June Message from Minister

June Message from Ralph

 Summer is upon us and with it comes vacation time, trips to the beach, Valleyfair, cookouts, town celebrations, the State Fair and much more. It is a time when activities in the church community take a break from the hectic pace of confirmation, JAM, Advent, Christmas, Lent, and Easter. But soon we will ramp up again with our fabulous Vacation Bible School which this year will feature the “Rainforest.” I can’t wait to see what great designs take over our fellowship hall and altar area. It is jam packed within a five-evening timeframe – exhausting for many, exhilarating for many more. 

June brings the annual Synod Assembly the first Friday and Saturday. This year will be extra special and humbling for me personally as I will be commissioned as a Synod Authorized Minister at the worship service on Saturday. Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that someday I would be asked to:

  Commit myself to the new trust and responsibility in the confidence that it comes from God. 

 Preach and teach in accordance with the holy scriptures and with the confession of the Lutheran church. 

 Carry out this ministry in harmony with the constitution of the ELCA.

  Be diligent in my study of the holy scriptures and faithful in my use of the means of grace. 

 To love, serve, and pray for God’s people, nourish them with the word and sacraments, and lead them by my own example in faithful and holy living, and

  To give faithful witness in the world, that God’s love may be known in all I do. 

And I will with great emotion answer: “Yes, with the help of God.” 

I definitely rely heavily on the help of God in this role I have been blessed to do, but I also know that I can only do it with the help of each one of you. Your encouragement and support over these last two years and hopefully for many more to come is what makes this life journey I have embarked on so enjoyable and I am thankful every day for the ability God gave me to do it. 

So as the summer many times brings fewer people to church each Sunday morning because of activities we only get to take on in the short time of nice weather, take time to thank the God that gave us this creation to enjoy the beaches, the prairies, the picnics (ants included) and remember he is always with you. As we do every Tuesday at Living Meadows, remember to pray without ceasing. 

My goal for the summer is to take time in meditation and reflection with God, to thank him for allowing me this responsibility. And to ask him to give me the words he wishes me to share with you each time we are together. Also to thank him for what he has given me. I sometimes wake up and wonder – what did God see in me that he chooses me to be on Jesus’ team. Whatever it was, may I always be a good teammate.

 Enjoy the summer, in Minnesota we never know how long the warm weather will last. Thank God we get what we get, and we cannot have a fit! (Per Mary F.)

Just one of you in Christ - Ralph

April 2026 Lake Hanska News

 

News from Lake Hanska Lutheran Church

 

Food Shelf Report

We were able to once again bring 23# of supplies to the Brown County Food Shelf at the end of

February. We are so grateful to deliver goods at the end of each month. It is so easy to drop any

non-perishable groceries, cleaning supplies, or hygiene supplies into the box provided in the Narthex of the church.    

 

WELCA Quilters Report 

5 ladies met on Wednesday, March 4th for a fun get-together. They were able to make 2 quilts during the morning hours plus assist with another quilt. We’d love for you to come join us. Another way to help out is to donate materials of old sheets or good materials in good shape, or donating cash to buy more materials as our resources for funds are limited. If interested, we do also sell our quilts for $25 each. Any quilts we have are donated to NUMAS Haus, Brown County Human Services, Watonwan Human Services, Senior Homes, NOVA House, and more.

 

Bible Study

Ralph Flitter leads us in a more in-depth look of the Gospel from the worship the Sunday before we meet. This is a very relaxed, informal discussion of the Gospel. Everyone (men-women-Faith

Lutheran members and non-members) are welcome to join us. You do not have to do quilting if you come for the Bible Study. We will enjoy coffee and treats (optional: bring a treat to share) during the study. We look forward to seeing you. 

