Zion Lutheran Church

Zion & Carpio Newsletter

May 2021

Keep Your Blooming Faith”

Rev. George Schuessler

      The saying goes, “April showers brings May flowers.” I think that many of us are wondering as to how many flowers? With an open winter, a dry spring, we see the sun climbing and feel the temperatures rising, and soon the warmth of summer will arrive. With pandemic fatigue we are now dreaming of what once was, and our desire is for the carefree life styles of pre-pandemic life to return. To have, to move about, to do what we want without a threat of harm.

     Our hopes are like that of the Prophet Isaiah, whose faith allows one to live in anticipation of what is to be in the glory of God despite the difficult situation that the Israelites find themselves in. “The wilderness and the dry land shall be glad, the desert shall rejoice and blossom; like the crocus it shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the majesty of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” (Isaiah 35:1-2)

     Our God does hear our prayers. We give thanks for spring snow, warm sun shine, and rain showers that cause buds to form. Our hearts are up lifted as more and more activity reaches to what we like to think of as “normal.” As the Holy Spirit has taught us, the buds grow to blossoms and the blossoms grow into fruit in the glory of the Lord. Prayer is being answered!

     Recently, Gary Knudtson brought a bouquet of crocus flowers in bloom to Bible Study. We see the faith of farmers placing see into the ground. Baseball is in full swing. Graduation ceremonies are being planned to be in-person. Pastors are praying, God’s children are gathering in worship, our buds are becoming blossoms on the vine. Jesus said, “Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:4-5)

     In the vine of our Lord, you buds be bold, you blossoms be glad. Dare to faithfully “rejoice with joy and singing.” In hope, like Isaiah and the faithful before us, we “shall see the glory of the Lord, the majesty of our God.” Connected to the vine the blossom becomes a flower, from the flower comes the fruit, and abundant fruit becomes a harvest. Oh, how good the Lord God is! Forget Him not in the rush of this spring back to life!

CARPIO Sunday School & Crossroads:

It’s not too late to sign up for: MYSTERY ISLAND!

Dates for VBS:
Monday, May 24^th  – Friday, May 28^th  

GRADES: Going into: Preschool – 6^th Grade
 
TIME FOR VBS:
Starting at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. nightly!
Monday, May 24^th we will have VBS
registration starting at 5:30 p.m.

COST:  FREE! 

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or text Summer at 701-833-4545

ZION Sunday School & Crossroads:

Metigoshe Ministries will be at Zion on June 1^st for Day Camp!

When: Tuesday, June 1^st, registration 9:30am-10am, Camp 10am-4pm

Who: Anyone entering first grade in the fall through those currently in 6^th grade.

Cost: FREE!!

 If you have any questions, please text or call Amy @ 720-1442

The following Youth from Zion & Carpio will be Confirmed on

May 2^nd during Worship:

Zion: Alexis Bauer, Kaleb Neshem, Mya Neshem,

Benit Sorenson, & Mystika Wallace.

Carpio: Reidun Askvig, Samuel Babinchak, Isabel Engelhard, McKenzie Huff,

Sofie Huff, Baylie Michel, & Koda Vrieze.

God Bless them in their public confession of Faith!!

ZLCW

We met (finally) on April 11. Thank you to all for your attendance. We discussed ways to do fund raisers. There were many great ideas. Thank you, Kelly Finke, for your presentation of products for different church events such as baptisms, confirmation, etc.

There will be a Memorial Day celebration here in Berthold on Monday, May 31 with a lunch served at the Legion Hall. The ZLCW is responsible for bringing a roaster of scalloped potatoes and ham.

It is wonderful to see a return to some normalcy.

Your Sister in Christ,

Barbara Cooper, ZLCW president

Serving in May @ Carpio:

Usher: Jeff Huber        Altar Guild: Cathy Armstrong

Serving in May @ Zion:

Readers: 

May 2: Alan Lee                                              May 9: Nancy Neshem

May 16: Wes Hagen                                        May 23: Corine Christman

May 30: Steve Helfrich

Ushers:            Bob Grant

Altar Guild:     Susan Haaland and Melissa Schepp

Organist:          Julie Deaver

Fellowship for May is served by the Luther League.

