*Pastor's Thoughts
*Property & Finance Report
*February Financial Statement
Pastor's Thoughts - April 2020
Matthew 28:5-7 5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”
On Thursday, the clergy of the MNO Synod from Thunder Bay to Brandon gathered together on the Synod's "Zoom" account. (This program allows us to see each other, hear each other and talk to each other.) Bishop Jason assured us that the ELCIC bishops are in communication with each other regarding ideas, resources, and struggle to answer the question, "How can they help our clergy do ministry in a our present reality of COVID-19?" Bishop Jason also guided us, the clergy, as we shared our situations in the different callings (urban, rural, etc.). How are the clergy doing was also part of the dialogue? The big question for all clergy, from the Bishops to lay ministers was, of course, how do we do ministry in these new circumstances.
(For example, one pastor presided at a graveside service last week. She said that it was a very different experience as those who attended practiced "self distancing". No one stayed at the graveside. There were no hugs or holding hands. The pastor couldn't touch the mourners in support and sympathy. Everyone was confused and lost the pastor said.)
The clergy shared that we aren't allowed into hospitals and nursing homes to visit. Nor do we visit shut-ins in case we spread the virus. This leaves clergy frustrated and confused because the way we do ministry has to change to apply to the circumstances of a COVID-19 world.
So what did we learn from this meeting? First, Ministry does continue. We are a creative bunch of believers. Secondly, we are blessed to live in a technological era. Though technology does not replace gathering together physically or the hugs and handshakes at service, it does keep us psychologically and spiritually in touch with brothers and sisters of the faith (as well as our family and friends). Thirdly, one solution does not fit all ministry's and congregations.. Fourthly, as we shared ideas and resources (eg. live streaming services) we began to truly understand that Word and work of God continues.
(Note: Bishop Jason encourages ELCIC members to sign into the MNO Synod and ELCIC websites newsletters in order to receive up-to-date information and announcements. They also post links to various live streaming services, Holden Evening Prayers, and other resources for your spiritual journey. We will also be posting on the Redeemer Lutheran website, as much info as we can.)
As part of our Lenten walk of 2020, we have given up more that we ever imagined due to the virus. This upcoming Sunday is our last Sunday of Lent. Palm Sunday and Easter are our new beacons of light. Bishop Jason acknowledged that none of us know what choices will be made regarding those services. Questions that ELCIC, Synods, and individual congregation will address in the coming days are a) cancel Easter for 2020, b) reschedule it, c) worship at home with the live-streaming services? Or......d)? We will find an answer.
But in the meantime, walk each day with the assurance that for Christ's Church:
Conversations will not be cancelled.
Relationships will not be cancelled.
Love will not be cancelled.
Songs will not be cancelled.
Reading will not be cancelled.
Prayer will not be cancelled.
Self-care will not be cancelled.
Hope will not be cancelled!
Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
May the joy of Easter lift your hearts and spirits. May you live each day in the glory and wonder of God's love for us, "that God gave God's only begotten Son" to die for us. AND to Rise again, conquering the power of death. Christ is Risen!
Blessed Easter to you all!
In Christ, Pastor Laurel
PS Thank you for your prayers for each other and for myself. Also, thank you to those who have checked in on me throughout the past days.
NOTE:
1) I am currently working from home. I do visit the church often to check the phone messages, mail, etc.
2) Thank you for your continued donations and financial support.
If you have any questions after reading Rick Norberg’s report, please feel free to contact Council Chair Heddy, Rick or myself.
3) There will be updates from the MNO Synod and ELCIC offices. Bishop Jason strongly encourages us all to receive the Newsletters as they will give up-to-date information.
4) Please continue to lift our Bishops and clergy as they seek new ways to service their Lord. It has been an exhausting and challenging time for all.
5) Continue to keep in touch with each other. For example, phone someone you don’t know well and build a new relationship in Christ.
Shalom, Pastor Laurel
2020 Elected Executive:
Chair: Heddy Mueller
Vice-Chair: Rick Norberg
Secretary: Kathy Maxon
Envelope Secretary: Sharolyn Molnar
Treasurer: Dorothy Raynor
Financial Committee: Rick Norberg, Don Wrobleski, Marvin Hollender
Mission Committee: Kathy Maxon, Jan Cuggy, Sharolyn Molnar
Parish Committee: Shelley Kretchman, Jerry Erickson, Tyler Foster
Finance Report: March 2020
A Time for Everything
1) There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens:
2) a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
3) a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build,
4) a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance,
5) a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing,
6) a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away,
7) a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak,
8) a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace.
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8
In this changed time in our lives we should be open to sharing fellowship with all our congregation. Phoning , email, and texting is encouraged. Especially those who live alone and those whom are dealing with health related issues. May God be with you.
Redeemer Council cancelled our meeting for March 18th due to the COVID-19 outbreak in our country. However, Dorothy did provide us with financial reports for February. As predicted, February we did not fair very well financially. Our monthly Giving for February was $4805.00. That is $1625.00 less than budgeted. For the budget year-to-date we are $982.00 deficit on Giving and $935.82 deficit on Total Income to the end of February.
On the Expense side, we were $4.23 over budget for the month. This left us with a deficit of $3259.66 for the month of February. This in turn has placed our General fund in over-draft. As you can see we are hurting financially and that was before church services were cancelled. Council is asking everyone to help our church by being Strong Financial Stewards.
The Synod office has made arrangements for members to be able to Give through credit card or Pay Pal. Check your email from the Synod to find the details.
Redeemer Council will accept Giving by cheque through the mail. Send your cheque for your monthly Giving in your Offering envelope and place it in a stamped mailing envelope addressed to:
Redeemer Lutheran Church
114 Ashgrove Blvd.
Brandon MB R7B 1E1.
Attn: Finance Committee.
We will process the cheques received each week and deposit them in the bank. Thank you for your generous support in these trying times.
Please call Rick Norberg if you have any questions.
Res. 204 728 1777 or Cell 204 725 8186
Council has postponed all church services, choir practice . This will help eliminate some expense. We cancelled the janitor coming in each week to clean until further notice. We are trying to keep the budget on track as best we can all things considered. We pray this health crisis in Canada will be short lived.
May God be with you.
In God’s service
Redeemer Property/Finance Committee
Rick Norberg, Marv Hollender and Don Wrobleski
*Our Mailing Address
Redeemer Lutheran Church
114 Ashgrove Blvd
Brandon, MB R7B 1E1
Canada