The Flashlight
Grace Lutheran Church
755 Adams Avenue, PO Box 67
Phone: 507-274-5572
Parsonage 507-274-6718
Secretary's office: gwoffice@centurytel.net
Westbrook, MN 56183
Pastor’s Cell phone: 1-507-380-6926
Pastor's office: gwpastor@centurytel.net
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
May, 2012
First off, let me state clearly that this is not about being a Republican or Democrat, liberal or conservative. It is
more about the real attitudes that people reflect in their actions and not what they necessarily want people to hear.
Throughout this presidential primary season, we have heard at various times about Christian values. However, looking at
how companies, governments and even individuals have become more and more selfish in their attitudes and actions then
we may conclude that our nation, as a whole, is not very Christian. I received an email recently which was titled “I’m 76
and I’m Tired” which has been incorrectly attributed to Bill Cosby (www.snopes.com). The author of the piece indicates
that after a lifetime of hard working and saving, he cannot enjoy what he earned because there are many who are trying to
take it away from him. He is also tired of too many people who are looking for a handout and not willing to work as he
had to improve himself.
There are people who totally agree with this, that is why these kinds of emails get passed along. The prevailing
attitude behind these sentiments is that there are people who want to take the American dream away from those of us who
have been working hard to make it come true. On the other hand, when one considers the admonition by God in the Old
Testament to take care of the “poor, the widowed, the orphans and the foreigners among us,” the question is raised of how
consistent is the “American dream” with true Judeo-Christian values.
This “I’m 76 and I’m tired” letter should not be summarily dismissed as the ranting of a senior citizen who fears
losing all that they worked for because it does bring up some very salient points for discussion. I am not against hard
work; working for what one wants; and preparing for the future, for one’s retirement. I also recognize that there are some
in society who look to see what they can get without working when they are perfectly capable of working, but there are
some people who truly need help. Our discussion should be centered on how to resolve this apparent chasm between the
American dream, this ‘Protestant work ethic’ and living a Christ-like life.
I think that as the election year continues, we will be hearing more discussion, opinions and arguments that either
directly or indirectly address these and similar questions. Instead of the usual arguments of trying to blame others for the
current situation, perhaps we should have real dialogue over such things as: how has the American dream morphed into the
‘haves’ taking more and more from the ‘have nots’ resulting in a wider gap between the rich and poor? In light of
multibillion dollar quarterly profits; exorbitant salaries for entertainers; and golden parachutes for CEO’s who nearly
bankrupt companies, hurting middle class people in the process; when is ‘enough is enough’? How has the JudeoChristian mandate of taking care of the disadvantaged been abandoned along with the attitude on the Statue of Liberty of
‘Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses, yearning to breath free, the wretched refuse of your teeming shore,
send these, the homeless, tempest tossed, I lift my lamp beside the golden door.’ and changed into a ‘gated community’?
Unfortunately, there are no easy answers and these kinds of questions have been with us for a very long time,
probably since the time when societies began. However, that doesn’t allow us to ignore the questions without seeking real
solutions. I realize there will always be a tension between the values of the ‘world’ and the values taught to us by Jesus
and our Bible. I do know, however, that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit and intentionally considering these questions
from a Christian viewpoint, we can find answers. More than likely they will be hard answers to accept, but then,
Christianity has never really been something ‘easy,’ something that always ‘went with the crowd.’ Perhaps we need to
start with the basic question, “What does God want for God’s creation?” Jesus was right, when a person’s heart is changed
to the will of God, then that is when we can see the kingdom of God coming here. I pray that our hearts may be changed
by the Holy Spirit to reflect God’s love for us through Jesus Christ and that we be emboldened to pass it along.
May God bless,
Pastor Dave
Grace Lutheran Church
Council Meeting
April 10, 2012
Preliminary Matters:
1. Russ Gundermann called the meeting to
order. Others council members present
included Gene Kronback, Eric Larson,
Bruce Gundermann, Marvin Sorenson, Jane
Hass, and Linda Carter. Also present was
Pastor Dave.
