Chaska Moravian Church est. 1858 PAGE 1 In essentials, Unity; In nonessentials, Liberty; In all things, Love. MARCH 2013 CHASKA MORAVIAN CHURCH 115 East 4 th Street Chaska, MN 55318 www.chaskamoravian.org Email: [email protected] Phone: (952) 448-4000 Fax: (952) 448-6016 From Rev. Mike Eder There is a bad car accident on a busy street. A woman, from one of the vehicles, lay in the street in need of medical assistance. A young woman bends over the body. A man rushes over. "Move away please," he tells the woman. "I've had CPR training. Let me handle this." He pulls out his training manual. After a minute, the young woman taps him on the shoulder and says, "When you get to the part about calling a doctor, I'll be right here." How often do we ignore, reject, or dismiss the immediate presence of the one who has all power to solve all of our problems? If ours is a God who creates all things, who is constantly in the process of redeeming the world, how could we possibly see anything of this created world, much less anybody, as anything less than sacred? World famous bronze sculptor Paul Granlund (whose studio I once worked in) was in a hospital, dying from years of exposure to the toxic chemicals involved in his trade when a close friend told him, “I loved all of your sculptures, Paul, especially the religious ones.” Paul opened his eyes and gestured for the man to come nearer and whispered, “They’re all religious.” We are, after all, essentially spiritual beings caught up in a human experience, although we seldom allow our spirituality to get in the way of the ‘business & busyness” of being human. Yesterday, I led worship in Marvel Heath Chapel at Auburn Village under the watchful eye of none other than Marvel Heath, herself. The day before, I presided at the memorial service for Shannon Miller, a 31 year young woman who leaves behind a three year old daughter. Life continues to be doled out under life’s terms. Everything is holy now. Lent is a time for paying attention, for living intentionally, for thinking about the way that we are spending the gift of life that we have been given. Everything is holy now. Tonight is our third Lenten Wednesday evening worship and soup extravaganza for 2013, three more and it is Palm Sunday and Holy Week. I’ve had a wedding and two funerals thrown in since we started the ‘two a week’ worship services, so I’m holding out hope that the next three weeks are a little less busy. Everyone who was in the hospital at the beginning of February has gotten out by the end of the month, and all who were in rehab facilities have either returned home or are in the process of returning this week. I’m pretty sure the hospitals will soon be offering a Moravian discount for new hips being that we’re such regular customers. “Oh god, help me to believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is.” Father Xavier In His Service, Pastor Mike Vision and Mission Statement: A Christian community growing in faith, sharing the Love of Jesus Christ with all people.
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Chaska Moravian Church est. 1858
PAGE 1
In essentials, Unity; In nonessentials, Liberty; In all things, Love.
MARCH 2013
CHASKA MORAVIAN CHURCH
115 East 4th
Street
Chaska, MN 55318
www.chaskamoravian.org
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (952) 448-4000
Fax: (952) 448-6016
From Rev. Mike Eder There is a bad car accident on a busy street. A woman, from one of the vehicles, lay in the
street in need of medical assistance. A young woman bends over the body. A man rushes over.
"Move away please," he tells the woman. "I've had CPR training. Let me handle this." He pulls
out his training manual. After a minute, the young woman taps him on the shoulder and says,
"When you get to the part about calling a doctor, I'll be right here."
How often do we ignore, reject, or dismiss the immediate presence of the one who has all
power to solve all of our problems? If ours is a God who creates all things, who is constantly in
the process of redeeming the world, how could we possibly see anything of this created world,
much less anybody, as anything less than sacred? World famous bronze sculptor Paul Granlund
(whose studio I once worked in) was in a hospital, dying from years of exposure to the toxic
chemicals involved in his trade when a close friend told him, “I loved all of your sculptures, Paul,
especially the religious ones.” Paul opened his eyes and gestured for the man to come nearer and
whispered, “They’re all religious.”
We are, after all, essentially spiritual beings caught up in a human experience, although we
seldom allow our spirituality to get in the way of the ‘business & busyness” of being human.
