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,
Enjoy God's blessings given to us this time of year. In Jesus let us live a joy-filled,
hope-filled, faith-filled life. Recently, I read this by Joyce Meyer and I thought it was a
great word for us. God is good and He has a great plan for our future (see Jeremiah
29:11). This is not a time to be anxious or afraid. This is a time to get excited. This is a
time to get our hopes up. Here is one thing we all desperately need: HOPE.
Hope is the happy and confident expectation of good.
It comes from a confidence that God is in control of
your situation, no matter how things appear. Hope is
the belief that something good is about to happen at
any moment!
God wants to fill our life with that hope today. He
wants us to learn how to live with the expectation
that something good is going to happen.
Hope changes everything!
Our attitude, our countenance, our health, our thought
life, and even our faith -- hope elevates and brightens
every part of our life!
Instead of dreading the worst, hope stands on the
promises of God and chooses to believe the best.
* When we've had a rough day, hope says: Things can only get
better!
* When the economy is down, hope says: It doesn't matter - God
is my source!
* When we make a mistake, hope says: I'm going to learn so
much from this!

* When the odds are against us, hope says: My God is for me!
This is the life Jesus dies to give us. Not a life where we spend each day "waiting for the
other shoe to drop". We can live joy-filled, hope-filled, faith-filled lives in Christ!
Blessings, Pastor Bob

Board of Lay Ministry

Pending Approval Minutes

May 21, 2015
BOLM members present: Brent Betker, Curt Kvamme, Keith Peterson, Keith Hackett,
Sarah Anderson, and Pastor Bob.
Absent: Deb Erdmann, Tim Neutz, Wayne Johnson, Tom Ollman
Meeting was called to order by President Brent Betker at 6:36pm. Pastor Bob opened the meeting with prayer.
Mission statement was read by Keith Peterson.
Dan Cairns visited the group to share ideas for connecting with class participants of Financial Peace University
to talk more about their specific questions and situations regarding insurance and investments. He had
contacted the Dave Ramsey team via the website to see if there are any Endorsed Local Providers in our area
and they did not have any on file. Week #7 of the FPU class focuses on investments and brings up many
questions for families. Dan would like to offer his expertise in investments as a resource to answer questions or
host a workshop. This will be suggested to the Momentum team at their next meeting.
Acts Chapter 11 was read and discussed.
Treasurers report was reviewed. Kurt attended the North District Treasurers training in Brainerd last week.
Motion made to accept the report by Keith Peterson, seconded by Keith Hackett. Motion carried.
Properties report was given by Keith Peterson. There will be a meeting of the Property Board scheduled soon.
Tom has been busy with his work and the committee has not met recently. Keith mentioned a bid for concrete
work and sealing was renewed. The plan is to resurface the railing at the church entrance at the same time.
Replacing the speakers in the church was previously mentioned, the cost would be $400 for replacement. The
committee will continue to work towards finalizing the plans for kitchen expansion for discussion at a future
congregational meeting.
Secretarys report was read by Sarah Anderson. Motion made to accept the report by Curt Kvamme, seconded
by Keith Peterson. Motion carried.
Old Business:

Next step in the plan for a part time contractual DCO is to go before the congregation for approval.

Keith Hackett suggested that we keep the FPU classes uniform as Ramsey Solutions expects the classes
to be held. We may want to offer other meetings or workshops, but we need to keep our offerings in step with
what is being taught in FPU. There was discussion on budgeting help, following the steps in order and keeping
investments and insurance separate with regards to things like life insurance.
New Business:

Worship Shepherd schedule was reviewed through June 28th. Pastor is on vacation on June 21st and

Cameron Schroeder will be leading the services that Sunday.

The next BOLM meeting will be on June 25th 6:30pm.

Momentum team report: Pastor Bob and Sarah shared the plans for fall classes. We plan to use the Pine
Country Bank meeting room for at least one of our classes to help the community feel comfortable to join in the
classes. We have about six classes in the plans for fall and plan to advertise using several methods including a
large banner on the church lawn, flyers around town, Benton Channel 3, community church bulletins and
newsletters, possibly using our sponsored day message for Spirit 92.9 as well as SOTPs website.
Call committee update:
To date, we have assembled a committee, met with Pastor Brady Finnern, and implemented survey tools which
will help the committee fill out the Pastoral Self Study which will be submitted to the synod. Committee will
be meeting on May 27th. Thank you to all who have participated in the congregational surveys.
New Accountability Chart Pastor Bob showed the newly revised chart that shows the Simple Church model
and how the accountability flows up to the EMT and BOLM.
Pastors Comments: Pastor Bob shared about receiving an email regarding a prolife speaker. He will ask for
more information and bring to a future meeting. There has also been communication from the synod regarding
same sex marriages and how the Supreme Court is leaning towards ruling in this matter. Please pray for Gods
will in these areas and that our country will turn towards the Lord.
Leaders Comments: Leaders commented on interesting points of the congregational surveys.
Motion was made by Sarah Anderson to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Keith Hackett. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:21pm.
Closed with a circle prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Sarah Anderson, BOLM Secretary

