May Newsletter - Echo 2017
PASTOR LARRY'S
MESSAGE
Looking Inward In Social Media Age
LaCrosse Tribune, Saturday, April 22, 2017
Thanks to my mother-in-law I read this front-page article by sports writer Alexandra Griffin in Saturday’s LaCrosse Tribune. Griffin begins,
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“Last weekend marked the end of Lent, which for me and many other Christians brought the end of a season of fasting, alms giving and inner refection. This year for Lent, I abstained from one of my guiltiest pleasures, a mistress whose inescapable grasp injects me with some of my greatest sins---social media.”
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Griffin then describes going 46 days with “statuses…un-updated, my grams not insta, and my chats not snapped.” When she told folks she was going off Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram they told her: “Good luck, you won’t be able to do that.”
But guess what? She did it! Now she sees the “fruits of Lent coming to bear” as she realizes, “It’s the moments of frustration when I asked myself why I was doing it (giving up social media) that brought me closer to God and allowed me an opportunity for deep internal reflection.” Yes! She took more time for prayer, meditation, and reflection.
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Aside from the fact Griffin, a female sportswriter, is describing how practicing a Christian discipline brought her closer to God - enriching her inner life - I was even more taken by how this millennial shared what she had learned through inner experience:
“It was a wholly enriching experience that can’t be boiled down to one life lesson or ah-ha moment, but there are some big life-lesson-esque questions it led me to that were extremely beneficial.”
Like what does social media actually contribute to our lives? Which lead her to think about how her words might actually contribute in a helpful, constructive way to an ongoing conversation rather than playing “gotcha” or pretending to have celebrity friends you don’t even know. She became much more careful with her words, with what she would choose to repost or re-tweet, and with how these words impacted the lives of real people.
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“This Lenten season reminded me of the best ways to be engaged in the world that has been ever expanded thanks to the Internet. It reminded me that the Internet could be a powerful tool for good, a venue where we can bear each other’s crosses, lift each other up and amplify the voices that have been traditionally left out of the conversation.” Yes, we can befriend both friends and strangers using social media, yet it does not happen automatically, without thought, without our inner reflection.
Griffin concludes, “But it also taught me that those things don’t just happen by the nature of the social media. They happen when thoughtful, caring people decide to use these powerful tools in that way. These 46 days have led me to be a better steward of these tools. I hope you’ll join me, and I’ll see you on the Internet.”
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Check out our new webpage @ http://deerfieldlutheran.wixsite.com/deerfieldlutheran as well as our Facebook page @Deerfield Lutheran Church ELCA where we try to share in words backed up by our actions how we “care for others by sharing Christ’s love!”
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Pastor Larry
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Join us for Vacation Bible School June 4th – June 7th:
Kickoff will be following our Youth Worship Service on June 4th with a family lunch and activity to get the fun rolling! In the evenings Mon-Wed, kids will learn that no matter what, God’s power will pull them through. Dinner will be provided each evening followed by Games, Songs, Crafts and More.
Join us on May 7th after service for our Family Brunch and registration forms will be available for VBS. Or, please pick up a registration form up in the narthex at church and return to the Education Committee mailbox outside of Pastor’s office.
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Notes from the recent Youth & Family Meeting:
· May 7th Family Brunch after Confirmation Service – kids are singing during service. I’ve attached the most recent sign up sheet and will put up on the bulletin board at church this weekend.
· We need someone to take over Sunday School organization starting next Fall – the Jen’s will be moving over to organize more 6th- HS activities, we will continue to represent Education and Youth & Family at the Church Council
o If there are HS kids that need a senior project, teaching Sunday School would be a great one.
· We are going to start a contemporary Youth/Family Service - a second service on the 1st Sunday of each month starting June 4th
o This will be a shorter service no longer than 45 min
o Kids will play a larger role in the service – ushering, music, reading, singing
o More information to come as we plan
· Bonfire Saturdays are being instilled the 1st Saturday of each month starting on May 6 at the church lawn’s fire pit – Starting at 5:30
o Don’t have to bring anything – hot dogs and s’more fixings provided
o Invite friends and neighbors
· VBS – kick off will happen after the contemporary service on June 4th (lunch, VBS opening and family activity or project), we will then hold VBS June 5th – 7th in the evenings
o We need volunteers to help and if you know of any High School kids that would like to help that would be great!
o This year’s theme is Cave Quest and we will have registration forms available on May 7th.
o If there is anyone that can help us spread the word to St. Paul’s church and kids that would be helpful too!