2. Russell Gundermann gave devotions.
3. Secretary’s report was approved on a motion
by Bruce Gundermann and seconded by
Marvin Sorenson.
The motion carried
unanimously.
4. The treasurer’s report was approved on a
motion by Gene Kronback and seconded by
Bruce Gundermann. The motion carried
unanimously.
5. Pastor’s Report:
a. Gideon’s will make a presentation on
Sunday, April 15, 2012.
b. Membership Transfer:
Ross
Williams requests a transfer of
membership to First Lutheran
Church in Marshall, MN. Motion by
Eric Larson to approve the
membership transfer for Ross
Williams and motion second by
Bruce Gundermann. Motion carried.
c. Pastor Dave has planned a summer
vacation for June 20-26.
d. Midweek Lent Services and Easter
Services all went extremely well.
6. Committee Reports:
a. Personnel Committee plans to meet
to complete an annual review of the
custodial position.
b. Trustees will look into stretching and
re-gluing portions of the carpet.
c. Worship
Committee
will
be
switching settings starting Sunday,
April 15.
d. Memorial Committee plans to
purchase an Automatic External
Defibrillator Device (AED) for the
church. Memorial money has been
donated to cover the purchase of the
device.
Old Business:
1. The council has appointed Val Schneider to
the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee. The
Pastor-Parish Relations Committee meets bimonthly.
2. A letter was sent out to all confirmation
students to refresh students of current
confirmation goals and commitments
required by students.
New Business:
1. Shetek Lutheran Ministries are working on
several projects at the bible camp. We plan
to send a portion of our budgeted money to
the camp this month.
2. Motion by Gene Kronback to renew our ad
in the Highway 30 Community Guide for
2012. Marvin Sorenson 2nd the motion.
3. The council is looking for anyone interested
in helping with a float for Westbrook Fun
Day’s.
If interested contact a council
member.
Closing:
1. Marvin Sorenson made a motion to adjourn
the meeting.
Jane Hass seconded the
motion. The motion carried unanimously.
2. The meeting was closed with the Lord’s
Prayer.
Linda Carter, Council Secretary
Your council
All meetings of the council are open to anyone who
would like to attend. If you have a concern or
comment, please feel free to come to a meeting. Or,
if you prefer, talk with a council member and have
them bring your concern to the council
Next meeting
Tuesday, May 8 at 7:30 p.m.
President – Russell Gundermann
274-6789
Secretary – Linda Carter
859-2315
Treasurer – Jane Hass
274-5132
Members:
Bruce Gundermann 274-6380
Nikki Jorgenson
274-5953
Eugene Kronback
274-5162
Eric Larson
274-5168
Steve Schmalz
274-5667
Marvin Sorenson
274-6787
Our Prayer Chain is ready to pray for your joys
or needs ! Please call Coralyn Comnick 274-5318;
Pauline Rueter 274-5513 or the church 274-5572.
Let us know
Volunteer needed
If you know of someone who is hospitalized or at
home and would like the pastor or a member of our
Grace family to visit, please call June at the church
office 274-5572 or 274-6558.
There may be those who need a ride to church on
Sunday. If you would like to volunteer to give a ride to
those who need one or would like to coordinate the
schedule for drivers, please see Pastor Dave or President
Russell Gundermann.
Prayer Concerns
Pray for Laura Anderson, Bertha Deutschman,
Betty Jensen, Lil Knudson, Clara Lohse, Isabel
Nibbe and all those with on-going needs.
Change of address
Please give us address updates if you move or
plan to be away for an extended
time. Please contact the church
office (507)274-5572 or gwoffice@
centurytel.net with the address
change or to put your Flashlight on hold. It will
save “return to sender” fees! Thank you for your
cooperation.