May 2 ~ Group 5                     May 9 ~ Group 6

May 16 ~ Group 1                   May 23 ~ Group 2

May 30 ~ Group 3

Luther League Service Groups for 2020-2021:

Group 1 ~ Seth Fjeldahl, Cooper Bredahl, Alexis Bauer, Ella Brown, Kashtyn Bredahl

Group 2 ~ Katelyn Schumaier, Kari Eide, Justin Eide, Jeffrey Eide, Izzy Michel

Group 3 ~ Alexis Christman, Piper Sorenson, Benit Sorenson, Natalie Helfrich, Riley Miller, Laney Brown

Group 4 ~ Jake Ulberg, Christian Carico, Nathan Carico, Carter Finke, Brennan Asmundson

Group 5 ~ Ava Lee, Cale Ibach, Mya Neshem, Aubree Schepp, Tika Wallace

Group 6 ~ Lynzee Schepp, Tucker Johnson, Emma Neshem, Kaleb Neshem, Elyssa Lindahl, Ashley Seaver

 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 Meeting

The council meeting was held on April 11^th, 2021 at noon.  The meeting was called to order by President, Aaron Haaland. 

The secretary’s report was given by Tammi Moen.  Stan Vangsness motioned to approve the minutes as presented.  Jeff Huber seconded, motion carried.

The treasurer’s report was presented by Summer Engelhard.  Jeff Huber motioned to approve the treasurer’s report, Stan Vangsness seconded, motion carried.  All bills are current and World Mission has been paid for the quarter.  The account balances are as follows:

Bremer Checking Account:    $25,667.40

Thrivent Contingency Fund:  $  3,746.78

Thrivent Lindberg Fund:         $10,843.00

Pastor’s Report:  Pastor George has made limited phone calls and in-person visits when possible.  The Berthold Baccalaureate service will be April 25^th at 7pm at Zion.  May 2^nd will be Confirmation Sunday.  Dan Patterson’s memorial service is May 15^th at Carpio.  Carpio Vacation Bible School is May 24^th thru May 28^th from 6 to 8 pm.  The Berthold Memorial Day Service is May 31^st.  The WND Synod Assembly is June 4^th and 5^th at the Grand Hotel in Minot.  The Metigoshe Board Meeting will be June 7^th.  The Hedberg memorial and burial is at the Grano Cemetery on June 26^th.  The Millo & Carol Wallace 40^th anniversary reception is July 10^th at the Carpio Park or Carpio Lutheran, depending on weather.

Old business:  Brandon Trondson held a live stream training session and set up the church’s computer on March 25^th.  The training went well with multiple people trained to set up the live streaming .  The concrete work for the front entrance has been tabled for now. 

New Business:  Stan Vangsness motioned to transfer out Patricie Abrahamson to Shell Creek Church of Plaza.  Tammi Moen seconded, motion carried.  Tammi Moen motioned to receive Brielle Cassandra Marie Brekke as a baptized member.  She was baptized on April 11^th at Carpio and is the daughter of Brad and Becky Brekke.  Stan Vangsness seconded, motion carried.   Stan Vangsness motioned for Reidan Askvig, Samuel Babinchak, Isabel Engelhard, McKenzie Huff, Sofie Huff, Baylie Michel, and Koda Vrieze to participate in the “Affirmation of Baptism”, on May 2^nd, upon completion of Confirmation class requirements.  Tammi Moen seconded, motion carried.  We will continue to social distance for worship services.  Jeff Huber motioned to approve Pastor George’s vacation schedule.  The dates are June 14^th – 22^nd, July 12^th -20^th, and August 2^nd – September 7^th.  Bethany Lutheran of Minot will be on call for pastoral emergencies.  Worship leaders are Ron Dahl from Mohall for June 20^th, July 18^th, August 15^th, and August 22^nd, and Norm Paskowski from Minot on August 8^th and August 29^th.  Stan Vangsness seconded, motion carried.  Jeff Huber motioned to have the Christian Motorcycle Association Praise Band on September 12^th.  This will also be the Sunday School’s rally day.  Stan Vangness seconded, motion carried.   

The next council meeting will be Wednesday, June 2^nd, 2021 at 7 pm.  The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer. 

Meeting Adjourned

Tammi Moen, Recording Secretary

 Carpio Financials

AS OF March 31, 2021

Bremer Bank Checking Account:   $25,667.40

Thrivent Contingency Fund:           $3,746.78

Thrivent Lindberg Fund:                 $10,843.00

Total Funds:                          $40,257.18

PASTOR PAYROLL ACCOUNT (ZION & CARPIO)

Beginning Balance March 2021                                                                                                  $3,810.80

Zion Deposits                                                                                                                                     $3,600.00

Carpio Deposits                                                                                                                                  $3,600.00

Total Deposits                                                                                                                                       $7,200.00                   

Expenses:                                                                                                                                                                          

Portico (Pastor’s Benefits)                                                                                                                $2,595.83                          

Mileage                                                                                                                                                $   232.40

Pastor George Payroll                                                                                                                        $4,395.72 

Main Street Checks – ordered checks                                                                                             $      16.53

                        Total Expenses:                                                                                                         $7,240.48      

                Ending Balance: March 2021                                                                                                          $3,770.32

