GRACIOUS WORDS NEWSLETTER
Online worship services available. If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday - reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, including our newsletter, photos, programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech.
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for July – September will be directed to Weekend Winners.
October - December will be directed to the Food Shelf.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance.
All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
August – Condiments (peanut butter, jelly, pickles, ketchup, mustard, bottled salad dressing).
September – Soups and saltine crackers
________________________________________
Worship Assistants
August: Deacon Tonia Czech, Altar Guild: Suzy Haupert / Jodi Lichtsinn
Ushers: Jim Berkenpas / Barry Berkenpas / Dale Petersen / Darren Nelsen
September: Deacon Susan Johnson, Altar Guild: Coralee Rochel
Ushers: Bob Trigg / Mike Weets / Mike Czech / LaDon Prosch
If you cannot fulfill your duties as a worship assistant, please contact Jolene Trageser, the Grace Church secretary, so we can find a substitute. We appreciate your assistance with our worship services.
Join us for weekly Bible study on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
________________________________________
The Pastor’s Page
August / September 2022
Ever since Charlemagne put a cross on his shield before a battle and invoked the name of Jesus asking for victory in that battle, Christianity has been co-opted by the society at-large and molded to serve that society’s goals and purposes. Ever since Christianity had become ‘accepted’ by society and has been a part of society, assisting in directing how that society is to act, the fundamental beliefs of Christianity have been twisted, shaped and even changed so that the goals of that society could be met and justified by religion (This has probably happened to all religions, but we are only considering Christianity here). The Spanish Inquisition, the conquest of the New World and of Africa and the Third Reich are just a few examples where Christianity has been twisted to serve the aims of a few people in power who were seeking more power and/or wealth. We have seen recently that even our American democratic society is not immune to the twisting of Christian beliefs to serve the powers-that-be.
This latest iteration of co-opting Christianity by society has been called Christian Nationalism. Despite what else is said about it, it boils down to the belief that America is only for whites. Any other citizen is not a ‘full’ American and does not deserve the same rights as ‘real’ Americans enjoy, regardless of how long their ancestors lived in this country. Even the belief that America democracy was founded upon Christian beliefs has been put forth despite the fact that the founding fathers were generally more deists who believed in a God rather than Christians. While it could be pointed out that the legal system is based on the Ten Commandments, it should be noted that first, the Ten Commandments were given to the Jewish people; and that most legal systems and religious belief systems have some form of the Ten Commandments in their beliefs. When we look at the Gospel accounts, as well as the whole of the Biblical story, we see that central to the message of the Gospel is that nobody is excluded from the saving grace of God through Jesus. This means that anyone whether they are (to use Paul’s words from Colossians 3) Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or free as long as they believe in Jesus, then they are saved. Basically, if anyone believes in Jesus that He died for our sins, then they are a ‘real’ Christian. (In the interest of full disclosure, I should state that another basic belief of Christianity is the belief in the Holy Trinity, which would be another whole discussion.) Another image that the Christian Nationalists use is the warrior image of Jesus which is found primarily in the Book of Revelation to justify the use of force their beliefs on others. Even a cursory look at this book indicates that the imagery of Jesus riding a white horse with a two-edged blade coming out of His mouth is meant to be understood in a figurative sense and not understood literally. Additionally, nowhere in the Gospels does Jesus advocate the use of violence. Even at His trial before Pilate, Jesus said that He could call upon His army to come defend Him, but that He would not. So, to use the image of Jesus to try to justify the use of violence and force is a misuse of the Gospel; it is co-opting the Gospel message for carrying out one’s own agenda. So, whenever we hear anyone who wants to twist the Christian message to fit their own agenda, whether they are from a secular point of view or a religious point of view, we must critically examine what they are saying and how they are acting to see if it consistent with the basic Christian message that God desires to save everyone from sin through believing in the sacrifice of Jesus. If anyone wants to limit who this includes, if anyone seeks to exclude anyone for any reason (especially for a reason a person has no control over such as skin color place of birth) other than that person’s choice to turn away from God. Even then, Jesus has some advice on how to deal with them, which is still not to exclude them. We always need to remember Peter’s admonition to question what we are being told by the authorities, making sure that it is consistent with the Gospel message from Jesus.
May God Bless,
Pastor Dave
________________________________________
From the Kitchen
Lopez Island Salad
Ingredients: Dressing:
10 oz. bag of fresh baby spinach ½ C. sugar
1 pint fresh sliced strawberries 1 ½ tblsp minced onion
¼ tsp paprika
¼ C. vinegar
1 tblsp poppyseeds
2 tblsp sesame seeds
½ C. olive oil
Directions: Wash & pat dry the spinach, quarter and tear into bite sized pieces. Toss with the sliced berries. Blend dressing and toss over spinach and berries. Serve cold.
Baked Chicken Breasts and Rice
Ingredients:
1 ¼ C. uncooked white rice 1 can cream of celery soup
1 C. milk 5 whole boneless chicken breasts
1 C. dry cooking sherry or white wine 2 ounces of slivered almonds
¼ C. melted butter or margarine 1 - 8 ounce package of shredded swiss cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup ¼ C. grated parmesan cheese
1 small can of mushrooms
Directions: Heat oven to 300 degrees. Spread rice evenly in the bottom of a greased 9X13 pan. In large bowl combine milk, sherry, margarine, mushrooms, cheddar cheese and soups; blend well. Pour about 1 cup of the soup mixture over the rice. Please the chicken breasts in the pan. Pour remaining soup mixture over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and the slivered almonds. Bake covered for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until the chicken is fork tender and the rise is completely cooked. Uncover for the last 15 mins to brown the cheese. Serves 8.
The Grace Lutheran Church Women (GLCW) meet the first Wednesday of the month. In August, the group will meet on Wed, Aug 3 at 1:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Jody Hexum, with A.C.E. of SW Minnesota, will be the guest speaker. In September, the group will meet on Wed, Sept 7 at 1:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Pat Johnson will be leading the program. The group looks forward to the October meeting, which is the annual “Over 80’s Celebration”, which will be held at noon in the fellowship hall for all members over 80 (men and women). The event will include lunch and entertainment from Richard Siemers. More information to follow. All the ladies of Grace are invited to join the group for the monthly meeting.
GLCW is sponsoring Stuff the Bus at Grace - A clothes basket in the Narthex has a listing of all items that are needed. The items will be donated to the Lake Benton & Elkton Schools and to six (6) young women from Hope Haven in Marshall. The drive will continue thru August 15th. Items needed include: backpacks, colored pencils, crayons, eraser toppers, expo markers, folders, glue bottle, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, headphones, tissues, highlighters, index cards, notebooks, pencils & pens, pink erasers, rulers & scissors. Please purchase some of the items and place in the basket in the Narthex. Thank you for your help!
________________________________________
2022 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary) and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President) and Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
________________________________________
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
________________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night); Email: dadanner@aol.com, Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308; Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary (507) 368-4243; Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
___________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, including our newsletter, photos, programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech.
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for July – September will be directed to Weekend Winners.
October - December will be directed to the Food Shelf.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance.
All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
August – Condiments (peanut butter, jelly, pickles, ketchup, mustard, bottled salad dressing).
September – Soups and saltine crackers
________________________________________
Worship Assistants
August: Deacon Tonia Czech, Altar Guild: Suzy Haupert / Jodi Lichtsinn
Ushers: Jim Berkenpas / Barry Berkenpas / Dale Petersen / Darren Nelsen
September: Deacon Susan Johnson, Altar Guild: Coralee Rochel
Ushers: Bob Trigg / Mike Weets / Mike Czech / LaDon Prosch
If you cannot fulfill your duties as a worship assistant, please contact Jolene Trageser, the Grace Church secretary, so we can find a substitute. We appreciate your assistance with our worship services.
Join us for weekly Bible study on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
________________________________________
The Pastor’s Page
August / September 2022
Ever since Charlemagne put a cross on his shield before a battle and invoked the name of Jesus asking for victory in that battle, Christianity has been co-opted by the society at-large and molded to serve that society’s goals and purposes. Ever since Christianity had become ‘accepted’ by society and has been a part of society, assisting in directing how that society is to act, the fundamental beliefs of Christianity have been twisted, shaped and even changed so that the goals of that society could be met and justified by religion (This has probably happened to all religions, but we are only considering Christianity here). The Spanish Inquisition, the conquest of the New World and of Africa and the Third Reich are just a few examples where Christianity has been twisted to serve the aims of a few people in power who were seeking more power and/or wealth. We have seen recently that even our American democratic society is not immune to the twisting of Christian beliefs to serve the powers-that-be.
This latest iteration of co-opting Christianity by society has been called Christian Nationalism. Despite what else is said about it, it boils down to the belief that America is only for whites. Any other citizen is not a ‘full’ American and does not deserve the same rights as ‘real’ Americans enjoy, regardless of how long their ancestors lived in this country. Even the belief that America democracy was founded upon Christian beliefs has been put forth despite the fact that the founding fathers were generally more deists who believed in a God rather than Christians. While it could be pointed out that the legal system is based on the Ten Commandments, it should be noted that first, the Ten Commandments were given to the Jewish people; and that most legal systems and religious belief systems have some form of the Ten Commandments in their beliefs. When we look at the Gospel accounts, as well as the whole of the Biblical story, we see that central to the message of the Gospel is that nobody is excluded from the saving grace of God through Jesus. This means that anyone whether they are (to use Paul’s words from Colossians 3) Jew or Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian or Scythian, slave or free as long as they believe in Jesus, then they are saved. Basically, if anyone believes in Jesus that He died for our sins, then they are a ‘real’ Christian. (In the interest of full disclosure, I should state that another basic belief of Christianity is the belief in the Holy Trinity, which would be another whole discussion.) Another image that the Christian Nationalists use is the warrior image of Jesus which is found primarily in the Book of Revelation to justify the use of force their beliefs on others. Even a cursory look at this book indicates that the imagery of Jesus riding a white horse with a two-edged blade coming out of His mouth is meant to be understood in a figurative sense and not understood literally. Additionally, nowhere in the Gospels does Jesus advocate the use of violence. Even at His trial before Pilate, Jesus said that He could call upon His army to come defend Him, but that He would not. So, to use the image of Jesus to try to justify the use of violence and force is a misuse of the Gospel; it is co-opting the Gospel message for carrying out one’s own agenda. So, whenever we hear anyone who wants to twist the Christian message to fit their own agenda, whether they are from a secular point of view or a religious point of view, we must critically examine what they are saying and how they are acting to see if it consistent with the basic Christian message that God desires to save everyone from sin through believing in the sacrifice of Jesus. If anyone wants to limit who this includes, if anyone seeks to exclude anyone for any reason (especially for a reason a person has no control over such as skin color place of birth) other than that person’s choice to turn away from God. Even then, Jesus has some advice on how to deal with them, which is still not to exclude them. We always need to remember Peter’s admonition to question what we are being told by the authorities, making sure that it is consistent with the Gospel message from Jesus.
May God Bless,
Pastor Dave
________________________________________
From the Kitchen
Lopez Island Salad
Ingredients: Dressing:
10 oz. bag of fresh baby spinach ½ C. sugar
1 pint fresh sliced strawberries 1 ½ tblsp minced onion
¼ tsp paprika
¼ C. vinegar
1 tblsp poppyseeds
2 tblsp sesame seeds
½ C. olive oil
Directions: Wash & pat dry the spinach, quarter and tear into bite sized pieces. Toss with the sliced berries. Blend dressing and toss over spinach and berries. Serve cold.
Baked Chicken Breasts and Rice
Ingredients:
1 ¼ C. uncooked white rice 1 can cream of celery soup
1 C. milk 5 whole boneless chicken breasts
1 C. dry cooking sherry or white wine 2 ounces of slivered almonds
¼ C. melted butter or margarine 1 - 8 ounce package of shredded swiss cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup ¼ C. grated parmesan cheese
1 small can of mushrooms
Directions: Heat oven to 300 degrees. Spread rice evenly in the bottom of a greased 9X13 pan. In large bowl combine milk, sherry, margarine, mushrooms, cheddar cheese and soups; blend well. Pour about 1 cup of the soup mixture over the rice. Please the chicken breasts in the pan. Pour remaining soup mixture over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle with the parmesan cheese and the slivered almonds. Bake covered for 2 to 2 ½ hours or until the chicken is fork tender and the rise is completely cooked. Uncover for the last 15 mins to brown the cheese. Serves 8.
The Grace Lutheran Church Women (GLCW) meet the first Wednesday of the month. In August, the group will meet on Wed, Aug 3 at 1:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Jody Hexum, with A.C.E. of SW Minnesota, will be the guest speaker. In September, the group will meet on Wed, Sept 7 at 1:30 pm in the fellowship hall. Pat Johnson will be leading the program. The group looks forward to the October meeting, which is the annual “Over 80’s Celebration”, which will be held at noon in the fellowship hall for all members over 80 (men and women). The event will include lunch and entertainment from Richard Siemers. More information to follow. All the ladies of Grace are invited to join the group for the monthly meeting.
GLCW is sponsoring Stuff the Bus at Grace - A clothes basket in the Narthex has a listing of all items that are needed. The items will be donated to the Lake Benton & Elkton Schools and to six (6) young women from Hope Haven in Marshall. The drive will continue thru August 15th. Items needed include: backpacks, colored pencils, crayons, eraser toppers, expo markers, folders, glue bottle, glue sticks, hand sanitizer, headphones, tissues, highlighters, index cards, notebooks, pencils & pens, pink erasers, rulers & scissors. Please purchase some of the items and place in the basket in the Narthex. Thank you for your help!
________________________________________
2022 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary) and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President) and Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
________________________________________
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
________________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night); Email: dadanner@aol.com, Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308; Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary (507) 368-4243; Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
___________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
GRACIOUS WORDS NEWSLETTER
JUNE - JULY 2022
Summer Worship Schedule
June: Sunday Worship - June 5, 12 at Grace; June 19, 26 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 9:30 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays; Fellowship following worship.
Bible Study - each Wednesday - 9:30 a.m. at the church
Devotions at Diamond Lake – Wednesdays June 8, 15, 22, and 29 - 7 p.m. at Diamond Lake for the entire family
GLCW meeting – Wed. June 1 - 1:30 p.m. at church – guest speaker
Church Council – Sun. June 12 - 10:30 am following worship at Grace
July: Sunday Worship – July 3, 10, at Grace; July 17, 24, 31 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 9:30 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays; Fellowship following worship.
Bible Study - each Wednesday - 9:30 a.m. at the church
Devotions at Diamond Lake – Wednesdays July 6, 13, 20, an 27 - 7 p.m. at Diamond Lake for the entire family
GLCW meeting – Wed. July 6 – 11:30 a.m. – potluck at church
Church Council – Sun. July 10 - 10:30 am following worship at Grace
NEW - Devotions @ Diamond Lake - Join us every Wednesday during June 8th through July 27th for our new mid-week family worship at Diamond Lake. Devotions begin at 7 p.m. with a light snack, followed by games, crafts, singing and s’mores by the campfire at 8 p.m. Bring your entire family and join us for an evening of faith, fellowship and fun.
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Danner is in his office on Wednesdays from 9 am to 4 pm, but you can contact Pastor Dave anytime for an emergency or spiritual assistance. Call 507-380-6926.
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday - reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, including our newsletter, photos, programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech.
