Heritage Herald – May 2026 Edition
From Pastor’s Desk
From Harvest of Grain to Harvest of Souls: The History of Pentecost
Pentecost Sunday is the climactic finale of the season of Easter. Pentecost is always fifty days after Easter (Pentecost is from the Greek, meaning “fifty”.) It is a commemoration of the events recorded in Acts chapter 2, fifty days after the day of Jesus’ resurrection;
When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. -Acts 2:1-4
The festival of Pentecost did not begin in the New Testament. Its roots stretch deep into the life and worship of ancient Israel. In the Old Testament, Pentecost was known as the Feast of Weeks (Hebrew: Shavuot). It is described in Exodus 34:22 and Deuteronomy 16:10, where God commands the people of Israel to observe a festival seven weeks after Passover. This timing placed it at the end of the grain harvest, making it a celebration of first fruits—a time to give thanks for God’s provision.
Over time, this agricultural festival also took on deeper spiritual meaning. By the later Old Testament period and into Jewish tradition, Shavuot became associated with the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai. It commemorated the moment when God formed Israel into a covenant people, giving them the Torah as a guide for life. Thus, Pentecost was not only about provision, but about revelation and identity.
By the time of the New Testament, Pentecost (the Greek equivalent of Shavuot) was one of the major pilgrimage festivals. Jews from across the known world would travel to Jerusalem to celebrate. It was during this gathering that a new and unexpected chapter unfolded, recorded in Acts of the Apostles.
According to the account in Acts 2, the followers of Jesus were gathered together when the Holy Spirit came upon them with the sound of a rushing wind and tongues of fire. They began to speak in different languages, enabling people from many nations to hear the message in their own tongues. This moment marked a dramatic shift: the presence of God, once closely associated with the Law and the Temple, was now experienced directly and personally through the Spirit.
The connection between Old and New Testament Pentecost is deeply symbolic. At Sinai, God gave the Law written on tablets of stone; at Pentecost in Acts, God’s Spirit writes the law on human hearts. At Sinai, a nation was formed; at Pentecost, a global community began to emerge. At the New Testament Pentecost God formed his Church- the assembly of believers in Christ. What began as a festival of the harvest of grain became a celebration of spiritual harvest—the gathering of people into a new covenant community.
The early Church quickly recognized the significance of this event. Pentecost came to be celebrated as a central feast, alongside Easter, marking not just a historical occurrence but an ongoing reality: the Spirit’s presence guiding, empowering, and renewing the Church.
Today, Pentecost continues to carry both layers of meaning. It reminds believers of God’s faithfulness in providing for physical needs, as in the ancient harvests, and of God’s creative and transformative power through the Spirit. It is a story of continuity and fulfillment—the Old Testament order fulfilled in the New Covenant of Christ.
From fields of grain to flames of fire, Pentecost tells a unified story: God provides, God reveals, and God remains present with His people, guiding and empowering them—then and now.
Pastor Anderson
Every Member Sunday Potluck
We will celebrate Every Member Sunday on Sunday, May 17th and we will have a potluck after the 9:00 a.m. worship service. As we plan for the potluck, we are asking people with last names starting with A-H to bring a salad; last names starting with I-P to bring a main dish, and last names starting with R-Z to bring a dessert.
Worship Time Change
The Council voted to change our second service to Monday evenings at 6:30 pm. This change will take place June 1st. The last Saturday evening service will be on May 16th at 5:30 pm.
Budget Meeting
Sunday May 31st after church.
Annual Congregational Forum & Voters’ Meeting
Sunday, June 14th after church.
Council Update –
Inreach
- Inreach Board hosted Easter Breakfast with a good turnout from members.
- LYA planning is underway with positive support from members to assist with offsetting costs for youth to attend. Inreach board is still looking for a second (female) chaperone to assist with the youth that are traveling to the Ark Encounter this summer.
Spiritual Oversight
- Worship Schedule Revision Proposal was reviewed with the consideration of moving from Saturday evening to Monday evening (6:30) for an alternative day during the week. Discussion about the intention to replicate the Sunday service instead of offering a different service. We also discussed the information that we have already gathered about the support for this switch vs. needing to survey the membership.
- Motion to approve this proposal for ratification at Church Council (Joshua, Steve) approved unanimously
- The budget will be sent out so that it can be reviewed with Council.
