Author: waden

2023 IMMANUEL STAFF AND COUNCIL

Staff
Lead Pastor Nate Loer
Youth & Family Elana Seibert Spiritual Gifts Coordinator Elana Seibert
Administrative Secretary……………….Tracy Church
Custodian…………………..…..Ellen & Doug Carlstrom
Bookkeeper Jil Fiemeyer
Choir Director Deb Haraldson
Accompanist Suzanne Moe

Council
President Jennifer Brunsberg
Vice President Mike Brunsberg
Secretary Meagan Ferris
Treasurer Jena Osberg
Financial Secretary Gail Kluenenberg
Financial Vice-Secretary Sue Johnson
Congregational Life Peggy Larson
Education vacant
Finance Bryan Greenwaldt
Outreach……………………………………………….....Rick Johnson
Property Management Sam Sundby
Worship and Music Pam Nelson
Youth Sara Ross

Immanuel Lutheran Church Office 218-631-2738

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH
403 SE 2ND ST
PO BOX 69
WADENA, MN 56482

November 2023

From the Desk of Pastor Nate...

Beloved Saints of Immanuel: Nearly-November greetings to you in the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ. Since November is when we observe All-Saints Sunday (November 5 this year), I thought that was a fitting greeting!
The gospel text for Christ the King Sunday (November 26) is from Matthew 25:31-46. It is a parable Jesus tells about the final judgement. In the story the king judges between sheep and goats, using the criteria of caring for the king in his times of need. Those who cared for the king when he was sick, hungry, in prison, and without adequate clothing and shelter were rewarded. And those who neglected the king in his times of need were sent away. Neither group can remember caring for the king or neglecting him. But the king in Jesus’ story tells them, “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Christians have understood this parable to be talking about Jesus and his love for ALL people, especially those on the margins of life. And when we show love, mercy, and compassion to them, we show it to Jesus.
I encourage you to meditate carefully on this parable. Talk of final judgement is challenging. And our Lutheran heritage makes us especially nervous when we talk of judgement based on our actions toward other. I still believe that we are saved by grace through faith apart from works of the law. But Jesus is talking about something important here. Vitally important. The needs of those who are poor, hungry, imprisoned, and unhoused are of great importance. We are wise to understand Jesus’ priorities and engage in them with our whole lives, too.
Our congregation has a strong history of caring for those in need. Our giving tree project helps those in need with much-needed gifts at Christmas. Our participation in the WDC Weekend Backpacks program makes sure kids in need have adequate food over the weekend. Our quilting ministry sends quilts to people around the world through Luther World Relief – quilts that will quickly become their most valuable possession. And we do our very best to be a place of welcome for sinners of all kinds, including ourselves.
November is also a time when we consider our giving. Please prayerfully consider what you can give to our ministry in 2024, a ministry that prioritizes the weary, hungry, lost, and forgotten. We will hear several temple talks from members who love Immanuel’s ministry of worship, prayer, service, and caring. They will invite you to invest deeply in that ministry, too.
It all culminates on November 19 with some special food and fellowship before and after worship. And we will turn in our commitment cards that day, too. You can also drop cards off in the office any time. Thank you for your generosity to Immanuel. We pray that our congregation would continue to steward well all that has been entrusted to us to love Jesus by loving our neighbors near and far.
Humbly in Christ,

