Mission Statement

            As people of God gathered at Gloria Dei, we believe it is essential that…

·   We serve the Lord and share his good news,

·   We build and support the whole Christian church as his examples in our families and community,

·   We spread our faith as expressed in our Lutheran heritage,

·    We share the joy of Christian stewardship of God’s church.

APRIL 2008 NEWSLETTER

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!  He is risen indeed, Alleluia!

What sweet words to the ears.  What strange words to understand.  Death used to be final.  It’s hard to believe that someone was raised from the dead.  But on Easter Sunday, this is what we celebrate.  Jesus overcame death and the grave.  The one who became sin, who knew no sin, has conquered the power of sin to lay hold on our lives.

Death and resurrection theology is a big part my ministry.  I believe that there is always resurrection.  When there are difficulties in life, God will always work something new.  God will bring new life, a new normal, a glimmer of joy again.  If a loved one dies, God will tirelessly work to comfort you and show you new life. 

If you fail or fall, we remember the cross and Christ’s triumph over it.

I am writing this on the Eve before Easter Sunday.  I am tired after two funerals and countless worship services.  I look forward to some rest during my vacation.  But one thing is for sure.  The tired I feel is momentary.  I am so thankful for all your work during Holy Week.  I am especially thankful for the great joy I experienced at the Ecumenical Good Friday Worship.  All the musical gifts, area pastors, worshipers.  The Holy Spirit was smiling down upon our community and saying, “Well done good and faithful servants… but, you still have a ways to go.”  We need to do more ecumenically.  How can you help in making that happen?

Easter gives us hope as baptized children of God.  Easter is God’s ability to work something out of nothing. 

At Gloria Dei God is doing a new thing.  God is raising us to new life daily.  Catch the Spirit!

Christ is Risen Indeed, Alleluia!

 Pastor Jon

Joan Lewis
Evelyn Simons

Lenora Hiller
Jamie McDermott

Laura Franson
Helen Aber

Jean Monsebroten
Alice & Ivan Kenagy

Mike Erdman

Linda Talboy

Beth & Ray Nelsen 
Curtis Buell

Larry Burrill

Jean Hammer

Richard Kahanek
Carolyn Agee

Friends and Relatives:

Shannon Baghai (friend of Dorothy Taylor)

Francine Kelsay (friend of Elizabeth Henze)

Amy (granddaughter of Bob & Dorothy Miller)

James Donovan (Eleanor’s son)

Ray & Kate Zablocki (friends of Gladys Eason)

Gray Cosgrove (Pam Moore’s great grandson)

Celeste (daughter of Janice & David Bowman)

Richard Sumpter (Sharon Kolkhort’s brother)

David James (Gavin James’ father)

Laura (Noma Hild’s niece)

Becca Ruley’s friend

Roger Miller (Bob & Dorothy’s son)

Sara Miller (Bob & Dorothy’s granddaughter)

Maryann Thornes (Susan Jordan’s sister)

John Scheirman (Gladys & Henry’s brother)

Connie Greaves (friend of June Taylor)

Bruce Nelson (friend of Connie Reager)

Ron Nordquist (BJ’s husband)

Jim Hally (Eleanor Donovan’s neighbor)

Trina Lytle (Eleanor Donovan’s friend)

Duane Malnar (Diane Thomas’ cousin)

Kristen Aust

Anthony Eimer (Lois Service’s grandson in law)

Star Graham (mother of Pam Moore’s friend)

Gwen Bender (Eleanor Donovan’s friend)

Avery Walker (Jenny Forbes’ nephew)

Gail Foster (Friend of Erdmans)

Lori Breeden (niece of Sharon Larcom)

Amy Watson (Girlfriend of Kupkas son)

Jeff Koch (Nephew of Kupkas)

Jane Nielson Hazslip

Jack Rasmussen (Marilyn Halvor’s brother)

Tim Corrigan (Jennifer Helm’s nephew)

Jessa (Eleanor Donovan’s granddaughter)

Anna Weidemiller (Friend of Doris Smith)

Erna Hanneford (Janet Tilton’s mother)

Martha (Helen Aber’s sister)

Cheryll Fields (friend of Bev Peterson)

Todd Strome (Eleanor Donovan’s grandson)

Aurora Johnson’s mother

Daile Marie (Clarence Taylor’s granddaughter)

Mourning

Family and friends of Al Franson

Family and friends of Leo Aber

Family and friends of Andy Kisha

Family and friends of Eileen Nelson

Family and friends of Walt Granum

Serving Our Country:

David Tergeris (Kathie Hodgin’s grandson)

Garry Eugene Buell, Jr.