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for April - June will be directed to The Banquet. July – September will be for Weekend Winners.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
June – Juices (bottled fruit and vegetable juices)
July– Personal Care Items ( bar soap, liquid hand soap, tooth paste, dental floss, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, deodorant, antiperspirant)
__________________________________________________________
Worship Assistants
June: Deacon Julienne Prosch
Altar Guild: Tanya Berkenpas / Breelee Berkenpas
Ushers: Barry Berkenpas / Gerry Rochel / LaDon Prosch / Barrett Berkenpas
July: Deacon Barry Berkenpas
Altar Guild: Julienne Prosch / Shayna Demuth
Ushers: Roger Rudebusch / Royal Lynn / Milo Downs / Wayne Fehrman
If you cannot fulfill your duties as a worship assistant, please contact Jolene Trageser, the Grace Church secretary, so we can find a substitute. We appreciate your assistance with our worship services.
__________________________________________________________
Join us for weekly Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome! Bible Study will continue throughout the summer!
__________________________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
__________________________________________________________
The Pastor’s Page
June / July 2022
Pentecost is considered the “birth of the Christian church” and we commemorate that day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles who were gathered in the upper room 50 days after Easter. The church notes that it was after this event that the followers of Jesus became active in fulfilling their mission to spread the Good News of Jesus to all the world. Since the days that Jesus walked this earth, the followers of Jesus were considered to be a fringe element of the Jewish religion to being a sect of Judaism. After the destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. by the Romans, Christianity (known as The Way at that time) became an independent religion on the fringes of society. After Charlemagne accepted Christianity, it became the ‘official’ religion of the Roman Empire and grew in its power and influence in society. Since the 1960’s or so, the influence in society of the Christian church has noticeably waned. Since then, the idea of belonging to a church (and making sure that it was the ‘right’ church) had become less important to individuals looking to advance in society. Many have noted that the fastest growing segment of the American population is the ‘Nones’ who claim to be spiritual, but not religious.
Since the end of the 20th Century, the church has been experiencing these changes and the recent pandemic has magnified the results of those changes. For years, the number of people who have been called to the ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament has been decreasing. It has reached the point that here in the Southwest Minnesota Synod, about 20% of the churches are without a called pastor. This means that 1 in 5 churches are without a called pastor to perform those duties that a pastor does. This trend, along with the decreasing membership in the ELCA has led many observers to predict the ‘death’ of the ELCA in a generation or so.
This prediction of the demise of the ELCA has reminded me of Acts 5:33-39 where the Jewish Council was considering what to do with the followers of Jesus who did not obey their order to stop preaching about Jesus. The Pharisee Gamaliel said that if the movement was man-made, then it would die out on its own, but if God directed them to do it, then they would not be able to stop it. From this, I firmly believe that if God wants the ELCA (or any other Christian denomination) to continue, then no amount of predicting of the end will make it so. I also think that the voice of the ELCA has something important to say to the world and to contribute to the understanding of what it means to be Christian.
That said, the way of ‘doing’ and ‘being’ church is changing and will continue to change. The way the church related to society when it was the center of society are no longer valid for a church that now finds itself at the fringe of society. What the church will become and how it will find ways to be relevant to people while proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus will take listening to God through prayer and reflection; thinking of new ways of presenting the Gospel of Jesus to those who need to hear it while still telling the story to those who know it. The worship experience may take new forms and may look quite different from what it does today. We need to find a way to relate to the ‘spiritual, but not religious’ people to show them that the Gospel of Jesus was not always reflected by the historical church; that the Gospel of Jesus had been co-opted by the ruling powers to benefit themselves and to keep and increase the power that they had. The church must continue to admit its complicity and its role in the ‘isms’ of society in order to maintain its power and societal status and return to the Gospel of Jesus where those who are at the fringes of society are noticed and cared for. We must be that prophetic voice that calls out injustices and seek ways to rectify and eliminate those injustices at all levels of society.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
__________________________________________________________
Angel Food project recipes
(The Grace Angel Food Project volunteers cook meals for the homebound and others in our church family who need our love and attention.)
Old fashioned Goulash (American Chop Suey)
Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef or turkey
1/2 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tsp. minced garlic
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 tbsp. Adobo Seasoning
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 large yellow onion (diced)
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3 bay leaves
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 tbsp. seasoning salt
1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions: In a large pan, sauté the ground meat over medium-high heat until partially cooked (no pink), remove from heat. Add garlic, onions, olive oil & continue cooking until meat is fully cooked. Add water and broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (can substitute 2 quarts of home canned tomatoes in place of sauce and diced tomatoes), Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and seasoning salt, pepper and adobo seasoning. Mix well. Cover, lower heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add uncooked elbow macaroni and stir until combined. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and add the cheddar cheese. Mix until combined. Add mozzarella just before serving.
__________________________________________________________
Paula Deen’s Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Ingredients
1 - 10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of celery soup
2 tablespoons or vegetable oil butter
1 - 4 oz. jar pimentos, do not drain
1 cup mayonnaise
1 - 8 oz. can drained and chopped water chestnuts
1 - 6 oz. box long grain wild rice - cook according to pkg directions
2 - 14 1/2 oz. cans drained and rinsed green beans
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 pinch salt
1 medium peeled and diced onion
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat butter or oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until
translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Add all remaining ingredients to a bowl and mix together until thoroughly combined. Pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until
bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
__________________________________________________________
Egg bake
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen shredded or cubed potatoes
2 cups cheese (cheddar cheese and/or mozzarella)
1 pound cooked breakfast seasoned ground pork or ham
1 teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, diced (optional)
½ cup green and red pepper, diced (optional)
16 eggs, or enough to equal 3.5-4 cups
2 cups whole milk
Instructions: Spread frozen potatoes in a greased 9 x 13 pan. Spread the shredded cheese then the meat evenly over potatoes. Add pepper to taste. Add onions and peppers if using. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer for 1 minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add whole milk and beat with a mixer just until blended. Pour over potato, cheese and meat in the pan. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. Place the pan in the oven and turn to 350. Bake for 75 minutes with the foil on. Remove foil and bake until the center of the egg bake is set, up to 20 minutes.
__________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church Women (GLCW) - The GLCW ladies made 26 Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief, helping those in need. Thank you to all who donated toward the project. Susan Johnson delivered the kits at the recent WELCA convention in May. The June 1st meeting will be at 1:30 pm at the church, featuring a guest speaker from Hope Haven. The July 6th meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. including a potluck lunch at the church. All ladies are welcome to join the monthly meetings.
__________________________________________________________
The Grace Quilting Group keeps very busy. The group presented quilts to our three 2022 High School graduates, and the group is also making baby quilts for baptisms. The ladies could use both white and colored sheets, thread, pins and yarn. Please bring any donations to the church fellowship hall. The ladies meet most Mondays from 1 to 4 pm at the church. Call Donna Lynn for details 507-368-4879. Thank you for your support!
__________________________________________________________
2022 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
__________________________________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night); Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308; Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary (507) 368-4243; Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
__________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
JUNE - JULY 2022
Summer Worship Schedule
June: Sunday Worship - June 5, 12 at Grace; June 19, 26 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 9:30 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays; Fellowship following worship.
Bible Study - each Wednesday - 9:30 a.m. at the church
Devotions at Diamond Lake – Wednesdays June 8, 15, 22, and 29 - 7 p.m. at Diamond Lake for the entire family
GLCW meeting – Wed. June 1 - 1:30 p.m. at church – guest speaker
Church Council – Sun. June 12 - 10:30 am following worship at Grace
July: Sunday Worship – July 3, 10, at Grace; July 17, 24, 31 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 9:30 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays; Fellowship following worship.
Bible Study - each Wednesday - 9:30 a.m. at the church
Devotions at Diamond Lake – Wednesdays July 6, 13, 20, an 27 - 7 p.m. at Diamond Lake for the entire family
GLCW meeting – Wed. July 6 – 11:30 a.m. – potluck at church
Church Council – Sun. July 10 - 10:30 am following worship at Grace
NEW - Devotions @ Diamond Lake - Join us every Wednesday during June 8th through July 27th for our new mid-week family worship at Diamond Lake. Devotions begin at 7 p.m. with a light snack, followed by games, crafts, singing and s’mores by the campfire at 8 p.m. Bring your entire family and join us for an evening of faith, fellowship and fun.
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Danner is in his office on Wednesdays from 9 am to 4 pm, but you can contact Pastor Dave anytime for an emergency or spiritual assistance. Call 507-380-6926.
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday - reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, including our newsletter, photos, programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech.
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for April - June will be directed to The Banquet. July – September will be for Weekend Winners.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
June – Juices (bottled fruit and vegetable juices)
July– Personal Care Items ( bar soap, liquid hand soap, tooth paste, dental floss, toothbrushes, combs, brushes, deodorant, antiperspirant)
__________________________________________________________
Worship Assistants
June: Deacon Julienne Prosch
Altar Guild: Tanya Berkenpas / Breelee Berkenpas
Ushers: Barry Berkenpas / Gerry Rochel / LaDon Prosch / Barrett Berkenpas
July: Deacon Barry Berkenpas
Altar Guild: Julienne Prosch / Shayna Demuth
Ushers: Roger Rudebusch / Royal Lynn / Milo Downs / Wayne Fehrman
If you cannot fulfill your duties as a worship assistant, please contact Jolene Trageser, the Grace Church secretary, so we can find a substitute. We appreciate your assistance with our worship services.
__________________________________________________________
Join us for weekly Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome! Bible Study will continue throughout the summer!
__________________________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
__________________________________________________________
The Pastor’s Page
June / July 2022
Pentecost is considered the “birth of the Christian church” and we commemorate that day when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles who were gathered in the upper room 50 days after Easter. The church notes that it was after this event that the followers of Jesus became active in fulfilling their mission to spread the Good News of Jesus to all the world. Since the days that Jesus walked this earth, the followers of Jesus were considered to be a fringe element of the Jewish religion to being a sect of Judaism. After the destruction of the Jewish Temple in 70 A.D. by the Romans, Christianity (known as The Way at that time) became an independent religion on the fringes of society. After Charlemagne accepted Christianity, it became the ‘official’ religion of the Roman Empire and grew in its power and influence in society. Since the 1960’s or so, the influence in society of the Christian church has noticeably waned. Since then, the idea of belonging to a church (and making sure that it was the ‘right’ church) had become less important to individuals looking to advance in society. Many have noted that the fastest growing segment of the American population is the ‘Nones’ who claim to be spiritual, but not religious.
Since the end of the 20th Century, the church has been experiencing these changes and the recent pandemic has magnified the results of those changes. For years, the number of people who have been called to the ordained ministry of Word and Sacrament has been decreasing. It has reached the point that here in the Southwest Minnesota Synod, about 20% of the churches are without a called pastor. This means that 1 in 5 churches are without a called pastor to perform those duties that a pastor does. This trend, along with the decreasing membership in the ELCA has led many observers to predict the ‘death’ of the ELCA in a generation or so.
This prediction of the demise of the ELCA has reminded me of Acts 5:33-39 where the Jewish Council was considering what to do with the followers of Jesus who did not obey their order to stop preaching about Jesus. The Pharisee Gamaliel said that if the movement was man-made, then it would die out on its own, but if God directed them to do it, then they would not be able to stop it. From this, I firmly believe that if God wants the ELCA (or any other Christian denomination) to continue, then no amount of predicting of the end will make it so. I also think that the voice of the ELCA has something important to say to the world and to contribute to the understanding of what it means to be Christian.
That said, the way of ‘doing’ and ‘being’ church is changing and will continue to change. The way the church related to society when it was the center of society are no longer valid for a church that now finds itself at the fringe of society. What the church will become and how it will find ways to be relevant to people while proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus will take listening to God through prayer and reflection; thinking of new ways of presenting the Gospel of Jesus to those who need to hear it while still telling the story to those who know it. The worship experience may take new forms and may look quite different from what it does today. We need to find a way to relate to the ‘spiritual, but not religious’ people to show them that the Gospel of Jesus was not always reflected by the historical church; that the Gospel of Jesus had been co-opted by the ruling powers to benefit themselves and to keep and increase the power that they had. The church must continue to admit its complicity and its role in the ‘isms’ of society in order to maintain its power and societal status and return to the Gospel of Jesus where those who are at the fringes of society are noticed and cared for. We must be that prophetic voice that calls out injustices and seek ways to rectify and eliminate those injustices at all levels of society.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
__________________________________________________________
Angel Food project recipes
(The Grace Angel Food Project volunteers cook meals for the homebound and others in our church family who need our love and attention.)
Old fashioned Goulash (American Chop Suey)
Ingredients:
2 lbs. ground beef or turkey
1/2 tbsp. black pepper
1 tbsp. Italian seasoning
1/3 cup olive oil
3 tsp. minced garlic
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
1 tbsp. Adobo Seasoning
2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 large yellow onion (diced)
1 cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese
3 bay leaves
2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
2 1/2 cups water
1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 tbsp. seasoning salt
1/2 cup beef broth
Instructions: In a large pan, sauté the ground meat over medium-high heat until partially cooked (no pink), remove from heat. Add garlic, onions, olive oil & continue cooking until meat is fully cooked. Add water and broth, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (can substitute 2 quarts of home canned tomatoes in place of sauce and diced tomatoes), Italian seasoning, bay leaves, and seasoning salt, pepper and adobo seasoning. Mix well. Cover, lower heat and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add uncooked elbow macaroni and stir until combined. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes. Once cooked, remove the bay leaves and add the cheddar cheese. Mix until combined. Add mozzarella just before serving.
__________________________________________________________
Paula Deen’s Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole
Ingredients
1 - 10 3/4 oz. can condensed cream of celery soup
2 tablespoons or vegetable oil butter
1 - 4 oz. jar pimentos, do not drain
1 cup mayonnaise
1 - 8 oz. can drained and chopped water chestnuts
1 - 6 oz. box long grain wild rice - cook according to pkg directions
2 - 14 1/2 oz. cans drained and rinsed green beans
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups diced cooked chicken
1 pinch salt
1 medium peeled and diced onion
Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Heat butter or oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until
translucent, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a large bowl. Add all remaining ingredients to a bowl and mix together until thoroughly combined. Pour into a greased 3-quart casserole dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until
bubbly. Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
__________________________________________________________
Egg bake
Ingredients:
2 cups frozen shredded or cubed potatoes
2 cups cheese (cheddar cheese and/or mozzarella)
1 pound cooked breakfast seasoned ground pork or ham
1 teaspoon pepper
1 medium onion, diced (optional)
½ cup green and red pepper, diced (optional)
16 eggs, or enough to equal 3.5-4 cups
2 cups whole milk
Instructions: Spread frozen potatoes in a greased 9 x 13 pan. Spread the shredded cheese then the meat evenly over potatoes. Add pepper to taste. Add onions and peppers if using. Crack eggs into a large mixing bowl and beat with a hand mixer for 1 minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Add whole milk and beat with a mixer just until blended. Pour over potato, cheese and meat in the pan. Cover tightly with foil and refrigerate overnight. Place the pan in the oven and turn to 350. Bake for 75 minutes with the foil on. Remove foil and bake until the center of the egg bake is set, up to 20 minutes.
__________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church Women (GLCW) - The GLCW ladies made 26 Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief, helping those in need. Thank you to all who donated toward the project. Susan Johnson delivered the kits at the recent WELCA convention in May. The June 1st meeting will be at 1:30 pm at the church, featuring a guest speaker from Hope Haven. The July 6th meeting will be at 11:30 a.m. including a potluck lunch at the church. All ladies are welcome to join the monthly meetings.