Sunday readings
May 6
Acts 8:26-40
1 John 4:7-21
John 15:1-8
May 13
Acts 10:44-48
1 John 5:1-6
John 15:9-17
May 20
Acts 1:15-17, 21-26
1 John 5:9-13
John 17:6-19
May 27
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Acts 2:1-21
John 15:26-27; 16:4b-15
June/July Flashlight
The June/July Flashlight will be combined into one
issue. It will be printed Wednesday, May 23 and
the deadline for both June and July items will be
Sunday, May 20. Thank you for your cooperation.
Attendance
March
March
March
March
4
11
18
25
112
118
106
124
Ushers
Please make every effort to be in church the month
you are scheduled. If you cannot be there or if you
have any questions, please contact Jim Schneider
274-6318 or Marvin Sorenson 274-6787.
Leon Mischke
Russell Gundermann
Andy Kopperud
Acolytes
If you are unable to participate when you are
scheduled, please find a replacement.
May 6 Brianna Schoenenberger & Sophie Horkey
May 13
Calle Anderson & Tristan Joel
May 20
Adam Hass & Jack Jorgenson
May 27
Cassidy Mischke & Zach Vande Kieft
Lector
Please get a substitute if you are unable to read
when you are scheduled.
May 6
Kris Isder
May 13
Penny Danner
May 20
Russell Gundermann
May 27
Skip Brown
Greeters
Please get a substitute if you are unable to greet
when you are scheduled.
May 6
Wayne & Janie Singer
May 13
Marvin & Colleen Sorenson
May 20
Gene & Maydelle Kronback
May 27
Mike & Lairdie Kells
Stewardship
If you are unable to count the money when you are
scheduled, please find a replacement.
May
Robert or Marci Chapman
Eric or Angie Larson
Volunteers Needed!
Do you have 90 minutes to spare during the week or
the month? Mary & Martha’s Pantry is in need of
volunteers to help distribute food to the people who
need to use the pantry. Training will be provided.
Won’t you consider giving back to the community
in this way? Call Harry Baulisch 274-5218 Thank
you for helping out our neighbors.
Update from Kris Isder
The school year is winding down. We are three
weeks from the end of the semester.
CPE is almost complete. We will have a
graduation ceremony on April 26 and then we are
officially done with the program.
I have received my internship assignment. I will
be going to Lac qui Parle Lutheran 8 miles
northeast of Dawson. It is a country church on a
gravel road. The parsonage is on an acreage half a
mile away. I will be their pastor with supervision
from the pastor in Dawson. They average 45 people
in worship each Sunday. The internship is for a year
and starts Sept. 1. I will live in the parsonage and
Rich will come to visit on weekends. In May I will
take a tour of the church, parsonage and community
and start getting to know the people. I am looking
forward to my year there.
Thank you for all the thoughts and prayers.
Vacation Bible School
Coming soon, Vacation Bible School information.
Please watch the bulletin for this summer’s
upcoming Vacation Bible School information
“Giving Tree”
Jeff Cassel family gave a beautiful “Giving Tree” in
memory of Connie Cassel. Anyone who has given a
memorial or donation in honor of someone to Grace
Lutheran Church may have an engraving put on one
of the leaves of the tree. The cost of the engraving is
to be paid by the person requesting the engraving be
done. Your request to have an engraving done
should be directed to the Memorial Committee or
the chairman of the Women of the ELCA. They will
take care of the engraving and let the person who
has asked to have an engraving done, the cost. If
there are any questions please contact Roger
Bunkers or Marcella Chapman.
Mother, Daughter, Friend Event
The Mother, Daughter, Friend Event hosted by
WELCA will be held Wednesday, May 23, at 7:30
p.m. The program will be “Little House on the
Prairie” by Nicole Elzenga.
Children will be
performing two songs from the pageant.
