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The First Word
Volume 20, Issue 8 FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL — HELENA, MONTANA June 2019
Seek FIRST His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:33
Special June/July Dates
Seventh Sunday of Easter…………....June 2
Meet Sydney Elvbakken, First’s
Pentecost……………………………….June 9 new administrative assistant
FLY BBQ for congregation…………..June 12
Wednesday night pre-service dinner Hello! My name is that mission has led me through my life
Flag Day……………………………….June 14 Sydney Elvbakken, of making the world a better place. Now,
and I am the new in my new role, I get to help spread
Trinity Sunday………………………...June 16
Father’s Day administrative assis- God’s Word and learn to find new ways
tant! I am very to help people—not only in our church,
38th Biennial LWML Convention..June 20-23
Mobile, Alabama grateful to be here, but in our community and in the rest of
and to help the the world as well. Helping people has
Presentation of Augsburg…………...June 25
Confession church spread God’s been— and always will be—my personal
Third Sunday after Pentecost……….June 30
Word! mission.
I am sure that some On a personal level, I have a beautiful
Independence Day…………………......July 4 of you have wondered how I was selected family! I have been with my wonderful
for the job, so I will tell you a little bit husband, Bryon, for 14 years and we
about my background. I have been work- have three beautiful children together.
ing for credit unions for the last 14 years, Jaiden is 14, Ethan is 9 and Sonja is 4.
leading and helping grow financial fu- We have a black Labrador named Loki.
tures for individuals. I love credit un- I love to read, make my own jewelry,
ions, but God had other plans for me. bake and be with my family.
Though you may not think that a career We have had an amazing experience
in the financial world would be anywhere since joining the First Lutheran Church
in the same field as a church, my career and School family in August of 2018, and
in credit unions taught me that they have I will be forever grateful for all of the
similar missions in the world. Credit un- people who have been so welcoming. If
ions aren’t spreading the Good News of you need anything, please don’t hesitate
the Gospel, but they do help a lot of peo- to ask me!
ple. With a mission of “People Helping
People,” which credit unions hold dear,
Voters approve spending plan, elect new
MMC members
In This Issue At the Annual Voters’ Meeting held on $18,000 and net negative activity for
A Look At Our Budget………..……………...2 Sunday, May 5, 45 voters: the school of $36,000, with an obser-
Dorcas quilters wrap up
Vacation Bible School preview • Approved the minutes of the April vation from Treasurer Johnson that
God’s perfect order 29, 2018, Annual Voters’ Meeting; the long-run plan is to reach sustain-
The Pastor’s Page…………………..............3 • Received a detailed financial report ability with both programs combined
Youth Group News…………………………..4 and review of the proposed spending —church and school—before the
Congratulations High School Grads
Sunday School News plan for fiscal year 2019/2020 from school’s designated funds run out in
Mission and Ministry Council 2021, and a note that though 2019
Confirmation 2019…………………………...5
What rain reveals (MMC) Treasurer Steven Johnson; has been a positive step toward that
June & July Birthdays at First.……..............6 • Received comprehensive reports goal, the spending plan for the year
Choirs Thank You from Board of Trustees Chairman ending June 30, 2020, indicates the
Mobile Bound
Tom Smith and School Board Chair- church and school combined opera-
Happenings at Our School…………………..7
man Dennis Brown; tion will be a negative $18,000, and
Entrusted with much…….Outside back page
• Approved the Spending Plan for Fis- this is unsustainable).
cal Year 2019/2020 (which projects
net positive activity for the church of See VOTERS, Pg. 5Page 2 The First Word—June 2019 Volume 20, Issue 8
Dorcas quilters wrap up the year Coming
Dorcas Circle thanks First Lutheran and in 2017 our quilts went to Niger
Church members for their support
throughout the year, whether it is
and personal care kits to the country
of Georgia. August 5th—9th!
