THE ZION & CARPIO
CHURCH NEWSLETTER
February 2019
"AGAPE”
Rev. George Schuessler
In this shortest of the months, commercial businesses have created an opportunity for people to spend their money under a false idea that things are the best way to show love to someone. Valentine’s Day advertising entice us to purchase cards, flowers, candy, clothing, jewelry, and fine dining, which are all nice to have, but they cannot really express love to someone. Love is an attribute of the person and therefore must be expressed through the person and not in trivial things.
The Bible has a few words to speak about love. The two that I will share with you are from the ancient Greek language, the first is “phileo” and the second is “agape”. “Phileo” is used to speak about an impulsive kind of love that is here today and gone tomorrow fleeting with the shifting sands of the world’s wind. On the other hand, “agape” is used to speak of a love that is unconditional and of having esteem for someone.
The love we seek to express on February 14TH is not trivial. The people we are thinking of on Valentine’s Day are thought of with high regard, our friends, family, fiancé, or spouse. These persons for whom we have esteem are people we have a solid and lasting relationship with. Thus, we need to express “agape” love. The love that the Apostle Paul writes about in his First Letter to the Corinthians in the thirteenth chapter where he identifies the characteristics of “agape” as being patient, kind, and honest. (1 Cor. 13:4-6)
God’s Word speaks that without “agape” love we are as nothing, just like the shifting sands and wind of the world. (1ST Cor. 13:1-3) In the Spirit inspired “agape” love we have a never failing love that always flourishes, so that we can mutually be together in our relationships through the not so good times as well as the best of times. (1ST Cor. 13:8-12) Needless to say, One Day of gift giving does not cut it when it comes to expressing this kind of love. Trivial gifts of sweet chocolate, a cold jewel, and shiny gold just cannot express the unconditional patience, kindness, and honesty of “agape” love.
Love cannot be commercialized. Love is to be personally and unconditionally lived each day in the warmth of your heart felt daily thoughts, words, and actions toward those whom you esteem. This is no one day event! It is daily, year after year after year! Let us be intentional in our relationships with each other by being patient, kind, and honest in our daily thoughts, words, and actions. This is the “agape” love of God in Christ Jesus. This leads to the peace of Christ in our lives! This is the love that never ends! Amen!
Carpio Sunday School Zion Sunday School
February 3: Fruit of the Spirit February 3: The Prodigal Son
February 10: Fruit of the Spirit February 10: Ten Outcasts
February 17: No Sunday School February 17: No Sunday School
February 24: Fruit of the Spirit February 24: Lazarus
Zion~Carpio Luther League:
*We will be meeting on February 3rd to go Bowling! We will be leaving from both Berthold & Carpio churches at noon & will have pizza at the bowling alley. This is open to ALL youth in grades 7-12!!
*We will be serving a brunch in Carpio on February 24th at 10am during fellowship. We will collect a free will offering with all money supporting our mission trip to Denver.
*We will again be serving soup & bread for supper before all Lenten services.
Confirmation Classes for 8th & 9th grade continue.
February class date is the 6th at 6:30pm, & Make up Dates are the 20th & 27th!
EARLY HOLY COMMUNION CLASS
For all 5TH Grade Youth and older who would like to be instructed to understand and participate in Holy Communion, class will meet on February 2ND at 10am - noon in Zion. Some homework will be assigned on the day of class. Students will have to choice of a question and answer session with Pastor and at least one Parent at a time arranged between Pastor and Parent OR to take a written Quiz at a time and place arranged between Pastor and Parent to complete the Holy Communion Class.
Those completing the class will participate in First Holy Communion on March 3RD at the 9am worship in Zion OR the 11am worship in Carpio.
THE ECUMENICAL VALENTINE EXTRAVAGANZA is Feb. 10TH from 3pm until 5pm in the Carpio Lutheran Church. All elementary children and all Senior Citizens from both Berthold and Carpio are invited to participate in conversation, games, and a make your own taco Supper. Prizes will be awarded for games and a number of drawings will take place. All will receive valentine treats! Save the Date to participate!
Upcoming Youth Retreats at Metigoshe Ministries:
Jr. & Sr. High Ski & Faith ~ February 17-18
4-6th Grade Friday Night Live ~ February 22-23
Jr. High Friday Night Live ~ April 5-6
Summer Camp Registration is now open!
ZLCW:
On February 24th is Bold Women’s Day. There will be a responsive liturgy during the service. You will be given the opportunity to recognize the “Bold Women” in your life.