Graduates
Our graduates will be honored on Sunday, May 13, with
special recognition and a reception following worship
service. High school graduates being honored are: Jacob
Comnick, Dana Kells, Chelsey Taylor and Chelsey
Wehmeyer. If your son or daughter is graduating from
college please let us know so we can include them. Call
the church 274-5572 or June Merchant 274-6558.
email gwoffice@centurytel.net. Thank you
Thank you
Thank you to everyone who
supported the youth group at our
Easter breakfast and Lent suppers.
Because of your donations of money,
food, help and coming to the meals
you all helped in making them a
success. Your continued support of
our Youth Group is greatly appreciated.
Sincerely, Grace Youth group
Grace WELCA
March 21, 2012
Grace WELCA met March 21, 2012 in the
social hall. Eighteen members were present.
We began our program singing the hymn “For
the Beauty of the Earth.”
Devotions were given by Stella Cohrs based on
Gal 6:10 – Remember all the opportunities God has
planned for us. To help someone in need. Do a
favor, be kind, loving and forgiving.
Penny Danner, Mission Growth Chairperson
welcomed the members, and announced the
program “Inspired to Create,” by Vera Rachuy. She
asked volunteers to bring and display their talents of
creativity. Penny sang a verse of the hymn “You
Have Come Down to the Lakeshore,” accompanied
by Betty Rupp relating to a picture of a boat that
was painted and displayed. Pictures of the program
can be viewed in the basement dining room. God
has given us talents to use and share.
The offering was taken, followed by the offering
hymn “We Give Thee But Thine Own,” the Lord’s
Prayer, and the Table Prayer.
President Jane Nelsen opened the business
meeting.
The secretary’s report was approved as printed.
The treasurer’s report was read and placed on
file.
There was no correspondence to read.
Old Business: None
New Business: 1.) Saturday, April 14, 2012,
Spring Gathering at Christ Lutheran Church,
Slayton, MN. The morning session begins at 8:30
a.m. with coffee and rolls. There will be a noon
lunch with meeting closing shortly after. A motion
was made to send $100.00 offering by Pauline
Rueter. Stella Cohrs seconded the motion. Meet at
church for rides. 2.) Watch for more information on
the June 15-16 SW MN Synodical Convention to be
held at Spicer, MN. We will need a delegate.
Anyone interested please call Jane Nelsen.
Committee reports: None
Motion by Pauline Rueter, seconded by Delna
Mischke to adjourn meeting. Lunch was served.
Coralyn Comnick, WELCA secretary
Grace WELCA
April 18, 2012
Grace WELCA met April 18, 2012 in the social
hall. Twenty-one members were present.
We began our program singing the hymn “Let
All Things Now Living.”
Devotions were given by Liz.
Penny Danner, Mission Growth Chairperson
welcomed the members, and announced the
program “Craft Your Destiny,” presented by
Andrea Poon.
The offering was taken, followed by the offering
hymn “Create In Me a Clean Heart O Lord,” the
Lord’s Prayer, and the Table Prayer.
President Jane Nelsen opened the business
meeting.
The secretary’s report was approved as printed.
The treasurer’s report was read and placed on
file.
Old Business: 1.) The Spring Gathering held
April 14 at Christ Lutheran Church was attended by
WELCA members. An enjoyable morning with
entertainment, speaker and lunch. 2.) A motion by
Vera Rachuy, seconded by Delna Mischke to send
$100.00 Love Offering plus $50.00 towards the
Malaria nets, and $50.00 toward shipping expenses
for the Health Kits being sent to the SW MN
Synodical Convention, June 15-16, 2012 at Faith
Lutheran Church, Spicer, MN, motion carried.
Anyone interested in attending and applying for a
scholarship, which can be used for your expense,
please contact Jane Nelsen or our delegate Marcella
Chapman.
