Office Offshoots February

Culture is a significant contributor to any organization.  We don’t always realize that so much until we venture out of our country and experience the changes.  When Judie and I went to Mexico recently we experienced a couple of interesting contrasts to what we experience in this country.  An open air market where the flies were guarding the freshly cut meats and a sweaty man without a shirt was carrying a quarter of beef on his shoulder.  My hunch was that if we would have eaten a meal there, Montezuma might have gotten his revenge in some kind of way.  The natives have more resistance to fight off the bacteria we are so afraid of here.  Who is really healthier I wondered?

 

A second experience didn’t involve germs but a way of doing business.  We had a hankering for something “American” in the way of food, and decided to go to a Dominos Pizza Parlor.  No less than seven people behind the counter took our order, three more did the cooking, and no one waited on the tables.  We were the only ones in the restaurant; more employees than customers.

 

It is no secret that the “Ugly American” traveler often carries a superior attitude and assumes things in other places of the world ought to be done as they are here.  Why do we so often fall prey to our own attitudes? 

 

This has pushed my thinking about the way we do church.  While we do it to the best of our abilities and pray for God’s spirit to guide us in all our actions, one can’t help but wonder about all the things we do that may be more influenced by our culture than our prayers?  We don’t hear the mantra “America, right or wrong” any more, but I suspect we still may be more influenced by it than we realize.  It is just more subtle, it has learned to adapt to its surroundings just like the antibodies in our systems have become weaker because of our sterile environments. 

 

What would Jesus say today about the church he founded 2,000 years ago?  What is the place of culture and christ?  I purposely did not capitalize the word christ because it may be that culture is equal or superior to christ in the competition of the two.

 

Three times I have had to go back and replace the capital “C” with a lower case “c” because my computer automatically assumes Christ will always be capitalized.  ASSUMPTIONS!?

 

Your Pastor,

 

Ray Larson

 

 

Bible study

Bible study is held Wednesdays at 9:45 a.m. Everybody is urged to join in a very interesting session led by Rev. Dean Williams.  The current schedule is:

 

February 1      “Your License, Please” I Corinthians 9:1-23

February 8      “Dodging Doctor’s Directions” II Kings 5:1-27

February 15    “Trivializing Truth” Mark 2:1-12

February 22    “This Is A Bullseye” II Corinthians 4:1-17

 

 

ASH WEDNESDAY SERVICE

Ash Wednesday service will be March 1, 2006, at 7 p.m.  There will be communion by intinction (people come to the front of the church, receive the bread, dip it in the wine, and partake) as well as imposition of ashes.

 

 

DEACON OF THE MONTH for February is Phyllis Hoger (218) 963-7424.  Remember to call the Church Office or Deacon of the Month if you hear of anyone with special needs.

 

 

FEBRUARY DATES TO REMEMBER

February 15           Session Meeting

                              Newsletter Deadline

February 22           Potluck Dinner

 

 

Worship is at 10 a.m. during February.

 

 

Session Meeting — January 18

by Marie Fischer

 

January 18, 2006 Session Highlights are as follows:

 

·         Andrea Besnett was hired as Choir Director beginning January 2006.

 

·         The Finance & Stewardship Committee will realign funds used for capital improvements to the church facility, the property, and for future expansion. Further details and explanation will be forthcoming.

 

·         Elder David Fischer was named as Commissioner to Presbytery of Minnesota Valleys meeting February 7, 2006 in Litchfield, MN.

 

·         The funds received from the sale of Crosslake Presbyterian Cooks’ Book were designated for use by the Member Care & Fellowship Committee.  They plan to use the monies for kitchen improvements including a clock and coverings for the pass-through openings.

 

Session Minutes and Monthly Financial Reports are posted on the Bulletin Boards in the hallway.  Feel free to contact the Pastor, Clerk, or Session Elders for further information if you have questions or suggestions.

 

 

DINNERS FOR 6-7-8

All the groups came together for appetizers and desserts on Wednesday, January 18.  Many of the groups told of the activities they did throughout the year.  Thank you to Marilyn and Ken Whitehead for inviting the groups to the Community Room where they live.  It was a great time of fellowship.