Our next meeting will be on March 3rd during fellowship hour. This meeting is for all women of the church. I hope to see you there.
Your sister in Chris, Barb Cooper, ZLCW President
CLCW:
Carpio Annual Dinner will be April 7th.
Quilting has started. Anyone is more than WELCOME to come help. We do have some material squares cut if anyone would like to sew together a top. We also would appreciate any donations, or if you would like to purchase thread (or if you have some you are not using it) you can donate.
We meet Wednesdays from 9 – 11:30 ish.
The new CLCW booklet has been completed & you may pick yours up on the table in back of the church.
CLCW & SS are still collecting for Personal Care Kits.
Newsletters will also be available on the table in the back of the church.
Serving in February @ Carpio:
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS:
Ushers: Jim & Kathy McGuire Alter Guild: Kathy McGuire
Serving in February @ Zion:
Readers: Acolytes: Greeters:
February 3 Helen Grant Nathan Carico Wes Hagen & Connie Hagen
February 10 Alan Lee Natalie Helfrich Joel & Lorna Hansen
February 17 Barb Cooper Colby Hornberger Klint & Nancy Hanson
February 24 Wes Hagen Ava Lee Steve & Dawna Helfrich & Family
Ushers: Jerry Hennessy & Curt Schumaier Organist: Julie Deaver
Alter Guild: Darla Schweitzer & Ginger Lautenschlager
Fellowship for February is served by the service groups,
Sign up for a Sunday that works for you!!
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS…
The Family of Ruth Bryans.
Arnold Knutson, Karen Rademacher, Tanya Debertin-Olson, Curtis Thompson, Vernon Thompson, Evelyn Lee, Gary & Shirley Springer.
CONTINUED PRAYERS for all of our nursing home residents and home-bound members.
CONTINUED SAFETY for Carneen Cotton (daughter of Kathryn Foster Debertin), Lucus Zabka, Aaron Zabka, Zach Trail, Jeremiaja Arnold, Chaplain David Johnson, and all our military personnel who are stationed around the world.
Zion Council Notes January 9, 2019
Present: Pastor George, Neil Schwope, Kristen Berg, Jerrolyn Wirtz, Lyle Gorseth, Roger Haaland, Myron Rovig, Chad Schweitzer, Curt Schumaier, Julie Deaver, Treas. Janelle Deaver
Pres. Neil called the meeting to order. Pastor George led us in devotions and prayer. Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. The ending November balance should’ve been $15,770.75. The minutes were approved as read. Janelle gave the treas. report. The ending balance for December was $8163.01. Motion by Jerrolyn to change our ELCA/WND Mission Support amount to $8400 for the 2019 proposed budget based on the 2018 offering income-(8% of income). 2nd Chad. Carried. A gift of $200 was received for a baptism that was done at Zion. Motion by Chad to put the gift in the Undesignated Memorial Fund. 2nd Curt. Carried. Motion by Julie to accept the treas. report. 2nd Kristen. Carried.
Team Reports: Worship and Music; the bell choir and possibly some students singing are being planned for the Christian Unity service at Zion on Jan. 27th. Sunday, Feb. 10th will be Klint and Curt Hanson sharing their mission trip experience to Peru. There will also be a door offering. Evangelism; None. Stewardship and Finance; None. Board of Education; Sunday School classes have resumed. Luther League; A Bible study and lunch will be held in Carpio on Jan. 20th. Possibly a fundraiser for Jan. 27th at Zion. Maintenance and Property; the handle release foot pedal broke off the vacuum. Neil has ordered the part. He will also purchase filters for the vacuum so we’ll have an extra one on hand. Motion by Curt to approve the purchase of parts needed for the vacuum. 2nd Myron. Carried.
Pastors Report: Pastor George made visits to the hospital, Care facilities and some shut-ins. He participated in the Metigoshe Mininstries board meeting on Dec. 10th. Dec. 27th was the funeral for Aaron Johnson in Carpio. There was a baptism for Dean Michael Brown on Dec. 27th and Bodhi Thomas Stockdill on Dec. 29th- both at Zion. There will be a baptism for Blair Gravesen on Jan. 11th. Pastor George will be done with confirmation classes by the time Lent starts.
Old Business: We have heard form a couple people that didn’t receive the January newsletter online.