donating fabric or Some of our wom-
almost-new en also make baptis-
sheets, or time mal quilts. It is a
spent cutting blessing that six
squares, embroi- were presented this
dering labels or year. Someone do-
sewing tops. With nated bags of large
your help and that fleece scraps which
of our quilting were made into tied
sisters at Touch- blankets for Christ-
mark, we sent 46 mas gifts. Rounding
At Miraculous Mission: Jesus Saves
quilts and 15 out the list, a num-
the World Vacation Bible School, chil-
school kits to Lutheran World Relief. ber of lap robes were sewn and deliv-
dren will explore God's miraculous
We also donated five quilts to more ered to older members of our congre-
mission and learn about His plan of
local needs: FLS Luau auction, the gation.
salvation from creation to the cross!
disabled, American Legion, and a If you walk through the Fellowship
The theme verse is "For God so
family who lost everything in a house Centre on a Wednesday morning,
loved the world, that He gave His only
fire. you may see us laughing while en-
Son, that whoever believes in Him
Lutheran World Relief now enables joying coffee and dessert, but we do
should not perish but have eternal life”
groups to track their donations, and spend some of our time working to
(John 3:16).
we can report that in 2016 our per- make quilts that share God’s love
sonal care kits went to Burkina Faso, through us to others in need of both
God’s perfect order
By the time the summer solstice occurs, it feels as if the season has been in
full swing for weeks. It’s bittersweet that just when summer officially starts,
the length of daylight begins decreasing. Before we’re ready to let go of the
season, summer marches toward fall, and then winter with the year’s shortest
day.
Yet that is our Creator's plan: “You have fixed all the boundaries of the There will be no First Word issue in
earth; you have made summer and winter” (Psalm 74:17, ESV). God fash- July. The July and August issues will
ioned the world to be beautiful, good and perfectly symmetrical. With con- be combined, and members and
cise order, he ordained seasons, rhythms, orbits and natural boundaries. As friends of First Lutheran Church &
God’s beloved children, we’re blessed to enjoy the intricacies and patterns of School will receive the combined
this magnificent universe. issue by July 26.
The First Word
A report from your Board of Finance Published monthly by:
First Lutheran Church
2231 Broadway
Helena, MT 59601
(406)442-5367
April, 2019 FY 2019 Y-T-D
Rev. Larry A. Miller…………….………………………Pastor
Linda Fromm………………………...……….……….....Editor
Income $50,252.82 $473,242.49 Sydney Elvbakken………………...Calendar/Servant Schedule
Volunteer Staff………………….…………..Printing/Collation
Expense $40,293.09 $452,870.19
Gain/Loss $ 9,959.73 $ 20,372.30 Deadline for the July/August First Word is
Wednesday, July 17. Place articles in the First
Special Use of Savings–Church 0.00 $ 0.00 Word box in the church office or e-mail them to:
Special Use of Savings-School 0.00 $ 0.00 lindafromm@mac.com
Overall Total $ 9,959.73 $ 20,372.30Page 3 The First Word—June 2019 Volume 20, Issue 8
Potpourri . . .
a mixture of comments concerning our life together in Christ!
The LWML Convention
will be held
in Mobile, Alabama,
from June 20-23.
Bridget Michel will be attending
as Divide Zone Delegate,
and Shari Miller as Montana District President.
Please remember them
and all convention-goers
in your prayers as they meet
This Summer
in our
Adult Bible Class
Please save these Dates!!!
we ll consider biblical answers + Sunday, July 28 +
to common (and not-so-common) questions We invite you to celebrate
posed by FLC members! with Pastor and Shari Miller
Please bring your Bible and join us
between services as they
Sundays @ 9:45 a.m. in the Fellowship Centre! rejoice in 40 years of married life. We will
of
35 years of ministry and the beginning
of year 36 amazing grace.
+ Saturday, August 17 +
8:30 to noon, will be the 10th annual
Save the Date
Thursday, June 20 Time TBA Join us as we meet under the theme,
Watch for ALL the details!
