Heritage Herald – September 2024 Edition
From Pastor’s Desk
2024 Evangelical Lutheran Synod Convention Review
The 2024 Evangelical Lutheran Synod (ELS) Convention was held from June 16-19 in Mankato,
Minnesota. This annual gathering of delegates, pastors, and members focuses on reviewing the
work accomplished by the synod during the previous year. This year’s convention and essay
theme was Walk Circumspectly in the World God So Loves. Pastor James Braun, who serves
Trinity Lutheran Church in Brewster, Massachusetts, presented the convention essay.
Pastor Kyle Madson was elected as the new secretary of the ELS. Pastor Craig Ferkenstad had
previously announced his retirement as secretary after serving the synod for twenty-eight years
in the position. The current officers of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod are: Rev. Glenn
Obenberger, president, Rev. Michael Smith, vice-president and Rev. Kyle Madson, secretary.
The convention essay, video of the proceedings and presentations, as well as photos are available
at https://els.org/convention/.
(Gleaned from the report of Rev. Paul Fries, ELS
Communication Director.)
Bethany Lutheran College
President Gene Pfeifer made a presentation on behalf of Bethany Lutheran College on Monday
of the annual synod convention. There has been much concern expressed among synod members
about recent cuts made to college programs. Pfeifer reported “the college is not in chaos. The
Lord continues to bless our BlC in regard to our students.” Bethany has not fallen away from its
core values and commitment to the “One Thing Needful.” Pfeifer explained the challenges
facing the college saying that the Board of Regents took necessary steps authorized at the 2023
annual convention, and explained the plans for a balanced budget for the next four years. The
2023 cuts were due to budget income shortfalls in recent years. While Bethany has been blessed
with increased enrollments, the costs of student services and other requirements have grown even
more rapidly. As God blesses you, please consider a generous donation to our beloved Bethany
Lutheran College.
2024 Evangelical Lutheran Synod Youth Gathering
The 2024 synod Youth gathered in Chicago, July 25-28. This year’s theme: “Justified. A Lutheran Youth
Convention exploring the freedom we have in Christ, because we are justified outside of ourselves.”
14 Heritage members and associated youth attended the convention, chaperoned by Cori Ponath and
Josh Mears. Youth enjoyed a Cubs’ game at Wrigley Field as well as several other opportunities for
sightseeing in the Windy City. The youth were housed on the campus of Concordia University Chicago,
where they also had daily chapel services and Sunday Divine Service (presided over by St. Timothy
Lutheran Church, ELS, of Lombard Il.)
The convention schedule included daily sectionals on a variety of Christian, scriptural topics:
SECTIONALS
Conform or Transform? Rev. Ben Wiechmann
Exploring the ELH Rev. Ben Faugstad
Get Rich Quick Rev. James Kassara
God Loves Nobodies Rev. Luke Ulrich
Justification in Art Rev. Peter Faugstad
The Coming War? Definitely. Rev. David Thompson
UFOs, Aliens, and God’s Word Rev. Patrick Ernst
Where Was Her Angel? Rev. Josh Mayer
Broken Family-Unbroken Soul Rev. Daniel Hartwig
Distinctively Human Rev. Piet Van Kampen
God’s Dreams in Your Heart Rev. Nate Abrahamson |
Why the Bible Can Be Trusted Rev. Paul Webber
The LYA annual convention is open to young people, confirmation age through High School. Have your
kids attended? Watch for announcement of next year’s convention. The LYA event is always fun and
very educational. Costs are subsidized by the synod and Heritage congregation. For more information:
https://els.org/lya/
Return To Our Full Fall Lineup
On Sunday September 8 Heritage will return to its usual Fall Schedule. Worship will return to Sundays
8:00 am and 10:30 am. Sunday School and Bible studies for High school and adults will be slotted
between the two services.
An informal congregation survey was collected in June directed at the idea of staying at one Sunday
morning service. The Board of Elders continues to study the trend of decreased Sunday morning
attendance and its effects on worship life. No recommendation has been settled upon at this time. Any
proposed change to worship times would require approval from the Voters Assembly.
Men’s Thursday morning Bible study will reconvene on Thursday September 12, returning to the study
of the First book of Kings. Sunday Adult Study will begin a brief series of studies of current theological
trends and controversies within the wider Christian community. The first session will tackle the practice
(or lack thereof) of Closed Communion. Other topics will explore the office Woman in the Church, God’s
will and Human sexuality, Coupling and Marriage, “Productive Rights” and Abortion, Morality, Piety, and
Pietism, Church Unity, Union, and Unionism. I hope you will make plans to attend!
-Pastor K.J. Anderson
Sunday School
Fall Food Truck Event
The Outreach Board is planning a Food Truck Night on Thursday, September 12th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. BD Sammie’s and Kona Ice food trucks will be onsite for this event. Our Food Truck events have become a very fun fellowship event for not only Heritage, but also for our school and the Apple Valley community. Check out the flyer – Green Illustrated Bold Church Flyer (2) There are also printed copies of the flyer on the welcome desk – please invite friends and neighbors!
FY25 August Financial Summary
Treasurer, Phil Holz will address the congregation this month and share an update.
Council Update
Director Reports
In reach – Kevin is finding Sunday School teachers and volunteers.
Spiritual Oversight – There will be no change to service time/frequency as of now, or the foreseeable future.
School Board – We have a shortage of 6-7 students to align with the budget. 2-3 families may still enroll. Thanks to Jesse, Dennis, and Ruth for their work on the playground and interior work. Mulch still needs to be installed. There is a wish list for the playground. John plans to update the website. School families will be informed of upcoming church events.