__________________________________________________________
The Grace Quilting Group keeps very busy. The group presented quilts to our three 2022 High School graduates, and the group is also making baby quilts for baptisms. The ladies could use both white and colored sheets, thread, pins and yarn. Please bring any donations to the church fellowship hall. The ladies meet most Mondays from 1 to 4 pm at the church. Call Donna Lynn for details 507-368-4879. Thank you for your support!
__________________________________________________________
2022 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
__________________________________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
__________________________________________________________
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night); Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308; Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary (507) 368-4243; Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
__________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
GRACIOUS WORDS NEWSLETTER APRIL - MAY 2022
April: Sunday Worship – April 3, 10, 17, 24 at Grace
Worship at 9 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays. Confirmation and Sunday School at 10 am. (thru April 24) Fellowship following worship.
Weekly Lenten Services – Wednesday April 6, Lenten Meal 6 pm (before worship), Lenten Worship Service 7 pm
Palm Sunday - April 10 – worship 9 am – Brunch to follow
Maundy Thursday – April 14 – worship at 7 pm (no meal/fellowship)
Good Friday – April 15 – worship at 7 pm (no meal/fellowship)
Easter Sunday - April 17 - worship at 9 am. No Fellowship, Confirmation or Sunday School.
Bible Study - Wednesday, April 20 and 27 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wednesday, April 6 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council - Wednesday, April 20 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
May: Sunday Worship – May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at Grace
Worship at 9 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays. Fellowship following worship.
Bible Study - Wednesday, May 4, 11, 18, 25 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting – Wednesday May 4 – 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council - Wednesday May 11 – 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
Rite of Confirmation for Barrett Berkenpas, May 22 at 9 am worship
June-August – Worship10 am - 1st & 2nd Sundays @ Grace, 3rd & 4th Sundays @ Diamond Lake
------------------------------
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations. Noisy Offering for April - June will be directed to The Banquet. Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
April – Canned fruit or dried fruit (raisons, prunes, dates, fugs)
May – Cleaning products (dishwashing liquid, ammonia, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, dusting spray)
------------------------------
Worship Assistants
April: Deacon Tonia Czech Altar Guild Anne Lichtsinn / Karen Lichtsinn
Ushers-Mike Czech / Roger Rudebusch / Emma Czech / Lowell Nelsen
May: Deacon Julienne Prosch Altar Guild Tonia Czech / Emma Czech
Ushers-Jerid Johnson / Jeff Johnson / Austin Johnson / Landon Johnson
------------------------------
HELP THE GRACE QUILTING LADIES - The Grace Quilting Ladies are in need of clean flat sheets, white or colored, to use for quilt backs. They would also appreciate other donated fabrics for quilt squares. Any help is appreciated. Thanks for your support!
------------------------------
The Pastor’s Page - April / May 2022
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us, we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NRSV).
This verse is from the second reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 27). In this passage, Paul is reminding the Corinthians what God has done for us through Jesus. That is, we have been reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Jesus – nothing that we did, but only by what God has done. This for Paul is the new creation: being reconciled to God, by God, so that we may live in a right relationship with God. In being reconciled, Paul says that we are ambassadors for Christ to the world.
In many ways, we are urged to see ‘Christ in the other person’ and in this seeing Christ, our actions towards the other person become what would we do to Jesus, Himself? But I think the flip side of the way of thinking is also important. Before we even approach another person and determine how we should act towards them by seeing Christ in them, we should remind ourselves that we are ambassadors for Christ. We do not act on our own, looking out for our own best interests, but our actions should be reflective of what Jesus would say or do if He were here in our place. We should ask ourselves, “Is what I am going to do or say what God really wants me to do?” As an ambassador, we are a representative of Christ. By what we do and say, are people getting the right impression of the risen Christ?
As we go through the Easter season, the readings for each week show us how people had reacted to the news of Jesus being alive. To get an even better look at those reactions, we can also go back to the pre-Easter Gospel stories and see how Jesus reacted to others and how they reacted to Jesus. By going back to the stories, we can see the ‘true’ Jesus, a Jesus that had not been clouded over by 2,000 years of church doctrine; of 2,000 years of the real message of Jesus being coopted by others for their own benefit; of 2,000 years of ‘sharing’ the Good News through wars and forced conversions and making indigenous groups give up their identity so that they are more ‘like us.’ When we get back to the Jesus of the Gospels, we see a Jesus who is not concerned if we do everything the ‘right’ way or profess belief in the ‘right’ doctrine or get so focused on following the rules that we fail to see the other person. Instead, we see a Jesus who desires that the relationship with God is restored and that people live in the light of that reconciled, restored relationship; knowing that He is the only one who can bring about that reconciliation by defeating the devil and death by His own death and resurrection. We also see a Jesus who, through compassion, is moved to help others without any qualifying requirements on the person’s part.
May we learn to be true ambassadors for Christ, bringing the gift of reconciliation to others, especially those who are in the most need of such grace.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
------------------------------
From Penny’s Kitchen
Baptism Rice Dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Ingredients
Chicken (2 cups cut up in bite size pieces, rotisserie is best)
2 cups white rice or wild rice – cooked, your choice
1 cup cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup, your choice
1 tbsp. minced onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 can of drained water chestnuts
Mix together and put in a foil lined and sprayed 9x13 pan.
Topping
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers crushed
1 stick of butter (melted)
Slivered almonds
Mix crushed crackers and melted butter together and sprinkle on the top of the dish. Sprinkle
sliced almonds of the top of the crackers. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 min until hot.
Slow Cooker Calico Beans Recipe II
Ingredients
1 – 1 1/2 pound ground beef 1/2 pound bacon diced
1 medium onion chopped 1 (16 ounce) can pork and beans drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans drained and rinsed 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans drained and rinsed
1 can Great Northern beans drained and rinsed 1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup ketchup 1 tbsp. dried mustard
2 teaspoons white vinegar
To make Calico Beans in a slow cooker:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well and transfer to the slow cooker. Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Mix well, cover, and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
To make Calico Beans in the oven:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well and transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish. Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Mix well, cover, and bake until heated through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
To make Calico Beans on the stove:
In a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well.
Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
------------------------------
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
------------------------------
Join us for weekly Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome! NO Bible study April 6 or 13. Bible Study will continue throughout the summer as well!
------------------------------
GLCW is making Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief, helping those in need. Please consider donating items for the kits or give a monetary donation to the GLCW to purchase items. The program will continue thru early May. Items include: Lightweight bath towel, 2 bath size bars of soap, adult size toothbrush in the package, nail clipper and sturdy comb. Details available near the example display in the narthex. Thank you for your support!
------------------------------
Baptism of Camden John, son of Amber & Devin Gorter. Sponsors are April Haupert, Dustin Kounkel and Shannon Paulson. His grandparents are Susan and Gary Haupert & great-grandmother, Garnet Petersen. Please see the Gallery page for photos.
------------------------------
2022 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary) and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President) and Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
------------------------------
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
------------------------------
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night), Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308, Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary, Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
------------------------------
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
------------------------------
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
April: Sunday Worship – April 3, 10, 17, 24 at Grace
Worship at 9 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays. Confirmation and Sunday School at 10 am. (thru April 24) Fellowship following worship.
Weekly Lenten Services – Wednesday April 6, Lenten Meal 6 pm (before worship), Lenten Worship Service 7 pm
Palm Sunday - April 10 – worship 9 am – Brunch to follow
Maundy Thursday – April 14 – worship at 7 pm (no meal/fellowship)
Good Friday – April 15 – worship at 7 pm (no meal/fellowship)
Easter Sunday - April 17 - worship at 9 am. No Fellowship, Confirmation or Sunday School.
Bible Study - Wednesday, April 20 and 27 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wednesday, April 6 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council - Wednesday, April 20 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
May: Sunday Worship – May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 at Grace
Worship at 9 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays. Fellowship following worship.
Bible Study - Wednesday, May 4, 11, 18, 25 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting – Wednesday May 4 – 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council - Wednesday May 11 – 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
Rite of Confirmation for Barrett Berkenpas, May 22 at 9 am worship
June-August – Worship10 am - 1st & 2nd Sundays @ Grace, 3rd & 4th Sundays @ Diamond Lake
------------------------------
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations. Noisy Offering for April - June will be directed to The Banquet. Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
April – Canned fruit or dried fruit (raisons, prunes, dates, fugs)
May – Cleaning products (dishwashing liquid, ammonia, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, dusting spray)
------------------------------
Worship Assistants
April: Deacon Tonia Czech Altar Guild Anne Lichtsinn / Karen Lichtsinn
Ushers-Mike Czech / Roger Rudebusch / Emma Czech / Lowell Nelsen
May: Deacon Julienne Prosch Altar Guild Tonia Czech / Emma Czech
Ushers-Jerid Johnson / Jeff Johnson / Austin Johnson / Landon Johnson
------------------------------
HELP THE GRACE QUILTING LADIES - The Grace Quilting Ladies are in need of clean flat sheets, white or colored, to use for quilt backs. They would also appreciate other donated fabrics for quilt squares. Any help is appreciated. Thanks for your support!
------------------------------
The Pastor’s Page - April / May 2022
“So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making his appeal through us, we entreat you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20 NRSV).
This verse is from the second reading for the Fourth Sunday in Lent (March 27). In this passage, Paul is reminding the Corinthians what God has done for us through Jesus. That is, we have been reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Jesus – nothing that we did, but only by what God has done. This for Paul is the new creation: being reconciled to God, by God, so that we may live in a right relationship with God. In being reconciled, Paul says that we are ambassadors for Christ to the world.
In many ways, we are urged to see ‘Christ in the other person’ and in this seeing Christ, our actions towards the other person become what would we do to Jesus, Himself? But I think the flip side of the way of thinking is also important. Before we even approach another person and determine how we should act towards them by seeing Christ in them, we should remind ourselves that we are ambassadors for Christ. We do not act on our own, looking out for our own best interests, but our actions should be reflective of what Jesus would say or do if He were here in our place. We should ask ourselves, “Is what I am going to do or say what God really wants me to do?” As an ambassador, we are a representative of Christ. By what we do and say, are people getting the right impression of the risen Christ?
As we go through the Easter season, the readings for each week show us how people had reacted to the news of Jesus being alive. To get an even better look at those reactions, we can also go back to the pre-Easter Gospel stories and see how Jesus reacted to others and how they reacted to Jesus. By going back to the stories, we can see the ‘true’ Jesus, a Jesus that had not been clouded over by 2,000 years of church doctrine; of 2,000 years of the real message of Jesus being coopted by others for their own benefit; of 2,000 years of ‘sharing’ the Good News through wars and forced conversions and making indigenous groups give up their identity so that they are more ‘like us.’ When we get back to the Jesus of the Gospels, we see a Jesus who is not concerned if we do everything the ‘right’ way or profess belief in the ‘right’ doctrine or get so focused on following the rules that we fail to see the other person. Instead, we see a Jesus who desires that the relationship with God is restored and that people live in the light of that reconciled, restored relationship; knowing that He is the only one who can bring about that reconciliation by defeating the devil and death by His own death and resurrection. We also see a Jesus who, through compassion, is moved to help others without any qualifying requirements on the person’s part.
May we learn to be true ambassadors for Christ, bringing the gift of reconciliation to others, especially those who are in the most need of such grace.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
------------------------------
From Penny’s Kitchen
Baptism Rice Dish
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Ingredients
Chicken (2 cups cut up in bite size pieces, rotisserie is best)
2 cups white rice or wild rice – cooked, your choice
1 cup cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken soup, your choice
1 tbsp. minced onion
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1 can of drained water chestnuts
Mix together and put in a foil lined and sprayed 9x13 pan.
Topping
1 sleeve of Ritz crackers crushed
1 stick of butter (melted)
Slivered almonds
Mix crushed crackers and melted butter together and sprinkle on the top of the dish. Sprinkle
sliced almonds of the top of the crackers. Bake at 350 for 20 to 30 min until hot.
Slow Cooker Calico Beans Recipe II
Ingredients
1 – 1 1/2 pound ground beef 1/2 pound bacon diced
1 medium onion chopped 1 (16 ounce) can pork and beans drained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans drained and rinsed 1 (15 ounce) can butter beans drained and rinsed
1 can Great Northern beans drained and rinsed 1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup ketchup 1 tbsp. dried mustard
2 teaspoons white vinegar
To make Calico Beans in a slow cooker:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well and transfer to the slow cooker. Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Mix well, cover, and cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 8 hours. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
To make Calico Beans in the oven:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well and transfer to a 2-quart casserole dish. Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Mix well, cover, and bake until heated through, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
To make Calico Beans on the stove:
In a large Dutch oven or stock pot over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and bacon; drain well.
Add onion, all beans, brown sugar, ketchup, vinegar, and mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook until heated through, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt (I like 1 teaspoon).
------------------------------
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
------------------------------
Join us for weekly Bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome! NO Bible study April 6 or 13. Bible Study will continue throughout the summer as well!
------------------------------
GLCW is making Personal Care Kits for Lutheran World Relief, helping those in need. Please consider donating items for the kits or give a monetary donation to the GLCW to purchase items. The program will continue thru early May. Items include: Lightweight bath towel, 2 bath size bars of soap, adult size toothbrush in the package, nail clipper and sturdy comb. Details available near the example display in the narthex. Thank you for your support!
------------------------------
Baptism of Camden John, son of Amber & Devin Gorter. Sponsors are April Haupert, Dustin Kounkel and Shannon Paulson. His grandparents are Susan and Gary Haupert & great-grandmother, Garnet Petersen. Please see the Gallery page for photos.
------------------------------
2022 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary) and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President) and Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
------------------------------
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
------------------------------
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night), Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308, Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary, Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
------------------------------
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
------------------------------
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
October Sunday Worship - October 3, 10, 17, 24 at Grace, Worship at 9 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays
with Confirmation and Sunday School to follow. Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Rally Sunday - October 3 - Confirmation and Sunday School begins. Join us for a Pancake/Sausage Breakfast immediately following worship, served by the Church Council.
Bible Study – Wed, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wed, Oct. 6 - 12 noon at the church for the “Over 80’s and Methodist” luncheon
Church Council – Wed, Oct. 13 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
November Sunday Worship - November 7, 14, 21, 28 at Grace, Worship at 9 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays with Confirmation and Sunday School to follow. Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wed, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting – Wed. Nov. 3 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed. Nov. 9 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please call Pastor Danner anytime, if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Join us for weekly bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar.
Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media
Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday - reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for October - December will be directed to “The Banquet” in Sioux Falls.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
October – Storage items (food storage bags, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap).
November– Canned vegetables and beans.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Member update - new address for Allan Johnson, Country View Senior Living, 810 8th Street, #114, Walnut Grove, MN 56180.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
GLCW - The Grace Lutheran Church Women will hold their “Over 80’s and Methodist” luncheon/program on Wednesday, October 6th beginning at 12 pm, including lunch and a program by Richard Siemers. Invitations will be sent to all members age 80 and over, in both Grace and the Methodist Church, to join us for this fun event. We encourage all women of Grace to contribute to the luncheon by bringing a salad, hotdish, bread or dessert to share with the group.