!
* Older Wiser Loving Seniors
(55ish and older)
God s rich blessings to you each moment,
throughout this very BUSY Summer,
Pas+or MillerPage 4 The First Word—June 2019 Volume 20, Issue 8
Mount Helena).
JULY 10-15: We’re off to the Na-
tional Youth Gathering in Minne-
apolis, Minnesota! We are so blessed
to have a generous and caring con-
gregation to help make it possible
for all youth to attend. Thank you!
First Lutheran Youth Please cover us in prayer concern-
ing safety, youth connections and an
A BIG SHOUT OUT to Tizer incredible movement by our loving Gus Hanson
Meats for its generous donation of Holy Spirit through everything in- Gus will graduate from Capital High
sausages for the Easter breakfast volved as we prepare for the gather- School, and will attend the University of
F.L.Y. prepared in April. Thank you ing. Montana Western in Dillon to study business
for your support, Matt, and to all administration. He will play football for
who helped with preparation and WE WILL RECYCLE YOUR Western. He is the son of Ryan and Laurie
serving in celebration for all Christ ALUMINUM CANS! If you’d like Hanson.
has done for us. to save yours in a plastic trash bag
and drop them off in the bin behind
YOUTH BIBLE STUDY continues the dumpsters in the church parking
Charlie LaForge
Charlie will graduate from Helena High
on Sundays at 9:40 a.m. while we lot, we’ll take care of the rest. School and is set to start the automotive
study the Psalms that we will focus program at Helena College in the fall. He is
on at the National Youth Gathering Together in Christ’s Love, the son of Al and Louisa LaForge.
2019.
All youth—those who will attend First Lutheran Youth Board &
the gathering and those who will Youth Group Isaiah LaForge
not—are invited to join Rick Pastor Miller, Jason Mercer Isaiah will graduate from Helena High
Northrup, Jason Mercer and Chantel Kim Hoxie & Chantel Duty School and would like to pursue something in
Duty in the room next to Pastor Mil- the welding field, but is not yet enrolled in a
ler’s office. program. He is the son of Al and Louisa
LaForge.
IT’S A BBQ! F.L.Y. will prepare
dinner for the congregation on Skyler McIntosh
Wednesday evening, June 12, then Skyler will graduate from PAL/Helena
go for a hike at a local hill (possibly High School. He plans to work and maybe
attend the University of Montana Western in
Dillon to work toward a degree as a veteri-
“Gangway to Galilee” nary technician. He would like to work with
animals, mainly dogs, to help people. He is
the son of Amber McIntosh.
theme for summer
Tasha Peterson
Sunday School Tasha will graduate from Capital High
School, and will attend the National Youth
Science Camp in West Virginia this summer.
This fall, she plans to travel in Africa, where
June 2 & 9 Jesus Calls His Disciples Matthew 4:18-25 she hopes to learn about international devel-
June 16 & 23 Jesus Teaches from the Boat Luke 5:1-11 opment from a different perspective before
starting college in January 2020, at either the
July 7 NO SUNDAY SCHOOL (July 4th Holiday) University of Montana or Montana State Uni-
July 14 & 21 Jesus Calms the Storm Mark 4:35-41 versity. She is the daughter of Shawn and Lisa
July 28 & August 4 Jesus Walks on the Water Matthew 14:22-33 Peterson.
August 11 & 18 Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples John 21:1-14
GO WITH GOD,
August 25 Summer Sunday School FUN DAY!
GRADUATES, AS YOU
Please consider sharing your time and talents by teaching our kids one START A NEW CHAPTER
Sunday during the summer. Your help will be greatly appreciated,
and you will be blessed! Contact Marjorie O’Rourke for details. IN YOUR LIVES!Volume 20, Issue 8 The First Word—June 2019 Page 5
VOTERS
Continued from Pg. 1
• Elected new members of the
MMC, including Secretary Linda
Fromm, Treasurer Gary Obermu-
eller, and at-large members Lori
Northrup, Marjorie O’Rourke and
Laurie Stelter, all of whom will May 19, 2019
serve 2-year terms to begin on
July 1, 2019, and expire on June
30, 2021. (MMC President Matt Clarice Jean Cook
Elvbakken has one year remaining Hebrews 13:5b
on his 2-year term, to expire on “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”
June 30, 2020.)
