Shepherd of the Pines

Lutheran Church
1950 125th Street NW
Rice, MN 56367
Phone: 393-4295
Pastors Home/Study Phone: 320-363-1323
Email: sotpministries@jetup.net

2015

Church Website:

sotpministries.com

Greetings,
Blessings to each of you as we look forward to warmer weather
and the God-given gifts of this time of the year. This year I am
working through one of Martin Luther's daily devotionals and I
would like to share this one that made me stop and think. It is
titled: "Trusting or Testing God".
When Jacob learned that there was grain in Egypt, he
said to his sons, "Why do you just keep looking at each
other?" He continued, "I have heard that there is grain in
Egypt. Go down there and buy some for us, so that we
may live and not die." Genesis 42:1-2
Why did Jacob tell his sons, "Go down there and buy
some for us, so that we may live and not die"? Why didn't
he trust God's promise to protect and take care of him?
Why was Jacob afraid of dying when, up to now, he had
experienced God's help and guidance throughout his life?
God protected him, his entire family, and all his servants in
the foreign country of Canaan. Why did he stop trusting
God's promise when it was still fresh in his mind? He had
always taught his children about God's promise. Where is
your faith now, Jacob? Where is the promise?
Here is how I reply to those questions: God orders us to
believe and trust in His goodness, but at the same time,
we should never test Him. We must take advantage of
opportunities that God gives us. If we don't, we aren't
living according to His plan. But we must continue to
maintain our faith and hope in God. That's why Jacob
didn't say, "Stay here and wait. The Lord is powerful
enough to make food fall right out of the sky. Maybe that's
the way He will choose to feed us." No, that's not what

God's promise means.

There's no doubt that God can take care of you in a
miraculous way. But you must not pass up opportunities
that could provide the help you need. If you dont use
what is readily available to you, then you are testing God.
Jacob was careful not to test God. He didn't sit idly at
home, hoping to get food some other way. He sent his
sons to Egypt to buy grain, saying, "What are you waiting
for? Food isn't going to rain down from the clouds. Go!
Believe in God and do what you can."
Let's step into each day excited about the opportunities that
Father God places before us, trusting that He is guiding us.
Blessings on your journey each and every day, Pastor Bob
Joint Board of Lay Ministry/Executive Ministry Team Meeting
Pending Approval Minutes
April 16th, 2015

BOLM members present: Brent Betker, Wayne Johnson, Deb Erdmann, Curt
Kvamme, Keith Peterson and Tim Neutz.
Absent: Sarah Anderson, Keith Hackett, Pastor Bob and Tom Ollman.
EMT members: Brenda Hackett, Michelle Motchke and Maria Traut.
Brent Betker called the meeting to order at 6:37pm. Wayne opened with prayer. Tim Neutz read
the mission statement.
Chapter 10 of Acts was read and discussed.
Treasurers report was reviewed and discussed. Deb made a motion to accept the report
followed by a second from Keith Peterson. Motion carried.
Properties:
No Report.
EMT Reports:
Worship Team: Michelle Motchke reported that summer worship schedule will remain the
same with an 8am and 10:30am service. The team was wondering if there has been any
feedback on the musiccontemporary-traditional. Looking into getting another set of speakers
in the back of the church for better all around sound. Carl Hinkle would like to come and do an
evening event on June 14th. The team was concerned about attendance for an evening event in
the summer. Michelle will reach out to Carl and get his thoughts on it. The worship team and

Karen are really struggling with cancelations for second serviceparticularly for projectionist.
Michelle is going to try doing a reminder phone call during the week to those serving on that
Sunday. A few youth have expressed an interest in starting a youth-young adult praise band.
This is just in the awareness stage right now.
Small Group: Brenda Hackett. Easter breakfast was a huge success. This year was a record
year serving the most people ever242. The youth brought in $948.00 with no expenses. With
a portion of the funds, the youth purchased two 12 pans and two 10 fry pans for the kitchen.
Financial Peace University~Jubilee will kick off in September. VBS is coming along and set
for June 7-11th. The goal is to reach 100 kids. Look for sign up sheets to come out at the end of
April. A big thanks goes to
Benton Cooperative Telephone Company. They generously donated $1500 to our VBS this
year.