Samuel Adams (Alice Kenagy’s grandson)

Alex Wickham(Steve & Judith Wickham’s son)

Nathan Wickham (Steve and Judith Wickham’s son)

Jennifer Jones (Debbie Wright’s niece)

Eric Martz

Jennifer Meynink (John’s daughter)

Josh Potter (Son of George and Susan)

Clinton Anderson

Denise Angst (Granddaughter of Aleta Boddy)

Elias Boddy (Grandson of Aleta Boddy)

Ryan Howell (Son of Rick & Elaine Howell)

Vince Jacques (Son of Rick & Elaine Howell)

John Lewis (Grandson of Doris Anderson)

James Lewis (Grandson of Doris Anderson)

All our armed forces in Iraq & Afghanistan

NOTE:  If you would like to make a change to the prayer chain list, to either add or remove a name or update the list, please contact Gladys Eason (888-8046) or Pastor Jon.  We need your help in keeping the prayer list current.

MARCH ATTENDANCE

(*Average thru March 23)

The Congregation funds are available this year.  Look for the Thrivent members of Gloria Dei’s planning meeting in the church bulletin.

If you are interested in becoming an associate member family for $10.00 per year, let one of us know.  We have the paperwork that is needed to complete.

Any Questions please contact the people below.

At Gloria Dei on the Chapter Board David Jordan, or Marilyn Erdman.

Congregation Coordinators: Ian Sandeen, Bud Lee, or Kathie Hodgin

Easter is passed and it’s hard to believe that another school year is going by so quickly. We have two rotations left before graduation. The first will concentrate on “the empty tomb”, the “ascension” and “choosing apostles”. We still have need of a story teller. The second will be a four-week study called Bible 101. This is a repeat of a very successful class held last year and will feature two weeks on the Old Testament and two on the new.

Graduation Sunday is scheduled for May 18th. We plan to make this event part of the worship service that day as well as recognition during the coffee hour.

We also will be running the annual Rain Gutter Regatta then. This year, the C.E. department will supply the boat kits to anyone wanting one. A time will be scheduled for boat construction with the help of the high school students.

Planning for VBS called Rain Forest Adventure, to be held July 14 – 18, is underway. This event will be like last year. An evening event with meals served and families encouraged to participate. The learning structure will be a rotational model as in years past and will include adult classes. We need 5 people to serve as workshop coordinators for the week. These include Swing Vine Science, Canopy Crafts, Sky High Story Telling Green Tree Games, Songs and Rhythms. There are other areas as well where people will be needed. Kitchen help, promotion and mailings, registration, monitors and assistants are needed. This is a big mission with a short commitment that derives wonderful results. We plan to open VBS up to the community and will need lots of help .Please talk with Denny about how you can help.

Our second annual “good stuff” sale will be held around the first of August. This will be a parking lot sale from vehicle trunks. Perhaps even a BBQ?