Yesterday, I led worship in Marvel Heath Chapel at Auburn Village under the watchful eye of
none other than Marvel Heath, herself. The day before, I presided at the memorial service for
Shannon Miller, a 31 year young woman who leaves behind a three year old daughter. Life
continues to be doled out under life’s terms. Everything is holy now. Lent is a time for paying
attention, for living intentionally, for thinking about the way that we are spending the gift of life
that we have been given. Everything is holy now.
Tonight is our third Lenten Wednesday evening worship and soup extravaganza for 2013, three
more and it is Palm Sunday and Holy Week. I’ve had a wedding and two funerals thrown in since
we started the ‘two a week’ worship services, so I’m holding out hope that the next three weeks
are a little less busy.
Everyone who was in the hospital at the beginning of February has gotten out by the end of the
month, and all who were in rehab facilities have either returned home or are in the process of
returning this week. I’m pretty sure the hospitals will soon be offering a Moravian discount for
new hips being that we’re such regular customers.
“Oh god, help me to believe the truth about myself no matter how beautiful it is.” Father Xavier
In His Service, Pastor Mike
Vision and Mission Statement:
A Christian community growing in faith,
sharing the Love of Jesus Christ with all people.
= 9:30AM Worship Service Page 6
MOW = Meals on Wheels
FEED MY STARVING
CHILDREN March 5th
6:00-7:30PM
Pat & Merlyn Kinkel, Gwen
Lenius, Norma & Doug
Schwalbe, Terry Rank,
Linda Zimmerman, Chris
Devore
NO MEALS ON
WHEELS IN MARCH.
NEED MORE DRIVERS!
Joint Board News by Terry Rank The Joint Board met on Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2013. The Trustees and Elders
meetings were not held separately this month. All previous minutes were
approved.
Pastor Mike brought a correction to the Board on endowment funds available:
including all monies available there is about $235,000, not $135,000 as stated
in January. Pastor Mike pointed out that January envelope giving is down
about 40% from last year; although last year January did have five Sundays, so
perhaps it is more correct to say it is down 23%. If this continues we will need
to reassess our financial situation since we will use endowment funds faster.
Update and plan for BIE, 2013. Joint Board recommends pulling out some
pews—from the back and front. It will make more wheelchair accessible
space, and child-friendly space in the sanctuary. The pews can be put out in
lobby and hallways where pews have been at other times. Pastor Mike
informed the Joint Board of the need to make the handrails/stair guards
compliant with safety standards. The space between rails is too wide. Pastor
Mike has already contacted Tony Ryski to work with the wood from the old
Pioneer Room bookshelves to put up two horizontal boards along all railing,
with the space between set to meet the established code.
There was a discussion on the computer and Internet issues at church. Steve
Devore volunteered to help work with Cindy Stock’s computer. The stolen
laptop will probably not be returned. The other issue is lack of backup that
could be provided by portable hard disc. Trustees approved purchase of laptop
or tablet and back up system; Steve Devore will be point man for research and
purchase; expense limited to $700.
The Board continued discussion on our finances, looking at options with our
two rental properties on 5th
Street. Pastor Mike will contact Dan Wilson (a
commercial real estate broker and Moravian) to gather information. John Ryski
volunteered to go with him. Also discussion on how goals of BIE can be met
in smaller steps (like removing some pews) and being very clear on each item.
Miscellaneous items: Building Use: Tax Preparation will be done on Mondays
again this year; wedding Feb. 16th
; Jobs Daughters here March 22-23.
Trustees approved paying the First Quarter quota during March.
CMC’s MISSION PRAYER PROJECT
Chaska Moravian Church est. 1858
MARCH 2013
PAGE 2
MARCH BIRTHDAYS
5 Don Christensen 8 Joyce Felmlee 13 Daryl Bren 18 Don West 22 Adam Davis 24 Nick Bonnema MARCH ANNIVERSARIES
24 Deb Hartley & Leslie Reinartz 29 Sheila & Pat Davis
= 9:30AM Worship Service Page 6
MOW = Meals on Wheels
Chaska Moravian Church est. 1858
We thank Norma & Doug
Schwalbe for sponsoring this
newsletter in memory of their
Parents TW and Delores.
