THE ZION & CARPIO
CHURCH NEWSLETTER
December 2018
Jesus is Better!
Rev. George Schuessler
As we approach the Christmas season, we are being bombarded with images of a beloved character named Santa Claus. He appears in shopping malls, main streets, the big box stores, social media, various holiday displays and decorations. He’s popular in advertizing, movies, and songs giving us feelings of joy as we anticipate some treasure. But Santa Claus does not convey the real meaning of Christmas. In truth, Santa Claus is no real competition for Jesus Christ the loving savior of the world that is looking out for us not just in the short term, but in the distance of eternity.
Jesus Christ is definitely the reason for the season of Christmas. In fact, Jesus is always better than Santa. Here are a few facts to help us to keep a proper balance so that we are not deceived by sin in the world:
Jesus lives everywhere. (John 1:1-4, 14-18)
Santa lives at the North Pole.
Jesus rides on the wind and walks on the water. (Matt. 14:22-33)
Santa rides a sleigh.
Jesus is an ever present help. (Mark 9:21-23)
Santa comes once a year.
Jesus supplies all your needs. (Phil. 4:19)
Santa fills your stockings.
Jesus gives life that lasts forever. (Luke 18:29-30)
Santa gives fun things that last for a year.
Jesus Stands at the door and knocks. (Rev. 3:20-22)
Santa comes uninvited down the chimney.
Jesus is as close as the mention of his name. (Romans 10:13) You wait in line to see Santa.
Jesus lets us rest in his arms in a beautiful eternal home. (John 14:1-3) Santa has a lap to sit on.
Jesus knows you name and every hair on you head. (Matt. 10:29-33) Santa asks for your name.
Jesus has a heart full of love. (John 13:34-35) Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.
Jesus cares for us and invites us to cast all our anxiety on him. (Matt. 11:28-30)
Santa say’s, “You better not cry.”
Jesus gives us joy that becomes our strength. (John 16:20-22) Santa makes us chuckle.
Jesus became a gift and died on a tree, the cross. (Acts 5:29-32) Santa puts gifts under a tree.
Christmas is a special time for us. Have fun with gifts and decorations and with Santa, but never forget the real meaning behind December 25TH. Our brother Jesus is the best! Let us go the extra mile this year to keep Jesus Christ in our Christmas for He is the beloved Savior who gives himself for you and me to have an eternal life of peace and joy with our Heavenly Father. Have a BLESSED CHRISTMAS!
Carpio Sunday School
December 2: Christmas Program Practice
December 9: Christmas Program Practice
December 16: Christmas Program During Worship
December 23: No Sunday School, Merry Christmas!
December 30: No Sunday School
Sunday School Classes will resume on January 6th at 10:00am!
Zion Sunday School
December 2: Christmas Program Practice
December 9: Christmas Program Practice & Bible Bucks
December 16: Christmas Program During Worship
December 23: No Sunday School, Merry Christmas!
December 30: No Sunday School
Sunday School Classes will resume on January 6th at 10:00am!
YOUTH BELL CHOIR! Our next bell choir practice will be December 9th @ 9:30am!
Zion~Carpio Luther League
We will be shopping for “Horn of Plenty” on Sunday, December 2nd. We will meet at Zion in Berthold at Noon for Pizza before heading in to Minot to shop. All Youth in Grades 7-12 are invited to participate in this Christmas mission project.
*The packing for “The Horn of Plenty” is on Wednesday, Dec. 12TH, we will leave at 6:15!*
Confirmation Classes for 8th & 9th grade in December are the 5th & 19th at 6:30pm!
Christmas Eve Candlelight Worship with Holy Communion:
Carpio Lutheran at 5:00pm & Zion Lutheran at 7:30pm
JOINT SUNDAY WORSHIP on Dec. 30TH in CARPIO at 9am.
Coffee Fellowship will be at 10am. All are welcome!
Worship Times Change in January!
Zion will worship at 9am & Carpio at 11am.
ZLCW:
The ZLCW Christmas Party will be December 8, hosted by the ZLCW Board. We will pack "goodie" bags starting at 8:30 followed by breakfast. We will have the installation of officers, a program, as well the singing of Christmas Carols. Klint Hanson will be sharing about his recent “Mission” trip. All local women are invited to attend, including women from Carpio and our sister unit from Evanger Lutheran Church.
