen
27 Kyrie Mears
28 Elliot Bosak