PAGE 3
MARCH 2013
●ADULT EDUCATION In the month of March, Adult Education will be put
on hold and not meet. Contact Jill Edwardsen with questions.
●2013 DAILY TEXTS for sale in the church office: Large $13.00 Small $11.00.
●BOUNTIFUL BASKET FOOD OF THE MONTH: March =
Canned/boxed meals. April = Peanut Butter. Donations to our local food shelf
may be placed in the food cart in the John Hus Room. Non-food products may be
placed on bottom of the cart.
MINNESOTA FOOD SHARE MARCH CAMPAIGN
GOAL: Raise enough money & food to provide more than half the food
distributed annually by food shelves statewide. Besides our very own local
Bountiful Basket Food Shelf, this month of March we are joining MN Food Share in
hopes to raise more food and money donations beyond our food item of the month.
Our congregation is joining people of goodwill from across the state to help alleviate
hunger. Let us join in the effort around the theme “Be the Hero. Fight Hunger”.
Food may be delivered in the John Hus Room and money donations to the office or
Sunday Worship Service collection. Envelopes are in the church office. All
donations will go to our local food shelf.
Mahalia A Gospel Musical of Mahalia Jackson’s Life by Tom Stolz
Old Log Theater March – May 25 www.oldlog.com 952-474-5951
This moving, humorous musical traces the life of the world’s best-loved gospel
singer. The granddaughter of plantation slaves, Mahalia Jackson was a humble
woman whose heartfelt song provided the musical counterpoint to the message of Dr.
Martin Luther King. See Rev. Mike for reviews! “Not just a night in the theater
but a soul cleansing experience!” Sun Newspapers
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ATTENDING Mahalia on a Sunday at 2:00PM
($22.00) in April or May, we have created an “interest” sign up on the hallway
table. A confirmed date will then be chosen amongst the majority signed up.
Easter Lilies The Moravian Women are sponsoring a
sale of lilies used to decorate the sanctuary on
Easter Sunday. The cost of the plant will be $7 per plant.
Each plant will have four-six blooms.
SALE DATES are March 10 & 17th. PLANTS NEED TO BE ORDERED AND
PAID FOR BY MARCH 17TH Make checks payable to: Chaska Moravian
Women
You may sponsor a monthly
newsletter for $60.00. Sign
up at the lobby table. You
may wish to designate the
newsletter “in Honor of or in
Memory of”.
= 9:30AM Worship Service Page 6
MOW = Meals on Wheels
TAX ASSISTANCE: Chaska Moravian Church again will be
a host site for 2012 Income Tax Preparation/Assistance on
Mondays 9:00AM-12:30PM thru April 15th. No appointments
taken, first come first served.
STORE to DOOR is a nonprofit providing grocery shopping
and delivery service, serving over 1,500 homebound elderly
throughout the Twin Cities metro area, helping them to remain
independent and in their homes. Store to Door delivers
groceries from several Cub Foods. To learn more about Store
to Door visit their website http://storetodoor.org/video/.
SOUTHERN VALLY ALLIANCE for BATTERED
WOMEN is in need of volunteers to answer the 24-hour crisis
line from the comfort of your home. We also are seeking
volunteers to facilitate support groups & provide childcare.
Free training for volunteers begins on April 6th
. For more
information contact Cindy or Jan at 952-873-4214.
Now Presents The Music Man
Order tickets online or call 952-250-7206
Performances: 7:30 PM Evenings March 8th
2:00 PM Matinees March 9th & 10th
Chanhassen High School Auditorium, 2200 Lyman Blvd
Love INC Please remember to bring in new or gently used blankets, sheet
sets, pillows and towels for our Linen Ministry. Julie Taylor is
looking for much needed help with this ministry that is in the
lower level of our church. Her work consists of sorting and
folding donations, filling client vouchers, and calling a Love
INC volunteer to deliver these orders. A little bit of your time
makes a huge difference in this growing ministry.