Service Team: Maria Traut reported she is in contact with Peter Keyes concerning a possible
part-time DCO position. Noisy offering for April will be for the Rice Elementary School staff.
Each staff member will receive a gift certificate along with a hand written note of appreciation
for all they do for our children.
Secretarys report. Deb read the report. Motion was made by Wayne and seconded by Keith
Peterson to accept the minutes. Motion carried.
Closed joint meeting at 8:04pm with prayer from MariaEMT excused.
Old Business: None
New Business:
Worship schedule was reviewed through May 17th.
Next BOLM meeting will be Thursday May 21st at 6:30pm.
Ted Pfohl (Thrivnet) and Dan Cairns are thinking about doing Insurance and Investment
workshops in connection with FPU. More information is needed and will be discussed at
the next BOLM meeting.
Curt will be attending a seminar for Treasurers at the North District Office Saturday May
16th.
Pastors Comments. Pastor was absent but wanted to remind people that the Crusade Choir
will be singing Sunday April 19th at first service and Confirmation will be Saturday April 25th.
Leaders Comments. None.
Motion to adjourn meeting was made by Deb and seconded by Wayne.
Meeting adjourned at 8:32pm
Closed with circle prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Deb Erdmann

Motion carried.

VBS is on the move!!

REGISTER CHILDREN:
2015 "Everest" VBS will take us on a mountain top journey with five accounts of Jesus' ministry. By grace
through faith, Jesus, God's own Son our Savior, calls us, teaches us, keeps us safe, saves us, and provides all we
need now and forever. that's amazing grace!
Registration is open for ages 3 yrs. old to 5th grade who will attend VBS from June 7th-11th. Don't miss the
mountain top of fun! Get climbing with us to sing fun songs, do crazy experiments, eat yummy snacks, play
awesome games, and more. Plus, you'll learn all about Jesus our Savior and His amazing grace! Can't wait to
see you there! To register, the sheets are on the counter in the Narthex.
Registration for Everest Vacation Bible School will begin April 26th. Fill our the registration form and put it
in the box on the counter.
VOLUNTEERS:
Connect Children with God's Eternal Good News at VBS: Every child needs to hear the Good News that
Jesus their Savior calls us, teaches us,, keeps us safe, saves us and provides all we need by His amazing grace
through their faith. At Everest VBS, you will connect children with the most important message of their
lifetime: the miraculous story of what Jesus did for us, what we could never do for ourselves. If you can help
full or part time, we have many ways to be involved to suit your schedule and interests. Check out the sheets
April 26th on the counter in the Narthex. Join us for an Amazing Grace Adventure!
CONGREGATION SUPPORT:
We appreciate your prayers for Everest, our Vacation Bible School being held June 7th - 11th. Ask God to
bring children to our program so they can know and grow in Jesus, our Savior! Ask God to provide leaders and
helpers for this important mission. We also ask that if God moves your heart to donate a food item needed for
snack, that you would please check the list and add your name! Thank you for supporting our children of the
community!
Brenda Hackett
Small Group Team Leader
Colleen, Peg, Roxanne, Jennifer, Juli, Tanya, Jean & Emil

VBS Team

We have been praying for our church

family each week as we go through
our church directory from A to Z. As
you go about your daily tasks lift a
prayer for the family of the week as the Lord brings
them to mind. In May we will be praying for:
May

3-

Tim & Michele Wirtzfeld

Children: Megan & Dylan

May 10 -

Robin & Annette Wisneski

Children: Kenzy & Luke

May 17 -

Steve & Karen Wood

May 24 -

Ron & Colleen Woods

May 31 -

Mick & Barb Zapzalka

Children: Sara, Hank, Becca
& Jordie

The 64th annual

National Day of
Prayer on May 7
will have
profound
significance for
our country. It is
an
unprecedented
opportunity to
see the Lords healing and renewing
power made manifest as we call on
citizens to humbly come before His

throne. Our theme for 2015 is

"Lord, Hear Our Cry", emphasizing
the need for individuals, corporately
and individually, to place their faith
in the unfailing character of their
Creator, who is sovereign over all
governments, authorities, and men.
To further highlight the theme, I
Kings 8:28 is the Scripture for this
year: Hear the cry and the
prayer that your servant is
praying in your presence this
day. The church will be open from
7:30am until 6:30pm for those
wanting to come and pray
throughout the day on May 7th.
A prayer guide will be available at
the
church.