Outreach – Micah is planning a school kickoff with a food truck and bounce house in the mix. The date is Thursday, September 12th from 5-7 pm.
Properties – The fence has been moved. The classrooms are all ready for the school year.
Treasurer – Phil’s report was emailed.
Chairman – A schedule of rotation for Directors to report to the congregation will be made. John is up in August. Phil is scheduled for September. These updates should be 5 mins or less.
TLC/Office – TLC served at Floyd’s funeral. The office is nearly complete. Workroom is rehabbed. Council members have their own drawers. A brunch and gift card shower are being planned for MaKenna’s installation.
TLC – The Ladies’ Connection
The Ladies’ Connection will meet on Saturday, September 7th at 10:00 a.m.
Member Photo Directory
The photo directory is in the process of being updated. If you have a recent picture that you would like us to use, please send it to Katie & Kevin Henricks – 2k2nhenricks@charter.net
Adult Bible Study Opportunities
Women’s Bible Study.
Men’s Bible Study
The Men’s Thursday Morning Bible Class will reconvene on Thursday, September 12th at 9:00 a.m.
Heritage Choir
Choir is back up and running with weekly rehearsals on Wednesdays starting at 7 pm. Our first rehearsal will be Wednesday, September 4th. New members are always welcome! Please contact Julie Wright or Klaudia Calhoun with any questions.
Volunteer Opportunities Around the Church
Once again the Property Board is requesting Heritage members to volunteer to clean the Narthex, Sanctuary and gym on a weekly basis, beginning the week of August 26th. Please consider helping to keep our church looking nice by signing up on the volunteer board. The Sanctuary takes about 1 1/4 hours, the Narthex 1 1/4 hours, and the gym 20 minutes. Questions: contact Ruth B. for details and instructions.
Heritage’s Fall Grounds and Building Cleanup
There is a lot involved in keeping Heritage’s grounds and building looking good and ready for winter. Therefore, the Property Board has scheduled a congregational work day on Saturday, October 5th. The sign-up is posted on the volunteer board in the Narthex. If the 5th does not work for you, please consider choosing a project and completing it anytime between now and the end of October. Thank you. Questions? See Jesse, Dennis, Ruth, Julie D. or Jodi
OUTDOOR: GARDENS – COURTYARD – EXTERIOR WINDOWS, SILLS & DOORS –
INDOOR: INTERIOR WINDOWS & GLASS DOORS – SANCTUARY – LIGHT FIXTURES – BATHROOMS
Members Helping Members
Companions in Prayer
My Prayer Story
Where did the summer go?? It is time to turn the page on another season. Baseball gives way to football, picnics give way to tailgating, long days give way to early sunsets. Time passes – sometimes it is gone in a flash and at other times seems to take forever! You would have to work to convince me that the one minute that I have to make it to an appointment on time and the one minute I am supposed to hold a position in an exercise have the same amount of seconds in them! We all make plans, have a “to do” list and fill out calendars with activities to account for how we spend our time. How often do those plans change because something else comes up? Sometimes it is a little glitch and other times it is a major derailment. God has a plan for each of us. It may include successes, glitches and derailments, but He has a plan. A statement in the June 2023 Meditations sums it up well. “We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know with certainty who holds tomorrow and every day – Jesus.”
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.
- As the children, youth and young adults of our congregation return to school, let us pray that God sends His angels to watch over them, keep them safe, and keep them strong in their faith in Jesus as their Savior.
- Ask God to bless and keep the older generation in our congregation who are facing life changes of health, memory, mobility and living arrangements.
Serving in September
September Greeters
9/1 – Cook
9/8 – Smith
9/15 – Remus
9/22 – Salava
9/29 – Wright
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!
September Ushers & Acolytes
9/1 – 9:00 – Dave Paulsen, Jef Sutton/Jaycen Steward
9/8 – 8:00 – Kurt Arehart, Craig Remus/Ushers
10:30 – Josh Mears, Phil Holz/Ushers
9/15– 8:00 – Micah Steward, Larry Sickmann/Jaycen Steward
10:30 – Jesse Chapman, Fischer Chapman/Josiah Mears
9/22 – 8:00 – Bruce Reedstrom, Jason Eisenbeis/Ushers
10:30 – Kevin Henricks, Luther Krueger/Ushers
9/29 – 8:00 – Tim Oachs, Howard Sickmann/Jaycen Steward
10:30 – Steve Cook, Elijah Cook/Josiah Mears
September Recording
9/1 – Stan Miller
9/8 – Libby Paulsen
9/15 – Martin Paulsen
9/22 – Stan Miller
9/29 – Libby Paulsen
September Altar Guild
Bonnie Kooy/Barb Oachs
September Fellowship
9/1 – Blaha
9/8 – Koeplin
9/15 – Open
9/22 – Braun
9/29 – Open
September Birthdays
1 Julie Wright
3 Stan Miller
4 Nikki Sickmann
5 Heidi Paulsen
6 Jef Sutton
7 David Wright
8 Robert Smith
15 Ella Blom
16 Christina Talbot
16 Susan Merseth
18 Jennifer Rusert
18 Gina Kammer
18 Yuliya Meany
20 Toni Balliet
20 Michael Frimanslund
21 Eleanor Calhoun
22 Magdalena Mears
25 Raymond Holz
25 Frankie Talbot
26 Coriann Ponath
26 Craig Remus
27 Kjerstin Korstad