Financial
Update

Immanuel Lutheran Church Council Updates
The council met on Sunday, October 8, 2023. Vice President Mike Brunsberg called the meeting to order.
Congregational Life: Peggy Larson– Met on October 8, 2023
Wednesday night meals are going great with an average attendance of about 50. Meal suggestion box has been a success. Menu was set through the end of December. Halloween Trunk or Treat meal will be sloppy joes, chips and dessert. Served 5:30 – 6:30 pm in Fellowship Hall. A craft/potluck congregational event is planned for December 3, 11:00 am. Several intergenerational crafts will be available and we will encourage people to make two and give one away to community groups (Humphrey Manor, Group homes etc.). A game/potluck event is being planned for Jan/Feb 2024.
Outreach Evangelism: Rick Johnson––Met on September 26, 2023.
Still working on Welcome Packets, making sure new faces feel welcome as they come to church.
Parish Education: Vacant––Did not meet. Wednesday night classes are going well.
Property Management: Sam Sundby––Did not meet.
Worship and Music: Pam Nelson––Did not meet.
The Worship and Music Committee will meet on October 9th.
We are finalizing the details on the Celebration of Music Concert for Sunday, October 15th at 3:00 pm. This concert is the delayed celebration of the 10th anniversary of Immanuel's pipe organ, as well as the delayed 85th anniversary of the church. The concert will feature guest artist Elliot Sander, organist of First Lutheran Church of Tacoma, Washington, and guest artist Alex Swanson, house organist of the Fargo Theatre in Fargo, North Dakota, as well as other local and regional musicians. A variety of music will be presented, showcasing Immanuel's pipe organ and Steinway grand piano with solo pieces, duets, and ensembles. A free will offering will be collected. Refreshments will be served following the concert. All are welcome.
Youth Leadership: Sara Ross––Met October 4, 2023
Actively recruiting new members. Youth led Service was October 8th. Thank you to all the youth that participated. Youth will help with Trunk or Treating on Tuesday, October 31st from 4:30 to 6:30. There will be a Lefse Fundraiser on November 10th and 11th. Thank You Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday, November 12th at 11 am. Silent auction during the event. Middle School Youth Gathering is November 17th and 18th. See Elana for registration information.
Endowment committee Decided on some allocations of $3,500.
$1,000 to Lutheran Disaster Response for Maui, Hawaii
$1,000 to Planting Missional Church in Indonesia
$1,000 to Lutheran Disaster Response for Ukraine
$500 to the Empty Stocking Fund A motion was made by Bryan Greenwaldt seconded by Meagan Ferris to approve these gifts. Motion carried.
Immanuel Church Women: Diane Teigland
The ICW hosted the 85 and over brunch and celebration. Block cutting, quilting, and Bible study continue. Four women attended the NW Synod Conference and Fall Gathering at First Lutheran in Detroit Lakes.
Lead Pastor: Pastor Nate Loer— September/Early October Highlights : 1. We are now 5 weeks into our Wednesday Discipleship program. It seems to be going very well. We offer a variety of worship experiences. And congregational life and worship committees are doing a great job helping people connect through fellowship and worship. And our classrooms are well attended and have great teachers! 2. I started a 6-week class on September 17. Had our second session today. Great group of people eager to learn more about the Lutheran Confessions. 3. God’s Work; Our Hands Sunday was September 24. Two projects: 1) Packing LWR School Kits; 2) Packing Bags for the Weekend Feeding Program at WDC. We packed 120 School Kits and 510 Weekend Food Bags. 4. 85+ event was October 1st. A really great turnout and the ICW did such a great job organizing and serving. 5. Still working with 9 young people affirming their faith on October 29 this year. 6. WDC Backpacks program is underway. Dennis and Eileen Martin help me each Thursday put about 60 bags in elementary lockers and we bring another 20 bags to the high school and 5 to the Freshwater Level 4 School. Looking Ahead: 1. I’m going to take some vacation time the week of October 16 to be with Amsale at the Mayo clinic and then take a little vacation after. Tom Kolden will provide pulpit supply (I would like a council member to be a host that day) 2. Confirmation is on Reformation Sunday, October 29 at the 9:30 service. 3. The rhythm of Sunday/Wednesday worship and learning continues. It’s a lot of work, but I enjoy it.
Financial Secretary Report: Gail Kluenenberg & Sue Johnson - Total of Sunday general offerings counted and deposited in September 2023: $22,830.55. This does not include direct deposit offerings.
Treasurers Report: Jena Osberg -
Total General Contributions: September 2023 $22,373
Total Expenses: $24,743
General Fund Register: Balance as of September 30, 2023 $129,640
Building Fund: $20,306
Finance Committee: Bryan Greenwaldt— Did not meet/Will meet October 10 @ 6:30 pm.
Our Vision and Mission - Other Business: Directory updating committee is still contacting congregation members. Will be meeting soon.Healthcare Election 2024- Recommendation to continue with Silver Plus Level A. Pam Nelson makes a motion to continue with Silver Plus. Peggy Larson seconds. Motion carries.
The meeting adjourned at 5:30 pm with the Lord’s Prayer.

Wednesday Discipleship
Weekly spiritual practices are vital to our faith. Young and old, we hope your family will be part of this weekly discipleship!
Dinner at 5:15pm in the Fellowship Hall
Worship at 6:00 pm in the Sanctuary This worship will be a hybrid of worship and discipleship with praise-style music and vivid story telling from the Bible. We also plan to celebrate communion once a month.
Education at 6:45-7:30 pm This year we will have 4 different classrooms; Pre-school-K, 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, and 5th-6th grade. We will also have a confirmation class for 7th-9th grade.
Sanctuary Choir rehearses at 7:00pm
ALL ARE WELCOME TO JOIN!!!

Upstairs restrooms are now Family restrooms
Our church council decided to make both of our upstairs restrooms into Family Restrooms to better serve our worshiping community, especially those with mobility issues and those who need to assist family members in the restrooms. Feel free to use either restroom. Also, remember that we have gendered bathrooms available downstairs. We kindly ask those who are able, to use the downstairs restrooms, especially immediately before worship. Thank you!