· We are considering expanding our concessions for the Ragnar Relay on June 9th. If anyone would like to help run concessions for any length of time that day please let me know. Proceeds will go to the church.
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PASTOR GIL SPLETT BOOK SIGNING MAY 7TH
Our former Interim Pastor Gil Spett will be with us for Confirmation Sunday, May 7th to share one of his "What is Tommy thinking?" stories during our worship. He will also be available during brunch that day for a book signing (books available for sale) of what is now a book: What Is Tommy Thinking? We hope you can join us for this special event!
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A photo of one of Pastor Splett’s chalk drawings
done during worship as our interim pastor
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What is Tommy Thinking?
Stories Based on the Gospel Readings for Sunday, Cycle A
By Pastor Gil Splett
With insightfulness, artistry, and grace, Pastor Gil Splett weaves stories that children can understand, stories that allow adults to listen in and enter more deeply into the paschal mystery. Whether he writes (and draws!) of Tommy stumbling in the dark at scout camp and learning about the light of Christ that guides him or lying on the grass, looking up at the stars, and reflecting on the largeness of heaven, Tommy always has something to learn-and more, something to pass on to other children. I have personally witnessed Pastor Gil weaving his craft. Children identify with Tommy, the little boy with a big heart who plays like them, questions and learns like them, and is always surprised like them. Children enjoy listening as Pastor Gil shares his Tommy stories and watches in awe as he draws the story for them on a whiteboard, allowing Tommy to come alive right before their eyes. What a wonderful way to preach to children-to preach to all of us!
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WHAT YOU CAN DO TO BE “THE HANDS AND FEET FOR CHRIST” HERE AT DEERFIELD LUTHERAN! There are many opportunities! Get involved with our expanding Community Garden. There is planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting that can be done. Make it a Family Affair! There will be opportunities to help at concessions stands sponsored by the DLC beginning with the Ragnar Relay Friday, June 9th as well as other times throughout the summer. Will you be available to help with VBS? Let us know so you can be part of this fun activity!
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY: Is there someone you know who needs the warmth and love of a prayer shawl or lap-robe? Let Phyllis Rude, Debbie Sexe or the church office know. Remember this ministry can be none by you as you crochet, knit, quilt or donate money for the yarns that are used. There are patterns available in the narthex to get you started! Check when the next Knit/Crochet Club time will be held so you can learn how to knit or crochet and help us with this ministry! The Shawl Ministry is an important ministry showing love, comfort and hope to those in our community.
Next Gatherings: May 7th and May 21st at noon
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APPRECIATION OF CHURCH VOLUNTEERS
Our relationships and contacts with one another stimulate and sharpen us in our walk with God and life in general. We are able to grow, gain insights, share gifts, and share the ways God is working in the lives of others by volunteering within the church. It is through helping and volunteering that we are able to spread the word and love of God. We have very devoted young mothers and fathers who come each Sunday morning to teach Sunday School to a growing group of our young children. When you see them, Thank them! We have a wonderful group of musicians who have filled the sanctuary with songs and the ringing of bells. We have our readers, lay assistants, ushers, communion servers, and others that do things behind the scenes. Have you thanked them lately? As spring comes, let us remember those who trim shrubs and have done the landscaping this spring, mowed the lawn, cared for the community garden. Have you thought about joining them in these opportunities to share your special talents and time? As someone once said: “I get JOY from volunteering at the church.” Let us all find a way we can “find JOY in doing God’s work!”
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There are many ways for you to care for other by sharing Christ’s love
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This is the Church
We often wonder what the church is; why do people bother with it! Our confirmation students and mentors last year drew two pictures of the church: one group drew the building and the other group drew all the people. Many people see the church as a place to have Faith Milestones “taken care of”: baptism, Sunday School, First Communion, Confirmation, Marriage, Funerals. Others see the church as a place you only attend on festival occasions like Easter and Christmas. But for others, it’s the place where we gather weekly for worship, the place where friendships are developed, where we give and receive, comfort, caring, and love in order to go out into the world to share Christ’s love with others!