We look forward to honoring and sharing with our “Over 80’s” and all in attendance.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Rally Sunday, October 3 - Sunday School and Confirmation will start on Sunday, Oct 3, following worship. Thank you to the four individuals who volunteered to teach Sunday School at Grace this year. The teachers could still use more volunteers to help with weekly activities, even if only 1 Sunday a month. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor Dave or Suzy Haupert. and………
Sunday, October 3 – The Church Council is serving a Pancake Breakfast following worship, to welcome our teachers and students back for the 2021-2022 Sunday School year. Please join us! All proceeds will go to the support the Sunday School program.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Ushers for October - Milo Downs, Brent Bressler, Jerid Johnson, Jim Herschberger
Altar Guild for October - Tanya and Becca Berkenpas
Deacon for October - Susan Johnson
Ushers for November – Martin Ritter, Barry Berkenpas, Barrett Berkenpas
Altar Guild for November – Julienne Prosch and Shayna DeMuth
Deacon for November - Barry Berkenpas
__________________________________________________________________________________________
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
October / November 2021
At the end of October, we will celebrate the Reformation. Back in 2017, at the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, there had been much discussion about whether it should be called a ‘celebration’ or a ‘remembrance’ or a ‘commemoration.’ Those advocating for not using the term ‘celebration’ thought that it might be too insensitive and insulting to our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. The argument proceeded along the lines that by calling it a celebration, then we are insinuating that the Lutherans ‘won’ and the Roman Catholics ‘lost.’
However, I think that this kind of thinking takes us down the wrong road. While we should be sensitive to others’ perspectives on other issues, I do not think that this is one of those times. When we celebrate a person’s birthday or a couple’s wedding anniversary, we do not assign a ‘winner’ and a ‘loser’ at those celebrations. There is a celebration of what was ‘created’ on those days. The other part of a celebration is to look forward and see how to make the most of the future. In celebrating the Reformation, we look to those events that led to the ‘creation’ of a way of thinking and relating to God through Jesus Christ that is based upon the Bible. As you will recall, Martin Luther wanted the church to return to the Bible as the guidance of what to do.
Another cornerstone of the Reformation is that Luther and his colleagues felt that the church should always be reforming. This, I think, is something that we sometimes forget as we cling to the past traditions, declaring; “That’s the way we’ve always done it” and not consider something new. We need to look at our traditions, even our way of thinking, and see if that is what God wants us to do and if it effectively reaches people. While we can acknowledge Luther’s significant contributions to our understandings of the Scriptures and God’s intent for us, we also need to admit that his writings and perspectives on issues are not the definitive word. We have learned other things and different perspectives to issues and conditions, which Luther addressed. I think that Luther himself would say things differently now than he did 500 years ago. On some issues, he may even have a different viewpoint than what he did 500 years ago. I am not going to speculate what those might be; however, he would continue to think in terms of always renewing, always reforming. He would continue to look toward the future where there is more hope in a life aligned with God’s intention for creation.
To that end, we too should also look to the future, and see what traditions are holding us back from fully living in God’s love and preventing others from doing the same. We should assess these traditions to see if they are consistent with the five basic solas of the 16th Century Reformed traditions. If they are not, if they tend to take us away from the Bible and understanding the Bible, then they should be reformed so that they become so and are relevant to people’s situations in the 21st Century. If they are still consistent, we need to see if there are things that we can do to enhance those traditions so that they become even more meaningful to us and to others.
As we remember and celebrate the Protestant Reformation later this month, let us not dwell too long in the past that we forget to look ahead and see where God is calling us.
May God bless,
Pastor Dave
__________________________________________________________________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Pumpkin Dessert
1 (15oz) can pumpkin
1 (12oz) can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
3 tsps. pumpkin spice
Combine the top 5 ingredients and mix well. Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan.
Mix 1 box yellow cake mix and 3/4 cup of softened butter. Mix until crumbly.
Gently sprinkle on top of pumpkin mixture.
Optional: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of cake mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night), Email: dadanner@aol.com, Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308, Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary, Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
with Confirmation and Sunday School to follow. Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Rally Sunday - October 3 - Confirmation and Sunday School begins. Join us for a Pancake/Sausage Breakfast immediately following worship, served by the Church Council.
Bible Study – Wed, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wed, Oct. 6 - 12 noon at the church for the “Over 80’s and Methodist” luncheon
Church Council – Wed, Oct. 13 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
November Sunday Worship - November 7, 14, 21, 28 at Grace, Worship at 9 a.m. - Communion on 1st & 3rd Sundays with Confirmation and Sunday School to follow. Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wed, Nov. 3, 10, 17, 24 - 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting – Wed. Nov. 3 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed. Nov. 9 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please call Pastor Danner anytime, if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Join us for weekly bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar.
Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media
Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday - reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for October - December will be directed to “The Banquet” in Sioux Falls.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
October – Storage items (food storage bags, aluminum foil, and plastic wrap).
November– Canned vegetables and beans.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Member update - new address for Allan Johnson, Country View Senior Living, 810 8th Street, #114, Walnut Grove, MN 56180.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
GLCW - The Grace Lutheran Church Women will hold their “Over 80’s and Methodist” luncheon/program on Wednesday, October 6th beginning at 12 pm, including lunch and a program by Richard Siemers. Invitations will be sent to all members age 80 and over, in both Grace and the Methodist Church, to join us for this fun event. We encourage all women of Grace to contribute to the luncheon by bringing a salad, hotdish, bread or dessert to share with the group.
We look forward to honoring and sharing with our “Over 80’s” and all in attendance.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Rally Sunday, October 3 - Sunday School and Confirmation will start on Sunday, Oct 3, following worship. Thank you to the four individuals who volunteered to teach Sunday School at Grace this year. The teachers could still use more volunteers to help with weekly activities, even if only 1 Sunday a month. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Pastor Dave or Suzy Haupert. and………
Sunday, October 3 – The Church Council is serving a Pancake Breakfast following worship, to welcome our teachers and students back for the 2021-2022 Sunday School year. Please join us! All proceeds will go to the support the Sunday School program.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Ushers for October - Milo Downs, Brent Bressler, Jerid Johnson, Jim Herschberger
Altar Guild for October - Tanya and Becca Berkenpas
Deacon for October - Susan Johnson
Ushers for November – Martin Ritter, Barry Berkenpas, Barrett Berkenpas
Altar Guild for November – Julienne Prosch and Shayna DeMuth
Deacon for November - Barry Berkenpas
__________________________________________________________________________________________
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
October / November 2021
At the end of October, we will celebrate the Reformation. Back in 2017, at the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation, there had been much discussion about whether it should be called a ‘celebration’ or a ‘remembrance’ or a ‘commemoration.’ Those advocating for not using the term ‘celebration’ thought that it might be too insensitive and insulting to our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters. The argument proceeded along the lines that by calling it a celebration, then we are insinuating that the Lutherans ‘won’ and the Roman Catholics ‘lost.’
However, I think that this kind of thinking takes us down the wrong road. While we should be sensitive to others’ perspectives on other issues, I do not think that this is one of those times. When we celebrate a person’s birthday or a couple’s wedding anniversary, we do not assign a ‘winner’ and a ‘loser’ at those celebrations. There is a celebration of what was ‘created’ on those days. The other part of a celebration is to look forward and see how to make the most of the future. In celebrating the Reformation, we look to those events that led to the ‘creation’ of a way of thinking and relating to God through Jesus Christ that is based upon the Bible. As you will recall, Martin Luther wanted the church to return to the Bible as the guidance of what to do.
Another cornerstone of the Reformation is that Luther and his colleagues felt that the church should always be reforming. This, I think, is something that we sometimes forget as we cling to the past traditions, declaring; “That’s the way we’ve always done it” and not consider something new. We need to look at our traditions, even our way of thinking, and see if that is what God wants us to do and if it effectively reaches people. While we can acknowledge Luther’s significant contributions to our understandings of the Scriptures and God’s intent for us, we also need to admit that his writings and perspectives on issues are not the definitive word. We have learned other things and different perspectives to issues and conditions, which Luther addressed. I think that Luther himself would say things differently now than he did 500 years ago. On some issues, he may even have a different viewpoint than what he did 500 years ago. I am not going to speculate what those might be; however, he would continue to think in terms of always renewing, always reforming. He would continue to look toward the future where there is more hope in a life aligned with God’s intention for creation.
To that end, we too should also look to the future, and see what traditions are holding us back from fully living in God’s love and preventing others from doing the same. We should assess these traditions to see if they are consistent with the five basic solas of the 16th Century Reformed traditions. If they are not, if they tend to take us away from the Bible and understanding the Bible, then they should be reformed so that they become so and are relevant to people’s situations in the 21st Century. If they are still consistent, we need to see if there are things that we can do to enhance those traditions so that they become even more meaningful to us and to others.
As we remember and celebrate the Protestant Reformation later this month, let us not dwell too long in the past that we forget to look ahead and see where God is calling us.
May God bless,
Pastor Dave
__________________________________________________________________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Pumpkin Dessert
1 (15oz) can pumpkin
1 (12oz) can evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup sugar
3 tsps. pumpkin spice
Combine the top 5 ingredients and mix well. Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan.
Mix 1 box yellow cake mix and 3/4 cup of softened butter. Mix until crumbly.
Gently sprinkle on top of pumpkin mixture.
Optional: Sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of chopped walnuts or pecans on top of cake mixture.
Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night), Email: dadanner@aol.com, Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308, Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary, Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
__________________________________________________________________________________________
August Worship - Sundays, August 1 and 8 at Grace
Worship - Sundays, August 15, 22 and 29 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 10 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wed, August 4 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed, August 11 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
Church Potluck Picnic August 29 at Diamond Lake, following 10 am worship. Everyone is welcome!
September Worship - Sundays, September 5, 12, 19 and 26 at Grace
Worship at 9 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday.
Sunday School at 10 a.m. following worship. Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting – Wed. September 1 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed. September 15 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please call Pastor Danner anytime, if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Worship Assistants
August: Deacon Tonia Czech Altar Guild Annie Weets
Ushers Jim Berkenpas / Barry Berkenpas / Barrett Berkenpas / Becca Berkenpas
September: Deacon Julienne Prosch Altar Guild Coralee Rochel
Ushers Bob Trigg / Mike Weets / Dale Petersen / Vern Paschke
Join us for weekly bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/.
The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events.
Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech or Susan Johnson.
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for July-September will be directed to “The Banquet” in Sioux Falls.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
August – Condiments (peanut butter, jelly, pickles, ketchup, mustard, bottled salad dressing)
September – Soups and saltine crackers.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
__________________________________________________________________________________________
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
August & September 2021
Beginning July 25 and for the first four weeks of August, the Gospel readings are from the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel account. This long chapter is sometimes referred to as “the bread chapter” or something similar to denote that the main theme in this chapter is about Jesus being the Bread of Life. In this chapter, besides the several references to bread (beginning with the feeding of the 5000 with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish), there are some hard concepts that Jesus presents to His followers. His reference to the Eucharistic feast of eating His flesh and drinking His blood was quite troublesome to many of those who were following Him. A quick reading of this would indicate that this concept is what led many who followed Jesus to leave and not follow any longer.
As is often the case in John’s Gospel account, what Jesus says is on one level, usually a metaphorical level, while what is heard by the listeners is on a different level, many times a physical or literal hearing of Jesus’ words. On the metaphorical level, which even some Jewish people would have understood, Jesus is telling us that we should become like Him in all ways. As Paul states in his letters, we are to give up our old selves and put on Christ. In its most extreme understanding, we are to lose our own individual identity and take on the identity of Christ. We are to see the world as Jesus saw it and react to it the way that He did, primarily through the eyes of compassion and seeing everyone as a child of God.
Giving up of yourself, letting go of what and who we think we are, is hard for a person, let alone a whole community, to do. While having a mentor and a model in which to base one’s life upon – the “I want to be like Mike” outlook – still retains an individual’s identity, Jesus is calling us to become totally like Him in every way. Just as people were called to follow Jesus back in the first century, we also are called to be followers of Christ. But this call to follow is not just an intellectual exercise where we compare all the different faith traditions and pick the one that best suits our personal worldview. Being called to follow Jesus takes a commitment that calls us to become someone new, someone different, someone whom God initially created us to be. Once we have been transformed by Jesus, we are then sent out to share this Good News with everyone who is hurting.
What becomes difficult and generates so much debate, angst, and division among people is on the details of living out this call to spread the Good news. Do we just go around having tent revivals, preaching the words of the Gospel interspersed with individual witnesses to show what having Jesus in your life can do for you? Do we take up the causes of all people who are abused in some way, whether it is from systemic causes; or exercising power over others thereby denying them their basic human rights; or other social issues? If it is a balance between proclamation and action, what is that balance? Who decides where that balance should be?
Everybody seems to have the ‘right’ answer to these questions and from their perspective, it sometimes can be the only answer. I am not claiming to have the answers, but I have a suspicion that they can be very complex and nuanced so that it may seem that there is no right answer. When we consider God’s grace and guidance by the Holy Spirit, there are also no wrong answers. The important thing is that we discern what God wants us to do as far as we can reach in God’s creation and to show everyone the love that God has for every one of us. If what we try is not the right thing to do, God will provide the ‘correction’ and we will be led to do the right thing. The important thing to do is to be like the boy with the five barley loaves and two fish. He didn’t see what he did not have, but offered what little he did have and with Jesus, that was more than enough. May we have the faith of this young boy and offer to God what we have, knowing that for Jesus, that will be more than enough.
May God bless,
Pastor Dave
Plan to come and join us at Diamond Lake Church for the Grace Lutheran Church Potluck Picnic, to be held on Sunday, August 29 at Diamond Lake, following 10 am worship. Bring a dish to pass. Watermelon and Lemonade provided by the church council. Everyone is welcome!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Chicken Tetrazzini
12 oz. Pasta, (Tri-colored Rotini)
1/2 cup butter
4 chicken breast (5 cups, cooked & diced)
2 cons cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp minced onion
1 tsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 oz. chopped broccoli, thawed
Cook noodles and drain. Stir all ingredients together in a large bowl, then place in buttered 9X13 pan. Top with 4 Tbsp parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for about 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting.
Pretzel Dessert
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
Combine and pat in 9X13 and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.
8 oz. container of cool whip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
Combine and spread on cooled crust.
2 – 3 oz. packages of strawberry Jello
2 cups hot water
2 (10 oz,) frozen strawberries
Dissolve Jello in hot water and add fruit. When slightly gelled pour over cream cheese mixture. Chill until firm.
________________________________________________________________________________________
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary), and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President), Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night), Email: dadanner@aol.com, Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308, Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary, Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
Worship - Sundays, August 15, 22 and 29 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 10 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wed, August 4 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed, August 11 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
Church Potluck Picnic August 29 at Diamond Lake, following 10 am worship. Everyone is welcome!
September Worship - Sundays, September 5, 12, 19 and 26 at Grace
Worship at 9 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday.
Sunday School at 10 a.m. following worship. Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting – Wed. September 1 - 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed. September 15 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Please call Pastor Danner anytime, if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Worship Assistants
August: Deacon Tonia Czech Altar Guild Annie Weets
Ushers Jim Berkenpas / Barry Berkenpas / Barrett Berkenpas / Becca Berkenpas
September: Deacon Julienne Prosch Altar Guild Coralee Rochel
Ushers Bob Trigg / Mike Weets / Dale Petersen / Vern Paschke
Join us for weekly bible study every Wednesday morning at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/.
The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events.
Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech or Susan Johnson.