Zion Financials ~ March

BEGINNING BALANCE – March 2021                                                                                        $23,699.78          

INCOME: Offerings   3/07/2021   $1,465.00             3/14/2021                           $    991.00           

3/21/2021                                            $ 1,125.00            3/28/2021                            $ 1,080.00           

Carpio Luth Reimb.-Utilities         $  293.93              Simply Giving                     $  418.00                             

State Bank and Trust- Interest    $      2.20               Donations                           $5,220.00                            

   TOTAL INCOME                                                                                                                            $10,459.13

EXPENSES:          Western ND Synod                                                                                            $ 282.88

Church Mutual Insurance                                                                                                              $ 364.46

MDU (Church - $361.79; Parsonage - $103.62)                                                                         $ 465.41                     

Xcel Energy (Church - $281.81; Parsonage- $80.48)                                                                  $ 362.29

SRT (Church- $81.38; Parsonage $141.23)                                                                                   $ 222.61

City of Berthold (Church- $42.90; Parsonage- $48.00)                                                              $ 100.90

Kristin Berg (Piano)                                                                                                                         $  195.00

Julie Deaver (Piano)                                                                                                                        $   260.00

Curt Schumaier (Custodian Jan)                                                                                                    $   350.00

Amy Neshem (Secretary & 143.45 website renewal)                                                                $   643.45            

Kylene Hornberger (Treasurer)                                                                                                      $   550.00

Comfort Solution HVAC do ND LLC (water leak in sanctuary)                                                  $   354.51

Transfer to Pastor Account                                                                                                             $3,600.00

TOTAL EXPENSES                                                                                                                             $7,584.19

ENDING BALANCE – March 2021                                                                                                               $26,574.72

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS all who are ill.

CONTINUED PRAYERS for all nursing home residents and home-bound members. CONTINUED SAFETY for all military personnel who are stationed around the world.

Zion Council Meeting, APRIL 14^TH, 2021, at 7pm in the Zion Fellowship Hall

Meeting Called to Order by President Kristen Schepp

Council members present:  Gary Neshem, Jackie Deaver, Todd Finke, Kristen Schepp, Kyle Schepp, Marvin Heller, Seth Graveson and Janet Gregory. Also present Treasurer Kylene Hornberger and Pastor George Schuessler

Devotions led by Pastor George

Review & Approve Minutes from MARCH 2^ND Council Meeting. Motion to approve the Minutes by Marvin, Second by Gary.  Motion Carried

FINANCIAL REPORT:  Was given by Treasurer Kylene Hornberger: March:

General fund beginning Balance: $23,699.78.  January income: $10,459.13.

January expenses: $7,584.19.  General fund ending balance: $26,574.72

Pastoral account beginning balance: $3,810.80.42.  Pastoral account ending balance: $3,770.32.

Motion to approve the financial report by Kyle, Second by Marvin.  Motion Carried

RECEIVE TEAM REPORTS: Worship & Music: Janet Gregory. Amy Neshem the church secretary asked if we could go back to using the hymnals. Motion to go back to using the hymnals by Marvin, Second by Janet.  Motion Carried

Evangelism: Julie Ulberg & Todd Finke. No report. Stewardship & Finance: Gary Neshem. No report.

Board of Education:  Jacki Deaver.  April 11^TH end of year bowling & pizza party at noon. 11 Sunday School students attended.  Luther League: Kyle Schepp. 115 people were at the Easter meal served by the Luther League.  April 25^TH “Family Feud” and Snacks at 12:00pm in Zion. Maintenance & Property:  Marvin Heller & Seth Gravesen. Exterior Window Project. Marvin is going to have Travis Sorenson, Stanton Grubb and John Foster to do bids to repair the windows in the Sunday school wing.  Also check on how much it is going to cost to have the shingles fixed.

PASTOR’S REPORT:  A. Visits by phone calls or a few in person visits when possible.   B. April 25^TH 7pm Baccalaureate Service in Zion.   C. May 2^ND is Confirmation Sunday.  D. May 15^TH is Dan Patterson Memorial Service in Carpio.  E. May 24^TH – 28^TH is Carpio Vacation Bible School.  F. May 31^ST is Memorial Day Service in Berthold School Gym.  G. June 1^ST is Metigoshe Day Camp at Zion.  H. June 4^TH & 5^TH is WND Synod Assembly in Grand Hotel of Minot.  I. June 7^TH is day long Metigoshe Board Meeting at Bible Camp.  J. June 26^TH is Hedberg Memorial Service & Burial at Grano Cemetery.  K. July 10^TH is Millo & Carol Wallace 40^TH Anniversary Ceremony at Park or in Carpio.  D. Oct. 23^RD is Erickson/Schooner Wedding in Zion. (Preparations Completed) 