UPCOMING DATES Mar 10 Daylight Savings Time begins Mission Birthday Party Mar 14 Joint Board Meeting Mar 17 St. Patrick’s Day Mar 20 First Day of Spring Mar 24 Palm Sunday Mar 31 Easter Sunday
ZOAR 150th ANNIVERSARY
SURVEY (sample) Zoar Moravian Church will celebrate its 150
th anniversary
on Sunday, August 11, 2013 at the site of the Zoar
Moravian Church. A planning committee has been
appointed to make plans to celebrate this special occasion.
In the committee’s efforts to accomplish this task, we
would like a feel of how many attendees we could possibly
have. This would only be a guesstimate, but it will give us
something to work with. We are asking that you please
complete the below form and return to the church via
offering plate or by mail.
Thank you for your assistance in planning for this event.
Mark your Calendars!
Do you anticipate attending? yes no (circle one)
If so, how many? ________(this # may include extended
family/non-members)
Name (optional)
_______________________________________
Chaska Moravian Church est. 1858
MARCH 2013
PAGE 4
= 9:30AM Worship Service Page 6
MOW = Meals on Wheels
Happy Easter March 31 !
Chaska Moravian Church est. 1858
PAGE 5
MARCH 2013
ELDERS
Chair – Rev. Mike Eder
Vice Chair & Secretary – Tammy Riesgraf
Jill Edwardsen, Garrie Huisenga, Arvin Zwart
TRUSTEES
President – John Ryski
Vice President – Kelly Jeremiason
Secretary – Steve Devore
Terry Rank
JOINT BOARD RECORDING SECRETARY
Terry Rank
CEMETERY BOARD
Merrill Ekstrom (President), Deb Zwart (Treasurer),
Dale Dollerschell, Tom Jung, Tom Riesgraf
BOARD of ELDERS &
TRUSTEES
Chaska Moravian Women
Calendar Mar 11 Board Meeting Mar 14 Helping Hands Circle Mar 21 Birthday Outing Mar 25 Evening Circle April 8 Board Meeting April 11 Helping Hands April 18 Birthday Outing April 22 Evening Circle April 24 SSS Luncheon
Board President Donna Hovland Vice President Pam Ostman Secretary Norma Schwalbe Treasurer Gwen Lenius Evening Circle Donna Hovland Helping Hands Circle Kate Morgan Mission Coordinator Trudy Papke-Jung Outreach Coordinator Rose Allison Service Coordinator Shirley Ekstrom Spiritual Life Coord. Open
YOU’RE INVITED . . . .
MISSION BIRTHDAY PARTY !
Sunday, March 10 after Worship Service Help fill birthday bags for our local food shelf and share
refreshments, cake and ice cream. Sponsored by the Moravian
Woman. A goal is set of 75 bags for children ages 1-10.
Donations may be put in the John Hus room and checks can
be written to the Moravian Women. Items needed: gift bags,
boxed cake mix, birthday candles, party favors, small gift/toy.
THANK YOU and see you on the 10th
!
= 9:30AM Worship Service Page 6
MOW = Meals on Wheels
MARCH 2013
SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESD THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
No Meals on
Wheels in March 1 2
11AM-8PM
Norma-Counsel
Troop #16552
2:00-3:15PM
3 Holy
Communion
4 5
6PM FMSC
6 6PM Soup/Service
7
6PM IMR
8
9
3rd Sunday Lent
9-12:30PM Tax
Assist. @ CMC
6PM AA Mtg
7:30PM Alanon
Mtg
6:30PM N/A Mtg
7PM Women’s
AA Mtg
NO CHOIR
Rehearsal 11AM-8PM
Norma-Counsel
10
11 9-12:30PM Tax
Ass
12
13
6PM Soup/Service 14 1PM Helping
15
16
4th Sunday Lent
Daylight Savings
11:00AM Mission Birthday Party
Assist. @ CMC
7PM Moravian
Women Board Meeting
6PM AA Mtg
6:30PM Launch
Ministry Mtg
7:30PM Alanon Mtg
6:30PM N/A Mtg
7PM Women’s AA Mtg
NO CHOIR
Hands Circle
6PM Joint
Board Mtg.