RICE AREA FOOD SHELF

May distribution is
Thursday, May 7th,
3:00-5:30pm
at the Old Village Hall.

There is a sign
up sheet in the
church lobby for
any one
interested in
helping plan the 2015 VBS
program. We will have VBS
planning meetings on the 2nd
and 4th Wednesday evenings of the
month of May at 6:30pm. Please
come join the team and enjoy
the climb us Everest!
Starting Wednesday,
May 6th, Pastor Bob
is
offering
what's
called Triad Mentor
Groups.
Triads are
groups of Three (3 men or 3
women) who meet together for
prayer, growing together in their
faith, for encouragement, and
mentoring each other through life's
ups and downs.
According to
Matthew 18:20 there is a 4th person
in a Triad, "For where two or three
gather in my name, there am I with
them." Jesus, by His Holy Spirit
meets us as we gather together
with other believers.
So for 5
weeks we will launch those who
would like to be in a Triad into
Christian mentor groups using the
Bible based book "When Life
Hurts." There is a sign-up sheet on
the counter in the church lobby.
Find a couple other people who
would like to join you on this 5
week journey and sign up for your
Triad Mentor Group.
For more
information talk with Pastor Bob,
393-4295.

This year of 2015 is Shepherd of the

Pines year of Jubilee. Come experience
financial freedom God's way. We are
excited that God has led us to this
journey and that He is touching the lives
of those who have gone through the 9
week course with His hand of blessing.
Don't miss it and invite a friend. Over
60 people have been through the 9 week
course and we are experiencing God's
help and guidance to financial freedom.
We are learning to be blessed to be a
blessing. In September of this year we
will kick off our church wide Jubilee
experience of Enjoying Financial Freedom
God's Way, as we go on a 9 week journey
in our Sunday School, Youth Group,
Sunday morning worship services and
adult study groups. This is based on
Dave Ramsey's materials. What we are
learning gives us the ability to pass on a
Godly heritage to our children concerning
money. Here is this month's info from
Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel
Cruze:
MAKE EM' WORK FOR IT
DAVE: My wife, Sharon, and I want to
instill drive and dignity into our kids'
characters. These qualities do not
develop when we hand our kids money
for nothing, because that gives them the
impression that they are the center of
the universe.
RACHEL: Sunday night was payday in our
house, so we'd grab our chore charts off
the refrigerator. If I only did three of my
five chores, guess what? I got three
dollars, not five. Our parents never paid
us for work we didn't do. That's not how
life works.

We will be quilting at
the church on May
14th, and 28th from
2:00-6:00pm. Contact
Ardelle for more
information at 656-5858.

Anyone is welcome to stop in

and join us!
We will NOT be having Sunday
School on Sunday, May 10 th in
honor of Mother's Day. Enjoy your
time with your mothers and
children.
Hello everyone,
Well we have made it to May.
Our last day of Sunday School will
be on May 17th. We will have a
closing ceremony in the Sanctuary
that day. I will do the summer
birthdays, give attendance awards,
let the kids know how much they
have raised for the orphanage in
Haiti and do a VBS promotion.
Remember, VBS will be June 7th11th. It has been a great year, if
there are any suggestions or new
ideas, please let me know. We
want to thank the teachers for all
of their hard work and dedication!
Enjoy your summer and hope to
see you all next fall!
Blessings,
Jennifer Betker & Jennifer
Ollman

FOR VBS!!
Vacation Bible School will be held at
Shepherd of the Pines June 7th-11th
6:30-8:45pm
Bring your friends, neighbors,
extended family members, etc. This
is a wonderful opportunity for us to
share the word of God in a fun-filled
atmosphere with our whole community.
Pre-registration is appreciated with
forms available at SOTP.

