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
Church Website:
sotpministries.com
Greetings,
2016, can you believe it?! With everything going on in this world, what
will we encounter in this New Year? Its easy to get caught up in worry but
our Lord tells us to replace our worry with Philippians 4:6-7. Do not be
anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which
transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ
Jesus. God gave the Israelites their manna one day at a time. They were not
allowed to store any of it up for another timeby doing this, they showed
their trust and confidence in God and His promise to provide for them each
day.
In Matthew 6:25-31, Jesus teaches us not to worry about tomorrow but
encourages us to believe that if God takes care of the birds and the flowers,
surely, He will take care of us. Each day contains all we can handle we dont
need to be concerned about more than today. It is the gift of grace, Gods
enabling power and ability of which He gives us just enough to successfully
handle whatever comes our way each day. But He wont give us tomorrows
grace today.
When we think about the future with all of its unanswered questions and
threatening circumstances, we can feel quite overwhelmed. Our heavenly
Father does not give us an extra supply of grace to think on tomorrows
problems and still maintain our peace of mind and joy. To do so would
encourage us to worry, to be anxious and to care about concerns that arent
necessarily ready for our attention. God tells us what to do with our cares:
cast them on Him and He will take care of us.
Trying to live tomorrow today complicates life. When the disciples asked
Jesus to teach them how to pray, one of the things He told them was to ask
Father God for their daily bread. He was talking about more than the type of
bread one might eat at a meal; He was speaking of whatever it would take to
supply their needs for human life. Make life simple and take it one day at a
time. Dont fear the future, because what you need to deal with tomorrow
can only come with tomorrow. Its impossible to deal with tomorrows
problems today. Put your trust in God and allow yourself to enjoy life. Lets
enjoy this New Year one day at a time as we allow our Lord to lead us each
day.

God bless you,

Board of Lay Ministry

Pending Approval Minutes
December 17, 2015

BOLM members present: Brent Betker, Deb Erdmann, Curt Kvamme, Keith Hackett, Keith Peterson, Sarah
Anderson, Tim Neutz, Wayne Johnson, Wayne Anderson, Pastor Bob.
Meeting was called to order by President Brent Betker at 6:33 pm. Pastor Bob opened with prayer.
Mission statement was read by Tim Neutz.
Interviews were conducted with the members interested in the Worship Team Leader position.
Maria Traut joined the meeting to inquire if the BOLM had made a decision on contracting Peter Keyes to do
outreach work. The BOLM discussed how to measure accomplishment of this position and who Peter would be
accountable to. Maria and Pastor Bob both have ideas on activities that Peter would be involved in including an
analysis of outreach potential in our community. Wayne Johnson made a motion to contract with Peter Keyes
starting in January on a month by month basis for 10 hours of outreach work per week paid at $20 per hour.
Keith Peterson seconded the motion. Motion failed. Wayne Johnson made a motion to contract with Peter
Keyes from January through March for 10 hours of outreach work per week paid at $20 per hour. Deb Erdmann
seconded the motion, motion carried.
Acts Chapter 18 was read and discussed.
The Treasurers report was reviewed. Curt had some questions regarding church staff wage increases for 2016
which were clarified. There was also discussion on benefits and how they are presented in the job description.
We need to remain in compliance with the Affordable Care Act. Deb Erdmann made a motion to accept the
Treasurers report, Wayne Johnson seconded and the motion carried.
Properties Report: Keith Peterson reported that the work on the kitchen will start on January 11th, 2016.
Secretarys report was read. Motion made to accept the report by Wayne Johnson, seconded by Keith Peterson.
Motion carried.
Old Business:
Worship Team Leader The BOLM had much discussion on the leadership position and if it may be a two
person job. The group decided to remain faithful to the simple church process and keep the leadership with one
person who would surround themselves with a team to assist with the tasks of the position.
Salem Christian Fellowship: Sarah Anderson made a motion to table this topic to the January meeting. Keith
Hackett seconded the motion and the motion carried.
New Business:
Worship Shepherd Schedule was reviewed through January 24th.
Next BOLM meeting will be January 21st at 6:30 pm. It will be a joint meeting with the EMT.
Installation of 2016 leaders will be January 3rd in both services.
Steve and Emme Anderson requested release to Apostles Lutheran Church in Brandon, FL. Keith Hackett made
a motion to grant this request, Sarah Anderson seconded and the motion carried. We wish them the best in her

new church home.