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Deerfield Lutheran Church at it’s best is caring, compassionate, concerned, loving. As members and even nonmembers face health issues, loss, or stressful times or times of celebration, it is the members of our church who reach out with casseroles, warm homemade bread, cards, emails, calls, visits and lots and lots of hugs! This is the church. The television preachers cannot do this nor do many larger churches because they do not know who their members are, but here at Deerfield Lutheran, we know and care about each other. So, THANK YOU for being the church and the Hands and Feet of Christ to those in our community and beyond. This is truly what Deerfield Lutheran Church is all about:
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“Called in worship to care for others by sharing Christ’s love!”
MEDICAL MISSION TEAM
Savannah Vogel is leading a medical mission to Guatemala this summer through UWSMPH Guatemala Medical Mission ! Please offer financial support if you can!
UPCOMING EVENTS
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MAY 7TH IS CONFIRMATION
Family Brunch for the Whole Congregation!!
Join us after service on May 7th for our annual Family Brunch sponsored but our Sunday School families. This year our brunch will signify the end of another fun, successful Sunday School year and a celebration of our confirmands who are bing confirmed during service. Pancakes, egg bakes, baked goods, fruit etc all will be provided. Free will offering to help with expenses for Vacation Bible School this summer will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you to our Sunday School teachers - Jeff & Allison Attoe, Sarah Haas, Laurie Grams, Sarah Paoli and Jane Holland - who devote a lot of time to our kids all year long. And thanks to all the parents who support us throughout the year. Jenn Brattlie and Jen Lees
THANK YOU CELEBRATION FOR LAURA!
A church secretary has an important connection to the life of the church. On June 4th we will celebrate ten years of faithful service by Laura Connor as our Church Secretary.
Laura knows the people, the ministries and the events that are part of the life of Deerfield Lutheran Church. So many different jobs around the office and the church, many of which you never see but need to be done, have been done by Laura. When someone needed to be covered at the last minute in worship, Laura was there! Laura’s integrity, discretion, and humility has not gone unnoticed. Laura is resigning from the job of church secretary to simplify her schedule and take more hours with her other employment. We will still see Laura playing and singing in the bells, choir, and Promised Band and at worship. On June 4th, let us take time to thank her for her ten years of service!
DEERFIELD LUTHERAN CHURCH SECRETARY
Deerfield Lutheran Church is seeking a person with a heart for the church as well as office skills (including the patience to train and work with volunteers!) for the position of Church Secretary. This currently is a ten hour per week job with work time/days negotiable.
Contact 608-744-5566 or email pastorsexe@gmail.com for more information or to schedule an interview.
This position will be opening 6/1/17
with training/shadowing welcomed during May.
FELLOWSHIP FIRES -MAY 6
We are pleased to share that the Stewardship Committee will be hosting monthly, fellowship fires beginning in May. On the first Saturday of each month, at 5:30, you are invited to join us for hot dogs, s'mores and lawn games at the DLC fire pit. This is not just a “church” event; we are extending the invitation to the community as well. Maybe we can even talk our guitarists into providing us some music!
So mark your calendars for May 6, June 3, July 1, August 5, September 2, and weather permitting, October 7! Bring a lawn game if you have one. Grab some hot dogs and s'more fixins, a roasting stick and invite a friend or two and join us at the fellowship fire!
IT'S TIME FOR ACTION!
The LET'S KEEP TALKING DISCUSSIONS
during the past six weeks have been an excellent opportunity for participants to struggle with the realities of Deerfield Lutheran’s current financial difficulties and to share ideas about ways we can support and shape our ministry during 2017 and into the future. It has been exciting to see the concern of our members turn into dynamic, creative energy. Folks are talking about the issue with others, pursuing leads on various ideas, volunteering for and coming back to the group with plans for specific events and envisioning enhancements to our ministry.