The MMC has authorized MMC at-
large member Steve Longsworth to Jaiden Douglas Elvbakken
serve the last year of his 2-year MMC 1 John 1:9
at-large term in the position of Vice If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our
President instead. His term will expire sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
on June 30, 2020.)
Though the church’s Bylaws indi-
cate elders are to be elected by the vot- Lauren Ann Hoxie
ers, voters in 2018 authorized the el- John 8:12
ders to recruit throughout the entire When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.
year in order to get more men to serve Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the
on the board. Elder Brian Buhr report- light of life.”
ed that Marty Baumann currently
serves as chairman, joined by Allen
Keim, Rick Northrup and himself. He
Ninah Gale Kerr
stressed that more elders are needed to Psalm 23:4
lessen the load these four men have Even if I walk through a very dark valley, I will not be afraid because you
taken on, and noted that to serve as an are with me. Your rod and your walking stick comfort me.
elder a man must have been a member
of First Lutheran for a period of one Quinn Henry Hanson
year. Proverbs 30:5
Treasurer Johnson, who has served Every Word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in Him.
faithfully in this position for nine
years received a warm round of ap-
plause from the voters, and noted it
had been a pleasure to serve. He re-
minded voters that financial reports
are always posted to the bulletin board
in Ziegler Hall for their perusal, and
that any member of the church desir- May our gracious God go with each of you as you go
ing to attend Finance Board meetings
is welcome to do so.
forth in your journey of faith.
What rain reveals
Unless you’re a pluviophile (someone who loves rain), a stretch of sunshine-free days can seem drab and dreary. To
make South Korea’s long monsoon season more colorful, art students created murals on some Seoul sidewalks with hy-
dro chromic paint. It’s invisible on dry surfaces, but as soon as water hits, vibrant images appear. Rain transforms gray
pavement into bright scenes of fish, whales and turtles.
Life’s storms, whether literal or figurative, can dampen our enthusiasm and even challenge our faith. Yet adversity of-
ten reveals God’s true colors — and ours. No matter what clouds pass overhead, God remains perfect, loving and stead-
fast. And by praising God “rain or shine,” we, as his artwork, reveal that our Creator and his every brushstroke are trust-
worthy.Page 6 The First Word—June 2019 Volume 20, Issue 8
MOBILE
BOUND!
One of the special activi-
ties at the LWML National
Convention in Mobile, Ala-
bama June 20-23, 2019, will
be the Mission in Motion
Pledge Walk on Saturday, June 22. Participants will be
walking along the Mobile River just south of the conven-
tion center, and can stop and listen to the renowned Excel-
sior Band of Mobile. This will be a wonderful opportunity
to witness in the Mobile community, exercise and listen to
wonderful music while supporting the LWML mission pro-
gram!
Ladies interested in more information about the conven-
tion should contact Shari Miller.