The ZLCW Board will meet the first Sunday in January during fellowship hour. We will also be updating the ZLCW Book. If you see any changes that need to be done in last year’s book, please let me know.
I have recently discontinued my home phone. You can reach me on my cell phone: (701)629-5075.
Your Sister in Christ, Barbara Cooper, ZLCW President
CLCW:
CLCW meeting Nov 18, 2018. Meeting opened with a word of prayer by Carolyn Graff. 8 members present. Correspondence was shared by Carolyn and posted in narthex for congregation to view.
Secretary minutes read and approved as read. Treasures report read and approved as read.
Old Business: Thank Offering Collection of CLCW members at Harvest festival (ideas of encouragement of collection were discussed.) Tabled. Window washing of outside Church windows being discussed. Tabled.
Carolyn Reported that Metal 8X12 Cake Pans (8) have been purchased by CLCW. (In Kitchen). 10 Large Coffee Servers and 2 small Coffee Servers purchased and donated by Debi and Summer Engelhard. (in Kitchen) (ALL NEW CHURCH KITCHEN ITEMS WILL BE LABELED CLC).
New Business: Berthold has invited us to their Christmas Party on Dec. 8th at 9AM. 14 CHRISTMAS CHILD SHOEBOXES Collected this year for distribution donation, around the world. They were delivered to Assembly of God Church by Marlis and Daryl Peterson. December Meeting and Distribution of Funds is scheduled on Dec.11, 2018 at 9 AM. Meeting adjourned. Kathy McGuire with Minutes taken by Cathy Armstrong
Serving in December @ Carpio:
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS:
Ushers: Maynard & Patsy Anderson Alter Guild: Cathy
Serving in December @ Zion:
Readers: Acolytes: Greeters:
December 2 Lyle Gorseth Alexis Bauer Scott & Tracy Erickson & Family
December 9 Lorna Hansen Cooper Bredahl Jana & Andy Fjeldahl & Family
December 16 Sunday School Program Nolan & Joan Fjeldahl
December 22 Steve Helfrich Benit Sorenson Gary & Laurie Gathman
Ushers: Organist: Alter Guild:
Jerry Hennessy, Keith Neshem, Dan Lindahl Kristin Berg Darla Schweitzer & Ginger Lautenschlager
Fellowship for December is served by Lutheran Men in Mission
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS…
The Family of Ethan Moen. Tanya Debertin-Olson, Curtis Thompson, Vernon Thompson, Ruth Bryans, Mary Lou Knutson, Evelyn Lee.
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 November 14, 2018
Zion Council Notes. Wed. November 14th, 2018. Present: Pastor George, Neil Schwope, Lyle Gorseth, Kristen Berg, Myron Rovig, Chad Schweitzer, Roger Haaland, Julie Deaver, Treas. Janelle Deaver. Absent: Jerrolyn Wirtz, Curt Schumaier. Pres. Neil called the meeting to order. Pastor George led us in devotions and a prayer. Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed and approved as read. Janelle gave the treas. report. Motion by Julie to approve the report. 2nd Myron. Carried. Team Reports: Worship and Music: Klint Hanson, choir, and Julie and Kristen will do special music for Harvest Fest. Evangelism: None. Stewardship and Finance: None. Board of Ed. Sunday School program will be Sunday, Dec. 16th. Luther League: 18 youth will be going to Denver in June 2019 for a mission trip. Maintenance and Property: Elec work was wrapped up in the quilting room. Pastors Report: Pastor George made visits to the hospital, Care facilities and some shut-ins. He chaired the Crimes stoppers board meeting on Oct. 28th. Participated in the Synod Boundaries workshop in Jamestown on Nov 5th. Zion will host the Week of Christian Unity service in January. Carpio will host the Ecumenical Valentines party in February. Old Business: The work on the quilting room and additional outlets is totally done now. New Business: Motion by Roger to approve the wedding of Keith Miller and Cheryl Walker on June 8th, 2019 at Zion.2nd Lyle. Carried. Motion by Julie to approve the wedding of Brittna Gregory and Ian Richards on Sept. 14th 2019 at Zion. 2nd Kristen. Carried. Motion by Chad to approve Steve Moen from the Gideon’s to give a talk and also have a door offering on Dec. 2nd at Zion. 2nd. Myron. Carried. Christmas Eve service will be 7:30pm at Zion and 5:00pm in Carpio. The Zion annual meeting will be Sunday, January 27th 2019 at 9am during the worship service. Motion by Julie to approve an ad ($50) for the community calendar to support the Kids Academy. 2nd Myron. Carried. Motion to adjourn the meeting. Next meeting will be Wed. December 12th. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Julie Deaver, council secretary.
