THE ZION & CARPIO
CHURCH NEWSLETTER
October 2018
LINES IN THE SAND
Rev. George Schuessler
The Ecumenical Council will begin meeting for another year of planning joint events of worship and faith for the four churches in our communities of Berthold and Carpio. I do remember in the interview, the Call Committee asking me about ecumenism. It seems to be of importance for people in this area to speak favorably about churches working together and worshipping together. After three years of participating in events and worship that the Ecumenical Council has planned, I am wondering if it is more “lip service” than reality. I am suspicious that many people in our communities have drawn lines in the sand.
It may be fact or folk lore that during the final hours of the siege of the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas, that Colonel William B. Travis assembled his men in the Alamo courtyard. General Santa Anna was flying the red flag which meant that no prisoners would be taken and that every rebel would be killed. Colonel Travis etched a line in the sand with his sword and announced that only those willing to face certain death if they failed to defend the Alamo were called to cross the line to join him in the final battle. James Bowie who was wounded in an earlier battle and was lying on a cot asked for some men to carry the cot across the line saying, “Gentlemen, I appear to be on the wrong side of the line.”
Ever since the fall of the Alamo that expression has conveyed the necessity of making a choice regarding with whom one would stand and one’s absolute commitment to that choice. Do Christians stand together or have Christians drawn lines in the sand? In the 11TH Chapter of the book of Numbers we read that Eldad and Medad who are not part of the 70 are prophesying in the camp and Joshua goes to Moses and said, “My lord Moses, stop them!” But Moses said to Joshua, “Are you Jealous for my sake? Would that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit on them!” In the 9TH Chapter of the Gospel of Mark we read of John talking to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us.” But Jesus said, “Do not stop him; for no one who does a deed of power in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me. Whoever is not against us is for us.”
Are YOU members of Carpio Lutheran, ecumenical in your view of Christianity? Are YOU members of Zion Lutheran, ecumenical in your view of Christianity? As we begin another year of a few joint faith events and worship services planned by the Ecumenical Council YOU are invited to make it a priority to step across the line that encircles Berthold Baptist Church, Carpio Lutheran Church, Saint Ann’s Catholic Church, and Zion Lutheran Church. Will YOU in spirit and indeed personally participate in conveying to a disturbed world of people in our communities that Christians are united in their faith and lives to be together to praise God, to express the loving mercy of Christ Jesus, and to inspire humility and kindness for all creation in the unity of the Holy Spirit. Remember, all of the churches in our community are the “body of Christ” and together we are all member one of another as together we follow The Lord, Christ Jesus!
Carpio Sunday School Zion Sunday School
October 7: Fruit of the Spirit October 7: The Sower
October 14: Fruit of the Spirit October 14: The Mustard Seed
October 21: No SS (Teachers Convention) October 21: No SS (Teachers Convention)
October 28: Christmas Program Practice October 28: Jesus and the Children
YOUTH BELL CHOIR!
We are going to start a Youth Bell Choir! Anyone in grades 7-12 interested in participating is welcome! We will be meeting for our first rehearsal on Sunday, October 7th at 9:30am!!
Zion~Carpio Luther League:
Our October meeting will be on Sunday, October 14th @ noon! We will be having a Bible Study & snacks. This is for ALL youth in grades 7-12, hope to see you there!!
Confirmation Classes for 8th & 9th grade continue.
October class dates are the 3rd, 17th, & 24th at 6:30pm!
Upcoming Events at Metigoshe Ministries:
Jr. High Friday night live is October 5-6 & 4-6th grade is October 12-13. Please let Pastor George know if you are interested in attending. We would need to let Metigoshe know by the Wednesday prior to the event.
Sr. High City Trek service trip will be June 23-29, 2019 in Denver Co. This is for all youth that will be entereing grades 9-12 in the fall of 2019. Please let the Luther League advisors know if you are interested!
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS…
Curtis Thompson, Vernon Thompson, Joann Kerbaugh, Kevin Abrigo, Evelyn Lee, Tanya Debertin-Olson, & the many families of hurricane Florence.
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.
ZLCW:
Western Prairie Cluster Gathering is on October 6th at 9:00am at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Powers Lake. More information is on the bulletin board.
The annual ZLCW Thankoffering service will be on Sunday, October 21st.
Next month: November 11th is the The Harvest Fest
Barbara Cooper, ZLCW President
CLCW:
September 16th, 2018, Carpio Lutheran Church Women
Meeting was called to order by President Carolyn Graff with Prayer. 10 members were present. Correspondence was shared with the attending members, with special attention to the upcoming Western Fall Gathering on Oct 13th in Powers Lake, ND. 6 members indicated an interest in attending and information flyer posted on bulletin board in narthex. Secretary Minutes from last meeting of April 22nd read and approved.
Treasurers Minutes were read and approved as written.
STATEMENT OF OUR ORGANIZATION AT CARPIO LUTHERAN CHURCH
Name of Organization- Carpio Lutheran Church Women Established – August 3rd, 1960
PURPOSE STATEMENT
As a community of women, created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world.