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for July-September will be directed to “The Banquet” in Sioux Falls.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
August – Condiments (peanut butter, jelly, pickles, ketchup, mustard, bottled salad dressing)
September – Soups and saltine crackers.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
__________________________________________________________________________________________
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
August & September 2021
Beginning July 25 and for the first four weeks of August, the Gospel readings are from the sixth chapter of John’s Gospel account. This long chapter is sometimes referred to as “the bread chapter” or something similar to denote that the main theme in this chapter is about Jesus being the Bread of Life. In this chapter, besides the several references to bread (beginning with the feeding of the 5000 with only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish), there are some hard concepts that Jesus presents to His followers. His reference to the Eucharistic feast of eating His flesh and drinking His blood was quite troublesome to many of those who were following Him. A quick reading of this would indicate that this concept is what led many who followed Jesus to leave and not follow any longer.
As is often the case in John’s Gospel account, what Jesus says is on one level, usually a metaphorical level, while what is heard by the listeners is on a different level, many times a physical or literal hearing of Jesus’ words. On the metaphorical level, which even some Jewish people would have understood, Jesus is telling us that we should become like Him in all ways. As Paul states in his letters, we are to give up our old selves and put on Christ. In its most extreme understanding, we are to lose our own individual identity and take on the identity of Christ. We are to see the world as Jesus saw it and react to it the way that He did, primarily through the eyes of compassion and seeing everyone as a child of God.
Giving up of yourself, letting go of what and who we think we are, is hard for a person, let alone a whole community, to do. While having a mentor and a model in which to base one’s life upon – the “I want to be like Mike” outlook – still retains an individual’s identity, Jesus is calling us to become totally like Him in every way. Just as people were called to follow Jesus back in the first century, we also are called to be followers of Christ. But this call to follow is not just an intellectual exercise where we compare all the different faith traditions and pick the one that best suits our personal worldview. Being called to follow Jesus takes a commitment that calls us to become someone new, someone different, someone whom God initially created us to be. Once we have been transformed by Jesus, we are then sent out to share this Good News with everyone who is hurting.
What becomes difficult and generates so much debate, angst, and division among people is on the details of living out this call to spread the Good news. Do we just go around having tent revivals, preaching the words of the Gospel interspersed with individual witnesses to show what having Jesus in your life can do for you? Do we take up the causes of all people who are abused in some way, whether it is from systemic causes; or exercising power over others thereby denying them their basic human rights; or other social issues? If it is a balance between proclamation and action, what is that balance? Who decides where that balance should be?
Everybody seems to have the ‘right’ answer to these questions and from their perspective, it sometimes can be the only answer. I am not claiming to have the answers, but I have a suspicion that they can be very complex and nuanced so that it may seem that there is no right answer. When we consider God’s grace and guidance by the Holy Spirit, there are also no wrong answers. The important thing is that we discern what God wants us to do as far as we can reach in God’s creation and to show everyone the love that God has for every one of us. If what we try is not the right thing to do, God will provide the ‘correction’ and we will be led to do the right thing. The important thing to do is to be like the boy with the five barley loaves and two fish. He didn’t see what he did not have, but offered what little he did have and with Jesus, that was more than enough. May we have the faith of this young boy and offer to God what we have, knowing that for Jesus, that will be more than enough.
May God bless,
Pastor Dave
Plan to come and join us at Diamond Lake Church for the Grace Lutheran Church Potluck Picnic, to be held on Sunday, August 29 at Diamond Lake, following 10 am worship. Bring a dish to pass. Watermelon and Lemonade provided by the church council. Everyone is welcome!
__________________________________________________________________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Chicken Tetrazzini
12 oz. Pasta, (Tri-colored Rotini)
1/2 cup butter
4 chicken breast (5 cups, cooked & diced)
2 cons cream of chicken soup
2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
4 Tbsp Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
2 tsp minced onion
1 tsp garlic powder
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
16 oz. chopped broccoli, thawed
Cook noodles and drain. Stir all ingredients together in a large bowl, then place in buttered 9X13 pan. Top with 4 Tbsp parmesan cheese. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes. Uncover and bake for about 15 minutes or until bubbly. Let sit for 5 minutes before cutting.
Pretzel Dessert
2 cups crushed pretzels
3/4 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
Combine and pat in 9X13 and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes. Cool.
8 oz. container of cool whip
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1 cup powdered sugar
Combine and spread on cooled crust.
2 – 3 oz. packages of strawberry Jello
2 cups hot water
2 (10 oz,) frozen strawberries
Dissolve Jello in hot water and add fruit. When slightly gelled pour over cream cheese mixture. Chill until firm.
________________________________________________________________________________________
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary), and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President), Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night), Email: dadanner@aol.com, Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308, Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary, Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
WELCOME BACK!
June
Worship - Sundays, June 6 and 13 at Grace
Worship - Sundays, June 20 and 27 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 10 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wed, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wed, June 2 at 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed, June 9 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
July
Worship - Sundays, July 4 and 11 at Grace
Worship - Sundays, July 18 and 25 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 10 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wed, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wednesday, July 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed, July 14 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
________________________________________
Looking Ahead….Church Potluck Picnic August 29 at Diamond Lake, following 10 am worship. Everyone is welcome!
________________________________________
Please call Pastor Danner anytime, if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
________________________________________
Worship Assistants
June
Deacon: Susan Johnson
Altar Guild: Tanya / Becca Berkenpas
Ushers: Barry Berkenpas / Jeremy Rupp / Gerry Rochel / LaDon Prosch
July
Deacon: Barry Berkenpas
Altar Guild" Julienne Prosch / Shayna DeMuth
Ushers: Vern Paschke / Roger Rudebusch / Royal Lynn / Steve Lynn
________________________________________
BIBLE STUDY
Join us for weekly bible study every Wednesday morning, starting June 2, at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
________________________________________
Grace Website – The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech or Susan Johnson.
________________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for April-June supports Shetek Lutheran Ministries and July-September will be directed to “The Banquet” in Sioux Falls.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
June – Juices (bottled fruit and vegetable juices)
July - Personal care items (bar soap, liquid hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, antiperspirant, lotion, shampoo and conditioner)
________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
________________________________________
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
June & July 2021
This past year has been one like none of us have ever experienced before. With the changes to our lifestyles due to the pandemic; the number of conspiracy theories about a wide range of things; the unrest resulting from abuse of police powers; and the some of the baseless accusations heard during the past election, we have seen some the best in people and some of the worst in people. The front-line workers who stepped up during the height of the pandemic and made sure that the economy kept going – the store workers, the truck drivers, the delivery people among others – who continued to work despite the possibility of contracting Covid-19; the people who developed the new science and technology that made the realization of the vaccine come to fruition in an amazingly short time period; the people who worked tirelessly to develop and change policy to reflect the growing body of knowledge about the virus; all these people have showed enormous courage and self-sacrifice for the benefit of society. Even those who followed the guidelines and were careful not to spread the virus, regardless of how they personally felt, in order to help combat the pandemic made personal sacrifices for the good of the community. Unfortunately, we have also seen the darker side of humanity – a disregard for truth or a bending of truth to fit one’s own agenda; hate crimes against minority groups; mass shootings; and conspiracy theories of all kinds, which erode people’s confidence in our government. All of these things will affect how we face the future together as a community.
It has been often said that once the pandemic is over, there will be a ‘new normal’ of doing things. While we do not know exactly how the future of this new normal will play out, we do have the capability to help shape what that will be. As we have found, the ways of doing and being ‘church’ have changed dramatically over the last year. I know that sometimes change can be hard to accept. We want things to stay the same, to stay ‘normal’ and that we like the way we are doing things now. Since change ‘invades’ our everyday lives at a pace that is sometimes dizzying, and God is seen as unchanging, people want that constancy in the church. However, as I pointed out in my sermon a few weeks ago, the church has always been about change. If change were not needed, then God would not have needed to come to us in human form in the person of Jesus.
The questions that we need to balance include: how much of our traditions do we insist on keeping; how much of social media do we embrace to expand our notion of what the ‘four walls’ of the church are; how do we provide the care and compassion for one another in a media-driven church; how do we consider ‘membership’ of a congregation and how does this new church be supported; as well as many other questions. However, we do need to make sure that we continue to faithfully proclaim the Good News to all who need to hear it, regardless of whether we have a church based on our traditions or a ‘media’ church or a blend of these.
Whatever this new church will look like, it should not be decided by only a few individuals. The opinions of many people will be need to be heard and compromise will need to be made. Yes, it would be easiest if one person made all those decisions, but by having more people involved, then we can have more confidence that the guidance of the Holy Spirit will bring us to a decision that is more consistent with God’s will. This will not be an easy process, nor will it be quick. However, by trusting in God and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then the church will become what God wants it to be in this part of God’s creation.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
________________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Low-Carb Cheesy Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with oil. Add the paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken.
Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set chicken aside.
Add cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to a small mixing bowl and stir to combine. Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly. Place the chicken breasts in a 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Millionaire's Shortbread
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
3/4 cup butter 3/4 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips
7 tablespoons butter
Directions:
Grease a 9x13 baking dish or line with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine flour and granulated sugar. Cube the 3/4 cups of butter and mix into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter, your hands, or a fork until it is a crumbly texture. Press dough into the pan for your shortbread crust. Prick all over with a fork. Bake crust for about 20 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside and allow to cool.
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the 7 tablespoons of butter, condensed milk, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the butter has melted. Create your caramel by gently bringing contents to a boil while still keeping the heat on low. This will require you to stir vigorously for 5-10 minutes. Once it thickens and becomes a nice caramel brown, pour it over the crust and allow it to cool. To speed up your process, you can cover with foil and place dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate layer.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a saucepan on low, careful not the burn. Spread the chocolate layer evenly over the completely cooled caramel layer. Once that has cooled, cut into bars and serve.
________________________________________
Special Events - Please view our pictures page
________________________________________
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary) and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President) and Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night)
Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308
Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary
Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
June
Worship - Sundays, June 6 and 13 at Grace
Worship - Sundays, June 20 and 27 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 10 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wed, June 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wed, June 2 at 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed, June 9 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
July
Worship - Sundays, July 4 and 11 at Grace
Worship - Sundays, July 18 and 25 at Diamond Lake
Worship at 10 a.m. with Communion on 1st & 3rd Sunday
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Bible Study – Wed, July 7, 14, 21, 28 at 9:30 a.m. at the church
GLCW meeting - Wednesday, July 7 at 1:30 p.m. at the church
Church Council – Wed, July 14 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person
________________________________________
Looking Ahead….Church Potluck Picnic August 29 at Diamond Lake, following 10 am worship. Everyone is welcome!
________________________________________
Please call Pastor Danner anytime, if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
________________________________________
Worship Assistants
June
Deacon: Susan Johnson
Altar Guild: Tanya / Becca Berkenpas
Ushers: Barry Berkenpas / Jeremy Rupp / Gerry Rochel / LaDon Prosch
July
Deacon: Barry Berkenpas
Altar Guild" Julienne Prosch / Shayna DeMuth
Ushers: Vern Paschke / Roger Rudebusch / Royal Lynn / Steve Lynn
________________________________________
BIBLE STUDY
Join us for weekly bible study every Wednesday morning, starting June 2, at 9:30 a.m. in the fellowship hall. Everyone is welcome!
________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
________________________________________
Grace Website – The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Tonia Czech or Susan Johnson.
________________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of the month is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations.
Noisy Offering for April-June supports Shetek Lutheran Ministries and July-September will be directed to “The Banquet” in Sioux Falls.
Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box in the Fellowship Hall entrance. All items are appreciated. Suggested donations for the Food Shelf include:
June – Juices (bottled fruit and vegetable juices)
July - Personal care items (bar soap, liquid hand soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, antiperspirant, lotion, shampoo and conditioner)
________________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
________________________________________
THE PASTOR’S PAGE
June & July 2021
This past year has been one like none of us have ever experienced before. With the changes to our lifestyles due to the pandemic; the number of conspiracy theories about a wide range of things; the unrest resulting from abuse of police powers; and the some of the baseless accusations heard during the past election, we have seen some the best in people and some of the worst in people. The front-line workers who stepped up during the height of the pandemic and made sure that the economy kept going – the store workers, the truck drivers, the delivery people among others – who continued to work despite the possibility of contracting Covid-19; the people who developed the new science and technology that made the realization of the vaccine come to fruition in an amazingly short time period; the people who worked tirelessly to develop and change policy to reflect the growing body of knowledge about the virus; all these people have showed enormous courage and self-sacrifice for the benefit of society. Even those who followed the guidelines and were careful not to spread the virus, regardless of how they personally felt, in order to help combat the pandemic made personal sacrifices for the good of the community. Unfortunately, we have also seen the darker side of humanity – a disregard for truth or a bending of truth to fit one’s own agenda; hate crimes against minority groups; mass shootings; and conspiracy theories of all kinds, which erode people’s confidence in our government. All of these things will affect how we face the future together as a community.
It has been often said that once the pandemic is over, there will be a ‘new normal’ of doing things. While we do not know exactly how the future of this new normal will play out, we do have the capability to help shape what that will be. As we have found, the ways of doing and being ‘church’ have changed dramatically over the last year. I know that sometimes change can be hard to accept. We want things to stay the same, to stay ‘normal’ and that we like the way we are doing things now. Since change ‘invades’ our everyday lives at a pace that is sometimes dizzying, and God is seen as unchanging, people want that constancy in the church. However, as I pointed out in my sermon a few weeks ago, the church has always been about change. If change were not needed, then God would not have needed to come to us in human form in the person of Jesus.
The questions that we need to balance include: how much of our traditions do we insist on keeping; how much of social media do we embrace to expand our notion of what the ‘four walls’ of the church are; how do we provide the care and compassion for one another in a media-driven church; how do we consider ‘membership’ of a congregation and how does this new church be supported; as well as many other questions. However, we do need to make sure that we continue to faithfully proclaim the Good News to all who need to hear it, regardless of whether we have a church based on our traditions or a ‘media’ church or a blend of these.
Whatever this new church will look like, it should not be decided by only a few individuals. The opinions of many people will be need to be heard and compromise will need to be made. Yes, it would be easiest if one person made all those decisions, but by having more people involved, then we can have more confidence that the guidance of the Holy Spirit will bring us to a decision that is more consistent with God’s will. This will not be an easy process, nor will it be quick. However, by trusting in God and following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, then the church will become what God wants it to be in this part of God’s creation.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
________________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Low-Carb Cheesy Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with oil. Add the paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken.
Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set chicken aside.
Add cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to a small mixing bowl and stir to combine. Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly. Place the chicken breasts in a 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Millionaire's Shortbread
Ingredients:
2 1/4 cups flour 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup granulated sugar 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
3/4 cup butter 3/4 cup semisweet or milk chocolate chips
7 tablespoons butter
Directions:
Grease a 9x13 baking dish or line with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
In a mixing bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine flour and granulated sugar. Cube the 3/4 cups of butter and mix into the flour mixture with a pastry cutter, your hands, or a fork until it is a crumbly texture. Press dough into the pan for your shortbread crust. Prick all over with a fork. Bake crust for about 20 minutes until lightly golden. Set aside and allow to cool.
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the 7 tablespoons of butter, condensed milk, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the butter has melted. Create your caramel by gently bringing contents to a boil while still keeping the heat on low. This will require you to stir vigorously for 5-10 minutes. Once it thickens and becomes a nice caramel brown, pour it over the crust and allow it to cool. To speed up your process, you can cover with foil and place dish in the refrigerator while you prepare the chocolate layer.
Melt the chocolate in the microwave or in a saucepan on low, careful not the burn. Spread the chocolate layer evenly over the completely cooled caramel layer. Once that has cooled, cut into bars and serve.