MEET & GREET OUR NEW

MEMBERS
Gary, Viki & Emily
Donabauer
41882 105th Avenue, Rice

Gary & Viki have three

children: Emily (17), Grant (7) & Henry
(4). They enjoy spending time
together as a family and hosting
gatherings. They look forward to
growing in their faith together at
SOTP
Todd & Debbie Manske
1125 1st Street South
#349, Sartell

Todd & Debbie have

three grown children and enjoy
spending time traveling and with their
grandchildren. They look forward to
be lead by the Holy Spirit and being
involved at SOTP wherever God needs
them.
Nicole Seppelt & Adam Taylor
812 8th Street Loop NE, Rice

REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN

Adam & Nicole enjoy

fishing, watching

movies, and spending time at the lake

together. They look forward to being
more involved in activities at SOTP
with their friends.
Kevin & Gretchen Warzecha
Royalton, MN 56373

We welcome Kevin & Gretchen as new

members to SOTP and look forward to
getting to know them as they grow on
their faith journey.

Congratulations
to our high school
graduates!!
Tanner Clasen
Tana Dirks
Rebecca Elliott
Katelyn Gummert
Tyler Hackett
Harley Johnson
Kayla McClintock
Brady Moulzolf
Jordan Schlichting
Jenna Skajewski
Colton Steen
Luke Wisneski
Tanner Zwilling

Way to go !!

VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED!!!! If

you are willing to help serve
fellowship on Sunday, May 24
(Memorial Day Weekend) Please
contact Evie @ 393-2240. Thank
you

Kids club begins each Sunday

following the Kid's Rap Time during
the 10:30 service. Volunteers will
lead the kids from up front to the
youth room for a lesson, games
and crafts. This will allow the kids
some exposure to the service but
also give parents the chance to
hear the sermon uninterrupted.
Lesson
plans,
supplies
and
activities will be provided. Ideally,
we hope for two people each week
and would love to see the youth
get involved as well. Please
prayerfully consider helping out
with this ministry, a sign up sheet
for the coming weeks is on the
counter in the church lobby.
Contact Sara Arickx, Christine
Blommer, or Kayla McClintock with
any questions.
THANK
YOU,
THANK
YOU,
THANK YOU ALL!!!

There is a tote in the fellowship

hall
for
you
year-round
shoppers. If you wish to fill
your own box (wrapped or
unwrapped) please bring that
also.
We received some
generous cash donations so
we're up and running for 2015.
Thank you for all of the
support!

everyone using their wonderful talents.

We would really appreciate more
people participating in the pinning and
tying of the quilts. (We have a lot of
fun and laughs!) No need to know
how to sew!!
A special thank you to Thrivent
Financial, Shepherd of the Pines
Lutheran Church, and Jordie's
Trailside Caf for supporting our
purchase of sheets for our quilts.

Quilting News!

We are making rice bags,

pillowcase dresses, and receiving
blankets for Haiti as well.

We have started our new year of

Quilting. This past year (2014) we
were able to make and give 1911
quilts, pillowcases, blankets & sheets,
and several potholders free of charge
to low income families. (Yes, there is
a need for potholders!!).

We have a list on the back of all the

agencies that have received our items.
They are all very grateful for all the
time and talents of everyone that has
taken part in this mission.

We have to thank everyone that has

donated money, fabric, their time
sewing
tops,
pillowcases,
and
potholders. We have accomplished so
much
with