OLD BUSINESS: 1. Select a Social Service Charity in place of Lutheran Social Services. Motion to give $1000.00 benevolence to the Minot Area Homeless Coalition in place of Lutheran Social Services by Gary, Second by Seth.  Motion Carried    2. Custom Video package for streaming – single camera for live streaming church services.  Motion by Marvin to order the equipment to live stream services for $2318.00, Second by Kyle.  Motion Carried

NEW BUSINESS: 1. Motion to transfer in Stephanie, Kelly, Kassydy, and Gage Hochhalter from United Lutheran Church of Langdon, ND by Gary, Second by Janet.  Motion Carried 2. Motion to receive Oakley Ann Buee as a Baptized Member in light of her Baptism on April 4^TH in Zion. Oakley is the daughter of Josh & Megan Buee by Todd, Second by Seth. Motion Carried. 3. Motion to allow Alexis Bauer, Cooper Bredahl, Kassydy Hochhalter, Kaleb Neshem, Mya Neshem, Benit Sorenson, and Mystika Wallace upon completion of Confirmation Class to participate in the “Affirmation of Baptism” on May 2^ND at 11am in Zion by Seth, Second by Janet.   Motion Carried. 4. Motion to allow Pastor George to take the following time off for vacation by Janet, Second by Kyle.  Motion Carried. June 14^TH – 22^ND, July 12^TH – 20^TH, and Aug. 2^ND – Sept. 7^TH? (Bethany Lutheran of Minot will be on call for Pastoral emergencies. Worship leaders are Ron Dahl from Mohall for June 20^TH, July 18^TH, Aug. 15^TH, & 22^ND, with Norm Paskowski from Minot for Aug. 8^TH, & 29^TH. Sept. 5^TH is possibly being served by Pastor John Nilsen of Minot.) 5. Discussion about sermon content and politics surfacing in the Celebrate insert or the prayers of intersession.  Motion to order the celebrate without the prayers of intersession included by Janet, second by Marvin.  Motion carried by a vote of 7 to 1.  Kyle voted against the motion. 

Next ZION Council Meeting is May 12^TH at 7pm.                 

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

Submitted by Kyle Schepp – Council Secretary

ANNOUNCEMENTS 

CAMP METIGOSHE WORK DAY IS JUNE 5^TH beginning at 9am. Break Snacks and a Noon lunch will be provided. Come & help ready the camp for summer campers.

DAN PATTERSON MEMORIAL SERVICE is May 15^TH at 11am in Carpio Lutheran. Burial will be in the First Lutheran Cemetery following the service. A Fellowship gathering will take place at the Carpio Senior Citizen Building after the Burial.

BERTHOLD ZION FOOD PANTRY IS OPEN the 2^ND & 3^RD TUESDAY EACH MONTH:

MAY 11^TH Tuesday morning from 10am until Noon.

MAY 18^TH Tuesday afternoon from 3pm until 5pm and also in the night from 7pm until 9pm.

(Do to City Court; we are NOT open on the 3^RD Wednesday any more.)

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.

CARPIO LUTHERAN CHURCH IS LIVE STREAMING 9am SUNDAY WORSHIP. If you are unable or if you choose to self-isolate to protect yourself during the pandemic, please join your sisters and brothers in Christ in these worship services each week. You may find the services on the Zion & Carpio Lutheran Churches FACEBOOK Page. They will also be posted to be viewed at any time that you choose. For those who choose to use the FACEBOOK version of worship, your OFFERINGS may be mailed to the Financial Secretary of your congregation. The names and addresses of both Financial Secretaries 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

SPECIAL PROVISIONS have been made concerning Holy Communion to allow individuals in their homes who are worshipping virtually by Live Stream, to have bread and grape juice or wine available to be used during the time of Communion during the Live Streamed worship service. During Holy Communion follow the directions of the Pastor as you would if you were worshipping in person at the church. This will be allowed until the health crisis is over and people can safely gather in person at the church for worship with Holy Communion. If you have question, feel free to contact Pastor George.

CELEBRATE INSERTS TO BE DISCONTINUED! The April Zion Church Council had a brief discussion about the preprinted prayers on the Celebrate. Some people in our Parish are upset with some of the prayer as they see them from a political perspective that is not in line with their political views. As such the Zion Church Council voted to discontinue the Celebrate and to have another Scripture Insert ordered in its place. Due to subscription printing and delivery the Celebrates will be used through September and Pastor George will revise the Prayers to try to take out political slants that may upset some of our worshippers. In October we will begin with the New Scripture Inserts that do not have preprinted prayers. If you have any questions or concerns, you are always encouraged to visit with one of your Church Council Members.