The BOLM reviewed the Sunday morning worship shepherd task sheet.
Pastor Bob shared the LCMSs stance on gay and lesbian participation in Boy Scouts. The synod does not
recommend that churches sponsor a troop due to the recent changes.
Reclaiming Our Nations Biblical Heritage: Pastor Bob reported that 17 people attended the event on the snowy
evening of November 30th. He plans to contact those who responded to the mailing to discuss next actions.
Pastor Bob is also planning monthly newsletter articles related to this topic.
Pastor Bob shared a letter from Sarah Schmidt who is offering interactive sessions and education on the topic of
seniors and grief. He will contact her for more information.
Pastor Bob asked the BOLM if they wanted to contract with a Pastor in the area for weddings and funerals that
are scheduled for after June 30th, 2016. Brent will contact Pastor Greg Tomhave to see if he is interested.
Call Committee: Brent reported that we have asked for background checks on four candidates. Two others
names were added for consideration at the last meeting. The team is waiting to hear from Pastor Brady if they
can proceed with interviews before the background checks are completed and how long the background checks
are good for. Pastor Bob shared his experience with the group. A special BOLM meeting may be called in the
future to approve pastoral candidate visits.
Pastor Bob asked who the church credit card should be transferred to starting July 1st, 2016 if there is a vacancy.
The information on the Concordia Part D plan was given to Pastor Bob to file at the church.
Pastors comments: Pastor thanked Keith Hackett and Keith Peterson for their service as BOLM members. He
also welcomed Wayne Anderson and Bruce Resch to the BOLM.
Motion was made by Keith Hackett to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Keith Peterson. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 10:40 pm. Closed with prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Sarah Anderson, BOLM Secretary

Have you asked yourself, "How can I have a variety of

inspiring Bible based information and teaching on many
topics & issues for kids, teens and adults available on my
smartphone, I-Pad, TV, computer, etc?" Shepherd of the
Pines offers you, for no charge, all of that on RightNow
Media. Just send us your email address and we will send
you the way to connect to all this wonderful stuff to help
you grow in your faith! You can refer your friends and
family members too!

RECLAIMING OUR NATIONS BIBLICAL HERITAGE

This year we have the awesome privilege of electing a new president of our country. As Bible believing
Christians, we need to take this action seriously. How do we choose good candidates? I am thankful that
we belong to a Bible believing church body that keeps us focused on what the Bible says. Article 3.0 of our
church Constitution states under the heading of: CONFESSIONAL STANDARD This congregation accepts
without reservation: The Scriptures of the Old and the New Testaments as the written Word of God and the
only rule and norm of faith and practice
This means that what the Bible says is important and a guiding light in each area of our lives including the
political arena. What criteria do we use when choosing a candidate to vote for? As Bible believing
Christians, we hold to the truth that all human life is a gift from God and we are part of a church body (The
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod) that takes a strong Biblical stance on being pro-life. When looking at a
candidate running for office, one key question to ask is: Are you pro-life or pro-choice? If a candidate is not
pro-life then in good conscience, as Bible believing Christians, we cannot vote for such a candidate. What
does the Bible say on an issue is always an important question we need to ask. What does the Bible say
about abortion or being pro-choice?
What does the Bible say about abortion?
ANSWER: There are numerous teachings in Scripture that make it abundantly clear what Gods view of
abortion is. Jeremiah 1:5 tells us that God know us before He forms us in the womb. Psalm 139:13-16
speaks of Gods active role in our creation and formation in the womb. Exodus 21:22-25 prescribes the
same penalty death for someone who causes the death of a baby in the womb as for someone who
commits murder. This clearly indicates that God considers a baby in the womb to be as human as a fullgrown adult. For the Christian, abortion is not a matter of a womans right to choose. It is a matter of the life
or death of a human being made in Gods image (Genesis 1:26-27; 9:6)
The first argument that always arises against the Christian stance on abortion is What about cases of
rape and/or incest? As horrible as it would be to become pregnant as a result of rape and/or incest, is the
murder of a baby the answer? Two wrongs do not make a right. The child who is a result of rape/incest
could be given in adoption to a loving family unable to have children on their own, or the child could be
raised by its mother. Again, the baby is completely innocent and should not be punished for the evil acts of
its father.
The second argument that usually arises against the Christian stance on abortion is What about when
the life of the mother is at risk? Honestly, this is the most difficult question to answer on the issue of
abortion. First, lets remember that this situation is the reason behind less than one-tenth of one percent of
the abortions done in the world today. Far more women have an abortion for convenience than women who
have an abortion to save their own lives. Second, lets remember that God is a God of miracles. He can
preserve the life of a mother and a child despite all the medical odds against it. Ultimately, though, this
question can only be decided between a husband, wife, and God. Any couple facing this extremely difficult
situation should pray to the Lord for wisdom (James 1:5) as to what He would have them do.

