Zion Lutheran Church

Zion & Carpio Newsletter

May 2020

“KEEP YOUR FOCUS ON GOD!”

Rev. George Schuessler

The Apostle Peter writes, “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.” (1^ST Peter 5:6-7) The Psalmist says, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures; he leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” (Psalm 23:1-2) And our Lord Jesus says, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?” (Matthew 6:25) Can you hear it? God’s living Word is directing us to keep our focus on the risen and ever living Lord Jesus!

     The world is sure doing a number on us. Its shifting sands are seeking to take our feet out from under us. The world’s tiniest life forms with an array of piercing arrow seek to steal life away from us. Satan in his deceptive nature hurls political, economic, cultural, and spiritual lies to terrorize us into submission to him. In an abundance of things, an endless amount of opportunities to pursue, and an obscene freedom of entitlement we now anguish as much is gone and more is going away. Anxiety levels are skyrocketing. Worry is bringing sleepless nights. Fear is driving people into reckless madness. Where are you in the midst of it all?

     Take flight and get a breath of life giving air. Join the birds of the air and find a renewed spirit as we catch the up-lifting draft of the Creator’s Holy Spirit. Life is not about food, drink, and pleasure. God, who created us, knows what we want and what we need and in his love he gives to us life in all its abundance as he does for the birds of the air. Humble yourself and breathe trusting that the Creator will shepherd you through all the trials of physical life.

     In the beauty of God’s image among the lilies of the field be one who treasures the peace that is among humanity. Dare we to wear our masks to stand out like Solomon among God’s kings to live not in fear for our life, but in loving concern for the lives of those around us. The Apostle Paul writes, “For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a sacrifice of atonement by his blood, effective through faith. He did this to show his righteousness.” (Romans 3:22b-25a) Humble yourself and trust the Good Shepherd Jesus who in love risks all to find the lost giving a peace that the world cannot give.

     In the simplicity of water and God’s Word find rest in God’s claim of you as a beloved child. In the ever need to wash our hands for 20 seconds, make it a time of Prayer in a baptismal renewal. Leaving the virus behind in our washing our focus becomes in our folded hands in water on the Lord God who is gracious and life giving. Join the Apostle Paul as he writes, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” (Philippians 4:4-6) Humble yourself and trust the Almighty God who continues to do so much for us all, that we might in prayer praise and glorify him.

     Keep your focus, “But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” In faith remember that God is ever near and life is forever in his glorious Kingdom. Amen!

YOUTH INFORMATION

ZION:                                                       CARPIO:

Metigoshe Day Camp that was Scheduled                                                                             CARPIO LUTHERAN

at Zion for June 8^th – 12^th has been postponed.                                                                 VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Metigoshe is currently working on alternative                                  Tentatively planned for the first week of August. 

 plans and we will let everyone know

 as soon as they have decided something.

Confirmation

CONFIRMATION STUDENTS:

All Class sessions are completed and all Worship Note Forms for Sunday Services and Mid-week Lenten Services are counted as completed. Eighth Grade Students, Pastor will meet with you in the fall when we begin our second year of Confirmation Classes. Ninth Grade Students are asked to complete a one page Faith Statement that is to be emailed to Pastor George at george@srt.com as soon as possible. Please complete these Faith Statements by reviewing your worksheets that you kept in your Confirmation Folder this year, especially the sheets on the Apostles’ Creed. If you have any questions call Pastor George at 701-720-6839.

               In regard to Confirmation Sunday, it is hoped that we can have it in October. The date is still to be determined, since we were made aware that not all of the Confirmation Participants can attend on Reformation Sunday our first choice of a date.

GRADUATE RECOGNITION:

There will be no Ecumenical Baccalaureate service this year.

Zion & Carpio will recognize our Graduates during worship on May 17^th at Zion. They will also receive their quilts that day.

We congratulate all of our 2020 Graduates!! God Bless each of you!

Ally Bauer                Erik Berg                 

Kenadi Bredahl              Hannah Ibach                  Toni Hamilton

Erika Neshem         Megan Schepp

Luther League

We are planning an outdoor end of the year BBQ. The date is yet to be determined, but we will keep everyone posted on facebook! 