Worship Shepherds
May

Sarah Anderson

May

10

Brent Betker

May

17

Deb Erdmann

May

24

Keith Peterson

May

31

Keith Hackett

May

May

10

8:00am Youth Group

10:30am Youth Group

May

17

8:00am Jay & Leah Saldana

10:30am John & Gloria Hendrickson

May

24

8:00am Jordie Stay & Deb Erdmann

10:30am Keith & Kathy Craft

8:00am Brian & Heather Statz

10:30am Jeremiah & Candace Dingmann

May

31

8:00am Keith & Brenda Hackett

10:30am Pam Fuchs & Christine Blommer

May

3-

C. Anderson, B. Fielder, S. Schraut,

D. Brannen, A. Ostendorf

May

10 -

T. Billmeyer, K. Wagner, T. Hovland,

B. Hinders, R. Hemple

May 3

8:00am
10:30am

Linda Dirks
Melissa Hinderschied

May

17 -

D. Arntson, B. Zapzalka, W. Anderson,

G. Plumski, S. Monier

May 10

8:00am
10:30am

Youth Group
Youth Group

May

24 -

Volunteers

May 17

8:00am
10:30am

Lois Perleberg
Sandie Resch

May

31 -

J. Ramey, J. Clasen, S. Pressnall,

C. Dingmann, M. Campion

May 24

8:00am
10:30am

Paul Tschida
Pam Fuchs

May 31

8:00am
10:30am

Richael Weinand
Angela Frost

May 3

Howard & Nancy Forer

May 10

Youth Group

May 17

Keith & Roxanne Peterson

May 24

Kevin & Janet Maleska

May 31

Ron & Barb McKeever

May 3 -

Hebrews 10:19-25
Matthew 18:20

May 10 -

Proverbs 23:7 (NAS)

John 8:42-47

May 17 -

Romans 8:5-8
Matthew 12:33-35

May 24 -

Galatians 6:7-10
Deuteronomy 30:11-19

May 31 -

Deuteronomy 7:17-22
I Peter 5:10-11

MAY
Julie Clasen, Charyl Walberg,
Sandy Froelich, Peg Feia,

MAY COUNTERS
Linda Dirks, Deb Erdmann,
Curt Kvamme

If it is your turn to serve fellowship, please

bring some treats to share and arrive early
to help set up. If your name is first on the
list, please arrive 30 minutes prior to the
8:00am service to make coffee. The
directions for making coffee are posted on
the bulletin board in the kitchen. When you serve
fellowship, please plan on serving coffee and treats and
cleaning up the kitchen after the first service. The others
serving with you would appreciate it!

PROJECTIONIST
May 3

8:00am Dennis Arntson

10:30am Matthew Neutz

May 10

8:00am Samantha Dubbin

10:30am Noah Ellefson

May 17

8:00am Bill Paradeis

10:30am Donovan Elyea

May 24

8:00am Dennis Artnson

10:30am Matthew Neutz

May 31

8:00am Samantha Dubbin

10:30am Noah Ellefson

NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
RICE, MN
PERMIT NO. 32

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

Jesus Gives Grace to...

Bob Trinklein, Pastor

Church Phone: 393-4295
Pastors Home Study: 320-363-1323
Email: sotpministries@jetup.net
Church Website: sotpministries.com
SOTP BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY/ELDERS
Brent Betker, President 584-8170, Deb Erdmann, 393-4279, Keith Hackett, 393-4531, Keith Peterson, Vice-President 292-4007,
Curt Kvamme, Treas. 393-3353, Sarah Anderson, Secretary 267-2628, Tim Neutz, 393-3386, Wayne Johnson 253-9020
Tom Ollman, Church Properties 253-4623
EXECUTIVE MINISTRY TEAM
Brenda Hackett - Small Group Team Leader, Michelle Motschke - Worship Team Leader, Maria Traut - Service Team Leader
In case of church cancellation due to bad weather listen to, 98 COUNTRY 98.1, SPIRIT 92.9, KCLD 104.7, WJON 1240,
or call the church office and listen to the message.

Shepherd of the Pines Mission Statement: Connecting People to GodTo Othersand To Service
The purpose of this congregation is mandated for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as found in the words of the Great
Commission (Matthew 28), namely first of all to Go. To leave our walls of refuge, going into all the world, comprising of our families
and neighbors. We plan to achieve our purpose by identifying persons with whom we are particularly well-equipped to serve and reach
with the challenge of becoming Disciples of Christ.
Second, to Make Disciples or in the words of St Paul, To equip the saints (Ephesians 4:12). This is to be understood as helping
people to live the Christian life here on earth. Preparing and encouraging young and old alike to find and to use their God given gifts
and abilities for the extension of His Kingdom, and to grow in fervent love for God and for others.
Thirdly, to Baptize as commanded by Jesus Himself. As God reaches down to mankind with His means of grace, He would have us
baptize His people, bringing them into His family and Kingdom, granting to them life, forgiveness of sins, and eternal salvation.
And lastly, to continue steadfast in His Word, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. A continued
zeal for the study of His Word, the Bible, is necessary for the growth of any Christian congregation. Thus, the Word of God will be
taught and studied in full measure and His Word shall be the rule and norm of this congregations faith and life.
To that end, our every effort and energy will be used in motivating, training, and putting to use our time, and talents and treasures
to Make Disciples.