OUR MISSION Mobilizing women to act boldly on their faith in Jesus Christ.
CLCW 2018 0fficers: Carolyn Graff – Pres. Colleen Peterson –Vice Pres Sec – Kathy McGuire Treasurer- Patsy Anderson Stewardship –Marlis Peterson &Karen Trail.
OLD BUSINESS: 56 Quilts completed this winter. Marlis delivered 2 quilts to the Metigoshie Ministries Quilt Auction as donation. 3 quilts were made and given to graduates at church in May. One quilt was donated to Church dinner Raffle and appreciated by raffle organizers and winner.
8 raised garden beds planted. Gravel and spraying around church and garden and beds were done and greatly appreciated. One Circular Cast Iron Table and 2 chairs purchased for Garden Bed Area.
8 Baking Pans will be picked up by Carolyn Graff (motion passed last meeting and purchasing needed).
New Business: Funeral Service on Sept 24th at 11 AM WORK GROUP 1 (Plan for 150)
Harvest Festival Scheduled Tentatively NOV 4th (Pastor will verify if OK) Work group 2
Motion made by Cathy Armstrong to purchase 6 coffee servers. 2nd. Motion passed after discussion. Carolyn Graff will purchase when picking up baking pans. Meetiing adjourned. Next Meeting Oct 14th.
Serving in October @ Carpio:
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS:
Ushers: Marlis Peterson, Wes Peterson Alter Guild: Marlis Peterson
Serving in October @ Zion:
Readers: Acolytes: Greeters:
October 7 Carol Rovig Nathan Carico Chris & Mallory Brown & Family
October 14 Wendy Hornberger Colby Hornberger David & Tammy Carico & Family
October 21 ZLCW Ava Lee ZLCW
October 28 Bob Grant Emma Neshem Todd & Corine Christman & Family
Ushers: Curt Schumaier, Andy Fjeldahl, & Wade Hornberger Organist: Dawna Helfrich
Fellowship for September is served by service groups.
Zion Council Notes September 12, 2018
Present: Pastor George, Neil Schwope, Chad Schweitzer, Curt Schumaier, Roger Haaland, Myron Rovig, Jerrolyn Wirtz, Lyle Gorseth, Kristen Berg, Julie Deaver and Treas. Janelle Deaver.
Pres. Neil called the meeting to order. Pastor George led us in devotions and a prayer. Life Touch pictures sent out information for a church directory. The last one done was in 2011.Motion by Myron to go ahead with the directory. 2nd Curt. Carried. Pastor George will contact them. He’ll also meet with Carpio to see if they are in favor of it. Minutes from the previous meeting were reviewed. The minutes were approved as read. Janelle gave the treas. report. Ending balance for August was $2766.91. Motion by Chad to approve the treas. report. 2nd Jerrolyn. Carried. Team Reports: Worship and Music; None. Evangelism; Workers will be lined up for the meal after the motorcycle worship on Sept. 16th.Evangelism; None. Board of Ed. Sunday School classes will start on the 16th. The Sunday School is in need of story readers, helpers and cookies for each Sunday. Luther League; They had their kick-off on Sept. 9th at the park. Maintenance and Property; Roof vent was installed by Chad and Klint Hanson. Klint Hanson came and gave a quote on a heating/cooling unit for the quilting room. We also got a quote from Huizenga Electric for the electrical portion of the project and some outlets in the Sunday School wing. Motion by Roger to approve the project. 2nd Myron. Carried.
Pastors Report: Pastor George made visits to the hospital, Care facilities and some shut-ins. He was elected Chairman of the board for “Crimestoppers” at the Sept. 6th meeting. Pastor George attended the Synods Pastors Conference in Medora Sept. 9th-11th. October 14th will be the Country Gospel Worship with Karen and the Replacements. The women’s Thankoffering service will be on October 21st. Old Business: Special congregation meeting on Sept. 23rd at 11:50am to approve 5 amendments to the new Zion constitution. All the old folding chairs are spoken for and will be gone. New Business: Motion by Curt to allow Pastor George participate in the “Gifts” event Oct. 6th at 1st Lutheran in Minot. 2nd Julie. Carried. Motion by Jerrolyn to accept Casen Finke as a baptized member of Zion in light of his baptism on Aug. 19th. 2nd Kristen. Carried. Discussion on the health care plan for Pastor George. Motion by Lyle to continue with the 2019Gold Plus Plan. 2nd Chad. Carried. Next meeting will be October 10th. Motion to adjourn the meeting. We closed with the Lords Prayer. Respectively submitted, Julie Deaver council secretary
Zion Financials – August
BEGINNING BALANCE – 08/01/2018 $1,189.59
INCOME: 08/05/2018 $2,195.00 08/12/2018 $674.50
(Offerings) 08/19/2018 $1,589.00 08/26/2018 $366.50
Carpio Luth Reimbursement -Util, Exp $144.20
State Bank and Trust- Interest $.19 Simply Giving $417.15
TOTAL INCOME- AUGUST $5,386.54
EXPENSES: Western ND Synod- Benevolences $419.37
Church Mutual- (Insurance) $394.00
MDU (Church - $72.40; Parsonage - $27.69) $100.09
Xcel Energy (Church - $267.26; Parsonage- $85.93) $353.19
SRT (Church- $80.62; Parsonage $134.40) $215.02
City of Berthold (Church- $42.00; Parsonage- $48.00) $90.00
1517 Media- (Worship) $100.33
Rick Hartle (Worship and Mileage) $96.00
Christian Carico (Mowing) $160.00
Julie Deaver- (Piano) $65.00
Sheila Schmidt (Custodian) $400.00
Amy Neshem (Secretary) $500.00
Janelle Deaver (Treasurer) $600.00
Transfer to Pastor Account $1,951.00
TOTAL EXPENSES AUGUST $5,444.00
ENDING BALANCE – 08/31/2018 $1,132.13
PASTOR PAYROLL ACCOUNT (ZION & CARPIO)
Beginning Balance August $98.23
Zion Deposits $ 1,951.00
Carpio Deposits $3,951.00
Total Deposits $5,902.00
Expenses:
Portico (Pastor’s Benefits) $3,088.35
Mileage $144.97
Pastor George $0.00
Total Expenses: $3,233.32
Ending August Balance: $2,766.91
Carpio Lutheran Church Council Minutes
The Carpio Church Council meeting was held on September 16th at 7pm. 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 Shirley Springer. The checking account balance is $2589.58. The contingency fund balance is $3649.61 and the Lindberg fund is $13450.75. The treasurer’s report was approved as presented.