PUBLIC WORSHIP IS TO RESUME FOR CARPIO & ZION LUTHERAN:

We are pleased to announce that both Congregation Church Councils have come to an agreement to have Public Worship resume on Mother’s Day. We will start on May 10^TH with our Summer JOINT PARISH Worship Schedule with a 10am Worship Service in CARPIO LUTHERAN. Please remember that our Summer Joint Parish Worship Services alternate each week between Carpio and Berthold. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will NOT be having Coffee and Snack Fellowship following the Summer Joint Parish Worship Services. The May 17^TH Joint Parish Worship Service will be at 10am in ZION LUTHERAN of Berthold. We will be receiving the Offering in a plastic bucket at the entrance of the sanctuary as you enter for Joint Parish Worship. The Financial Secretaries will properly divide the Offerings so that each congregation will receive their gifts from you to carry out the ministries of Christ. You may still mail your Offerings to the Financial Secretaries if you so desire. Their names and addresses are listed below:

CARPIO FINANCIAL SECRETARY                 ZION FINANCIAL SECRETARY

Marlis Peterson                                                                Connie Hagen

4230   74^TH Street NW                                                    6101   310^TH Street NW

Carpio, ND. 58725                                                             Berthold, ND. 58718

BERTHOLD ZION FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN: 

Please call Ladora to schedule your time at the Food Pantry so that we may stay within the CDC recommended guidelines for people present at the Food Pantry for the selecting of your food choices.

MAY 12^TH Tuesday morning from 10am until Noon.

MAY 20^TH 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, or Barb Cooper at 701-629-5075.

          Any household may come Once per Month to get 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!

PARISH BIBLE STUDY WILL RESUME MAY 14^TH:

We will resume our weekly Parish Bible Study on the Sunday Morning Lessons for the Sunday that is coming up. On May 14^TH at 10am we will gather in the CARPIO Fellowship hall to discuss the Bible readings for Sunday, May 17^TH. All are welcome to participate in this Bible Study. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will not be able to have Coffee or Snacks during the Bible Study at the church. Sorry! Seating will be spread out to meet the social distancing guideline of six feet between participants. Thanks for your understanding.

SUNDAY DEVOTIONAL WORSHIP ON FACEBOOK WILL CONTINUE:

Pastor George has been asked to continue the Sunday Devotional Messages until further notice for those who are not able to attend our Public Worship Services at our church facilities. You will have the printed version to read at your leisure or you may watch, again at your leisure, the FACEBOOK LIVE presentation that will be available at about 7am on Saturday morning. If you do not have internet access a printed copy is available at the entrance of each church facility.

GRADUATE RECOGNITION IS SCHEDULED FOR MAY 17^TH:

High School Graduates from Carpio and Zion Lutheran Churches are invited to wear their Caps and Gowns as they attend the May 17^TH Joint Parish Worship Service at 10am in ZION LUTHERAN of Berthold. While we cannot have a cake in your honor we still can have prayers on your behalf, and be able to hear from you the exciting plans for your future after High School. As a faith community we are proud of your achievements and we have loved to help you develop your spiritual gifts that will help you to make a difference in the world.

MEMORIAL DAY PROGRAM:

The Ecumenical Council with the help of the Berthold American Legion Post will have a brief Program with Military Rites at 11am on May 25^th at the Wildrose Cemetery in Berthold. The public is invited for this observance of honoring those who sacrificed much for our Liberty. Our program will have the American Legion Color Guard, reading the names of the deceased, the playing of Taps by Erik Berg, and prayer. We are sorry that due to the COVID-19 pandemic we will not have a speaker or a lunch for this year’s Memorial Day observance.

Zion ZLCW

ZLCW Newsletter Article May 2020

My faith in Christ has always been the most important part of my life, especially now. I have missed worshiping with all of you. I sincerely hope you are all well.

Due to the quarantine there won’t be any ZLCW meetings until further notice. The annual HungerRide has been cancelled, and the Synod Assembly has been postponed until July 17^th. The WELCA Triennial has been moved to August 5-8, 2021. If you have any questions please feel free to call me anytime at 701-629-5075.

With the lifting of the quarantine I hope you will remain safe and I hope to see you soon.

Your sister in Christ,

Barbara Cooper, ZLCW president

**Update on Spring Lutheran World Relief: There will be no spring collection this year. However, you can still drop items for all kits off at the church and they will be shipped this fall, Thank you!