 

Living Meadows General Store

The Living Meadows at Luther Spring Festival will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Madelia on Tuesday, April 14th. The public is encouraged to come and support Living Meadows. We continue to have a basket located in the narthex to receive small gift items to be donated to Living Meadows

General Store for bingo prizes and other things. Items can be lotions and cremes, soaps, body

sprays, hygiene care items, toothpaste, coloring books, large sized crayons, Word Finds, greeting cards, snacks and sugar-free candies, room décor and other small items.

 

Snow Removal Season

Like it or not we are in the season of possible snow removal. Please be considerate of the need and pitch in when you can. A shovel, broom, and salt is provided near the west door of the Narthex. If you have a blower or scoop, the trustees will be forever grateful for the help.

 

April Message from Minister

 

Here we are at April and we think spring is here to stay – but we have been fooled before. Easter is early this year, and I can remember as a kid playing with a cousin out in the snow on Easter – hopefully we won’t see that.

April is primarily a feminine given name of a Latin origin meaning “to open” which is very symbolic of what we think of spring. We think of the new buds on trees, of the grass beginning to turn green, of ice-covered lakes opening up and of course April showers so that we can have May flowers. Back to the Latin origin, it refers to the opening of nature during springtime.

During our Easter season, we can relate these meanings to our celebration of our Lord’s resurrection on Easter morning. However, we don’t look at the opening of nature – we look at the opening of the tomb and finding it empty! I think we all have experienced the feeling of opening a gift box, a package, that tub of ice cream in the freezer and finding that it is empty! We don’t rejoice at that time and neither did the women who had come in the early hours of Easter morning. They were very concerned with where their Lord had been taken – but their concerns were soon to turn to celebration when they discovered that Jesus was with them still. In his human form, nail holes in his hands and the spear slice in his side.

At this time of spring, when we get back outdoors to enjoy the warmer weather with walks, bike rides, lawn work or just sitting on a deck taking in the new beginnings after the winter – let us take in all the wonder around us and take time to rejoice that our Savior died and rose again for us.  

A proper prayer for spring – “As the sun rises, you are ever near us, risen Christ. We give you thanks and praise for your presence in all its surprising forms.” Let us truly revel and enjoy what God has done for us this Easter and every day of the year.

 

Just one of you in Christ - Ralph

 

March 12th Faith Lutheran Church Council

 

Faith Lutheran Church Council Minutes – March 12, 2026

 

           President - Lori Pietsch                          V. President - Randy Gustafson   

           Secretary - Stacy Reed                            Treasurers - Kathy Guyer, Jane Piepgras   

Deacons - Sherri Gustafson, Cindy Lehman    S.A.M - Ralph Flitter

Trustees - Ben Odegard, Chad Becker, Pam Bocock

BOE - Steph Odegard 

 

Secretary’s Report:

Reviewed February minutes as printed in the newsletter.

 

Treasurer’s Report: 

February expenses were $15,353.98 and receipts $8,876.05. Kathy reported she has asked for a larger garbage bin to be delivered. Also discussed was bringing in a 2 or 4 yd dumpster for the week of VBS.

 

Trustees Report:

The glass panel by the front sliding doors was shattered a few weeks ago, a police report was filed. The

replacement cost is $ 933.40 and has been ordered. Ben presented a quote for security cameras through

Christensen Communications. We discussed the need and cost of these cameras and will further discuss them at the next meeting.

 

Deacons: 

Easter garden order forms are available in the sanctuary.

¨ 3/21- 1st Communion class

¨ 3/29- Palm Sunday

¨ 4/5 - Easter Sunday with children's sermon

¨ 5/3- Confirmation Sunday

¨ 5/17- Senior Graduation Recognition

 

We have received 2 large cash donations for VBS.

 

Board of Ed:

April 29th will be the last night of JAM with a Parent/family night. Confirmation students are seeking donations for the food shelf. In April the students will be shopping for the food shelf with the donations collected. Last year they collected $1,070. A donation plate is also located in the back of the church for food shelf donations.