New Business: 1.) May 2, 2011 – all ladies are
invited to a luncheon at Christ Lutheran Church in
Slayton at 6 p.m. A program will be given on the
Holy Land. 2.) May 12, 2012 – clean-up at Shetek
Bible Camp, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., groups 1 and 2. 3.)
May 13, 2012 – Graduation reception after church
for all high school and college graduates. 4.) May
23, 2012 – Mother, Daughter, Friend Event, 7:30
p.m. Program – Nicole Elzenga, “Little House On
the Prairie.” Group 3 will serve lunch, 5.) Group 4
will serve coffee hour May 20 and 27. Group 1 will
serve in June. 6.) Annette Mischke made a motion
to send $100.00 to Shetek Bible Camp for supplies,
seconded by Vera Rachuy, motion carried. 7.) The
Memorial Committee is taking actions to have
names of loved ones engraved on individual leaves.
Each family will be responsible for paying the
engraved fee. Contact Roger Bunkers or Marcella
Chapman for details and information.
Motion by Vera Rachuy, seconded by Stella
Cohrs to adjourn meeting. Lunch was served.
Coralyn Comnick, WELCA secretary
SW MN WELCA Synodical Convention
The Southwestern Minnesota Women of the
ELCA Synodical Convention will be held on June
15 - 16 at Spicer, MN. Registration is due by May
25. The fee is $50.00. Scholarships are available for
first time convention visitors. These forms must be
in by May 20.
The theme is "Be a Spark... Light a Fire". Our
hope is that we can each be a spark that brings the
light of Christ to others.
Everything on Friday June 15 takes place at
Faith Lutheran Church, 310 Medayto Drive in
Spicer. They have two interesting women who will
speak on Friday Pastor Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl,
former Bishop of S.D., was recently installed as one
of our synod ministers. She was one of the first
women to be ordained in the American Lutheran
Church. She is scheduled to speak at 4:45 p.m.
Lungile Nyathikazi is from our companion
synod in South Africa. She is self-employed in
Durban, South Africa as an optometrist in her own
company, is a Professional Nurse & Midwife, and
has a Post Graduate Diploma in HIV/AIDS
Management from a University in South Africa. She
is the HIV/AIDS coordinator for the ELCA-South
Eastern Diocese. She will also speak on Friday at
1:00 p.m.
At 7:00 there is a concert by the Faith Lutheran
Chancel Choir.
Everything on Saturday takes place at Green
Lake Bible Camp, where people may stay for $49 or
$59. Most rooms are without AC. They assure us
that the lodging there is quite nice. "It is not at all
like the Bible Camps" we "knew from years ago".
(They don't say which camps or how many yrs.)!
More information is available, just ask Jane
Nelsen, or call at 274-6394.
Registration Forms will be hanging on the
bulletin board in the Social Hall. If you want to stay
at the Bible Camp, you might want to check into
that as soon as possible. There is also a map to the
camp available.
Be sure to check each day's schedule if you can
only go one day.
Convention Schedule
FRIDAY:
8:00 a.m. Registration/Coffee/Displays
8:30 a.m. Delegate Orientation
8:45 a.m. Business Session I
9:30 a.m. Worship/Communion Service
11:30 a.m. Noon lunch.........Workshops
1:00 p.m. Speaker—Lungi Nyathikazi
Business......Bible Study
4:45 p.m. Speaker—Pr. Andrea DeGroot-Nesdahl
5:45 p.m. Banquet—celebrate 25th Anniversary.'
7:00 p.m. Concert by Faith Lutheran Chancel Choir
SATURDAY:
8:30 a.m. Registration/Coffee
9:15 a.m. Bible Study
10:15 a.m. Camp project/activities
12:00 noon Lunch
1:00 p.m. Closing Worship Service by Bluegrass Band
Salad supper
Ladies of Grace are invited to a salad supper hosted
by the WELCA of Faith Lutheran of Avoca at
Christ Lutheran Church in Slayton on May 2 at 6
p.m. The program will be about a trip to the Holy
Land and Rome.