March started out with a well attended informational meeting concerning our 2009 trip to the ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. Right away two opportunities to raise money presented themselves. We had a very successful garage sale the weekend of March 14-15.  Pam Moore's family was combining households and got the ball rolling by donating items to the Youth Group. Sally Hampton said, "Let's have a garage sale!"  From there it took on a life of its own. Our congregation started dropping off items for the sale.  We spent evenings sorting and pricing. We had a nice group of ladies who pitched in and helped with last minute pricing right before the doors opened. Kids, their parents and Sally worked Friday and Saturday, with Phil Bowman  and Sally working at the sale Friday when everyone else had to be at work or school.   All we can say is thank you thank you, thank you to everyone for donation of items and effort given, and especially to Sally for working tirelessly and giving us the benefit of her experience.  P.S.: We are planning another sale for later this summer. Keep us in mind if you run across anything that needs a new home. Our second opportunity occurred on the same weekend, Saturday, March 15th. A work party of kids and parents (Mickey Tantiphipop, Michael Johnson, Jeff and Jordan Ferry, Patty and Tristan Gates, Chelsy Forbes) worked hard repotting trees at Cummings Cuttings. Grant got the best job of all- he got to drive the tractor.  As always, they liked the outdoor work and enjoyed the nice lunch Heidi prepared and the good company.  All the hard work paid off and the kids earned about $1,600.00 this weekend to go toward their trip.

Volleyball season is here and we would like to remind everyone that our church is sponsoring two teams and to invite you to come play or come watch and cheer.  The games are held at Marshfield's Harding building every Thursday night.  Check out the schedules posted on the board in the Social Hall. The teams are always in need of players, so come often. It is very informal, very fun, and most of all, no great talent required!

The Talent Show & Lasagna Dinner Fundraiser will be held Sunday, April 21st following the 11:00 worship service.   We will be serving a lasagna dinner (Nick Grassham and Sally Hampton will be making the lasagna…Yum!) Menu: lasagna, green salad, bread & desert.  This will be a fundraiser for the Youth Group with a price of $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for kids, or $20.00 per family. We still need people to provide the talent. Can you sing, dance, tell a joke, juggle, dance, play a musical instrument, do a skit or reading?  Would you like to display or demonstrate a skill (perhaps photography, painting, spinning)? Give it some thought and contact Al and Aurora Johnson 756-0345 or Jeff and Eileen Ferry 267-7794 to volunteer.  Of course we would be nowhere without an audience. Come have a great afternoon. We hope to see everyone there.  

God’s Peace,

Al and Aurora Johnson 756-0345
Jeff and Eileen Ferry     267-7794

THANK YOU

We would like to thank everyone for their kindness and loving prayers during Ron's illness and recovery.  We know without your prayers he would never have pulled through!  It is wonderful to have such a caring church family!

-- B.J. and Ron Nordquist

HOSPITALITY POD

We are looking for greeters for both services to welcome members, friends and visitors to church each Sunday.  If you are interested in helping with this ministry please contact Sharon Larcom for more details.

WELCA NEWS

WELCA continues to enjoy the fellowship and invite anyone to come that would like too.  No requirements.  The potlucks are easy, cook or don't cook, that is the program!  Buy something if you don't want to come empty handed.  Rolls are always good.  We try to be as stress free as possible!

If you want to be on the newsletter list, give your name to Elizabeth in the office and she will see that we get it.  Right now those of us who like to sew are working on the bags for the school kits.  There is a collection box in the hallway for soap.  Cotton yardage is always needed for the sewing kits.  Ask Donna Dodge about the requirements. 

The box for collecting the supplies for the school kits won't be out until the 1st of July when the sales begin.  We are hoping for the goal of 200 again.  Anyone wanting to know where they went in 2007 can read the list on the bulletin board.

Meetings are always the 2nd Thursday of the month.  April meeting will be on the 10th.  See you!

MESSAGE FROM

KORAL AAKRE

I will be in the Miss Coos County Pageant on April 12th.  My platform is to increase the numbers of volunteers participating in youth outreach activities.  I have benefited in so many ways growing up from adults who have inspired me and have encouraged me to make good decisions.

In the past few years I have had the opportunity to be mentor for three youth that were having a tough time in their lives.  I have worked with the youth at Gloria Dei, as a member of Youth Encounter/Captive Free North East, and this year I am volunteering at the Boys and Girl Club.  

I am aware many of our Gloria Dei members are actively volunteering.  I would like to encourage others to consider how you can make a difference in a child's life.  I have gathered applications for volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club and the SMART reading program. 