 

Ralph’s Report:

Ralph’s visits this month were 5 Home/l Living Meadows, 1 Office visit and 3 at Pray without Ceasing. He has attended a daylong session as part of the  Partners in Education of the SW MN Synod and also the annual

meeting of the Watonwan River Conference. Attendance for Wednesday Lenten services at Faith has been spotty. Ralph would like to address this for next year, do we need to change the time of the service? Ralph continues to meet with his mentors Scott Richards and Sarah Zender. He will be attending his 3rd and final SAM retreat April 19-21.

Motion to accept reports was made by Ben/seconded by Kathy.

 

Old Business:

Cranberry hymnals have been purchased. A listing was reviewed for the visiting committee. The new website is operating and looks great, take a look and let us know what you think. The new website is:

faithlutheranmadelia.org

 

New Business:

Spring clean-up is scheduled for 4/29 at 6:00pm. Please consider helping us. We have spoken to an organ repair specialist and received a quote for a service call to fix. They believe it is a magnetic issue with a stuck F pedal.

Chad made a motion to approve the organ repair and Ben seconded. 

Respectfully submitted, Stacy Reed-Secretary

 

April 9, 2026 Faith Lutheran Council Minutes

 Faith Lutheran Church Council Minutes-April 9, 2026 

Vice President: Randy Gustafson             S.A.M. – Ralph Flitter
Treasurers: Jane Piepgras, Kathy Guyer
Deacons: Sherri Gustafson, Mary Feder
Trustees: Chad Becker, Pam Bocock
BOE: Patti Young 

Secretary’s Report:
  Reviewed March minutes as printed in the newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report:
  March expenses were $11,787.63 and receipts $10,183.41. 

Trustees Report:
  The organ has been repaired $560.67 with a good share of the expense being covered through donations. Boiler room door has been unlocked. A new office e-mail has been established for the church office; faithofficemadelia@gmail.com. Total Lawn Care has generously donated their lawn care service for the 2026 season. A big thank you to Dustin and Sarah VanHale. Council approved a request of Wellspring in Action to host a seminar “First Aid for Older Adults. 

Deacon’s Report:
  May 10th-Mother’s Day, carnations will be ordered and handed out that Sunday.
 May 17th Senior Recognition Sunday-invite letters will be sent to the graduates.
  April 12th- Two communion options will be offered, intinction or wine cups.
  April 29th- Outside church clean-up. Confirmation students are required to help. 

Board of Ed:
 Last day of JAM, April 29th, will also be a Family Night with a short program and a meal. Looking at some additional activities when JAM is not in session.

 S.A.M. Report:
 Ralph co-hosted with Janet Adams (5 times) “Pray without Ceasing” at Living Meadows, visited non-members while there. Made telephone visits with members. Attended the SW MN Synod Council on March 14th and the Watonwan River Conference on March 19th. Held a First Communion class for 4 students on March 21st. A second class is scheduled for April 25th. Lenten Services and Easter Services went well. 

Motion to approve all reports was made by Patti Young and seconded by Pam Bocock. 

Old Business:
 Chad Becker and Stacy Reed will attend a Church Safety Meeting May 14th.
 61Key Service repaired the organ. 

New Business:
  Executive Council will meet Thursday April 16th, 5:30 p.m. at Faith. Thank you to the Todd Simpson family who donated memorial funds in memory of Todd Simpson. 

Thank you to Ralph Flitter for Lenten and Easter services, Pam Bocock for playing the trumpet Easter Sunday and Sherri Gustafson for organizing the Easter Garden. 

Upcoming Children’s sermons will be April 21st, May 10th and June 14th. 

Ralph recommended the following students for May 3rd Confirmation: Brook Rannow, Kendra Rannow, Addison Odegard, Alayna Caraway, Khloe Johnson, Kendra Frederickson. 

 A meeting will be scheduled for October 7th welcoming new members and October 11th will be New Member recognition Sunday. 

With no further business before the Council, a motion was made by Pam Bocock and seconded by Mary Feder to adjourn the meeting.