- YOY Attendance Avg Variance
- 2026 Jan-Mar: Sat = 13 / Sun = 81 (94 weekly total)
- 2025 Jan-Mar: Sat = 21 / Sun = 73 (94 weekly total)
- Membership Changes (Transfer In) approved unanimously
- Micah Piller – From Hope in Farmington, we have received a letter for transfer and unanimously approved – motion for approval (Pastor, Tim)
- Reviewed the Convention delegates (Lyle, Phil) Josh as alternate. Rhonda will register them.
School Board
- School board last met on Thursday, April 9th
- Summer program is up to 15 children
- We have gained interest for a new aid for next school year and are going through the process to ensure beliefs align with ELS and Heritage teachings
- Skating week(s) are wrapping up. Kids had a blast. Thanks to Skateville and Katie Henricks for putting this together. A pizza party is on Friday for families to enjoy and see the students skate.
- Looking to add air purifiers to the classrooms. Scoping out cost and potentially using Hike for Heritage funds for this.
Outreach
Properties
- Kendrick Electric is fixing the two light poles (one is warranteed and the other needs a board replacement)
- Hot water heater is being replaced by Bill on Saturday, April 25.
- TLC wants new carpet in Narthex and will provide initial funding
Treasurer
Chairman
- Security Committee is meeting 4/21.
- Discussion on cameras, security panel in hallway, etc.
- Parking lot bids received. Decision on how to go forward?
TLC/Office
- TLC:
- We had discussions on using funds for narthex flooring
- Ruth Braun is getting estimates
- Next meeting is June 23 at Julie O’Gara’s house
- We had discussions on using funds for narthex flooring
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, June 23rd at 6:30 p.m. at Julie O’Gara’s home. Details to follow soon!
Companions in Prayer
My Prayer Story
Where is your home? Is it where you currently reside or do you call home where you grew up? Sometimes we refer to both as home. Many say that home is where the heart is and that it is not a structure. It is used in many phrases like “driving the point home” or “she’s a homebody” or “he hit a home run with that idea!” In the last 3 weeks I moved from my home of 46 years to an independent living apartment in a Senior Living complex. It doesn’t feel quite like home yet, but it is getting more so every day. (I just need to remember my new address and also not drive on automatic pilot so that I end up at the old place!) I hope when I asked this question that most of you also thought about your heavenly home. That also was on my mind during this time as my sister died and went to her heavenly home. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, came down to earth from His heavenly home to suffer and die for our sins. He has now gone back to heaven to prepare a place (home) for us, where we will never have to move. What a promise and blessing this is!! One of my favorite hymns is below:
I’m but a stranger here; Heav’n is my home.
Earth is a desert drear; Heav’n is my home.
Danger and sorrow stand Round me on every hand,
Heav’n is my fatherland; Heav’n is my home.
There at my Savior’s side- Heav’n is my home-
I shall be glorified; Heav’n is my home.
There are the good and blest, Those I love most and best,
There I, too, shall rest; Heav’n is my home. (ELH #474 vs.1,3)
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.
- May has important recognition days – Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. May our prayers be of thanksgiving and blessings for our mothers and humble thanks for all the men and women who have served our country selflessly.
- May is also a time for our younger members to go through graduation and confirmation. Remember these young people in your prayers that they remain in the faith as they move into new environments.
Serving in May
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!
May Ushers, Acolytes & Communion Helpers
Click the link –> Usher Acolyte Calendar
May Recording
5/3 – Stan Miller
5/10 – Jason Eisenbeis
5/17 – Stan Miller
5/24 – Stan Miller
5/31 – Alex Hanson
May Altar Guild
Bonnie Kooy/Candy Rynders
May Fellowship
5/3 – Sickmann
5/10 – Siewert
5/17 – Every Member Sunday Potluck
5/24 – Nikoley
5/31 – Weitzel
May Birthdays
1 Mary Baldassano
4 Livia Hanson
5 Rosalie Fortuna
5 Connie Raak
6 Kelsey Leary
7 Libby Paulsen
7 Ellen Bjork
10 Soren Ronay
15 Wade Smith
19 Elijah Cook
24 Naomi Barrott
25 Pastor Anderson
25 Owen Smith