 

There is still time to sigh up for the dinner groups for 2006.  Join the fun!  It doesn’t have to be dinner.  It can be lunch, brunch, dessert, or whatever you choose to do.  There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the Narthex.

 

 

SUNDAY ADULT EDUCATION FORUMS

Everyone is invited to attend “The Sunday Morning Stretch” Forums at 9 a.m.  Come to learn and discuss with others as we seek to hear and apply God’s Word in our lives today.  A variety of topics are planned throughout the year.

February 5^th  Video: “Presbyterians: Making All Things New,” Dr. James H. Smylie, presented by Rev. Dean Williams.  To be faithful in making all things new in our day, we must first understand our past.  A church historian leads viewers in recalling this past to provide perspective and insight as to who we are as Presbyterian people in order to better deal with problems we face in today’s world.

February 12^th  Dialogue: Talking Circle on “Homosexuality and the Christian Faith,” presented by Rev. Roger Grussing.  Thoughtful, respectful discussion focusing on the church’s role regarding gay concerns in society and public policy, encompassing issues of housing, parental rights, hospital visitation, civil marriage, etc.  Come to learn, express your perspectives, and listen to those of others.

 

February 19^th   Dialogue: Talking Circle on “Homosexuality and the Christian Faith,” presented by Rev. Roger Grussing.  Thoughtful, respectful discussion focusing on issues internal to the church, encompassing the areas of evangelism, congregational life, ordination, recognition of committed relationships, etc.  Come to learn, express your perspectives, and listen to those of others.

 

February 26^th  Video: “Praying in the Midst of Life: Finding God,” Ron Delbene, presented by Pastor Ray Larson.  The beginning of a five-week series during Lent.  An Episcopal priest, leader of workshops and retreats, popular author and spiritual director has been teaching people to pray for over 30 years.  He states, “Many of us believe that it is up to us to pray in a way that reaches God.  I believe we are in the presence of God at all times and prayer is being attentive to that presence.”  Come to discover ways to deepen your spiritual life in a chaotic world.

 

Next month…the “Praying in the Midst of Life” Lenten video series continues…

 

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT THE “SUNDAY MORNING STRETCH”!

 

 

ODE TO TWO OF OUR MEMBERS

Roger Peterson passed away on December 26.  Roger served three years in the US Navy during World War II.    He had a passion for aircrafts including building and flying his own.  Roger lived in Shirley Amundson’s house and provided much transportation for her as well as companionship.

 

Linda Leaser passed away on January 22 after her courageous battle with cancer.  She was an active member serving as Committee Chairs and on Committees.  Her passion for gardening took her outside, and you would often find her adding plants, pulling weeds, and spraying deer repellent.  Her memory will forever live on in this Congregation due to all the special things she did for us here.

 

 

Financial Facts

 

Income vs. Expenses YTD Ending 12/31/05

 

Month of December Operating (General Fund) Income                                    $      10,782.75

Month of December Operating (General Fund) Expenses                                         12,555.68

      Month of December Deficit                                                                       $       (1,772.93)

 

Year-To-Date Operating (General Fund) Income                                             $    145,474.48

Year-To-Date Operating (General Fund) Expenses                                                159,992.16

      Year-To-Date Deficit                                                                                $     (14,517.68)

 

Month of December Non-Operating (Designated) Income                               $      20,313.95

Month of December Non-Operating (Designated) Expenses                            $      11,784.52

 

Year-To-Date Non-Operating (Designated) Income                                        $      71,518.36

Year-To-Date Non-Operating (Designated) Expense                                       $      58,886.63

 

George Young                                                        Gene Clement                                    Dewey Krueger

Treasurer                                                                Financial Secretary                            Chairperson

218-692-2886 (Crosslake)                                    218-692-2628 (Crosslake)               Finance & Stewardship

319-363-4932 (Cedar Rapids/Marion IA)                                                                       218-765-3654 (Merrifield)

 

 

Monster Garage Sale on the Horizon!

The Membership Growth & Evangelism Committee is organizing a MONSTER garage sale for June 1, 2, and 3 and will also be looking for volunteers.  Proceeds will be for Missions and other special needs, yet to be determined. 

 

Start gathering your “STUFF,” as we want to make this the biggest sale ever in Crosslake.  Time will tell if this will be an annual affair!  Watch for further announcements or see Bill Bury if you have any questions.  Good suggestions are also welcome.