Fixing Our Eyes: Strategy for Persecution

BY NATE OYLOE ON MAY 15, 2015

Overcoming the life- dominating aspects of unwanted same-sex attractions (SSA) is

difficult. Homosexuality is rooted in deep woundedness and driven by pain and anger;
at times, it can feel like the prison door will never open. Add to that the shifts in our
culture, and freedom can seem even more elusive. Nearly all spheres of life are now
supportive of embracing and celebrating a gay identity, including much of the Western
Church. Someone who chooses to walk away from unwanted SSA in this day and age
is a target for much opposition and even persecution. We at Outpost Ministries are
very much hated by the world in which we live. But we do not lose heart. Jesus
warned us of such hatred and persecution. In fact, His counsel was to not be surprised
by such things; the world hated Him first. If the world hates you, you know that it hated
Me before it hated you (John 15:18). We are in good company. He goes on to say,
If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the
world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you (15:19). The
hatred of the world is a testimony that we are not of the world. We have been chosen
out of this world! Hallelujah! Therefore, we do not marvel at the worlds hatred of us
but at the reality of Gods love and that we are now His children. We do not fix our
eyes on hatred but on love. Where we choose to fix our gaze will determine whether or
not we move well through persecution. The devil loves to pull away our focus. In
many ways, his primary goal is the persecution of the saintsto get their eyes off of
Jesus, the author and finisher of their faith. King David understood the importance of
gazing upon the beauty of the Lord in times of trouble. Psalm 27 is a prime example of
his warfare strategy. In verses 1-3, he declares that the Lord is his light and his
salvation in the midst of impending war. His confidence came from what he saw in the

light: a strong God who was fighting for him. What did he have to be afraid of? God
was on his side. In 27:4 he proclaims, One thing I have desired of the Lord, that will I
seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the
beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple. David did not want to be caught up in
what he could see or hear in the natural realm. He wanted to behold the beauty of the
Lord and to talk to God about the many issues he was facing as the new king of Israel.
What a profound strategy and life vision! When I fail to see God in my circumstances, I
quickly lose hope. I mean, lets face it, no one wants to experience hatred. We
certainly werent created for such an experience. Persecution for our faith is beginning
in our country and will most likely increase in the coming years, but I refuse to let selfpity or fear rob me of my glory as a son of God. King David made good on his life
vision. After he was anointed king over all of Israel and established his throne in
Jerusalem, he brought the Ark of the Covenant to Mount Zion and established a
worship center. The sacrifices offered in this tabernacle were very different from the
tabernacle of Moses; they were sacrifices of praise, joy and thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2,
100:4, 141:2)*. David hired and paid out of his own pocket for singers and musicians
to worship the Lord day and night. David and his kingdom were blessed and protected.
In this evil age, I have taken a page out of Davids playbook and established a House
of Prayer with the goal of offering the sacrifices of praise, joy and thanksgiving as well
as our petitions to the Lord, day and night. I am convinced that this is the only way to
operate wisely in the changing culture. Like David, we believe we will see the
goodness of the Lord in the land of the living (Psalm 27:13). I believe we will be
blessed and protected. Fixing our eyes on the Unseen can be difficult. It definitely
takes practice. I have learned to quiet my heart at different points throughout my day
and simply ask the question, Jesus, where are You? I am not doubting He is with me
but reacquainting myself with the reality of His presence. This has been called
practicing the presence of God by saints of old. Ultimately, it is about doing my day
with God, from the mundane to the serious. Practicing Gods presence has been a
saving grace for me on many occasions, especially during various forms of
persecution. Knowing God is with me and for me truly is, like David said, the strength
of my life. It has also been the key to my working with mentees. Often times, the
issues of struggle and opposition they report are quite overwhelming. One can wonder
how in the world they will overcome. But as I remember that not only is Jesus with me,
but He also lives in me, I have hope to offer them. Christ in me is the hope of glory
(Colossians 1:27)! If Jesus lives in us, there is always hope for overcoming unto glory.
Times have changed. Persecution is beginning for Christians in this nation, but God is
still on the throne. He is still sovereign, and He is still beautiful. If the shifting culture
has gotten you down, turn off the news, open your Bible and gaze upon Gods endless
beauty. Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart;
wait, I say, on the Lord (Psalm 27:14).