New Business: Motion by Julie to accept Dean Michael Brown and Bodhi Thomas Stockdill as baptized members of Zion Lutheran. 2nd Jerrolyn. Carried. Carpio is planning their church dinner for April 7th. Zion is planning on March 31st for our church dinner. The Synod assembly is in Minot—June 2019. Will need 2 people to attend. Some discussion about council members to be on the annual meeting ballot.
Motion to adjourn the meeting. Next meeting will be immediately following the annual meeting on Jan. 27th. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Respectively submitted, Julie Deaver, council secretary
Zion Financials – December
BEGINNING BALANCE – 12/01/2018 $15,770.75
INCOME: Offerings: 12/02/2018 $2,110.00 12/09/2018 $2,010.00 12/16/2018 $1,905.00 12/23/2018 $1,160.00
12/24/2018 $1,065.00 12/30/2018 $280.00
Carpio Luth Reimbursement -Util, Exp (November & December) $349.63
Simply Giving $442.17
State Bank and Trust- Interest $1.59 Bernard Wold Donation $2,000.00
Western ND Synod Donation $2,000.00 General Expenses Donation $1,000.00
TOTAL INCOME- DECEMBER $14,323.39
WND Synod- Benevolences ($2,735.37, Langdji’s $500, World Hunger $500) $3,735.37
MDU (Church - $309.08; Parsonage - $75.45) $384.53
Xcel Energy (Church - $308.39; Parsonage- $73.21) $381.60
SRT (Church- $80.90; Parsonage $134.34) $215.54
City of Berthold (Church- $42.00; Parsonage- $54.00) $96.00
George Schuessler (Continuing Education) $165.33
Lutheran Social Services $500.00 Mountrail Bethel Home $600.00
Metigoshee Ministries $400.00 Church Mutual- (Insurance) $394.00
Lifetouch Church Directory $100.00 Visa (Postage) $34.64
1517 Media (Worship) $165.33 Marketplace Foods (Worship) $11.22
Kristin Berg- (Piano) $325.00 Sheila Schmidt (Custodian) $400.00
Amy Neshem (Secretary) $500.00 Janelle Deaver (Treasurer) $600.00
Transfer to Pastor Account $3,951.00
Subtotal Expenses December $12,831.13
2018 BERNARD WOLD $9,100.00
TOTAL EXPENSE- DECEMBER $21,931.13
ENDING BALANCE – 12/31/2018 $8,163.01
PASTOR PAYROLL ACCOUNT (ZION & CARPIO)
Beginning Balance December $883.51
Zion Deposits $3,951.00
Carpio Deposits $3,951.00
Total Deposits $7,902.00
Expenses:
Portico (Pastor’s Benefits) $3,088.35
Mileage (November & December) $733.02
Pastor George $4,306.00
Total Expenses: $8,127.37
Ending December Balance: $658.14
Carpio Lutheran Church Council Minutes
The council meeting was held on January 13, 2019 at noon. The meeting was called to order by Alvis Martinson.
The secretary’s report was given by Tammi Moen, and approved as presented.
The treasurer’s report was given by Shirely Springer, reported by Alvis Martinson, approved as presented.
Checking account $9245.99, Thrivent Contingency Fund $3670.24, Thrivent Lindberg Fund $13559.96
Old Business: The bulk post card mailing has not been completed. Jeff Huber will be the point person for the Carpio Metigoshe Capital Campaign that will run from February 3rd thru March 3rd.
CLCW: The date for the church dinner is April 7th.
Pastor’s Report: The pastor has made visits to the hospital, care facilities and some shut-ins. He participated in the Women’s Christmas party at Zion on December 8th and the Metigoshe Ministries board meeting at Pelican Lake on December 10th. December 24th was the Christmas Eve worship service, with good attendance. The visitation and prayer service for the family of Aaron Johnson was on December 26th, with the funeral on December 27th at Carpio Lutheran. The baptism for Dean Michael Brown was on December 28th and the baptism for Bodhi Thomas Stockdill was on December 29th, both at Zion. Confirmation class and Bible study have been going well. On January 27th, Zion will host the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Supper and Prayer Service. February 2nd will have an early Holy Communion class with the first communion on March 3rd. February 10th, Carpio will host the Ecumenical Valentine Extravaganza from 3 to 5 pm.
New Business: The council worked on the proposed 2019 Carpio Congregation budget for the January 27th annual meeting. Travis Engelhard motioned and Aaron Haaland seconded, to accept the proposed budget and present to the congregation at the annual meeting, motion carried.