________________________________________
Special Events - Please view our pictures page
________________________________________
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President), Julienne Prosch, Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary) and Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President) and Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night)
Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308
Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary
Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
Download the Gracious Words Newsletter above or read here.
APRIL 2021 - MAY 2021
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH LAKE BENTON, MN 56149
Worship Details
April Worship - Sundays, April 4 thru April 25
Worship at 9 a.m. - Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Church Council – Wed, April 14 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person.
May Worship - Sundays, May 2 thru May 30
Worship at 9 a.m. - Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Please maintain social distancing.
GLCW meeting - Wednesday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the church
For the safety of all our parishioners, Grace will continue to practice social distancing and masks are required during worship. Grace will not conduct adult Bible Study sessions at this time.
Please call the Pastor anytime if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
_______________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of each month will be designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations. Noisy Offering for April - June 2021 will be dedicated to Shetek Lutheran Ministries. Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box located in the Fellowship Hall entrance.
Recommended donations for the Food Shelf:
April – Canned Fruit or Dried Fruit (raisons, prunes, dates, figs)
May - Cleaning products (dishwashing liquid, ammonia, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, dusting spray)
_______________________________________
Worship Assistants -
April: Deacon: Tonia Czech Altar Guild: Anne Lichtsinn / Karen Lichtsinn
Ushers: Mike Czech / Roger Rudebusch / Emma Czech / Lowell Nelsen
May: Deacon: Julienne Prosch Altar Guild: Tonia and Emma Czech
Ushers: Jerid Johnson / Jeff Johnson / Austin Johnson / Landon Johnson
_______________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
_______________________________________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/.
The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Penny Danner or Susan Johnson.
_______________________________________
GLCW News
GLCW meetings will resume starting Wednesday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the church fellowship hall. The tables and chairs will be spaced to accomplish social distancing. We will continue to sanitize our hands and wear masks
so that we can safely hold meetings. The new 2021 GLCW program bookletswill soon be distributed to the congregation. The GLCW is in need of a treasurer, so if anyone is interested contact Susan Johnson. We look forward to seeing you all on May 5th.
Susan Johnson, President GLCW
_______________________________________
THE PASTORS PAGE
April & May 2021
In the movie “Risen” which follows a Roman military soldier’s search for the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion, near the end of the movie the soldier is asked if he believes in the risen Christ and his reply is that he believes he has been changed. That is the affect that Jesus, the risen Jesus, has on people. Some are changed for the better, becoming believers in Jesus, while others believe the opposite and do not accept the Resurrection. As we go through the Easter season, the readings show us how people were changed because of the risen Christ. It is nearly impossible not to be changed in some manner when encountering Jesus. We see these changes in people even during Jesus’ ministry prior to the Crucifixion. Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, the apostles, even Jesus’ own brother James were all transformed by knowing Jesus. As these individuals came to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and came to deliver us from our bondage to sin and death, their behavior also changed. Their outlook on the world changed. As we go through this season of Easter, the question before us becomes; how does knowing the story of Jesus affect us, both individually and communally? One might argue that based on news reports of the recent mass shootings around the country, the war atrocities reported in parts of Africa and other things that knowing Jesus has had little effect on humanity’s actions. We may say that we believe in the risen Jesus, but our actions say differently. We still bully others; we belittle them; we do not allow people who look differently than us the same opportunities that those in ‘power’ have; we still try to take things for ourselves, whether it is power or wealth from others; and there are many more instances of how we act as if Jesus has not made a difference in our lives. If we were to follow the example of Jesus during his earthly ministry, then we would realize that changing the world is not something that we need to do all at once. Jesus touched the hearts of individuals, changed individuals and, in turn, these individuals changed others. Yes, there are instances in the New Testament of many thousands accepting Jesus at a time in the Book of Acts, but it was from the actions of a few people and mainly the work of the Holy Spirit that accomplished this. All we need to be concerned about is what we do at this part of God’s creation, how we reflect the light of Jesus. If we have our hearts turned toward the light of the risen Christ, then we can have the confidence that the Holy Spirit will lead us to do what God wants; just as the apostles trusted the Holy Spirit would lead them. The question, “Do you believe?” is always before us. How we answer that, knowing that an encounter with Jesus will change us somehow, will help determine whether we live in the light of God’s grace or continue in the darkness of sin. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to answer that in such a way that we walk in the light of Jesus.
May God bless Pastor Dave
May God bless, Pastor Dave
_______________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Low-Carb Cheesy Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with oil. Add the paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set chicken aside. Add cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to a small mixing bowl and stir to combine. Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly. Place the chicken breasts in a 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Minute white rice 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning
8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 Onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup heavy cream
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup shredded Cheddar
(cut into bite sized pieces) 1/2 cup mozzarella
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tsps. chopped parsley or sprigs of rosemary
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350º F. In a 9” by 13” baking dish, combine rice, bacon and onions.
Drizzle chicken breasts with oil and season all over with ranch seasoning. Place in baking dish with rice and stir until all ingredients are distributed evenly. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and stir again to combine. Top with cheddar and mozzarella. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake 15-20 minutes more, until chicken is done and rice is fully cooked. Garnish with parsley/rosemary and serve.
_______________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
_______________________________________
Altar Guild volunteers - Volunteers are needed to help with the monthly altar guild duties during 2021. If you are interested in serving, please contact Anne Lichtsinn, 507-368-9329 or at johnann@itctel.com .
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
_______________________________________
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
_______________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (post COVID-19)
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308 Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
____________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
APRIL 2021 - MAY 2021
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH LAKE BENTON, MN 56149
Worship Details
April Worship - Sundays, April 4 thru April 25
Worship at 9 a.m. - Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Church Council – Wed, April 14 - 7 p.m. via Zoom or in person.
May Worship - Sundays, May 2 thru May 30
Worship at 9 a.m. - Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable.
Please maintain social distancing.
GLCW meeting - Wednesday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the church
For the safety of all our parishioners, Grace will continue to practice social distancing and masks are required during worship. Grace will not conduct adult Bible Study sessions at this time.
Please call the Pastor anytime if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
_______________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of each month will be designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations. Noisy Offering for April - June 2021 will be dedicated to Shetek Lutheran Ministries. Food Shelf donations can be monetary or items placed in the drop box located in the Fellowship Hall entrance.
Recommended donations for the Food Shelf:
April – Canned Fruit or Dried Fruit (raisons, prunes, dates, figs)
May - Cleaning products (dishwashing liquid, ammonia, toilet bowl cleaner, glass cleaner, dusting spray)
_______________________________________
Worship Assistants -
April: Deacon: Tonia Czech Altar Guild: Anne Lichtsinn / Karen Lichtsinn
Ushers: Mike Czech / Roger Rudebusch / Emma Czech / Lowell Nelsen
May: Deacon: Julienne Prosch Altar Guild: Tonia and Emma Czech
Ushers: Jerid Johnson / Jeff Johnson / Austin Johnson / Landon Johnson
_______________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
_______________________________________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/.
The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Penny Danner or Susan Johnson.
_______________________________________
GLCW News
GLCW meetings will resume starting Wednesday, May 5 at 1:30 p.m. at the church fellowship hall. The tables and chairs will be spaced to accomplish social distancing. We will continue to sanitize our hands and wear masks
so that we can safely hold meetings. The new 2021 GLCW program bookletswill soon be distributed to the congregation. The GLCW is in need of a treasurer, so if anyone is interested contact Susan Johnson. We look forward to seeing you all on May 5th.
Susan Johnson, President GLCW
_______________________________________
THE PASTORS PAGE
April & May 2021
In the movie “Risen” which follows a Roman military soldier’s search for the body of Jesus after the Crucifixion, near the end of the movie the soldier is asked if he believes in the risen Christ and his reply is that he believes he has been changed. That is the affect that Jesus, the risen Jesus, has on people. Some are changed for the better, becoming believers in Jesus, while others believe the opposite and do not accept the Resurrection. As we go through the Easter season, the readings show us how people were changed because of the risen Christ. It is nearly impossible not to be changed in some manner when encountering Jesus. We see these changes in people even during Jesus’ ministry prior to the Crucifixion. Nicodemus, Mary Magdalene, the apostles, even Jesus’ own brother James were all transformed by knowing Jesus. As these individuals came to believe that Jesus is the Son of God and came to deliver us from our bondage to sin and death, their behavior also changed. Their outlook on the world changed. As we go through this season of Easter, the question before us becomes; how does knowing the story of Jesus affect us, both individually and communally? One might argue that based on news reports of the recent mass shootings around the country, the war atrocities reported in parts of Africa and other things that knowing Jesus has had little effect on humanity’s actions. We may say that we believe in the risen Jesus, but our actions say differently. We still bully others; we belittle them; we do not allow people who look differently than us the same opportunities that those in ‘power’ have; we still try to take things for ourselves, whether it is power or wealth from others; and there are many more instances of how we act as if Jesus has not made a difference in our lives. If we were to follow the example of Jesus during his earthly ministry, then we would realize that changing the world is not something that we need to do all at once. Jesus touched the hearts of individuals, changed individuals and, in turn, these individuals changed others. Yes, there are instances in the New Testament of many thousands accepting Jesus at a time in the Book of Acts, but it was from the actions of a few people and mainly the work of the Holy Spirit that accomplished this. All we need to be concerned about is what we do at this part of God’s creation, how we reflect the light of Jesus. If we have our hearts turned toward the light of the risen Christ, then we can have the confidence that the Holy Spirit will lead us to do what God wants; just as the apostles trusted the Holy Spirit would lead them. The question, “Do you believe?” is always before us. How we answer that, knowing that an encounter with Jesus will change us somehow, will help determine whether we live in the light of God’s grace or continue in the darkness of sin. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to answer that in such a way that we walk in the light of Jesus.
May God bless Pastor Dave
May God bless, Pastor Dave
_______________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Low-Carb Cheesy Stuffed Chicken
Ingredients:
4 chicken breasts 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon olive oil ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 teaspoon paprika 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon salt, divided 1 ½ cups fresh spinach, chopped
¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Place the chicken breasts on a cutting board and drizzle with oil. Add the paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small bowl and stir to combine. Sprinkle over both sides of the chicken. Use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each chicken breast. Set chicken aside. Add cream cheese, Parmesan, mayonnaise, spinach, garlic, red pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt to a small mixing bowl and stir to combine. Spoon the spinach mixture into each chicken breast evenly. Place the chicken breasts in a 9x13 baking dish. Bake, uncovered, for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups Minute white rice 2 tablespoons Ranch seasoning
8 slices bacon, cooked and chopped 2 1/4 cups chicken broth
1/2 Onion, finely chopped 1/4 cup heavy cream
3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 1 cup shredded Cheddar
(cut into bite sized pieces) 1/2 cup mozzarella
2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tsps. chopped parsley or sprigs of rosemary
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350º F. In a 9” by 13” baking dish, combine rice, bacon and onions.
Drizzle chicken breasts with oil and season all over with ranch seasoning. Place in baking dish with rice and stir until all ingredients are distributed evenly. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream and stir again to combine. Top with cheddar and mozzarella. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes, remove foil and bake 15-20 minutes more, until chicken is done and rice is fully cooked. Garnish with parsley/rosemary and serve.
_______________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
_______________________________________
Altar Guild volunteers - Volunteers are needed to help with the monthly altar guild duties during 2021. If you are interested in serving, please contact Anne Lichtsinn, 507-368-9329 or at johnann@itctel.com .
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Tonia Czech
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Mike Czech
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
_______________________________________
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
_______________________________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
- There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- There is a death in your family
- There is a hospitalization in your family
- Someone becomes home bound
- Someone becomes unemployed
- You move or get a new phone number
- A child moves out of the house or attends college
- Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (post COVID-19)
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308 Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
____________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
GRACIOUS WORDS NEWSLETTER
FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021
WORSHIP DETAILS
February thru March - The council tentatively plans to conduct worship as follows: (note - schedule is subject to change)
February - Sundays, Feb 7 thru Feb 28, Worship at 9 a.m. and Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Wednesday, February 17 Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, February 21 Annual Meeting following worship Wednesday, February 24 Lenten service at 6:30 p.m.
Coffee and Dessert to follow, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
March - Sundays, March 7 thru March 28, Worship at 9 a.m. and Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Wednesday, March 4 thru March 25 Lenten services at 6:30 p.m.
Coffee and Dessert to follow, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Grace will continue to practice social distancing for the safety of all our parishioners and masks are required during worship. Grace will not be conducting Adult Bible Study sessions at this time.
Please call the Pastor anytime if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
_______________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of each month will be designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations. Noisy Offering for Jan – March 2021 will be directed to our Lake Benton Food Shelf. You can also drop off food donations to the Food Shelf at the church, in the box located in the Fellowship Hall entrance.
Recommended items for Food Shelf in:
February – Canned meats (Spam, Dinty Moore Beef Stew, tuna, canned chicken)
March - Paper products (paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, dinner napkins)
_______________________________________
Worship Assistants -
__________________________________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
_____________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Penny Danner or Susan Johnson.
Grace Lutheran 2020 Annual Meeting - The Grace Lutheran Church 2020 Annual meeting will be held at the church on Sunday, February 21, 2021 following worship. Rolls and coffee will be served before the meeting. The council is seeking individuals to serve on the council – 3 deacons and1 trustee. Please contact a council member if you are interested in serving.
The Pastor's Page
February / March 2021
Jesus says, “I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter;” (Mt 12:36 NRSV)
A couple of years ago, I read a column from the editor of “The Christian Century,” Pastor Peter Marty, where the subject of the column was the significance of words. Reading this column reminded me of Psalm 29, which was part of the lectionary for January 10, The Baptism of Jesus. When I read that Psalm, I was struck by the imagery of how it portrayed the voice of God. It was both constructive and destructive. On the one hand, the voice of God could destroy the majestic cedar trees of Lebanon (v5), a symbol of strength and endurance. On the other hand, the voice of God is a voice of splendor (v4). It was not until I read Pr. Marty’s column that I made the connection that the Psalm could also be a reminder to us that the words we use are just as important as the words that God uses. In making my living by using words, I am very well aware of how the words that I use can impact a person. Not only the words that I use; but also, as my mother always used to say, “It’s the tone of your voice.”
The words we use can build up or they can tear down. They can join people together or they can cause deep conflict and hurt that can last for generations. It seems nowadays that civility in discussion is something long forgotten. People are constantly interrupting each other, not letting the full statement to be made before rushing into a rebuttal of what’s been said; thinking that what they are saying is more important than what the other person is trying to say. It usually doesn’t take long before the other side is being called names.
While the exact words that we use are important, it is just as important in how we hear those words. Sometimes, words and what is meant by them can be misunderstood. What is implied may not always be what is inferred. In other words, what I say may not be what you think I said. That is why communication through dialogue is so important. Asking for clarification, reiterating an important point from the other person and active listening to what has been said and not formulating in your mind a rebuttal to what you think is being said are all important aspects of communicating, of talking and listening. It takes practice to become adept at these skills.