June/July Birthdays
June 3 June 19 July 1 July 18
Pam Dye Theodore LaForge Duane Westerbuhr Bryon Elvbakken
June 4 June 20 July 4 Laurie Hanson
Kelli Maxwell Michael Bridegroom Nancy Jenkins July 19
June 5 Janet Tompkins July 5 Samantha Taylor
Thomas Basinger June 21 Crystal Nachtsheim July 21
Nancy Westerbuhr Mark Bartels Kelley Shields Lowell Bartels
June 7 Rick Northrup July 6 Dennis Giulio
Camille Botteron June 22 Sam Schmeltzer Cheryl Summerer
Dan O’Malley Ava Ellwein July 7 July 23
June 8 Nora Keim Helen Bjerke Jerry Michel
Claire Longsworth Jessie Pate CoraLee Kuehne Emma Taylor
Randy Middlebrook Kathy Rucker Samuel Yager July 24
Elly Schmeltzer Dale Wagner July 9 Dez Brown
Cliff Ulmer June 24 Garett Bacon Bruce Nachtsheim
June 11 Jim Talley July 10 July 26
Abbey Barnhart June 25 Joleigh Mandera Laurie Stelter
Nathan Nachtsheim Louisa LaForge July 11 July 27
Randy Williams June 27 Marge Bouldin Nancy Kraft
June 12 Pat Hartman July 12 Pam Worthy
Charles McNeil June 28 LeAnn Ferron July 28
June 13 Herb Bauer July 13 Thomas Leitzke
Jayce Volpe Barbara McNeil Lorrie Bridegroom July 31
June 14 June 29 July 14 Gretta O’Rourke
Shirley Clearman Mary Laible Dorothy Goodson Joseph Warsinski
Melanie Maier June 30 July 15
Skip Nicholls Alexander Rose Traeton Duty
June 16 July 16
Alice Anderson Betty Brewer
June 17 Elainah Veach
Wanda Person Emma Veach
Daniel WarsinskiVolume 20, Issue 8 The First Word—June 2019 Page 7
Happenings at First Lutheran School
Pastor Teachers
Rev. Larry A. Miller Heidi Hultin, Stacy Smith,
Director Melissa Mousel, Lisa Kimmet
Stacy Smith & Allyson Briese
It is so very hard to believe that an- Our story of the 2018-19 school year
other school year has drawn to a close. The last day of school was Friday, would not be complete if we did not
Two hundred and seventy-eight days May 31st. God truly blessed us with mention all of the people who invest
ago, we opened our doors and our hearts another wonderful school year! their time, talents, and energy into this
to another group of amazing kids and ministry they feel is so worthwhile.
wonderful families. The school year was Teachers will be busy in their We have several wonderful people,
such a successful one, on so many levels, classrooms in June, cleaning and taking who contribute to our school financially.
that it’s worth taking a look back at the things down. Then, they will enjoy a Several church members, current
journey we’ve each been on the last nine nice break. school families, and alumni families con-
months. tribute to our “Good Shepherd Scholar-
School begins in the fall on Wednesday, ship.” This fund has allowed a handful of
GROWTH: We welcomed two new fami- August 28th, with an Open House at students each year to attend our school
lies to the grade school this year. The school on Tuesday, August 27th, through the financial relief it provides.
Chowning family is a family returning to from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There are wonderful ladies who come
Montana after several years in Califor- in each week to help out in our grade
nia. The Elvbakken family joined us from school classrooms. They give of their
Billings. Little did we know that God was time and “kid talent” to encourage each
going to use Sydney as a blessing to us student on an individual basis. Thank you
as we said “Happy Retirement” to Ms. Sus and Jeannie!
Susan McCormack. The Preschool added The School Board doesn't just meet
two slots and the Prekindergarten add- monthly to make sure the school is con-
ed one slot to their enrollment. Slow— tinuing to fulfill our mission to the best
but steady—growth. of our abilities. Board members also
spend much of their time and money to
INCREASE: We were able to add a help us with end-of–the-year or pro-
wonderful part-time assistant in Pre-K, gram events. They do a great job of
Our 2018-2019 school calendar has
Miss Patty Toffelmeyer, because of the making each teacher feel appreciated.
been approved and will soon be availa-
higher enrollment numbers. We saw Thank you School Board members!
ble on the church’s website.
broader parent participation in the Thank you Pastor Miller, Susan
fundraising process, which led to us McCormack, Dick Bridegroom, Larry
raising almost $20,000, a record Laposky, Brian Buhr, our teachers’
amount! The most precious increase we spouses, kids, and parents.