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 June we will be praying for:
June

7-

Duane & Darlene Albrecht

June 14 -

Jim & Ardele Amundson

June 21 -

Charlie & Nancy Anderson

June 28 -

Grady & Christine Anderson

fellowship hall for you yearround 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!

RICE AREA FOOD

SHELF
June
distribution
is
Thursday, June 4th,
3:00-5:30pm
at the Old Village
Hall

There is a tote
in
the

car payment, it doesn't take long to save

enough to pay cash for a better car.

Greetings to everyone!!

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.
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:
PAY CASH
RACHEL: And not just for small stuff, but
for things like cars as well. I often hear
adults say, "I'll always have a car
payment." I can't stress enough how
important it is not to believe this lie. The
average car payment is often between
$450-$500 a month. If your child can
save up and pay cash for cars, she will
have that money each month to save or
invest.
DAVE: Remember, your kids are watching
you. If you tell them to save but go into
debt yourself because you want a car
you can't afford, they'll do what you do,
do not what you say. A $500 paid-for-incash car will get you to work. Let your
kids see you make sacrifices to keep
from borrowing money. And if you save
the money you would be spending on a

As we begin this month there is so much

completion around us! Sunday School is
complete for the year, Schools are at the
very last days, Bible Study Groups are taking
a break for summer, and so we think that for
the summer God goes on the shelf too, until fall! I pray
that He is alive and flourishing through you, summer
friends! Even if the studies have taken a break, please
don't take a break from God. He never takes one from all
the times I know I have called upon Him!
Speaking of our Heavenly Father, we also pause and
praise the earthly fathers we have this month! To all the
dad's, uncle's, and those who have a love for children, I
say Happy Fathers Day to you all! God has blessed us
with each and every one of you! To Him be the glory for
the fine men of faith you are! I pray that as you lead and
protect your family, that you feel His mighty presence
and that He gives you your daily strength to HIS work in
you world!
In just a few short days we will be having our VBS fun
week at SOTP!!! I am so excited for this year and
reaching more young hearts! If you know children who
are un-churched, parents too busy, or your own family,
please share that they are more than welcome to come
join the fun June 7th - 11th at SOTP from 6:30 to 8:45! It
is not too late to register them! Let us reach the
mountain top that the Lord has promised His guidance
through! All able bodies are welcome and encouraged to
attend to help out! We are always in need of a floater to
just pick up pieces for each night! Thank you dear family
for the support through food, prayer and time to make
this "Everest" VBS a success in 2015!
Last but not least...I would ask that each one of us
spend time in prayer in the next months ahead for
guidance for the Call Committee. They have taken the
blessing of finding the man God wants here to be
Shepherd. We know God has a plan for SOTP, but we
need to ask for His wisdom, clarity, and blessings to lead
us to who it is! To Pastor Bob...we cannot say enough
how special you are and will always be to us here. Thus
we also lift up that God blesses this next year for you!
That He lifts up your time at the pulpit to be enjoyed and
full of blessing! That He keeps you gently in the palm of
His hand friend!
Blessings to each one and Happy Fathers Day Dad's!
Brenda Hackett
Small Group Team Leader

Pastor Bob & Carol will be

away on vacation June 15th 23rd . If you need pastoral
care during this time please
call Pastor Gary Hendrickson at Zion
Lutheran Church of Little Falls (320)
632-5792 or his cell phone (320) 360-9617

or call the SOTP office at 393-4295.

Karen a call in the church office

at 393-4295.

REGISTRATION HAS BEGUN

Help provide a Christian Education for St. Cloud

area children at Prince of Peace school where our
focus is Learning for Life ~ Centered on Christ.
All proceeds will be added to the scholarship fund.

FOR VBS!!

The day will begin at Noon on Monday,

Vacation Bible School will be held at

Shepherd of the Pines June 7th-11th

August 24th at the St. Cloud Country Club.

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.

JUNE NOISY OFFERING!