As Christians, we are called to participate in God’s creative powers for good. Just as Paul reminds the Corinthians that the gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit are to be used for the common good, so too, our words should be used for the common good. There is an adage that says, “Think twice, speak once.” Before saying something that could be hurtful or misunderstood, think about how you would react if those words were said to you. If you would not like to hear those words then the person to whom you want to say them probably would not want to hear them either. Speech and the ability to express thoughts to one another is one of the things that separate humanity from the rest of God’s creation. By using this gift wisely, we can use it to build things up, to help make a better world. By using this gift poorly, we can tear things apart, robbing our fellow brothers and sisters of their humanity, of that image of God from which they were created. The choice is ours. Perhaps practicing using this gift wisely can be a part of our Lenten preparation.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
_______________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Chicken Bowtie Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie, in pasta form! This recipe is all kinds of yummy and comforting.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups 2% milk
1 1/2 cups yellow onion diced 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup carrots diced 1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup celery diced 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, optional 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta 1 cup frozen peas
3 cups chicken broth 2 cups diced chicken, cooked
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste) 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
Directions:
1. In a Dutch oven or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Then, add the onion, carrot, celery, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, until veggies are tender, about 6 minutes. Add in the pasta, chicken broth, milk, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and sage, stirring to combine.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and cooked through, about 12 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas, diced chicken, parsley, and lemon. Remove from heat and cover.
3. Let stand until the peas are just cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning, if desired.
Classic Cherry Cobbler
The perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day! This Classic Cherry Cobbler is so easy to make and tastes so good. Serve hot with your favorite vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream!
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter 1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup milk
1 (21 ounces) can cherry pie filling (or your choice)
Directions
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Place butter or margarine in a 9x13 inch baking dish and set on the oven rack to melt.
Step 2 - In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in milk.
Step 3 - Remove baking dish from the oven as soon as butter or margarine is melted. Pour flour mixture into the dish, but don't stir it. Then, pour fruit evenly into the pan, and don't stir.
Step 4 - Raise oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake cobbler for 50-60 minutes, until golden brown. Top with ice cream (if desired) and enjoy warm!
_____________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
Altar Guild volunteers - Volunteers are needed to help with the monthly altar guild duties during 2021. If you are interested in serving, please contact Anne Lichtsinn, 507-368-9329 or at johnann@itctel.com .
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Jeremy Rupp
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night) Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (post COVID-19)
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308 Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
________________________________________
Gracious Words Newsletter
December 2020 – January 2021
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH LAKE BENTON, MN 56149
Worship Details
Sunday worship services have been suspended from Nov 15 thru Dec 6 based on the decision of the church council. Once COVID-19 occurrences in our area are managed, the council tentatively plans to resume worship as follows: (note - schedule is subject to change)
December - Sundays, December 13 thru December 27 worship at Grace
at 9 a.m. Sunday School and Confirmation at 10 a.m.
Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Worship service at 5 pm
January - Sundays, January 3 thru January 31 worship at Grace at 9 a.m.
Sunday School and Confirmation at 10 a.m.
Grace will practice social distancing for the safety of all our parishioners, and as a result, we will not be holding Fellowship, Bible Study or Christian Education sessions until further notice. Grace will not hold a Sunday School Christmas program this year.
The Church Council will contact members when we determine it is safe to resume worship at church.
Recorded Sunday morning worship services are also available on YouTube. Search on “Dave Danner Sermons”. Please call the Pastor if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
______________________________________________________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – Once we resume indoor worship at Grace, the 3rd Sunday is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf. The Noisy offering will be designated to Weekend Winners during December and to the Lake Benton Food Shelf during January – March 2021. Food shelf donations can placed in the designated box located in the Fellowship Hall entrance of the church.
Recommended items for Food Shelf:
December – Baking products (Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla)
January - Laundry Products (detergent, fabric softener sheets or liquid, stain remover)
Worship Assistants
December: Deacon Penny Danner Altar Guild Susan Johnson / Karen Lichtsinn Ushers Wayne Fehrman / Michael Haugen / Gerry Rochel / Gary Heffele
January: Deacon Julienne Prosch Altar Guild Karen Lichtsinn / Anne Lichtsinn Ushers Mike Weets / Roger Rudebusch / LaDon Prosch / Mike Czech
______________________________________
Check out the Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Penny Danner and Susan Johnson.
Weekly Offering - During this difficult time, we understand some individuals may be experiencing personal financial challenges, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The church council appreciates our members’ continued support for the church. To ensure we can continue meeting our financial obligations, the council would appreciate your ongoing support to help us to do God’s Work, Our Hands. Please present your offering at Sunday worship at 9 am, or mail your contributions directly to the church at 101 S. Sherman St. Another option is an automatic bank transfer, from your account directly to the Grace checking account. Please contact Karen Lichtsinn or your bank if you have any questions on this option. Thank you for your support!
____________________________________
The Pastor's Page
December 2020 / January 2021
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28-29, NRSV)
Now that the national election is over and decided, it is time for us to look forward into the future. While there are still many problems that are before us - locally, nationally and globally, we need to remember that we are facing these problems together. Ever since humans began living in community with each other, we have been trying to balance the ‘rights’ of the individual with the ‘rights’ of the community. At different times and in different cultures, this pendulum has swung between both extremes. At this time, it appears to me that this pendulum has swung towards the rights of the individual taking precedence over the rights of the community. This is most evident in people’s willingness or unwillingness to follow the protocols set forth by the states in efforts to control the Coronavirus pandemic.
The broader issue is how we find that proper balance especially when there is so much division among us. To echo former President George W. Bush, ‘you are either for us or against us’ is much the sentiment of people of all political persuasions today. In each extreme position, there is only acceptance of that position. We must remember what brings us together, what unites us. For us, as Christians, it is the belief that Jesus came to us, liv among us and died for our sins so that we may have the promise of eternal life with God. While this sounds all nice and wonderful and something to look forward to in the future, we need to remember that Jesus brings us hope for the here and now. Paul reminds us of this unity in his letters where he tells us that there is no Jew or Greek, free or slave, male or female, only belief in Jesus Christ. In other words, those divisions that humanity had created to separate people are no longer valid because of Jesus. Therefore, we must work for the betterment of all of God’s children. We need to start with what we have in common and not how our differences separate us.
We also need to remember that the covenants that God made with humanity through the Israelites are for the benefit of all people. The benefits of God’s promises are not limited to the Israelites and their descendants but are given to people everywhere. Our mission, should we accept it, is to help people everywhere to live in that reality now, because as Jesus had told us, “The Kingdom of God is near.”
Yes, there will be disagreement on how to live this out and some concern of whether there really will be enough for everyone, but that is where trust in God comes in. Just as we have trusted God to keep the covenants of the past with the culmination of those covenants through Jesus, we still need to trust that God will continue keeping His promises and will provide for His children.
As we look forward and prepare for this holiday season, let us remember these promises that God made with us, for us; and look for that common ground where we can include all of God’s children in the light of those promises. Christmas Day is not the end and fulfillment of a promise, but it is just the beginning of the complete fulfillment of God’s promises. May we live in the light of that promise and may we find ways to help others live in the light as well.
Merry Christmas and may God bless,
Pastor Dave
______________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Please pray for David Prosch, Delores Johansen, Gwen Zastrow, Michael King, Larry Lustfield, Penny Danner, Lloyd Petersen, Claire Pritchett, Allan Johnson, Marian Bennett, and Joan Klitzke.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions towards them. Amen
Please contact Pastor Dave for your prayer requests by text, email or phone.
Randall Garrett Peterson, son of Caitlin & Garrett, was baptized at Grace on October 25, 2020.
The Grace Lutheran Quilting Group has been busy during 2020 while dealing with the Corona Virus. The members in our group are Donna Lynn, Eva Otkin, Elaine Hovland, Annette Hedge, Garnet Petersen, and Pat Johnson. Many hours of quilting were completed in our individual homes, with a few times gathered together at church. Throughout this year we have donated quilts to the following church members and other organizations:
High School Graduates – Becca Berkenpas & Tyson Weets (6-14-2020)
Confirmation – Colby Frahm (6-28-2020)
Baptisms – Arielle Marie Peterson (9-6-2020)
Randall Garrett Petersen (10-25-2020)
Organizations: All quilts were delivered between Oct 9 and Oct 16, 2020
Lake Benton: Food Shelf - 4 adult/4 kids
First Responders - 2 adult
Central MN Senior Care - 3 adult
Pipestone: Pipestone Co. Family Services - 6 adult/2 kids
Marshall: United Community Action - 10 adult/6 kids
Hendricks: Nursing Home - 12 adult
Ivanhoe: Divine Providence Nursing Home - 12 adult
Tyler: Avera Sunrise Nursing Home - 3 adult
REM - 4 adult
Sioux Falls: The Banquet - unable to give due to the virus
A total of 73 quilts were distributed this year. We are thankful for the ability to continue our mission of providing quilts to honor Grace’s special life moments and also to give to those in need. Our quilts are made with much love and may those receiving them be blessed with God’s Love.
Weekend Winners Backpack Program – All children in Hendricks, Ivanhoe and Lake Benton schools are eligible to participate in this weekend food support program. The program receives no government subsidies and is funded exclusively by grants and donations. Donations are tax deductible. $125 will provide one child with weekend meals for the entire school year. You can send your checks to the church, payable to Weekend Winners. Thank you for your support!
_____________________________________________________________________________
Quilt Sale 2.0 - Shetek Bible Camp wants to let their member congregations know about another quilt auction opportunity. Instead of the annual in-person Shetek Quilt Auction in June, Shetek offered quilts for sale on their online camp store. The response was terrific, and so Shetek is offering another quilt sale in time for holiday shopping. Please take this opportunity to support Shetek and do some shopping from your couch! Holiday shopping starts October 1 thru December 1. Safe virtual pickup or shipping options available. Visit: https://shetek.org/store/
Reverse Advent Calendar (compliments of PassionatePennyPincher.com)
During Advent, we prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. During the 4 weeks of Advent, from Sunday, November 29 thru Sunday, December 20, we encourage you to prepare a food box, by adding an item to the box each day during Advent. After December 24, Christmas Eve, you can donate the food box to your local Food Shelf.
Christmas is the season of giving. But if you and your family have all or more than you need, consider giving a gift to the ELCA, in honor of a friend or family member.
The ELCA Good Gifts catalog is a good source for opportunities to honor friends and loved ones with gifts that will make a difference in the world. With 50 giving options – from 10 little chicks to help a family escape poverty to a scholarship to help a young leader attend an ELCA seminary – there is something for everyone on your list. Shop the catalog online at ELCA.org/goodgifts . Share the love!
_________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili
Good served with cornbread and Fritos corn chips.
Ingredients:
2 cups chicken broth 1 cup cooked, chopped bacon
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp onion powder 1 (11 or 15-oz) can corn, drained (optional)
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 tsp cumin
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 (1-oz) packet Hidden Valley Ranch Original seasoning & salad dressing mix
Instructions:
First, place chicken at bottom of slow cooker.
Then, add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, onion powder ranch seasoning and bacon. Stir together. Place cream cheese on top of chicken.
Next, cover with lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Then, remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker. Stir cheddar cheese into chili.
Serve & enjoy! Serves 6-8.
_________________________________
Slow Cooker Turkey (or Chicken) & Wild Rice
(Good for leftovers)
6 Slices of bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 Lb. of turkey cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 Medium onion finely chopped 1 Carrot sliced
1 Stalk of celery sliced 2 14oz of canned chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup 1/4 tsp marjoram
1/8 tsp pepper 1 1/4 cups of uncooked wild rice,
rinsed & drained
In a frying pan, cook bacon until crisp, stir in turkey and cook until brown. Stir in onion, carrot and celery and cook for 2 minutes. Stir occasionally and drain.
In slow cooker, mix the 1 can chicken broth and soup together until smooth. Stir in the mixture from the frying pan. Stir in remaining can of chicken broth, marjoram, pepper and rice. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 6-7 or until rice is tender.
_____________________
2020 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Jeremy Rupp
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
_____________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night) Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (post COVID-19)
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308 Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
_____________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
FEBRUARY – MARCH 2021
WORSHIP DETAILS
February thru March - The council tentatively plans to conduct worship as follows: (note - schedule is subject to change)
February - Sundays, Feb 7 thru Feb 28, Worship at 9 a.m. and Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Wednesday, February 17 Ash Wednesday service at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, February 21 Annual Meeting following worship Wednesday, February 24 Lenten service at 6:30 p.m.
Coffee and Dessert to follow, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
March - Sundays, March 7 thru March 28, Worship at 9 a.m. and Sunday School at 10 a.m.
Fellowship following worship, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Wednesday, March 4 thru March 25 Lenten services at 6:30 p.m.
Coffee and Dessert to follow, for those who are comfortable. Please maintain social distancing.
Grace will continue to practice social distancing for the safety of all our parishioners and masks are required during worship. Grace will not be conducting Adult Bible Study sessions at this time.
Please call the Pastor anytime if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
_______________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – The 3rd Sunday of each month will be designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf donations. Noisy Offering for Jan – March 2021 will be directed to our Lake Benton Food Shelf. You can also drop off food donations to the Food Shelf at the church, in the box located in the Fellowship Hall entrance.
Recommended items for Food Shelf in:
February – Canned meats (Spam, Dinty Moore Beef Stew, tuna, canned chicken)
March - Paper products (paper towels, tissues, toilet paper, dinner napkins)
_______________________________________
Worship Assistants -
- February: Deacon Susan Johnson Altar Guild Coralee Rochel
- March: Deacon Barry Berkenpas Altar Guild Susan Johnson / Karen Lichtsinn
__________________________________________________________________
If you cannot attend Sunday worship in person at Grace, the Pastor records a weekly worship service, which is available for online viewing via YouTube. Access via your smart phone, tablet, smart TV or computer under “Dave Danner Sermons” on the YouTube search bar. Grace also records our Sunday morning in-house worship and televises on Media Comm cable TV at 1 pm on the following Friday; reference Lake Benton Community Channel 117-2.
_____________
Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com/. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Penny Danner or Susan Johnson.
Grace Lutheran 2020 Annual Meeting - The Grace Lutheran Church 2020 Annual meeting will be held at the church on Sunday, February 21, 2021 following worship. Rolls and coffee will be served before the meeting. The council is seeking individuals to serve on the council – 3 deacons and1 trustee. Please contact a council member if you are interested in serving.
The Pastor's Page
February / March 2021
Jesus says, “I tell you, on the day of judgment you will have to give an account for every careless word you utter;” (Mt 12:36 NRSV)
A couple of years ago, I read a column from the editor of “The Christian Century,” Pastor Peter Marty, where the subject of the column was the significance of words. Reading this column reminded me of Psalm 29, which was part of the lectionary for January 10, The Baptism of Jesus. When I read that Psalm, I was struck by the imagery of how it portrayed the voice of God. It was both constructive and destructive. On the one hand, the voice of God could destroy the majestic cedar trees of Lebanon (v5), a symbol of strength and endurance. On the other hand, the voice of God is a voice of splendor (v4). It was not until I read Pr. Marty’s column that I made the connection that the Psalm could also be a reminder to us that the words we use are just as important as the words that God uses. In making my living by using words, I am very well aware of how the words that I use can impact a person. Not only the words that I use; but also, as my mother always used to say, “It’s the tone of your voice.”
The words we use can build up or they can tear down. They can join people together or they can cause deep conflict and hurt that can last for generations. It seems nowadays that civility in discussion is something long forgotten. People are constantly interrupting each other, not letting the full statement to be made before rushing into a rebuttal of what’s been said; thinking that what they are saying is more important than what the other person is trying to say. It usually doesn’t take long before the other side is being called names.