Is abortion murder?
ANSWER: The subject of abortion is perhaps one of the most highly charged issues of our day. The
Bible is clear about the fact that murder is wrong (Exodus 20:13). However, in some cases, the Bible does
not forbid killing. Soldiers representing their country were expected to kill soldiers on the opposing side
(Joshua 11:20). That is not murder. Animals were killed for food and for sacrifice (Exodus 24:5; Genesis
9:3-4). That is not murder either.
Murder is defined as the unlawful, premeditated killing of one human being by another. Murder is
unlawful killing that is, killing that is done by the judgment of one human being against another, for
personal (rather that national) reasons. The Bible condemns murder repeatedly as a characteristic of a
wicked society (Deuteronomy 5:17; Isaiah 1:21; Hosea 4:2; Matthew 5:21). Abortion is killing based on a
mothers unilateral judgment and choice, which defines it as murder. But if the fetus is not yet human if the
fetus is just a mass of impersonal tissue or an animalending its life would not be considered murder.
So, is a fetus a human? Or is it something else? Biologically speaking, human life begins at conception.
When the mothers egg and the fathers sperm come together, they combine and create a new string of DNA
that is personalized and totally unique. DNA is coded information, the blueprint for the new humans growth
and development. No more genetic material needs to be added; the zygote in the womb is as human as the
President in the White House. The difference between a fetus and any one of us is one of age, location, and
level of dependence. When a mother aborts the process of fetal development, she is destroying a unique
life.
The Bible clearly points to conception as the beginning of human life. Samson said, I have been a
Nazirite to God from my mothers womb (Judges 16:17). He refers to his unborn self as having already
been what God planned him to be a Nazirite. David says, You formed my inward parts; you knitted me
together in my mothers womb (Psalm 139:13). Again, we see David referring to himself as a person in the
womb. Then, he says, Your eyes saw my unformed substance; in your book were written, every one of
them, the days that were formed for me, when as yet there was none of them (Psalm 139:16). David is
saying that God had all of his days planned out for him while he was still in the womb. Again, this evidence
points to personhood beginning at conception, rather than at the moment of birth. We see God had a similar
plan for the life of the pre-born Jeremiah: Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were
born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5).
The Bible considers a fetus to be an unborn child, a planned human being that God is forming from the
moment of conception. This being the case, it doesnt really matter what human jurisprudence says or how
socially or politically acceptable abortion is. Gods law takes precedence. A mother who decides to abort
her child is unilaterally making a decision to end another persons life and that is and always has been the
definition of murder.
A candidate who is for abortion, who is pro-choice, or will not stand for pro-life is not a candidate whom
God will bless and not a candidate that Bible believing Christians can in good conscience support. I do want
to end this article with a word of forgiveness and comfort to those who may have chosen to get an abortion,
remember that the sin of abortion is no less forgivable than any other sin. Through faith in Christ, all sins
can be forgiven (John 3:16; Romans 8:1; Colossians 1:14). A woman who has had an abortion, a man who
has encouraged an abortion, or even a doctor who has performed onecan all be forgiven by faith in Jesus
Christ.