May 23
7:30 p.m.
Mother-Daughter-Friend Event
Mistress of ceremonies: Bernice Bunkers
Hymn: Angie Horkey & Nikki Jorgenson
(Children will perform 2 songs from pageant)
Devotions: Deloris Winter
Program: “Little House On the Prairie – Nicole
Elzenga
Decorating Committee:
*Angie Larson
Karla Gundermann
Coralyn Comnick
Serving Committee: Group #3
NO Sewing Meetings in May
May Circle Schedule
Lydia Circle – Wednesday, May 2 at 8:45 a.m. at the
church
Miriam Circle – Thursday, May 10 at 7:30 p.m. at
the home of Penny Danner
Flower Committee: May
Deb Jans*
Jane Hass
Do not put flowers on the organ or piano.
See Policy handbook for placement of flowers.
Chancel Committee: April - June
Bernice Bunkers*
Joan Spielman
Paula Gundermann
Nikki Jorgenson
Visiting Committee: May - June
This committee visits homes, hospitals and the shutins.
Eunice Christensen*
Ceci Cassel
Jeanette Sundahl
Karyl Gertner
Bereavement support group
Hospice of Murray County will hold a bereavement
group for adults at the Hospice of Murray County
office in Slayton. It is for 6 sessions, on Thursdays,
and the group will begin on Thursday, May 3 and
will continue through Thursday, June 8, from 4 –
5:30 p.m. There is no cost for the bereavement
support group. Pre-registration is appreciated so
materials can be put together. You can pre-register
by calling the Hospice office at 507-836-8114 by
Friday, April 27
Who practices hospitality entertains God.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We do not use the Holy Spirit; the Holy Spirit uses
us.
May Birthdays
5th 6th 7th 10th 11th 13th 15th 16th 17th 19th 20th 21st 22nd 23rd 24th 25th 28th 31st -
Kristine Isder
Colton Knudson
Deborah Cassel
Riley Williams
Dean Bunting
Eli Gundermann
Zachary Barron
Hunter Blumer
Johnathan Kells
Scott Jorgenson
Katherine Jorgenson
Jennifer Wetter
Kirsten Lidtke
Orland Norstegard
Marcella Chapman
Deanna Amundson
Sarah Mershon
Morgan Glanzer
Mark Blumer
Mark Kells
Damien Harrington
May Anniversaries
15, 1965 - Dennis & Mary Lidtke
26, 2009 – Morgan & Joe Glanzer
May Events
1st 2nd -
4th 6th 8th 9th -
10th 11th 12th 13th -
10:00 a.m. Text Study
8:45 a.m. Lydia Circle
9:00 a.m. Secretary at Church
10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
3:30 p.m. 7/8th gr. Confirmation
4:30 p.m. 9/10th gr. confirmation
7:00 p.m. Men’s Ministry
8:00 p.m. Adult choir rehearsal
1:00 p.m. Secretary at Church
9:00 a.m. Sunday School
10:15 a.m. Worship/Communion
Acolytes: B. Schoenenberger & Sophie Horkey
10:00 a.m. Text Study
7:30 p.m. Council Meeting
9:00 a.m. Secretary at Church
10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
3:30 p.m. 7/8th gr. Confirmation
4:30 p.m. 9/10th gr. Confirmation
7:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
8:00 p.m. Adult choir rehearsal
7:30 p.m. Miriam Circle at Penny Danner
1:00 p.m. Secretary at Church
8:00 a.m. WELCA Spring Convention
9:00 a.m. Worship/Communion
Acolytes: Calle Anderson & Tristan Joel
14th 15th 16th 17th 18th 20th -
22nd 23rd -
10:00 a.m. Graduates’ Reception
7:00 p.m. WWG Baccalaureate/St. Anthony’s
7:00 p.m. Service on Channel 6
10:00 a.m. Text Study
9:00 a.m. Secretary at church
10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
9:00 a.m. Conference Pastors’ Meeting
7:00 p.m. PIM/ Petersons Estates
1:00 p.m. Secretary at church
9:00 a.m. Worship/Communion
Acolytes: Adam Hass & Jack Jorgenson
Flashlight items due
2:00 p.m. WWG Graduation
10:00 a.m. Text Study
9:00 a.m. Secretary at Church
Printing June/July Flashlight
10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m. WELCA Mother-Daughter-Friend
Event
25th 27th 28th 29th 30th -
1:00 p.m. Secretary at Church
9:00 a.m. Worship/Communion /Lunch
Acolytes: Cassidy Mischke & Zach Vande Kieft
Memorial Day
10:00 a.m. Text Study
9:00 a.m. Secretary at Church
10:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study
7:00 p.m. Men’s Bible Study
Prayer Ventures –
May 2012
Prayer petitions for Sundays follow the World Council of Churches
Ecumenical Prayer Cycle and can be incorporated into the prayers at
weekly worship. Weekday entries are offered as guides to prayer for
the global, social, and outreach ministries of the church. Thank you
for your continued prayers for the life and mission of this church.