We will be taking up our
noisy offering on Sunday,
June 21st , for the Rice
Area Food Shelf. Thank you for
your support and your generous
donations!

ATTENTION ALL!!
We would like to put together a
parade float for Rice Family Fun
Day on August 15, 2015. If you
have creative ideas and are
willing to help with this, give

Pricing below includes 18 holes of golf, cart, and

dinner:
$75.00 per person
$300.00 per foursome
Advertisement opportunities
We are looking for members of local congregations
and parents of our students to sponsor each hole
and offer door prizes.
Sponsorships include:
Listing in our brochures
Recognition at the sponsored hole
Business logo on 2 golf carts
A great way to advertise your business to
those who support our school and
interested in supporting local business
owners
All for only $500!!
If interested please call or email Charlie Luedtke
320-267-4708; eyeguy@cloudnet.com

Outpost ministries offers this opportunity for

healing from bondage to sexual sin:
CrossCurrent - Begins July 9!

The Call Committee has held 3 meetings. In

this process weve begun the steps toward
finding a new pastor by assembling the
committee; meeting with Pastor Finnern twice;
actively working on collecting the voice of the
congregation through a self-study tool that has
been implemented in two different ways to
encourage participation from the SOTP family.
In the midst of this survey process, were finetuning the development of the pastoral profile
which will include all the work the long range
planning team gleaned in addition to the
congregational self-study. With these steps
nearing completion, well soon be submitting
this information to Pastor Finnern & President
Fondou and proceeding onto the next step in the
process of receiving names for nomination for
the office of pastor. We have our 4th meeting
planned for next week, where well prepare the
final version of the congregational self-study to
include all the recent results from the survey
that we implemented the past two weekends.

CrossCurrent is an open, Christ-centered eightweek group for men and women seeking truth
and grace in their sexuality and relationships.
Each meeting includes worship, prayer and
teachings. Teachings that make up CrossCurrent
include Getting Real: Jesus and the True Self,
Getting Healed: How Jesus on the Cross Bears
our Wounds, Becoming Secure in the Father's
Love and Beyond Brokenness. CrossCurrent is a
great introduction to the healing journey. The
cost for the program is $25. For more info,
contact Jean M. at 763-592-4700 x 108 or e-mail
us at outpostinfo@outpostministries.org

Worship Shepherds
June

Wayne Johnson

June 14

Curt Kvamme

June 21

Deb Erdmann

June 28

Brent Betker

June 7

8:00am Keith & Evie Kirchner

10:30am Pat & Carol Rolph

June 14

8:00am Keith & Roxanne Peterson

10:30am Bryon & Michelle Motschke

June 21

8:00am Youth Group

10:30am Youth Group

June 28

8:00am Randy & Donna Klaphake

10:30am Wayne & Colleen Peterson

June 7

8:00am Alice Ellefson

10:30am Melissa Hinderschied

June 14 -

J. Nelson, L. Popp, J. Boatz,

C. Walberg, S. Pintok

June 14

8:00am Dennis Arntson

10:30am Sandie Resch

June 21 -

P. Tschida, B. Motschke, D. Diehl,

June 21

8:00am Youth Group

10:30am Youth Group

June 28

8:00am Holly Jasmer

10:30am Carol Trinklein

June 7

Paul & Lila Tschida

June 14

Richael Weinand

June 21

Youth Group

June 28

Milt & Marlene Popp

R. Kreifels, S. Ree
June 28 -

K. Maleska, C. Collins, K. Huehne,

J. Popp, D. Dubbin, D. Shane

June 7 -

Romans 4:18-20
Matthew 8:5-13

June 14 -

Psalm 107:19-22
II Corinthians 11:13-14

June 21 -

II Corinthians 6:1-13
Mark 4:35-41

June 28 -

Psalm 119:9-16
Mark 4:21-24

JUNE COUNTERS
Dennis Arntson, Laurie Madoll,
Keith Kirchner, Ron Bulthuis

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!

June

7-

T. Omann, D. Skajewski, T. Manske,

B. Statz, G. Donabauer

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

PROJECTIONIST
June 7

8:00am Donovan Elyea

10:30am Matthew Neutz

June 14

8:00am Noah Ellefson

10:30am Denise Leahy

June 21

8:00am Samantha Dubbin

10:30am Matthew Neutz

June 28

8:00am Bill Paradeis

10:30am Noah Ellefson

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

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

Jesus Is Always With...

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.