Zion is updating their list of Readers! If you would like to be added to the list, please let Amy know by email zionberthold@gmail.com or leave a message at the church.

Carpio Lutheran Church Council Minutes

 The council meeting was held on May 3^rd at 12:00pm.  The meeting was called to order by President, Aaron Haaland.

Secretary’s Report:  Stan Vangsness motioned to approve the minutes as presented.  Jeff Huber seconded, motion carried.

Treasurer’s Report:  All bills have been paid and are up to date.  The Church is participating in the Payroll Protection Program of the federal government CARES Act.  These funds are used to cover payroll costs and utilities.  There was no solicitation of offerings during the month of April.  Those that desired to give offering mailed their offering directly to the financial secretary, Marlis Peterson.

Checking Account:                 $11733.45 (includes money from the Payroll Protection Program)

Thrivent Contingency Fund:   $ 3746.07                                                             

Thrivent Lindberg Fund:        $13840.33

Travis Engelhard motioned to approve the Treasurer’s report.  Jeff Huber seconded, motion carried.

CLCW:  The Carpio Church Dinner that was scheduled for March 29^th was postponed until further notice. 

Pastor’s Report:  The Pastor has been making visits by phone calls when possible.  The Sunday and Lenten sermons are typed and put on the Web and Facebook pages.  He is helping Ladora and Barb Cooper at the Food Pantry to set up new guidelines.  Confirmation Sunday that was scheduled for May 3^rd has been postponed until October 2020.  The Pastor is now able to have Sunday Devotionals on Facebook Live for those who wish this option.  The Pastor’s continuing education summit has been cancelled.  The Synod Assembly has been postponed to July 17^th in Minot.

Old Business:  Joint summer worship services are approved for June, July, and August at 9:00am alternating between Carpio and Zion.  August 2^nd, the Christian Motorcycle Association Praise Band is scheduled to be here in Carpio for worship service and will receive a door offering.  Automatic sprinklers have been installed in the garden beds. 

New Business:  Under a state of emergency, all public events at Carpio Lutheran were canceled for the month of April.  The council reviewed and established guidelines for public worship.  Travis Engelhard motioned to resume worship services using these guidelines on May 10th.  Services will be at 11:00am.  Jeff Huber seconded, motion carried.  The council will be exploring the possibility of purchasing equipment, a digital hymnal, and training people to live stream our worship services in the future.  For those who do not have email, the newsletter will be mailed.

The next Carpio Church Council meeting is June 7^th after church.  The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer.

Meeting adjourned.  Tammi Moen-Recording Secretary

Carpio Financials

PASTOR PAYROLL ACCOUNT (ZION & CARPIO)                                                                                   

Beginning Balance March                                                                                                            $1,690.11

Zion Deposits                                                                                                                                     $4,100.00

Carpio Deposits                                                                                                                                $4,100.00                                 

Total Deposits                                                                                                                                   $8,200.00                       

Expenses:                                                                                                                                                                          

Portico (Pastor’s Benefits)                                                                                                          $2,569.83                          

Mileage                                                                                                                                                $  

Pastor George Payroll                                                                                                                     $4,395.72                          

Total Expenses:                                                                                                                                     $6,965.55                     

Ending March Balance:                                                                                                                                $2,924.56

Zion Financials ~ March

BEGINNING BALANCE March                                                                                                      $7,079.87

INCOME:              3/01/2020            $1,741.00             3/04/2020 Lent                 $198.00                                                                                                                 3/08/2020            $1,576.00             3/11/2020 Lent                 $226.00

                                3/15/2020           $1,508.00             3/18/2020 Lent                 $90.00

                                3/27/2020            $100.00

Carpio Luth Reimbursement       $179.98                 Simply Giving                     $393.00                                

State Bank and Trust- Interest    $0.80    

   TOTAL INCOME- March                                                                                                             $6,012.78

EXPENSES:          MDU                                                                                                     $418.89                      

Xcel Energy                                                                                                                         $ 276.64

SRT                                                                                                                                         $ 221.66

City of Berthold                                                                                                                $   97.40

Western ND Synod-ELCA                                                                                               $1,665.68

1517 Media                                                                                                                        $ 42.00                         