While the exact words that we use are important, it is just as important in how we hear those words. Sometimes, words and what is meant by them can be misunderstood. What is implied may not always be what is inferred. In other words, what I say may not be what you think I said. That is why communication through dialogue is so important. Asking for clarification, reiterating an important point from the other person and active listening to what has been said and not formulating in your mind a rebuttal to what you think is being said are all important aspects of communicating, of talking and listening. It takes practice to become adept at these skills.
As Christians, we are called to participate in God’s creative powers for good. Just as Paul reminds the Corinthians that the gifts given to them by the Holy Spirit are to be used for the common good, so too, our words should be used for the common good. There is an adage that says, “Think twice, speak once.” Before saying something that could be hurtful or misunderstood, think about how you would react if those words were said to you. If you would not like to hear those words then the person to whom you want to say them probably would not want to hear them either. Speech and the ability to express thoughts to one another is one of the things that separate humanity from the rest of God’s creation. By using this gift wisely, we can use it to build things up, to help make a better world. By using this gift poorly, we can tear things apart, robbing our fellow brothers and sisters of their humanity, of that image of God from which they were created. The choice is ours. Perhaps practicing using this gift wisely can be a part of our Lenten preparation.
May God bless, Pastor Dave
_______________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Chicken Bowtie Pot Pie
Chicken pot pie, in pasta form! This recipe is all kinds of yummy and comforting.
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 cups 2% milk
1 1/2 cups yellow onion diced 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 cup carrots diced 1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup celery diced 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon cayenne, optional 1 teaspoon garlic powder
12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta 1 cup frozen peas
3 cups chicken broth 2 cups diced chicken, cooked
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or more to taste) 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or more to taste)
2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
Directions:
1. In a Dutch oven or pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Then, add the onion, carrot, celery, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Cook, stirring, until veggies are tender, about 6 minutes. Add in the pasta, chicken broth, milk, thyme, paprika, garlic powder, and sage, stirring to combine.
2. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender and cooked through, about 12 minutes. Stir in the frozen peas, diced chicken, parsley, and lemon. Remove from heat and cover.
3. Let stand until the peas are just cooked through, about 5 more minutes. Taste and add additional seasoning, if desired.
Classic Cherry Cobbler
The perfect dessert for Valentine’s Day! This Classic Cherry Cobbler is so easy to make and tastes so good. Serve hot with your favorite vanilla or vanilla bean ice cream!
Ingredients
1/2 cup butter 1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup white sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 cup milk
1 (21 ounces) can cherry pie filling (or your choice)
Directions
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 275 degrees F. Place butter or margarine in a 9x13 inch baking dish and set on the oven rack to melt.
Step 2 - In a medium bowl, mix together flour, sugar, and baking powder. Stir in milk.
Step 3 - Remove baking dish from the oven as soon as butter or margarine is melted. Pour flour mixture into the dish, but don't stir it. Then, pour fruit evenly into the pan, and don't stir.
Step 4 - Raise oven temperature to 350 degrees F. Bake cobbler for 50-60 minutes, until golden brown. Top with ice cream (if desired) and enjoy warm!
_____________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions toward them. Amen
Altar Guild volunteers - Volunteers are needed to help with the monthly altar guild duties during 2021. If you are interested in serving, please contact Anne Lichtsinn, 507-368-9329 or at johnann@itctel.com .
2021 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Jeremy Rupp
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night) Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (post COVID-19)
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308 Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
________________________________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com
________________________________________
Gracious Words Newsletter
December 2020 – January 2021
GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH LAKE BENTON, MN 56149
Worship Details
Sunday worship services have been suspended from Nov 15 thru Dec 6 based on the decision of the church council. Once COVID-19 occurrences in our area are managed, the council tentatively plans to resume worship as follows: (note - schedule is subject to change)
December - Sundays, December 13 thru December 27 worship at Grace
at 9 a.m. Sunday School and Confirmation at 10 a.m.
Thursday, December 24 - Christmas Eve Worship service at 5 pm
January - Sundays, January 3 thru January 31 worship at Grace at 9 a.m.
Sunday School and Confirmation at 10 a.m.
Grace will practice social distancing for the safety of all our parishioners, and as a result, we will not be holding Fellowship, Bible Study or Christian Education sessions until further notice. Grace will not hold a Sunday School Christmas program this year.
The Church Council will contact members when we determine it is safe to resume worship at church.
Recorded Sunday morning worship services are also available on YouTube. Search on “Dave Danner Sermons”. Please call the Pastor if you have an emergency or require spiritual care or assistance 507-380-6926.
______________________________________________________________________________
Noisy Offering / Food Shelf Sunday – Once we resume indoor worship at Grace, the 3rd Sunday is designated for Noisy Offering and Food Shelf. The Noisy offering will be designated to Weekend Winners during December and to the Lake Benton Food Shelf during January – March 2021. Food shelf donations can placed in the designated box located in the Fellowship Hall entrance of the church.
Recommended items for Food Shelf:
December – Baking products (Flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, baking soda, brown sugar, powdered sugar, vanilla)
January - Laundry Products (detergent, fabric softener sheets or liquid, stain remover)
Worship Assistants
December: Deacon Penny Danner Altar Guild Susan Johnson / Karen Lichtsinn Ushers Wayne Fehrman / Michael Haugen / Gerry Rochel / Gary Heffele
January: Deacon Julienne Prosch Altar Guild Karen Lichtsinn / Anne Lichtsinn Ushers Mike Weets / Roger Rudebusch / LaDon Prosch / Mike Czech
______________________________________
Check out the Grace Website – The Grace Lutheran Church website is available at https://gracelutheranlakebentonmn.weebly.com. The website can be your one-stop-shop for information and content about Grace Lutheran Church, our programs and events. Please submit any content or suggestions to Penny Danner and Susan Johnson.
Weekly Offering - During this difficult time, we understand some individuals may be experiencing personal financial challenges, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The church council appreciates our members’ continued support for the church. To ensure we can continue meeting our financial obligations, the council would appreciate your ongoing support to help us to do God’s Work, Our Hands. Please present your offering at Sunday worship at 9 am, or mail your contributions directly to the church at 101 S. Sherman St. Another option is an automatic bank transfer, from your account directly to the Grace checking account. Please contact Karen Lichtsinn or your bank if you have any questions on this option. Thank you for your support!
____________________________________
The Pastor's Page
December 2020 / January 2021
“There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28-29, NRSV)
Now that the national election is over and decided, it is time for us to look forward into the future. While there are still many problems that are before us - locally, nationally and globally, we need to remember that we are facing these problems together. Ever since humans began living in community with each other, we have been trying to balance the ‘rights’ of the individual with the ‘rights’ of the community. At different times and in different cultures, this pendulum has swung between both extremes. At this time, it appears to me that this pendulum has swung towards the rights of the individual taking precedence over the rights of the community. This is most evident in people’s willingness or unwillingness to follow the protocols set forth by the states in efforts to control the Coronavirus pandemic.
The broader issue is how we find that proper balance especially when there is so much division among us. To echo former President George W. Bush, ‘you are either for us or against us’ is much the sentiment of people of all political persuasions today. In each extreme position, there is only acceptance of that position. We must remember what brings us together, what unites us. For us, as Christians, it is the belief that Jesus came to us, liv among us and died for our sins so that we may have the promise of eternal life with God. While this sounds all nice and wonderful and something to look forward to in the future, we need to remember that Jesus brings us hope for the here and now. Paul reminds us of this unity in his letters where he tells us that there is no Jew or Greek, free or slave, male or female, only belief in Jesus Christ. In other words, those divisions that humanity had created to separate people are no longer valid because of Jesus. Therefore, we must work for the betterment of all of God’s children. We need to start with what we have in common and not how our differences separate us.
We also need to remember that the covenants that God made with humanity through the Israelites are for the benefit of all people. The benefits of God’s promises are not limited to the Israelites and their descendants but are given to people everywhere. Our mission, should we accept it, is to help people everywhere to live in that reality now, because as Jesus had told us, “The Kingdom of God is near.”
Yes, there will be disagreement on how to live this out and some concern of whether there really will be enough for everyone, but that is where trust in God comes in. Just as we have trusted God to keep the covenants of the past with the culmination of those covenants through Jesus, we still need to trust that God will continue keeping His promises and will provide for His children.
As we look forward and prepare for this holiday season, let us remember these promises that God made with us, for us; and look for that common ground where we can include all of God’s children in the light of those promises. Christmas Day is not the end and fulfillment of a promise, but it is just the beginning of the complete fulfillment of God’s promises. May we live in the light of that promise and may we find ways to help others live in the light as well.
Merry Christmas and may God bless,
Pastor Dave
______________________________________
IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS
Gracious Father, we pray for all those who are facing illness, surgery, a troubled spirit, making health care decisions or are hurting in any way. Assure them of your presence at this time; look upon them with compassion, giving them peace and granting them the comfort and healing that only you can give. Please pray for David Prosch, Delores Johansen, Gwen Zastrow, Michael King, Larry Lustfield, Penny Danner, Lloyd Petersen, Claire Pritchett, Allan Johnson, Marian Bennett, and Joan Klitzke.
Pray for those who have no one else to pray for them. May they know of Your love through our actions towards them. Amen
Please contact Pastor Dave for your prayer requests by text, email or phone.
Randall Garrett Peterson, son of Caitlin & Garrett, was baptized at Grace on October 25, 2020.
The Grace Lutheran Quilting Group has been busy during 2020 while dealing with the Corona Virus. The members in our group are Donna Lynn, Eva Otkin, Elaine Hovland, Annette Hedge, Garnet Petersen, and Pat Johnson. Many hours of quilting were completed in our individual homes, with a few times gathered together at church. Throughout this year we have donated quilts to the following church members and other organizations:
High School Graduates – Becca Berkenpas & Tyson Weets (6-14-2020)
Confirmation – Colby Frahm (6-28-2020)
Baptisms – Arielle Marie Peterson (9-6-2020)
Randall Garrett Petersen (10-25-2020)
Organizations: All quilts were delivered between Oct 9 and Oct 16, 2020
Lake Benton: Food Shelf - 4 adult/4 kids
First Responders - 2 adult
Central MN Senior Care - 3 adult
Pipestone: Pipestone Co. Family Services - 6 adult/2 kids
Marshall: United Community Action - 10 adult/6 kids
Hendricks: Nursing Home - 12 adult
Ivanhoe: Divine Providence Nursing Home - 12 adult
Tyler: Avera Sunrise Nursing Home - 3 adult
REM - 4 adult
Sioux Falls: The Banquet - unable to give due to the virus
A total of 73 quilts were distributed this year. We are thankful for the ability to continue our mission of providing quilts to honor Grace’s special life moments and also to give to those in need. Our quilts are made with much love and may those receiving them be blessed with God’s Love.
Weekend Winners Backpack Program – All children in Hendricks, Ivanhoe and Lake Benton schools are eligible to participate in this weekend food support program. The program receives no government subsidies and is funded exclusively by grants and donations. Donations are tax deductible. $125 will provide one child with weekend meals for the entire school year. You can send your checks to the church, payable to Weekend Winners. Thank you for your support!
_____________________________________________________________________________
Quilt Sale 2.0 - Shetek Bible Camp wants to let their member congregations know about another quilt auction opportunity. Instead of the annual in-person Shetek Quilt Auction in June, Shetek offered quilts for sale on their online camp store. The response was terrific, and so Shetek is offering another quilt sale in time for holiday shopping. Please take this opportunity to support Shetek and do some shopping from your couch! Holiday shopping starts October 1 thru December 1. Safe virtual pickup or shipping options available. Visit: https://shetek.org/store/
Reverse Advent Calendar (compliments of PassionatePennyPincher.com)
During Advent, we prepare for the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. During the 4 weeks of Advent, from Sunday, November 29 thru Sunday, December 20, we encourage you to prepare a food box, by adding an item to the box each day during Advent. After December 24, Christmas Eve, you can donate the food box to your local Food Shelf.
Christmas is the season of giving. But if you and your family have all or more than you need, consider giving a gift to the ELCA, in honor of a friend or family member.
The ELCA Good Gifts catalog is a good source for opportunities to honor friends and loved ones with gifts that will make a difference in the world. With 50 giving options – from 10 little chicks to help a family escape poverty to a scholarship to help a young leader attend an ELCA seminary – there is something for everyone on your list. Shop the catalog online at ELCA.org/goodgifts . Share the love!
_________________________________
From Penny’s Kitchen
Crock Pot Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Chili
Good served with cornbread and Fritos corn chips.
Ingredients:
2 cups chicken broth 1 cup cooked, chopped bacon
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp onion powder 1 (11 or 15-oz) can corn, drained (optional)
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed 1 tsp cumin
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 (10-oz) can diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained
1 (1-oz) packet Hidden Valley Ranch Original seasoning & salad dressing mix
Instructions:
First, place chicken at bottom of slow cooker.
Then, add corn, black beans, diced tomatoes and green chilies, chicken broth, cumin, chili powder, onion powder ranch seasoning and bacon. Stir together. Place cream cheese on top of chicken.
Next, cover with lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
Then, remove chicken from slow cooker and shred with two forks. Return to slow cooker. Stir cheddar cheese into chili.
Serve & enjoy! Serves 6-8.
_________________________________
Slow Cooker Turkey (or Chicken) & Wild Rice
(Good for leftovers)
6 Slices of bacon cut into 1/2 inch pieces 1 Lb. of turkey cut into 3/4 inch pieces
1 Medium onion finely chopped 1 Carrot sliced
1 Stalk of celery sliced 2 14oz of canned chicken broth
1 can cream of mushroom soup 1/4 tsp marjoram
1/8 tsp pepper 1 1/4 cups of uncooked wild rice,
rinsed & drained
In a frying pan, cook bacon until crisp, stir in turkey and cook until brown. Stir in onion, carrot and celery and cook for 2 minutes. Stir occasionally and drain.
In slow cooker, mix the 1 can chicken broth and soup together until smooth. Stir in the mixture from the frying pan. Stir in remaining can of chicken broth, marjoram, pepper and rice. Cover and cook on high for 30 minutes. Reduce heat to low and cook for 6-7 or until rice is tender.
_____________________
2020 Church Council Members
Deacons: Barry Berkenpas – (Council President)
Julienne Prosch
Susan Johnson - (Council Secretary)
Trustees: Mike Weets – (Council Vice President)
Jeremy Rupp
Board of Education: Susan Haupert
Treasurer: Karen Lichtsinn
Thank You for being an important part of our church at Grace Lutheran. We appreciate that you took the time to read our newsletter. Please share your feedback with Barry Berkenpas, Jolene Trageser or any Council member. Let us know of additional items you wish to see or share in future editions.
_____________________
Please notify the Pastor or Council President when:
There is a birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
There is a death in your family
There is a hospitalization in your family
Someone becomes home bound
Someone becomes unemployed
You move or get a new phone number
A child moves out of the house or attends college
Whenever there is a cause for sorrow or a cause for joy
Pastor Dave Danner - cell (507) 380-6926 (anytime day or night) Email: dadanner@aol.com Office Hours – Wed. 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. (post COVID-19)
Barry Berkenpas - Church Council President - cell (507) 829-6308 Email: barryberkenpas@gmail.com
Jolene Trageser - Grace Church Secretary Email: glc@itctel.com
Leave messages at church (507) 368-4243 or if urgent, call the Pastor directly.
_____________________
Grace Lutheran Church – the Body of Christ wants to bring you
Christ’s love in all the seasons of your life.
Grace Lutheran Church
101 Sherman Street South
Lake Benton, MN 56149
Office Phone: 507-368-4243
Office E-mail: glc@itctel.com