Zion Financials – October
BEGINNING BALANCE – 10/01/2018 $998.10
INCOME: Offerings 10/07/2018 $2,368.00 10/14/2018 $2,634.00 10/21/2018 $1,309.00 10/28/2018 $1,882.01
Carpio Luth Reimbursement -Util, Exp $440.22 Simply Giving $443.00
State Bank and Trust- Interest $.30
TOTAL INCOME- OCTOBER $9,076.53
EXPENSES:
Western ND Synod- Benevolences $690.88
Church Mutual- (Insurance) $394.00
MDU (Church - $55.71; Parsonage - $30.99) $86.70
Xcel Energy (Church - $244.52; Parsonage- $69.60) $314.12
SRT (Church- $80.61; Parsonage $134.36) $214.97
City of Berthold (Church- $42.40; Parsonage- $49.20) $91.60
Marketplace Foods (Worship) $139.03
Visa (Postage $34.64 & Office $81.96) $116.60
CCLI (Worship) $216.00
Farmers Union Oil Co. (Worship) $75.65
Postmaster (Postage) $50.00
Dawna Helfrick- (Piano) $195.00
Sheila Schmidt (Custodian) $400.00
Amy Neshem (Secretary) $500.00
Janelle Deaver (Treasurer) $600.00
Transfer to Pastor Account $3,951.00
TOTAL EXPENSES OCTOBER $8,035.55
ENDING BALANCE – 10/31/2018 $2,039.08
PASTOR PAYROLL ACCOUNT (ZION & CARPIO)
Beginning Balance October $839.40
Zion Deposits $3,951.00
Carpio Deposits $3,951.00
Total Deposits $7,902.00
Expenses:
Portico (Pastor’s Benefits) $3,088.35
Mileage $402.21
Pastor George $4,306.00
Total Expenses: $7,796.56
Ending October Balance: $944.84
Carpio Lutheran Church Council Minutes
The council meeting was held on November 11, 2018 at 7:00 pm. The meeting was called to order by Alvis Martinson.
The secretary’s report was given by Tammi Moen and approved as presented after a correction from minutes from October 14, 2018. The Constitution has been approved as amended and accepted by the Synod. Travis Engelhard motioned, Jeff Huber seconded, motion carried. The treasurer’s report was given by Shirley Springer reported by Alvis Martinson. Shirley was unable to attend the meeting. The account balances are as follows: Checking Account $6472.38, Thrivent Contingency Fund $3653.76, Thrivent Lindberg Fund $13499.04. The propane tank was filled with 428 gallons at a cost of $562.35. The Harvest Festival offering was $7553.00. Old Business: The post card mailing for Donnybrook and Carpio will get done this week. CLCW: The CLCW report was given by Carolyn Graff. All schedules need to be considered when planning the date for the Harvest Festival. The ladies have served lunch for multiple funerals during October. Pastor’s Report: Pastor George has made visits to the hospital, care facilities and some shut-ins. He presided for the Gale Dahle funeral at Carpio on October 12th. He presided for the Matthew Rovig funeral at Zion on October 13th. He presided for the Evelyn Clouse funeral at Carpio on October 15th. He attended the Crime Stoppers board meeting on October 28th in Berthold. He worked with the picture directory volunteers at Zion on October 30th. He conducted the Carpio Harvest Festival worship service on November 4th. He traveled to Jamestown on November 5th to participate in the Synod Boundaries Workshop at the Legacy Center. He hosted the Ecumenical Council in Carpio on November 7th. The Zion Harvest Festival worship service will be November 18th. He will participate in the Ecumenical Thanksgiving worship service at St. Ann’s Catholic Church on November 18th. Bibles will be given to the third graders during worship service on December 2nd. New Business: Jeff Huber motioned to have a Gideon speaker and door offering on December 2nd. Travis seconded, motion carried. The Sunday School Christmas program will be on December 16th during worship service. Travis Engelhard motioned to have Christmas Eve worship service on December 24th at 5 pm and to follow the early/late time schedule that was previously in effect. Aaron Haaland seconded, motion carried. December 30th will be a joint worship service at 9:00 am. Travis Engelhard motioned to have the Carpio Annual Meeting on Jan 27th during the worship service at 11:00 am. The meeting will be after an abbreviated service with a potluck to follow. Aaron Haaland seconded, motion carried. The piano needs to have a hammer repaired and Pastor George will call Jacobson Music and schedule the repairs. The next council meeting will be December 2nd at 7 pm. The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer. Meeting adjourned. Tammi Moen, Recording Secretary.