1 Pray for Pastor Deborah and Joseph Troester and
Pastor Jacalyn Griffin who serve as ELCA missionaries
in the Central African Republic. Deborah and Joseph
work in theological education and water management
respectively; Jacalyn is an advisor to the women’s
ministry.
2 Pray for the president of the United States and
members of Congress that the Holy Spirit will guide
them to remember those most vulnerable in our
nation.
provide food assistance, affordable housing, health
services, job training and educational opportunities
to walk alongside people who are at risk of
becoming homeless.
10 Pray for all who are hungry or have limited access to
food throughout the world due to economic and social
issues and drought.
11 Pray for the members of the Northwestern Minnesota
and Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast Synods as they meet in
assembly this weekend.
12 Pray in thanksgiving for the faithful servants who
graduate from the Diakonia program in the Northern
Illinois Synod at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sterling,
Ill.
3 Pray for Edna Johnson who serves as an ELCA
missionary working in Monrovia, Liberia, at the Curran
Lutheran Hospital. Edna is the nursing program
director for the hospital.
13 Sixth Sunday of Easter
O God, you have prepared for those who love you joys
beyond understanding. Pour such love for you into the
hearts of the people of Kenya and Tanzania, that, loving
you above all things, they may know your promises,
which exceed all we can desire; through Jesus Christ,
your Son, our Lord. Amen.
4 Pray for the members of the Southeastern Minnesota
Synod, Florida-Bahamas Synod, the South-Central
Synod of Wisconsin, and the Southeastern Pennsylvania
Synod as they meet in assembly this weekend. Pray for
the one who will be elected in the Southeastern
Pennsylvania Synod bishop’s election.
14 Pray for the ministries of all parish nurses and for
those who are taking the Parish Nurse Ministry Course
in Fargo, ND, meeting May 14-18.
5 Pray for Molly Cook, an ELCA missionary working in
Malaysia in disability ministry. Molly teaches at a
culinary school for mentally and physically challenged
young people.
6 Fifth Sunday of Easter
O God, you give us your Son as the vine apart from
whom we cannot live. Nourish life in his resurrection
especially in Sudan and Uganda, that they may bear the
fruit of love and know the fullness of your joy, through
Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
7 Pray for Pastor Kathryn Warn who serves as pastor-inresidence in Freetown, Sierra Leone.
8 Pray for Mary Beth and Bayo Oyebade and for
Dorthea Hustoft-Hamman who serve as ELCA
missionaries in Jos, Nigeria. Mary Beth and Bayo work
with people infected with and affected by HIV and
AIDS. Dorthea works in education.