A wide range of suggestions have been explored, and a plan of action is emerging, one that will help resolve our current financial difficulties during the remainder of 2017 and that will nurture ways to underwrite and develop our ministry in the years to come. In order to reduce our deficit during 2017, so the reserve fund is not depleted, there are actions being taken/considered to cut budgeted expenses, cultivate growth-giving among our membership and raise funds in other ways. As important, there are longer-term plans evolving that are intended to encourage responsible stewardship, develop our outreach in the community and energize our ministry.
In order to coordinate these efforts, another gathering is scheduled for Wednesday evening, May 3rd, at 6:30 p.m. Plan to be part of the discussion! If you have questions or suggestions, please contact Arlyn Turnquist at 764-5666 or Darcy Schenkel at 764-3003 to share your thoughts.
Your participation – your support, your time, your skills and your prayers – are essential to this challenge. A variety of opportunities will be presented to you in the coming weeks! Please be open to where the Spirit leads as you consider how you will be involved.
CHECK CHURCH CALENDAR FOR OTHER EVENTS AND TIMES
NEW AUTOMATIC TRANSFER AUTHORIZATION FORM FOR ELECTRONIC GIVING ENCLOSED
As we, the members of Deerfield Lutheran, continue the conversation about the future of our church, the topic of stewardship is one of the priorities. We can all consider how we share our time, talents and possessions.
Please see the enclosed updated form which you can use to set up Automatic giving through your bank. Automatic Transfer offerings are a convenient method of giving regularly throughout each year. If you choose to set up electronic giving without using this form, be sure to inform the church office or Jackie Hansen. This is necessary in order for your contributions to be recorded in your account for end of year tax statements. Thrivent members can call the office for a form or pick one up in the Narthex to set this up as well.
Thank You to those already giving electronically!
A NEW WEBSITE
Thanks to Deb Sexe, our new website is ready! Please take a moment and check it out. Sections are still under construction but his new site will be easier for committees and groups to share their news and requests. You will be able to check out how you can volunteer in various areas. We hope to have the online giving up and running soon; with summer fast approaching, you will be able to get information and sign up for electronic giving. Check it out:
http://deerfieldlutheran.wixsite.com/deerfieldlutheran
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Also, you can check it out by going to our Facebook page and clicking on the link.
Do you have any church notices that you would like posted on the church website,
Facebook or in the Independent? Please send them to sarbed@hotmail.com
Condolences…
…to Paul Thorstad, his daughter Jane Kelly and their family and friends
who mourn for his wife, Shirley Thorstad
…to family and friends of John Westby who mourn for him
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Thank You…
…to all, especially Pastor Larry, who planned and provided special services during Lent, Holy Week and Easter Sunday
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…to all who helped with Lenten Suppers! The soups, bread and desserts were all wonderful thank you to all who shared with us. A special thank you all who helped set up and clean up especially Roberta Fry, Phyllis Rude, the Matthew Lazzara Family, and the Eric Neal Family!
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…to the men who did the landscaping by the ramp: Gary Borgrud, David Shea, Dave Lemke, Jeff Strauss, Allan Pulvermacher, Tim Dunsirn.
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…to ALL who helped with the Community Meal on April 30th.
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…to our Sunday School Staff: Jeff and Allison Attoe, Sarah Haas, Laurie Grams, Sarah Paoli, Jane Holland; a Special Thank You to Jenn Brattlie and Jen Lees for being the co-chairs of the Education Committee and all the work they have done throughout the year for our Sunday School Students!
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…to our Handbell Choir, Adult Choir and Children’s Choir and their directors: Jeff Quamme, Angie Williams, and Jane Holland for the wonderful music you have shared with us throughout the year. See you in the Fall!
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If you would be willing to provide special music during worship, please talk to
Jane Holland or email her at jmfholland@aol.com
FELLOWSHIP: Stay and visit! Everyone is cordially invited for refreshments before and after worship in the narthex. If you would like to volunteer to bring Fellowship treats, see the sign up sheet on the Opportunities Board in the narthex. A heartfelt thank you to all who have hosted a Coffee Fellowship at Deerfield Lutheran in April. Thank you to Roberta Fry who sets up the coffee and lemonade each week.