Farmers Union Oil                                                                                                            $    6.91

Church Mutual Insurance                                                                                              $ 364.46

Curt Schumaier (Custodian)                                                                                        $ 350.00

Amy Neshem (Secretary )                                                                                              $ 643.45              

Kylene Hornberger (Treasurer)                                                                                  $ 550.00

Klint Hanson                                                                                                                       $1,182.00

National Child Safety Council                                                                                       $ 200.00         

Transfer to Pastor Account                                                                                           $4,100.00

TOTAL EXPENSES- March                                                                                                              $10,119.09

ENDING BALANCE – March                                                                                                                          $2,868.41

ZION LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MINUTES                                                   MAY 4^TH, 2020

All Council Members were Present, plus Kylene Hornberger and Pastor George Schuessler.

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER by President Curt Schumaier. DEVOTION: Matthew 6:25-33  Don’t worry, God is caring for us and guiding us.   Pastor George REVIEWED MINUTES FROM MARCH 11^TH Council meeting. Marvin Heller moved to approve the Minutes. Second by Myron Rovig. Motion Carried. FINANCIAL REPORT was given by Treasurer Kylene Hornberger:  General Fund Beginning Balance, $2871.41.  April Income, $18021.63.  April Expenses, $8258.91.  Ending Balance, $12634.13. Pastoral Account Beginning Balance, $2474.34.  Ending April Balance, $3068.70. Kylene noted that $12200.00 of the income was the P.P.P. Loan from Federal C.A.R.E.S. ACT. The Zion Council Thanked Kylene Hornberger for her swift action to get the P.P.P. Loan. Gary Neshem moved to approve the Financial report. Second by Julie Ulberg. Motion Carried.

TEAM REPORTS: For Board of Education, Sunday School has ended and the Metigoshe Day Camp is Postponed with date pending. For Luther League, Kristen Schepp noted Youth had a “Zoom” Bible Study and are planning another. Maintenance & Property, Curt Schumaier gave a brief update on Boiler. Todd Finke noted that John Fjeldahl measured for the Chapel Folding Door and estimated the cost to be about $1840 plus up to an additional $100 for a support beam. Kylene Hornberger noted that the Neal Schwope Memorial will cover the entire cost.

PASTOR’S REPORT:  Made visits by phone when possible. Pastor has been working with both congregation Presidents and Treasurers to deal with issues during the pandemic, has been working with the Food Pantry to meet new guidelines for operation, and is typing sermons to be posted on the WEB Page and FACEBOOK Pages for each congregation. Pastor has started to do a FACEBOOK LIVE presentation on the Zion FACEBOOK Page and will continue this through the COVID-19 pandemic. Confirmation Sunday will take place in October, but will not be on Reformation Sunday since one class member cannot attend on that Sunday.

OLD BUSINESS:

1. The Music Jam that was scheduled on May 3^RD in Zion was postponed and a date has not yet    been rescheduled.

2. At our last meeting, Kristin Berg noted that the Women of Zion would like to have 36 more Folding Chairs and the Women will share the cost of the chairs. Marvin Heller moved to have Andy Fjeldahl order 36 Folding Chairs with Zion’s cost being about $432. Second by Gary Neshem. Motion Carried.

NEW BUSINESS:

1. The following GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP were discussed and formulated.  *See Guidelines on next page*

2. Noting that there is limited seating with social distancing and believing that during the summer months attendance is not large, Marvin Heller moved to have 10am Joint Worship Services with Carpio and Zion Lutheran Churches this summer. Second by Julie Ulberg. Motion Carried.

3. Following a discussion on when to start Public Worship at Zion Lutheran, Marvin Heller moved to begin the summer Joint Worship Services at 10am on Mother’s Day, May 10^TH in the Carpio Lutheran Church. Second by Jacki Deaver. Motion Carried.

4. Pastor noted that Carpio Lutheran had already approved beginning Public Worship at the regular monthly time of 11am on Mother’s Day, May 10^TH. Pastor was directed to contact President Aaron Haaland of Carpio following the Zion Council Meeting to see if they would agree to beginning summer Joint Worship Services at 10am on May 10^TH.     Jacki Deaver moved, as a back-up plan if Carpio did not agree with Zion’s desire to start the summer schedule on May 10^TH, that Zion would begin Public Worship on May 17^TH at 9am meeting every other week for worship in Zion Lutheran until Carpio would begin summer Joint Worship Services. Second by Kristin Berg. Motion Carried.