As we begin a new year, we will begin with the theme of Discovering Our God
Given SHAPE on Sunday mornings. As we discover our God-given SHAPE we
experience the fulfillment of living in our special purpose. I love the way the
New Living Translation of Ephesians 2:10 reads, for we are Gods
masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good
things He planned for us long ago. Here are some words of wisdom from
Martin Luther:
Everyone has a calling in life. Believers serve God when they wholeheartedly take care of these responsibilities. An official who governs well,
serves God. A mother who cares for her children, a father who goes to work,
and a student who studies diligently are all servants of God. Many overlook
this God-pleasing lifestyle because they consider simple, day-to-day work
insignificant. They look instead for other work that seems more difficult and
end up becoming disobedient to God.
Doing what God requires is a sign of wisdom. God requires that believers
work hard at their callings without worrying about what anyone else is doing.
Yet few people do this. A poet who reflected on what people are like once
said, The farmer would like to be a shopkeeper, and the shopkeeper a
farmer. As the saying goes, The grass is always greener on the other side
of the fence.
Few people are satisfied with their lives. The person in the pew wants to
be a member of the clergy. The student wishes to be the teacher. The citizen
wants to be mayor. Few people are content with their callings. However,
there is no other way to serve God except simply living by faith, sticking to
your calling, and maintaining a clear conscience.
Lets enjoy the journey of life God has shaped us for as we allow His Spirit to
work in us and flow through us to bless others.

How do I become a member of Shepherd of The Pines?

We offer membership classes to those who would

like to become members of Shepherd of the Pines
and join us on our journey with Jesus. The class
consists of two Saturday sessions. The next ones
are: April 2nd and April 16th 2016. Each class will be
from 8:30am to 12:30pm with a brunch included.
Our goal is to help each person take steps into
Gods good plan and to discover and live out Gods wonderful purposes for our lives. If you
have any questions contact Pastor Bob at 393-4295.

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 January we will be praying for:
January

3 - Carol Davey

January 10 - Don & Gail Diehl

January 17 - Jeremy & Candace Dingmann
Children: Summer, Gabrielle
& Waylon
January 24 - Dale & Linda Dirks
Children: Joseph & Tana
January 31 - Gary & Viki Donabauer
Children: Emily, Grant &
Henry
Womens Winter Fellowship
Buffet!

Its time to mark

your calendar for
the annual
womens
fellowship buffet

at JordiesSunday, January 17th

at 3:00. Its a no stress, no work,
relaxing afternoon with a tasty
full buffet prepared by Jordie
complete with games, fun, food
and fellowship for only $10 per
person. The fun begins at 3:00
and as in previous years therell
be car-pooling from church at
2:45 for those who are
interested. Weve always had a
mission focus to our gathering,
so to go along with the good
food well be enjoying, lets bring
a food shelf item. Good ideas
are canned meat, boxed meals
and of course cash is always
welcome. The sign-up sheet is
on the counter in the narthex.

RICE AREA FOOD SHELF

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

A 9 week Financial Peace

University
class
is
being
offered starting Wednesday
evenings, January 13th from
6:30pm to 8:30pm. There is a
sign-up sheet on the counter in
the church lobby. Childcare can
be provided as needed please
indicate this need on the signup sheet.
This is a great
opportunity to learn how to
walk in Gods principles for
your finances. Youll learn to
take control of your money,
invest for the future, and
experience Gods blessings in
your finances. The cost is $100
for a couple or for single

persons. The church is offering

a $50 rebate for those who
complete the 9 week course.
For more info, please feel free
to talk to Pastor Bob.
Installation of 2016 Leaders

On Sunday, January 3rd, we will install

our 2016 Leaders here at Shepherd of
the Pines. Please pray that our Lord will
give them His wisdom and anointing of
the Holy Spirit as they carry out their
leadership
ministries.
Our
EMT
members are: Brenda Hackett and
Maria Traut. Our BOLM members are:
Sarah Anderson, Wayne Anderson, Brent
Betker, Deb Erdmann, Curt Kvamme, Tim
Neutz and Bruce Resch.
Properties:
Keith Peterson.
Thank you to Keith Hackett who has
served faithfully and is going off of the
leadership team. Welcome to those who
are coming on to our 2016 leadership
team! Please pray that our Lord will give
them His wisdom and anointing of the
Holy Spirit as they carry out their
leadership ministries.

First
Communion Classes
Shepherd of the Pines offers
fifth graders the opportunity to
participate in Holy Communion
after taking classes.
This year First Communion classes
will be offered in two sessions
from 2:00pm to 5:00pm
on Sunday afternoons,
February 21st and March 6th.
Then we will have a special
recognition of our First
Communicants in our Sunday
services on March 13th. One parent
is asked to attend the classes with
the student. Both parents are

welcome
to attend
if they wish. If your child is older
than fifth grade and would like to
attend the class they are also
welcome. If your child is
planning to attend the class,
please call Pastor Bob (3934295) so that we can have enough
materials available. Please bring
your Sunday school Bible and a
highlighter to the classes.