Most youth outreach organizations require a criminal background check.  I

have already had four of them!  If you are interested in volunteering in these organizations or have questions, you may call me at 290-1854.

NEW LIBRARY BOOKS COMING SOON

Your Library Committee has been hard at work processing several new items.   Books for all ages will be appearing in the library corner about the middle of April.  A few of the titles are:

·        “Two Old Women” - Fiction by Velma Wallis

·        “Receiving the Day” - Inspirational by Dorothy Bass

·        “Lutheran Questions, Lutheran Answers” – Theology by Martin Marty

·        “Luther’s Prayers” – Theology by Herbert Brokering

·        “Peculiar Treasures: A Biblical Who’s Who” – Theology by Frederick Buechner

·        “Manna and Mercy” – Bible Commentary by Dan Erlander

·        “All the Women of the Bible” – Bible Commentary by Edith Deen

·        “What Can I Do? Ideas to Help Those Who Have Experienced Loss” – Psychology Education by Barbara Glanz

·        “Faith & Fitness” – Psychology, Education by Tom Hafer

·        “Let Me Tell You What Your Teens Are Telling Me” – Psychology, Education by Blaine Bartel

·        “Grace All Around Us: Embracing God’s Promise in Tragedy & Loss” – Personal Problems, Social Welfare by Stephan Bouman

·        “Inside World Religions” – History, Philosophy by Kevin O’Donnell

·        “A Friend from Galilee” - YP K-4 by Dandi Mackall

·        “The Friendly Beasts” – YP K-4 by Karen Blumen

·        “This is the Ark That Noah Built” – YP K-4 by  Shirley Neitzel

·        “The Family Hand-Me-Down Book: Creating & Preserving Family Tradition” - YP 4-8 Grades by Debbie O’Neal

·        “The Student Bible Atlas” – YP 4-8 Grades by Tim Dowley

·        “Be The Change” – YP 8-12 Grades by Zach Hunter

The above are just some of the titles that will soon be available to check out. 

SPECIAL VACATION

OFFICE HOURS

Elizabeth will be on vacation starting April 9 and she will be returning Monday, April 21.  Weekdays during that time the office will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  Regular office hours (8:00 – 2:30) will resume when Elizabeth returns.  Special thanks to Sharon Larcom, Sandy Garner and Debbie Cox who will be answering the office phone while Elizabeth spends time driving around California and Oregon with her sister.

SPECIAL CONGREGATIONAL MEETING

A special congregational meeting will be held after second service on April 13, 2008, to vote to approve the new Constitution of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church.  The current Constitution of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church was adopted in 1994.  It needs to be amended to be in conformity with the current Model Constitution for Congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, containing changes adopted by Churchwide Assemblies through 2007. 

HOMEMAKER’S HOLIDAY

You are invited to check out the fun and exciting Annual Homemaker’s Holiday.  It will he held here at Gloria Dei on Friday, April 25, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Cost is $7.00 for early registration or $8.00 at the door. The day is sponsored by Coos County Family and Community Education and OSU Extension Service.

This year’s theme is “Wedding Magic.”  The special day speaker is Carol Houde who has written the book “The Pleasure of Your Company.”  She will be showing some of the wedding gowns and fashions from her collection. Carol will speak twice during the day, focusing on fashions from 1880 to 1915 and 1920 to 1960.

Four classes will be offered:  History of Native American Weddings; Wedding Customs of Hawaii; Container Gardening; and Celebration Cakes.  You may select two of the four.

Food, food, and more food will be on hand.  Continental breakfast during registration (8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.) and then lunch with salads, sandwiches, desserts and door prizes.

Raffle prizes include: A wrought iron arbor; quilt; his & hers spa baskets; autographed “The Pleasure of Your Company” book; picnic basket; book & video basket; chocolate & coffee; and much more.  Tickets are only $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00.

A Country Store will be open with reasonably priced items to buy.

Again, this entire wonderful day is only $7.00 pre-registered or $8.00 at the door.  For more information call: Nancy Dehart (756-6615) or Jean O’Toole (269-1311).  Elizabeth also has some registration forms in the church office.

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