6PM IMR Rehearsal
11AM-8PM
Norma-Counsel
17 18 19 6PM AA Mtg
20 6PM Soup/Service
21 9:30AM
Moms Club
22 23
5th Sunday
Lent
St. Patrick’s Day
9-12:30PM Tax
Assist. @ CMC
6:15PM Troop
#10093
6:30PM Launch
Ministry Mtg
7:30PM Alanon Mtg
6:30PM N/A Mtg
7PM Women’s AA Mtg
NO CHOIR
11:30AM
Birthday Outing
6PM IMR Rehearsal
6-9PM Jobs
Daughters
9AM-9PM Jobs
Daughters
11AM-8PM
Norma-Counsel
24 25 9-12:30PM Tax
26 6PM AA Mtg
27 6PM Soup/Service
28 6PM IMR
29 30
PALM SUNDAY
Assist. @ CMC
7PM Evening Circle
6:30PM Launch
Ministry Mtg
7:30PM Alanon
Mtg
6:30PM N/A Mtg
7PM Women’s AA
Mtg
NO CHOIR
Rehearsal
7PM Maundy
Thursday
Tenebrae Service
31
EASTER
6:30AM Sunrise
Service
9:30AM Service
Pastor on
vacation April
1-7th
.
Lent 2013
The “Essentials”
March 6: 6:00 Soup Supper & Worship: Faith
March 13: 6:00 Soup Supper & Worship: Love
March 20: 6:00 Soup Supper & Worship: Hope
March 28: Maundy Thursday 7:00PM Tenebrae Service
March 31: Easter Worship: Sunrise (6:30AM), 9:30AM
Join us on Wednesday evenings thru March 20 for a Soup
Supper and Worship. On Maundy Thursday we gather at
7:00PM for a service of Tenebrae (Darkness) to prepare
ourselves for the new dawn that comes on Easter morn.
The Good Samaritan Society Site Dedication, Fiditi, Africa ~ By Joy Bennett
February 16, 2013 The day was bright and sunny and filled with expectations. The students woke up – probably more
excited that they would be going home that day than for the site dedication. After breakfast my children and I
prepared for the event with the girl students. As I was putting on my make up I felt like we were getting ready
with six teenage girls. It was a fun time of preparation. Once all the girls were inspected and ready we headed
over to the Community Center building. There were people milling all around, a band playing, security and
police officers keeping an eye on things, and a photographer capturing our family as we entered. It was
definitely a day of excitement and celebration! And we were here to celebrate the work that God is doing
through the Good Samaritan Society of Nigeria, and America!
It is said that, according to Nigeria time, events (whether it be a big event like this, or a church
service) almost always start late. That was also the case for us, since we had to wait on some of the dignitaries
to arrive. Unfortunately the former president of Nigeria was unable to attend as he was called out of the
country. He did send a representative in his place that sent very favorable greetings. Once everyone had arrived
the event started with the grand entrance of the King of Oyo (the neighboring town to Fiditi). I have seen
entrances like that on TV, but never experienced anything like that in person. There were many people who
entered with him; a person played this long, loud horn instrument, and another chanting. Once he sat on the
stage (on couches that we bought specifically for the event) lots of people came and prostrated themselves on
the floor in front of him.
He had a man whose sole job was to wave a huge leaf and fan him throughout the event. He also had a
couple men stand behind him, and I think one person’s job was to adjust his clothing if it moved out of place.
It was definitely a huge deal that the king came to our dedication, and I’m praying that his presence will help
to increase the work that God is doing, but as I watched all this take place I wondered at the difference
between his role, and how Jesus knelt down and washed the feet of His disciples. I talked with Pastor Gerald
about it later, and he said Jesus probably would have knelt down and washed the feet of the man who was
fanning him. All the procession and fanfare gave me a whole different picture of what Jesus really deserves
(much more than was given this king) and yet He humbled himself and became our servant.