Old Business: The sanctuary stained glass windows are in need of repair. We are trying to get estimates for the cost of repairs. This project will be postponed until next year. We are publicizing in the September newsletter that gifts of money and memorials may be given for the future purchase of a portable picture book. We will be sending out a bulk post card mailing to the local area with a brief informational and invitational statement. Travis Engelhard motioned to accept the mailing, Aaron Haaland seconded, motion carried.
CLCW: The Harvest Brunch will be on November 4th after the 9:00 services. The cluster meeting is on Saturday, October 6th in Powers Lake. The CLCW will be serving a lunch for the funeral on September 24th.
Pastor’s Report: The pastor has made visits to hospitals, care facilities, and some shut-ins. He was on vacation from August 20th through September 4th. Confirmation classes have begun with 21 students attending. He has been elected to the board for “Crimestoppers” at the September 6th meeting. He attended the Synod Pastors Conference in Medora on Sept 9th – 11th.
New Business: The Parish Council recommends the Portico Gold+ as the health care insurance for Pastor George. Jeff Huber motioned to accept, Travis Engelhard seconded, motion carried. Jeff Huber will take care of winterizing the water line to the community garden. Austin Burkett and Emily Goff will be taking care of snow removal this winter.
The next council meeting will be October 14th at 7:00 pm. The meeting was closed with The Lord’s Prayer.
Meeting adjourned Tammi Moen, Recording Secretary
Announcements:
NEW ZION PICTURE DIRECTORY
The Zion Church Council approved allowing a New Picture Directory. We need a few people to help in organizing this event. Please contact Pastor George if you are willing to help. We are looking at picture being taken on November 1ST, 2ND, & 3RD. More details will be coming forward and picture taking times will be scheduled. Each family having their picture taken will receive a free photo and directory. More photos can be purchase from the photographer at your expense. There is no expense to the church.
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”, a large free standing picture book. The System will have ten panels 24” X 36” for displaying pictures of Carpio’s ministry history for all of us to view at our pleasure. The Display System has a stand to hold the picture panels and does not need to be bolted to the wall, so it can be moved to any number of places as need has it. 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.
RETIREMENT OPEN HOUSE OCTOBER 10TH
Dave Meadows will be retiring from the Post Office. On Oct. 10TH from 2pm until 4pm there will be an Open House at the Berthold Post Office. Coffee & Cookies will be served. A Card Box will be available. No gifts please! All are welcome to congratulate and offer their best wishes to Dave as he enters the next chapter of his life.
ZION SUNDAY READINGS BIBLE STUDY
Another Parish Bible Study on the Sunday Morning Bible readings will begin this month in Zion Lutheran on Friday morning from 10am until 11pm. This was the only time suggested to Pastor before the printing of the Newsletter. This will offer an alternate time for those who are not able to meet on Thursday morning in Carpio. All are welcome!
DISHIN’ WITH THE BISH
You are invited to gather for a free meal that is prepared by the WND Synod Bishop and his staff, Bible Study, and some conversation with the Bishop and his staff. The two closest places for this are Peace Lutheran Church of Burlington at 5:30pm on October 22ND and in St. Paul Lutheran Church of Garrison at 5:30pm on October 23RD. All of you are welcome to these free supper events to spend time with Bishop Mark Narum and the Synod Staff.
PLEASE EXCUSE THE MESS!
Work is being done in the Zion Education Wing of the church building. We are repurposing a class room to be a storage room and we are installing a heating & cooling unit into the Quilting room to provide some much needed comfort for the hard working Quilters in their year around work of putting together quilts. Special thanks to those working on the projects and to all of you for your understanding.
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.