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OUTREACH LETTER AND QUESTIONNAIRE
Please fill out the questionnaire you received in the mail and return it as soon as possible. The Outreach Committee will share the results with the congregation at a later date. You can mail them, place them in the offering basket during worship or place them in the collection box on the church office desk. There are also extra letters and questionnaires in the office.
GRADUATE RECOGNITION
Each year we list DLC graduates and their future plans in our June Echo. Please inform the church office as soon as possible of family members who will be graduating from high school, college or graduate studies so this recognition information can be organized for the June Echo. Please include where they are graduating from, their degree (if applicable) and future plans. Leave a message at 764-5566, email dlchurchoffice@gmail.com or bring info to the church office.
BACCALAUREATE SERVICE OF BLESSING
will be held here at Deerfield Lutheran Church at 7pm, Sunday, May21st. This is a service of blessing for graduating seniors from Deerfield High School as well as graduates in our area with Deerfield ties who are home-schooled or attend other high schools. There will be ties who are home-schooled or attend other high schools. There will be a time of fellowship afterward and all are welcome.
WORSHIP ASSISTANTS MAY 7- JUNE 4, 2017
COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES
Deerfield Cares
This group of ordinary citizens meets every third Thursday from 5:30 - 6:30 pm
at Deerfield Lutheran Church.
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We share information about underage drinking, heroin and prescription drug abuse, and what we can do as a community to respond in positive ways. We are fortunate to have folks with expertise in these areas as well as reps from local government, school, law enforcement, churches and service organizations as well as concerned parents.
Thursday May 18th our meeting will be a forum on heroin with Cathy Kalina from PICDA and a Dane Co Deputy. Join us!
Deerfield CARES Board
Members of the Deerfield CARES board. From the left are Deerfield Lutheran Pastor Larry Sexe, officer Michael Bock, Dane County Sheriff’s Department; Sharon Mason-Boersma, director of Deerfield CARES, Cathy Kalina, Family Service, inc.; Greg Frutiger, Deerfield Village Board president, Cheryl Lemke and David Lemke.
2017 Josh Fischer Spaghetti Dinner & Raffle: Wednesday, May 10th at Deerfield Elementary School from 5-7:30. All proceeds benefit the Josh Fischer Memorial Fund which provides Athletic Scholarships for youth sports participants
Spring Garage Sale time is coming again. This year, the Community Garage Sale event will be on 5/18-5/20 (note these are new dates). Contact DCC at directordcc@gmail.com or 764-5935 if you are planning to hold a garage sale and would like to be listed on the map. Listing is FREE. DCC will also be accepting donations for our Community Sale at the Firemen's Pavilion.
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The Deerfield Food Pantry serves all Deerfield School District Residents. Families may now use the pantry weekly. To use the pantry photo ID & a bill sent to your address within the past 30 days must be provided.
Deerfield Food Pantry is open each month on the 2nd Sat. (9-11AM), the 4th Thurs. (6-8PM) and EVERY Wed. (12:30-2:30PM). Please take a look at our schedule for specific dates-there may be changes from the regular schedule because of holidays.
DCC is always accepting donations. Donations can be dropped off Mon-Fri between 9:00 AM and 5:00PM. Please be sure to check expiration dates before donating. Donations of any kind are appreciated! For more information contact Julie Schwenn, Pantry Coordinator at dccfoodpantry@gmail.com or 764-5935
The Deerfield Community Center coordinates the RSVP Driver Escort Program in our area. RSVP’s Driver Escort Service responds to the transportation needs of Dane County’s older adult residents (60 years and older) who do not have access to other transportation resources such as bus, van, family and friends. The service is provided by volunteers from the local community/area who use their own vehicle to drive and escort passengers. Call 764-5935 for more information. You can also call 608-238-7787 to find out how to volunteer in other ways through RSVP Dane County
COLONIAL CLUB MEAL DRIVERS: Help deliver meals to homebound seniors in Northeast Dane County. This may be the only balanced, nutritious meal someone may be the only balanced, nutritious meal someone may get for the day & the only time the homebound senior has socialization. Volunteers need their own car, proof of insurance & at least an hour of time to deliver meals. Call Diana O'Donnell Price 608-837-4611 x120.