The next Carpio Church council meeting is February 3rd at noon. The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer. Meeting adjourned, Tammi Moen, Recording Secretary
Carpio Financials, December 2018
|
Monthly Offering Needed to Meet the Budget |
Offering For the Month |
Previous Year Offering |
Attendance this Month |
Attendance Last Year |
|
January 8,804.25 |
4,858.32 |
6,441.25 |
162 |
309 |
|
February 8,804.25 |
7,400.15 |
5,786.25 |
248 |
185 |
|
March 8,804.25 |
7,883.42 |
4,828.15 |
287 |
315 |
|
April 8,804.25 |
8,102.09 |
9,207.26 |
237 |
375 |
|
May 8,804.25 |
6,298.25 |
4,028.15 |
224 |
142 |
|
June 8,804.25 |
4,426.70 |
4,619.00 |
162 |
154 |
|
July 8,804.25 |
4,992.00 |
6,379.25 |
220 |
322 |
|
August 8,804.25 |
2,193.50 |
3,402.75 |
100 |
131 |
|
September 8,804.25 |
7,668.00 |
5,329.00 |
173 |
227 |
|
October 8,804.25 |
6,207.00 |
6,340.77 |
165 |
209 |
|
November 8,804.25 |
15,634.00 |
14,236.70 |
170 |
164 |
|
December 8,804.25 |
9,511.00 |
8,852.75 |
238 |
249 |
|
Total 105,651.00 |
85,174.70 |
79,451.63 |
2386 |
2782 |
MOUNTRAIL BETHEL HOME AUXILIARY will be providing a meal on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Golden Age Club on Main St. in Stanley from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. All proceeds will benefit the residents of the nursing home. Put this benefit on your calendar!
THE ECUMENICAL VALENTINE EXTRAVAGANZA is Feb. 10TH from 3pm until 5pm in the Carpio Lutheran Church. All elementary children and all Senior Citizens from both Berthold and Carpio are invited to participate in conversation, games, and a make your own taco Supper. Prizes will be awarded for games and a number of drawings will take place. All will receive valentine treats! Save the Date to participate!
KLINT HANSON will be sharing pictures and stories of his participation in a Mission Trip to Peru on Feb. 10TH during the 9am worship service at Zion of Berthold. A door offering will be received for the mission work in Peru for up-coming mission trips.
BOLD WOMEN’S DAY will be celebrated at Zion Lutheran during our Feb. 24TH 9am Worship Service. In preparation for this, YOU are invited to think about important Women who have helped you to grow in your faith. During a Litany of Thanksgiving each person will be invited to name out loud a Bold Woman in their experience of life.
EARLY HOLY COMMUNION CLASS is for all 5TH Grade Youth and older who would like to be instructed to understand and participate in Holy Communion. The class will meet on February 2ND at 10am in Zion. We will meet until Noon. Some homework will be assigned on the day of class. Students will have to choice of a question and answer session with Pastor and at least one Parent at a time arranged between Pastor and Parent OR to take a written Quiz at a time and place arranged between Pastor and Parent to complete the Holy Communion Class.
Those completing the class will participate in First Holy Communion on March 3RD at the 9am worship in Zion OR the 11am worship in Carpio.
BERTHOLD ZION FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN!
JANUARY 8TH, Tuesday morning from 10am until Noon.
JANUARY 16TH, Wednesday afternoon from 3pm until 5pm and also in the night from 7pm until 9pm.
If the above times do not work for you, you may make an appointment at an alternate day and time by calling Ladora at 453-3121 or on her cell phone at 701-562-0041.
At the Carpio Senior Center there are a few pre-packed boxes of shelf safe food and paper products that can be picked up on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday when the Senior Meals are being served from 11:30am until 12:30pm. Complete the form on the box and give it to Karen Trail who serves the meals at the Center. Please pick up one box per month. Thank You!
Any household may come Once per Month to select items in the Food Pantry Free of Charge. All that is needed from anyone using the Food Pantry is to give your NAME, STREET ADDRESS, PHONE NUMBER, and NUMBER OF PEOPLE in the Household. NO OTHER QUESTIONS will be asked. All are welcome! Our mission is a Hunger Free North Dakota!
MEALS ON WHEELS is held up at the Carpio Sr. Citizens Bldg. Three times a week – Mon, Wed and Fri.
Visit our website at www.zionberthold.com for weekly bulletins, newsletter, and updated information.
Zion’s e-mail is zionberthold@gmail.com ~ Carpio’s e-mail is carluth@srt.com