JANUARY NOISY OFFERING!

We will be taking up
our noisy offering on
Sunday, January 17th,
for the Pregnancy Resource Center.
Thank you for your support and
your generous donations!
QUILTING! QUILTING!
QUILTING!
We will be quilting on January 14th
& 28th at the church. Contact
Ardelle for more information at
656-5858. Anyone is welcome to
stop in and join us!

There is so many exciting things

coming up for our SOTP Youth
Group its hard to know where to
begin.The first weekend in
February, the 5th -7th, we are
embarking on our Dare2Share
adventure in Eden Prairie. We have

had amazing participation with our

fund raising efforts and are ready to
go! After our Christmas break, we
are ready to jump back in to our
Sunday morning lessons as we work
through the Generation Change
curriculum through Dave Ramsey
ministries. We are learning a lot
and working hard on really growing
in our faith and our relationships
within our SOTP church family. We
are incredibly blessed here with an
amazing group of young people who
really do want to learn more about
the Word of God and how that all
fits into their own lives. Its a scary
time to be growing up for so many
and its important for us to foster
the relationships for our kids to
have a safe place to ask questions,
learn, grow and have fun too. We
are just so touched at the loving
nature of our kids here at SOTP!
Looking forward to a VERY busy
February..
Karen Ellefson & Michelle Motschke

10:30am

Worship Shepherds
January 3

Sarah Anderson

January 10

Wayne Anderson

January 17

Deb Erdmann

January 24

Brent Betker

January 31

Wayne Johnson

January 3

8:00am

Randy & Donna Klaphake

January 10
McKeever

8:00am

Troy & Deb Popp

Ron & Barb

10:30am

Bruce &

Sandie Resch
January 17

8:00am Keith & Evie Kirchner

10:30am Pat & Carol Rolph

January 24

8:00am Jay & Leah Saldana

10:30am Rich & Robin Hemple

January 31

8:00am Barb Zapzalka & Deb Erdmann

10:30am Wayne & Colleen Peterson

J. Dumonceaux
January 17 B. Gottwalt, J. Brouns, K. Feia,
D. Traut, T. Neutz
January 3

8:00am
10:30am

Janet Maleska
Angela Frost

January 10

8:00am
10:30am

Roxann Ree
Sandie Resch

January 17

8:00am
10:30am

Ruth Brutcher
Howard Forer

January 3 -

January 24

8:00am
10:30am

Janet Maleska
Carol Trinklein

January 10 - Romans 12:5-6

John 15:1-11

January 31

8:00am
10:30am

Jeff Ramey
Sandie Resch

January 24 Ja. Saldana, Ro. Gummert,

K. Gummert, J. Gummert
January 31 C. Anderson, B. Fiedler, S. Schraut,
D. Brannen, A. Ostendorf
Psalm 139:13-15
Job 10:8

January 17 - Psalm 37:4-5

Galatians 6:4-5

January 3

Keith & Evie Kirchner

January 24 - Ephesians 2:8-10

John 10:7-10

January 10

Jordie Stay

January 31 I Corinthians 12:1-11 & 27

Proverbs 19:11

January 17

Richael Weinand

January 24

Garry & Bonnie Loidolt

January 31

Charlie & Nancy Anderson

JANUARY COUNTERS
E. Oltz, M. Popp,
J. Nelson, B. McKeever

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!

January 3 -

JANUARY
Roxanne Peterson, Juli Popp

PROJECTIONIST
January 3

8:00am Bill Paradeis

10:30am Noah Ellefson

January 10

8:00am Donovan Elyea

10:30am Matthew Neutz

January 17

8:00am Samantha Dubbin

10:30am Denise Leahy

January 24

8:00am Donovan Elyea

10:30am Noah Ellefson

January 31

8:00am Bill Paradeis

10:30am Matthew Neutz

VOLUNTEERS

January 10 D. Shane, J. Hoeft, J. Funt, K. Foss,

14th

RETURN

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

Jesus Lights the Way For...

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 584-8170, Deb Erdmann, Sec. 393-4279, Keith Hackett, 393-4531, Keith Peterson, 584-5785,
Curt Kvamme, Treas. 393-3353, Sarah Anderson, 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, ____________________ - 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.