 The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

 Respectfully submitted, Jane Piepgras - Treasurer

Faith February Council meeting

 

Faith Lutheran Church Council Minutes –Feb. 12, 2026

President - Lori Pietsch                    V. President - Randy Gustafson
             Secretary - Stacy Reed                    Treasurers - Kathy Guyer, Jane Piepgras

          Deacons - Sherri Gustafson, Cindy Lehman, Mary Feder
                     Trustees - Ben Odegard, Chad Becker, Pam Bocock
                     BOE - Julia Young, Patty Young

Secretary’s Report:
Reviewed January minutes as printed in the newsletter.

Treasurer’s Report:
January expenses were $ 9,694.22 and receipts $11,343.50. We will transfer $5,000 from the checking account back to the building fund, which was borrowed from over the past years to meet monthly expenses.

Trustees Report:
Ben reported he had a visit with the Grinnell insurance representative. He noted that we needed to bring some of our policies/protocols up to date. Ben shared those items with the council. It was stated Ben and Ralph will look into this with the Synod and report back at the next meeting. Trustees will schedule a service call with local electricians to look at a few lighting issues and the bell tower. 

Deacons:
Confirmation report- the confirmation students took a field trip to New Ulm to visit the Ivy House (crisis house) and the Numas House (homeless shelter for women and children). The students will also be participating in a pledge drive for the Madelia Food Shelf over the next week. Upcoming dates:

· Council Installation – Sunday, March 15^th
· Confirmation- Sunday, May 3^rd
· Senior Graduation Recognition- Sunday, May 17th 

Board of Ed:
JAM made and distributed Valentines to nursing home residents and local shut ins. The last day of JAM will be the last Wednesday of April 

Ralph’s Report:
January’s schedule consisted of a 2-day seminar, outreach visitations, Watonwan River Valley conference. Continuing education courses are taking place in February.

Motion to accept reports was made by Randy/seconded by Ben. 

Old Business:
Discussed needing more cranberry-colored hymnals; we are short 39. Ralph and Lori researched the purchasing. Cost is $ 26.50/hymnal through Augsburg Press. 

Chad made a motion to purchase the 39 hymnals with monies from the Memorial Fund.
Ben seconded the motion; motion passed unanimously. 

Update regarding the visiting committee: a list/spreadsheet needs to be gathered with names/addresses.  This list will be divided among the volunteers.

New Business:
Julia inquired again about 1^st Communion classes; Ralph will check with Lake Hanska and hopes to have a class done by Easter. Kathy has been working on a new church website. It will have a new name, making it easier for people to find when searching. It is also very user friendly and will contain a calendar of events and the monthly newsletter.

The new website is: faithlutheranmadelia.org

Motion to adjourn was made by Ben and seconded by Mary.

Respectfully submitted, Stacy Reed-Secretary

 

Scripture Readings for March

Sunday, March 1 - Second Sunday in Lent
First Reading: Genesis 12:1-4a
Psalm 121
Second Reading: Romans 4:1-5, 13-17
Gospel: John 3:1-17

Sunday, March 8 - Third Sunday in Lent
First Reading: Exodus 17:1-7
Psalm 95
Second Reading: Romans 5:1-11
Gospel: Joh 4:5-42

Sunday, March 15 - Fourth Sunday in Lent
First Reading: 1 Samuel 16:1-13
Psalm 23
Second Reading: Ephesians 5:8-14
Gospel: John 9:1-41

Sunday, March 22 - Fifth Sunday in Lent
First Reading: Ezekiel 37:1-14
Psalm 130
Second Reading: Romans 8:6-11
Gospel: John 11:1-45

Sunday, March 29 - Palm Sunday
First Reading: Isaiah 50:4-9a
Psalm 31:9-16
Second Reading: Philippians 2:5-11
Gospel: Matthew 26:14--27:66 or Matthew 27:11-54