Once everyone had entered and was situated, the presentations began. There were several people who
talked about the different missions that are currently happening (the School, Vacation Bible School, T-Net
Training for Pastors, the Clinic, and the palm oil farming). It was fun for me to learn more about some of the
history of these ministries and see more how God has been at work already. During Michael’s presentation he
talked about our needing a new transformer (the one we had before was stolen) and said that the government
should provide us with one. I thought he was joking, but he found out on Thursday that they are going to give
us one. Praise the Lord!
The king said a few words, encouraging others to support the mission as well. Then the representative
from the former president spoke. While he was in the middle of speaking the king left, which meant the person
chanted and the horn was blown. Many people also followed him out. I was very surprised that he would leave
in the middle of someone talking, but someone told me that he wanted to make a grand exit. There are things
that are definitely done differently here than in America. His wife (the queen) and princess stayed through the
event. The students also were able to be a part of the celebration – singing the national anthem, as well as
another special song. They did a great job!
Page 9
from Hermann Weinlick, Provincial Ecumenical Officer
Northern Province ~ March 2013
Often the best way to understand a persons or groups that are unfamiliar to us is to ask them to
tell their own story, because we frequently bring our own assumptions or preconceptions to new
people or situations.
This month I alert congregations to a resource that has been made available to us at no cost
through our ecumenical relationship with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
This is Discover Islam, a series of six half-hour DVDs. Much of what we hear about Islam is
colored by (a) fourteen centuries in which Christianity and Islam have lived together, sometimes
in harmony but often in conflict, and (b) responses to the attacks on the United States on 9/11 by
a small group of Muslims.
This series has been produced by a group of American Muslims who want to share the fact that
most Muslims in the United States are regular folks and your next-door neighbors. Unit 1, “Faith
and History,” presents an overview of the origins of Islam, without going into the history of
conflict between Christians and Muslims. Unit 2, “An American Faith,” presents Muslims as a
part of America, not as strangers or foreigners. There is a good deal on Malcolm X and Black
Muslims, as there is in Unit 4, “African Americans and Islam.” Unit 3, “Women in Islam,”
presents a strong case for an Islam that honors and encourages women, in contrast to how we
usually picture Islam. This unit is also honest about the failures of Islam in relation to women.
Unit 5, “A Faith Hijacked,” condemns without equivocation Muslim terrorists as not true
representatives of Islam. Unit 6, “Christians and Islam,” is a general plea for Christians and
Muslims to come to know one another, to appreciate one another, and to work together.
The study guide prepared by the ELCA is very helpful. It expands some issues touched on in the
DVDs and occasionally questions statistics and other assertions in the DVDs. It is available to
download at no cost at www.elca.org/ecumenical.
The producers of the series ask only for a short statement of how many people saw the series and
their evaluation of it. I am collecting these evaluations from both Northern and Southern Province
at [email protected]. A few of copies of the series are available from the provincial office. To
order the series, contact Gloria Reisinger at [email protected]. The only cost to you is shipping.
Of course you may pick it up or arrange for “Moravian Mail” delivery.
Lord God, our Creator, you have set us in a world of great diversity, including diversity in the
ways we humans worship, or do not worship, you. Help us better to understands those of other
faiths and their patterns of worship and service. Help us see those places where we may learn
from the life and witness of others, including those who do not claim to be disciples of Jesus
Christ. At the same time, make us eager to share the understanding of you we have through Jesus
Christ and to share the guidance on how to live faithfully and well that we have received from
you, through Scripture, through our families, through the witness of other believers. Amen.
Page 9
Phone 952.448.4000 Fax 952.448.6016 [email protected] www.chaskamoravian.org 115 East 5
th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
Chaska Moravian Church est. 1858
MARCH 2013
CHURCH STAFF
Ministers All Who Serve Jesus
Pastor Rev. Mike Eder
Office Secretary Cindy Stock
Pianist/Organist/Choir Linda Ryski
Music Coordinator Tammy Riesgraf
Guitarist Alan Taylor
Custodian Pam Ostman
Offering Treasurer Gwen Lenius
Church Treasurer Arvin Zwart
SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE
8:00AM Worship Team Rehearsal 9:30AM Worship Service
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