 

 

a parable

The following parable was written by Jo Bierman.  As a reminder, a recent Adult Forum gave participants a chance to write their own parables.  We will be featuring them in the Messenger.

 

Jesus and the guys (his original 11 disciples) were sitting around by the fire in heaven one snowy day discussing “the good old days.”  It was the disciples general conclusion that it was much harder to reach the people with the Good News of the Christmas message in the 21st century than the 1st century because of all the rushing around, the lack of face to face communication, and commercialism.

 

Peter piped up, “Just look at that latest e-mail going around about the Lord, The one where nobody invites you to your own birthday party.”

 

“No, that’s not so,” replied Jesus, “email is a great way for the message to get around.”

 

“But it’s not the same thing as when you preached face to face.  It just doesn’t seem the same...not really reaching people like you did Lord.”

 

“Look at it this way.  I’ll send out an e-mail with a story just like the ones I told y’all.”

 

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

 

It was nearing Christmas Eve.  The elves noticed Santa was not his usual jolly self; rather forced “Ho, Ho, Ho’s”, not drinking endless cups of hot chocolate, and many frowns.  At first they were not overly concerned.  The annual late December rush had really been getting a lot more hectic the past few years and much more stressful with all the new technology.  Then Elvis, the head elf, spotted Santa going over the Naughty or Nice list three times in one day.  Santa never did that this close to Christmas Eve.  A quick look for quality assurance in regards to what present would be given to whom but by this time of the year all was pretty well set.  Even so Elvis and the other elves were extremely surprised when Santa came into the work room on the 23rd and ordered everybody out.  Just what could be going on.

 

A short time later the elves were allowed back into the room.  Elvis noticed Santa had a smidgen of coal dust on his cheek.  This can’t be—we haven’t given out any coal for eons, he thought.  Several of the others noticed the same things.  Word got around the workshop very quickly.  Things started getting really tense.  Was Santa really planning on giving coal to a child?  No way this was happening.

 

On the 24th, when they helped Santa load the sleigh, one of the helpers spotted a small package sticking out of Santa’s back pocket when Santa bent over.  It had a black dusty coating on the wrapper.  Santa had wrapped a bit of coal—wrapped it himself.  It was unthinkable.  He ran to Elvis with the news.  Elvis was going to catch Santa before he left but the unjolly old man ignored Elvis’ call and took off in a hurry.

 

During the whole evening Elvis and the upper management elves watched the North Pole satellite tracking system.  They could see the path of the sleigh but the definition wasn’t good enough to see if the package was still in Santa’s back pocket or not.  “If only we had gotten the latest satellite upgrades this past year instead of taking the lowest bid and having to wait for the contractor to install during our spring break,” thought Elvis.  He was just as worried as the other elves but kept his thoughts to himself in order not to get the others even more upset.

 

As usual Santa followed the pre-flight plan right down to the last stop.  NO changes, deviations, or anything unexpected.  He arrived back at the North Pole reindeer stables on time.  He climbed down from the sleigh just as Elvis rushed into the barn, “I’m here to help.”  Santa only shook his head and Elvis skidded to a stop and held his breath as Santa turned back to the sleigh to get the big empty bag.  Oh no, Santa’s back pocket was empty!!!

 

“Come on,” Santa exclaimed.  “It’s time for the annual hot chocolate breakfast.”  He looked so sad but determined.  All through the feast the elves could tell something was wrong but they, like Santa, put on a quietly forced festive air.  Even the passing out of the presents and the unusually large Christmas bonus didn’t lighten anyone’s spirits.

 

Santa slipped out early and went into his room very quietly closing the door.  Not that his almost furtive exit escaped any of the elves’ notice; they just didn’t know what to say to help Santa.  Mrs. Claus stayed on until after the clean up but everyone could tell she wasn’t very attentive to all the goings on.  Nobody dared to ask her just what was going on either.

 

Santa didn’t come out the rest of the day, nor the next day, or the next.  Mrs. Claus’ eyes were red rimmed for days.  The elves dragged around the workshop.  Plans for spring break were subdued...and many elves weren’t even sure if they were going to go on vacation this year.