Carpio Financials, October 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 |
|
165 |
|
|
Total |
60,029.43 |
50,021.06 |
1978 |
2160 |
A THRIVENT CHALLENGE: In the spirit of Thanksgiving the Northland Region Thrivent Member Network challenges us to make a difference by collecting food for the local food pantry. If we are able to collect at least 500 non perishable items we can apply for a $500 multiplier gift. There are 60 multiplier gifts available on a first come first receive basis.
Barb Cooper and Ladora have put together a list of needed items for the Food Pantry: Canned Fruit, Cream Soups (not tomato), Snack Packs of puddings, Jell-o, apple sauce, Baking supplies, Ketchup, Pasta, Cereal, Mac & Cheese, Spaghetti, Spices, Salt & Pepper, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Dish Soap, Chap Stick, Shower Gel, Lotion, Pump Hand Soap, Kleenex, and Toilet Paper. We will collect items through Dec. 9TH in both Zion and Carpio. Thanks for all of your support for our local Food Pantry!
BERTHOLD PUBLIC SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PROGRAMS:
Elementary Grades Christmas Program is Dec. 10TH at 7pm in the Old Gym of the Berthold School.
High School Grades Christmas Program is Dec. 17TH at 7pm in the Old Gym of the Berthold School.
All are welcome to these FREE Programs in our Public School.
BERTHOLD ZION FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN!
October 9, Tuesday morning from 10am until Noon & October 17, Wednesday afternoon from 3-5pm & 7-9pm.
If the above times do not work for you, call Ladora at 453-3121 or on her cell phone at 701-562-0041.
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!
FREE FOOD BOXED TO GO IN CARPIO!
The Berthold Zion Food Pantry has placed a few 30lb boxes filled with a variety of shelf safe food items in the Carpio Senior Center. Any person may stop by the Carpio Senior Center on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday from 11:30am until 12:30pm and pick up one box per month by just giving your name, physical address, phone number, and the number of persons in the household for Food Pantry records. If you have any questions call Ladora at 453-3121 or Karen Trail at 468-5463.
WE HAVE DREAMS TO DISPLAY MORE CARPIO HISTORY.
We are seeking to raise money through GIFTS and MEMORIALS to purchase a “Floor Model Swinging Panel Display System”. The estimated cost of this Display System will be about $2000. Our hope is that those interested in the increasing of our space to display pictures will think to direct some of their gift contributions and memorial money to Carpio Lutheran Church’s Picture Display System Fund. The Carpio Church Council has approved the purchase of the Picture Display System only when the money in the Fund is adequate to cover all of the expense of getting the product here to the church.
~ Meals on Wheels is also held up at the Carpio Sr. Citizens Bldg. three times a week – Mon, Wed and Fri.
~ Foot Clinic will be Dec. 12th at the Carpio Sr. Citizens Building at 9:30am.
~ To Write to a Recovering American Soldier: c/o Walter Reed Medical Center
6900 Georgia Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20307-5001
This will be the last Newsletter that will be sent out in the mail. If you are not already receiving the newsletter via e-mail ~ WE NEED YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS!!
We will continue to print as many copies as are needed to have available at church!
Visit our website at www.zionberthold.com for weekly bulletins, newsletter, and updated information.