5. Curt Schumaier reported that he is working to get proper cleaning supplies, soaps, and Hand sanitizers for use in the church. He is suggesting that we get some wall mounted hand sanitizer dispensers to be placed at various locations in the church. Many of these products are on back order, so it may take some time to get them. When he does find what is needed he will order it. Consensus of the Council membership agreed.

6. Pastor George suggested exploring what is needed for us to live stream our worship services in the future. We do need to learn and up-grade the technology of our equipment in the church for the future. Discussion led to Kristen Schepp talking with his Youth and Pastor George contacting Chris Brown to begin the exploring.

7. Consensus of the Council members was that we should be mailing the Newsletter out to the people who do not have an e-mail address for a time as we start up our ministry again.

The NEXT Zion Church Council Meeting will be June 10^TH at 7pm.

Meeting was Adjourned and the Lord’s Prayer was prayed.

Respectfully Submitted by Pastor George.

GUIDELINES FOR PUBLIC WORSHIP

1. Participants shall be in good health, NO fever, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath.

2. Participants shall MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING OF SIX FEET SEPERATION between other persons not in their household and all people participating are encouraged to wear a mask that will cover their mouth and nose. (6’= two adult arm lengths)

3. An USHER, wearing a mask, will be at the church’s main exterior entrance door for the purpose of opening the door for all participants entering the building for the worship      service to help minimize contact by way of the door handle.

4. Seating will be by HOUSEHOLDS who will sit together in the same pew or at the same table. Only every other pew will be used for seating. Pews or Tables that are taped off shall NOT be used for seating.

5. When arriving at your seat, please remain seated in your pew or at your table until the worship service has ended, except for Restroom use or for needing to leave the building for some reason.

6. RESTROOMS are small and shall have only ONE PERSON in them at a time, except when a person of the same HOUSEHOLD is needed to assist a person in the same HOUSEHOLD. When waiting to enter a restroom, please practice social distancing with at least six feet separation from other people. Please wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 second before leaving the Restroom.

7. When Holy Communion is celebrated as a part of the worship service, a table will be set up in the church entrance that will have prefilled individual communion cups with grape juice and a wafer. Those who desire to have Holy Communion shall pick up ONE of these prefilled communion cups and take it with them to the pew or table that they will be sitting at during the worship service. Under direction of the Pastor, directions will be given at the end of the worship service to consume the elements for Holy Communion. As you leave the sanctuary, please take the empty cup and wrapper with you and place it in the trash can at the entrance.

8. NO HYMNALS. Bulletins with liturgy, hymns, and “Celebrate” insert will be place on the pews and tables that people may sit during the worship service. Please take the bulletins with you as you leave the sanctuary and if you do not wish to keep them, please place them in the trash can at the entrance.

9. A plastic bucket will be on a table in the church entrance to receive the OFFERING for BOTH Congregations. The Financial Secretary of the congregation that is hosting worship will take care of the Offering by putting Carpio Offering Envelopes and half of the cash   Offering into an envelope for Carpio and by putting Zion Offering Envelopes and half of the cash Offering into an envelope for Zion. The envelope of the congregation not hosting worship will then be given to the Financial Secretary of that congregation.

10. NO COFFEE & SNACK FELLOWSHIP until further notice.

11. NO CHILDREN’S ACTIVITY BAGS, ACTIVITY SHEETS, OR CHURCH TOYS until further notice.

12. An Usher will gather a household name and contact phone number at each worship service in case there is a need for contact tracing due to someone testing positive for COVID-19.

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS…

Ardella Johnson, Freddy Feirer (Marlyn Matterns BIL), Kevin Abri’go, Lois Vincent, Mark Nesheim, Adam Erickson, Carol Rostad, Kalvin Myers, Bob Lee & son Gregg.

CONTINUED PRAYERS for all nursing home residents and home-bound members.

CONTINUED SAFETY for Carneen Cotton, Lucus Zabka, Aaron Zabka, Zach Trail, Jeremija Arnold, Chaplain David Johnson, & all military personnel who are stationed around the world.