 

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*

 

At this point Jesus stopped.  He looked around; then he just gazed off into the stratosphere not saying another word.

 

The guys looked around at each other totally perplexed.  Thomas shrugged and stared at the ground.

 

“Is that all?” asked Peter as he scratched his head.

 

“What do you want us to think?” said Thomas.

 

Others chimed in with—”What does a story about a mythical being who seems to be coming more important than you are have to do with what we’ve been talking about?” and “It just goes to show how awful the current world is that Santa gave coal to a child.”

 

They started arguing over the story.  They are no elves...and no Santa.  People are just too callus to be nice.  It is all about presents.  People have to be judged and punished according to their misdeeds.  Santa should have been forgiven.  It was getting quite heated...and not just from the heat of the fire.

 

“Wait a minute.”  Jesus suddenly said.  “Just what would you say if I told you soon Santa is going to receive a letter from a little one thanking him for the coal that is keeping her family warm this cold, cold winter on earth?”

 

 

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

“The Children’s Choir” was a big success at the Baptism of Sarah Leaser on January 15.  Many thanks to our new Choir Director, Andrea Besnett, for working with the children.  We appreciate the efforts also of the parents of those smiling, singing children for getting them to church.

 

Special thank you to the following recent helpers in the classroom:  Elaine Taubert, Eleanor Waering, Julie Friday, Bill Bury, and Karen Olsen.

 

Becky Bury is actively recruiting people to teach Sunday School (or just share “your story”) while Betsy Simons is away during February and March.  Please call Becky at 692-1548 so she won’t have to call so many people.  Thank you in advance for helping with our important youngest members.

 

See you in the spring!

Betsy Simons

 

P.S.  We are beginning to save our offerings for our newest Heifer International animal...a pig!

 

 

WELCOME OUR NEW CHOIR DIRECTOR, ANDREA BESNETT

Andrea lives in Breezy Point with her two children Zac 17 and Alyx 16.  She has been in this area for 17 years. 

 

She has taught music for 16 years with 12 of it in Pequot Lakes where she teaches 5th grade choir; 5th, 6th, and 7th grade music; and high school keyboard and theory.

 

Her main instrument is the French horn, but she plays just about everything (some better than others!). 

 

Andrea has felt very welcomed into this group of worshipers and hopes that together beautiful music will be created.

 

 

TAX PREPARATION SERVICE

Free income tax preparation for Seniors and low-income residents of Crosslake is provided through the auspices of AARP.

 

This service is provided on Friday mornings from February 24 through April 14 at Crosslake Community Center.  Individuals desiring help with income tax preparation should call the Community Center at (218) 692-4271 for an appointment.

 

 

FORWARDING OF E-MAILS

Do you really know how to forward e-mails? 50% of us do; 50% do NOT.  Do you wonder why you get viruses or junk mail?  Do you hate it? 

 

Every time you forward an e-mail, there is information left over from the people who got the message before you, namely their e-mail addresses and names.  As the messages get forwarded along, the list of addresses builds, and builds, and builds, and all it takes is for some poor sap to get a virus, and his or her computer can send that virus to every e-mail address that has come across his computer. 

 

Or, someone can take all of those addresses and sell them or send junk mail to them in the hopes that you will go to the site and they will make five cents for each hit.  That's right, all of that inconvenience over a nickel!  How do you stop it?  Well, there are two easy steps:

 

1) When you forward an e-mail, DELETE all of the other addresses that appear in the body of the message.  That's right, DELETE them.  Highlight them and delete them, backspace them, cut them, whatever it is you know how to do.  It only takes a second.  You MUST click the "Forward" button first, then you will have full editing capabilities against the body and headers of the message.  If you don't click on "Forward" first, you won't be able to edit the message at all.

 

2) Whenever you send an e-mail to more than one person, do NOT use the To: or Cc: columns for adding e-mail address.  Always use the BCC: (blind carbon copy) column for listing the e-mail addresses.  This is the way that people you send to only see their own e-mail address.  If you don't see your BCC: option click on where it says To: and your address list will appear. Highlight the address and choose BCC: and that's it, it's that easy.  In the "TO:" field of the people who receive the e-mail it could be blank, say “Undisclosed Recipients,” or contain your e-mail address.

 

So please, let's stop the junk mail and the viruses!