9 Pray for Pennsylvania’s “Lutheran Day at the
Capitol” and for all Christians that petition
government to fund poverty-focused programs that
15 Pray for families throughout the world, on this
International Day of Families (as recognized by the
United Nations), that all may grow into the fullness God
created for them by being in the safety and security of
loving homes.
16 Pray for Dr. Stephen and Bethany Friberg who serve
as ELCA missionaries in Mto Wa Mbu, Tanzania.
Stephen works with the dispensary system in the country
while Bethany assists women who wish to market their
beadwork internationally.
17 Ascension of Our Lord
Almighty God, your only Son was taken into the
heavens and in your presence intercedes for us. Receive
us and our prayers for all the world, and in the end bring
everything into your glory, through Jesus Christ, our
Lord. Amen.
18 Pray for the North/West Lower Michigan, Pacifica,
Southeast Michigan, Northwest Washington,
Northwestern Ohio, Saint Paul Area, Southwestern
Washington, Sierra Pacific, Northern Great Lakes, and
Southwestern Texas Synods as they meet in assembly
this weekend. Pray for the bishop’s election to take place
at the Southwestern Texas Synod Assembly.
19 Pray for Karen Anderson, an ELCA missionary
working in the area of health-care administration in
Santiago, Chile.
20 Seventh Sunday of Easter
Gracious and glorious God, you have chosen us as your
own, and by the powerful name of Christ you protect us
from evil. By your Spirit transform us and your beloved
world, especially the people of Malawi and Zambia, that
we may all find our joy in your Son, Jesus Christ, our
Savior and Lord. Amen.
21 Pray for Pastor Arden Strasser who serves as an
ELCA missionary in Lusaka, Zambia specializing in
leadership development.
22 Pray for Dr. Mark and Linda Jacobson who serve as
ELCA missionaries working at the Arusha Lutheran
Medical Center in Arusha, Tanzania.
23 Pray for our brothers and sisters in the Middle
East as they continue to seek solutions for the
security, peace and justice of all people there.
24 Pray for Erin Odgers-Chew, an ELCA missionary
working in Cairo, Egypt, as a teacher.
25 Pray for Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota’s
Camp Noah, which provides summer camp ministries to
children and families impacted by the trauma of disaster
throughout the country.
26 Pray for Stephanie Schmiege and Aaron and Allison
Schutte who serve as ELCA missionaries, teaching in
Bukoba, Tanzania.
27 Day of Pentecost
Mighty God, you breathe life into our bones, and your
Spirit brings truth to the world. Send this Spirit to
Botswana and Zimbabwe, transform us all by your truth,
and give us all language to proclaim your gospel,
through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.
28 On this observation of Memorial Day, give thanks for
all who have lost their life in service to their country
fighting for freedom, rights and the protection of
vulnerable people. Pray for the safety of all who are now
in military service and pray for peace throughout the
world.
29 Pray for Dr. Helmut and Rotraut Diefenthal, ELCA
missionaries in Moshi, Tanzania, working as radiology
trainers.
30 Pray for the members of the Grand Canyon,
Delaware-Maryland, Greater Milwaukee, Lower
Susquehanna, South Carolina, and Southwest California
Synods as they meet in assembly this week. Pray for the
election of a new bishop for the Grand Canyon Synod.
31 Pray for the participants of the Nebraska Synod’s
Equipping Youth Ministry Leadership training held
today at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn, Neb.
This resource may be copied and shared among members and friends
of the congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Contact info@elca.org for additional information. Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, 8765 W. Higgins Road, Chicago, IL
60631. Telephone: 800-638-3522, ext. 2458.
Grace Lutheran Church
755 Adams Avenue
PO Box 67
Westbrook, MN 56183
Nonprofit Organization
Bulk Rate
US Postage Paid
Permit No. 3
Westbrook, MN
Change Service Requested
X
May 2012
The Flashlight
Pastor's office: gwpastor@centurytel.net
Secretary's office: gwoffice@centurytel.net
Grace Lutheran Church 274-5572