SUNDAY WORSHIP MINISTRY
Sign up outside the church office to usher,
lector, assist with communion, and/or provide special music for Sunday worship services!

Join us for food & fellowship
Tuesday, November 21
@ 5:30 pm at Iron Corral

November 1
12 pm - Rotary (#1 G. Kluenenberg)
Wednesday Discipleship Schedule (see below)
7:30 pm - ILC Youth Council Meeting
November 3
1 pm - Catholic Charities Frozen Meals Distribution
November 5 - Daylight Savings Ends
8 am - Early Risers Class (Friendship Room)
Sunday Worship Schedule (see below)
(All Saints Sunday)
November 6
9 am - ICW - Block Cutting
November 7
9 am - Staff Meeting
November 8
12 pm - Rotary (catered)
Wednesday Discipleship Schedule (see below)
November 9
1 pm - MAC/NAPS
3 pm - Backpack Food Pack
6 pm - Northstar Round Table Meeting
November 12
8 am - Early Risers Class (Friendship Room)
Sunday Worship Schedule (see below)
11 am - Thank You Thanksgiving Meal
(Hosted by Immanuel Youth)
4:30 pm - ILC Council Meeting
November 13
9 am - ICW Church Mice
November 14
9 am - ICW Church Mice
9 am - Staff Meeting
1:30 pm - ICW Bible Study
November 15
12 pm - Rotary (#2 D. Haraldson)
Wednesday Discipleship Schedule (see below)
November 18
6 pm - AA Round Robin Event
November 19
8 am - Early Risers Class (Friendship Room)
Sunday Worship Schedule (see below)
(Stewardship Celebration Sunday)
November 20
4:30 pm - “Getting Through the Holidays”
November 21
9 am - Staff Meeting
5:30 pm - Dinner Club at Iron Corral
November 22
12 pm - Rotary (catered)
6:30 pm - Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service
November 23 - Thanksgiving Day
OFFICE CLOSED
November 24
OFFICE CLOSED
November 26
Sunday Worship Schedule (see below)
November 27
7 pm - Book Club @ Sharon Boline’s
November 28
9 am - Staff Meeting
11 am - Dementia Support Group
(Open to all - Friendship Room)
November 29
12 pm - Rotary (catered)
Wednesday Discipleship Schedule (see below)

Thanksgiving Eve Worship Service November 22 at 6:30 pm

Sunday Worship Schedule
8:30 - Coffee Fellowship
9:30 - Worship (LIVE on YouTube)
9:30 - Radio Broadcast 920 AM or 101.7 FM
Wednesday Worship Schedule
5:15 pm - Congregational Dinner
6:00 pm - Praise Worship (Sanctuary)
6:45 pm - Wednesday Education
7:00 pm - Sanctuary Choir
(All are welcome to join the choir!!)

ILC Giving Tree 2023
The Giving Tree became part of Immanuel in 1993 - 30 years ago! The unwavering generosity from our congregation has kept this mission going strong with gifts going to Share-a-Home residents and families through Wadena Social Services. Watch for the Giving Tree to be filled with tags mid-November. Please consider taking a tag from the Giving Tree and sharing with those in need in our community!

Early
Risers

Immanuel is in the process of updating the church membership directory. Please remember to fill out the contact update form, which can be found on the table by the resource rack. The updated form can be placed in the offering plates or returned to the church office.
Immanuel Directory Committee:
Jennifer Brunsberg (218-639-1080)
Pam Nelson (218-522-0393)
Shaneen Schmidt (218-631-3019)

New Member Interest Forum January 15
We're hosting a forum for anyone interested in learning more about Immanuel on Sunday, January 15 after the 9:30am service in the Friendship Room. This is a forum for anyone interested in learning more about Immanuel's mission and ministry, as well as those desiring to join the congregation at this time. We will receive new members Sunday, February 5. If you can't make the forum, but are still interested in more information, talk to Pastor Nate (nateloer@gmail.com; 218-640-5913)

Wednesday Night Kitchen Help Needed!
Volunteers are needed to serve the February Wednesday night meals and help with the clean up. Families are welcome to help. No experience is necessary! Please consider signing up for one shift on the bulletin board, or by contacting Peggy Larson or the church office. Thank you in advance for helping with this important ministry!

Backpacks for Kids
Thank you to everyone who
volunteered this year packing and organizing for the WDC Weekend Backpacks Program! Each week we put a bag of weekend food in about 100 lockers of local students in need to make sure they had enough food to eat over the weekend. We look forward to your continued support in the fall!