saw came in reaching families for God’s Truly, there are so many more who
kingdom. We saw two school families help this ministry because they know it
make the decision to baptize either the is a mission worthy of their energy. We
DON’T FORGET! Please return your
children or the parents this year. Glory ask that God bless each and every one
child’s registration packet/information
to God for His increase. of you as you have blessed us. “A good
for the 2019-2020 school year to the
measure, pressed down, shaken togeth-
school office as soon as possible. Our
KNOWLEDGE: Our fifth graders have er and running over, will be poured into
preschool is quickly filling up!
been steadily working at the sixth grade your lap. For with the measure you use,
Early registration is helpful for
level in many of their subject areas this it will be measured to you” Luke 6:38.
teachers planning curriculum and supply
year, most notably Math. The second
purchases over the summer.
grade was working at the third grade
level in Math. The Kindergarteners
Keep saving your Box Tops
moved into first grade reading material
for Education! Another
in May. ALL of the Pre-Kindergarteners
mailing will go out this fall!
graduated as beginning readers. I know
we have a high academic standard but
what knowledge we’ve gained!
Friday, May 31st, recognized for achievements they have throughout the year. You help make our
was our Celebration made throughout the year. A drawing school great because of your willingness
Ceremony. All of was held for the Spirit Sprint bicycle. to help and work with our teachers and
First Lutheran Our many volunteers were thanked for students.
School children were their faithful service to our schoolFirst Lutheran Church & School
2231 Broadway NON-PROFIT ORG.
Helena, MT 59601 U. S. POSTAGE
PAID
Phone: (406)442-5367 Return Service Requested HELENA, MT
Fax: (406)442-5285
PERMIT NO.
School Phone: (406)442-6913
Web site: www.firstlutheranhelena.org 127
E-mail: churchoffice@firstlutheranhelena.org
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH is a
Congregation of The Lutheran Church-
Missouri Synod
THE MISSION of First Lutheran Church
is “Sharing God’s Word with Everyone,
Everywhere!”
Tune in to “The Lutheran Hour”—Sundays at 8 a.m. on the Christian Satellite Network 91.1-FM
“Woman to Woman”—Sundays at 9:30 p.m. on KMTX 105.3-FM
Entrusted with much — from your Board of Stewardship
Have you ever been asked to act as a trustee or guardian and privilege to take care of all that God entrusts to us. We
for a family member or friend? If someone is deemed inca- have the responsibility to use our gifts in ways that best
pable of managing his own affairs, a guardian or trustee represent His interests. It seems quite simple, but we find
will be appointed. The position involves a ways to abrogate our responsibilities. Instead
lot of work and responsibility. A big part of representing God’s interests, we tend to
of the job is to make appropriate financial think only of ourselves and function inde-
decisions that best fulfill the interests of pendently from Him. We seem to overlook
the person being served. The person for the fact that our blessings are gifts from Him.
whom the trustee is appointed places much Instead, we take credit for what we have, and
trust in the trustee because the trustee we see our blessings as belonging to us.
makes decisions that will most benefit and We need to hear again and again from His
advance his interests. The trustee has no Word that we have a God Who loves us and
rights to those assets because they are to be loves to give. Our God entrusts His best to
used for the care of the client. our care and asks us to represent His best in-
As Christians, we are called to be God’s terests throughout our lives. The hymn we
trustees (stewards). God puts into our lives often sing during our offertory as we give our
skills, talents, opportunities, money, fami- gifts reminds us very well where our gifts
lies, environment and all things. God in- have come from and where they should be
vites and expects us to act as trustworthy given: “We give Thee but Thine own,
trustees (stewards) of the blessings He has given us. whate’er the gift may be. All that we have is Thine alone,
“Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found a Trust, O Lord, from Thee.”
trustworthy” (1 Corinthians 4:2). May God bless you in your role as His faithful trustee
As God’s trustees or stewards, we are given a high honor (steward).You can also read
