UPCOMING DATES

February

-1 – Pastor Breitbarth in office – 10 am – 3:00 pm

-4 – CCR & R Training for OAG 8am-5:00 pm

-7 – Circuit Pastor’s Meeting

-7 – Open Arms Board Mtg. – 6:30 pm

-8 – Pastor Breitbarth in office – 8am-3:00 pm

-11 – AEOA Workshop – 8-5:30 pm

-14 – “Young at Heart” Potluck – 12 noon

-14 – Blood Drive - 2:30-5pm

-15 – Pastor Breitbarth in office – 8am-2:00 pm

-21 – LWML Zone Board Mtg. – 9:30 am

-21 – Elders, Boards & Trustees Meeting – 6:00 pm

-21 – Church Council Meeting – 7:00 pm

-22 – Pastor Breitbarth in office – 8am-5:30 pm

-22 – Confirmation Class – 4-5:30 pm

-22 – Ash Wednesday Worship – 5:30 pm-Hibbing

-22 – Soup n’ Sandwich – 6:15 pm-Hibbing

-23 – CCR & R Training for OAG - 6:30 pm

-23 – Ladies Guild Meeting – 9:30 am

-26 – Peske Door Offering

-26 – S. S. Teachers Mtg. – 11:15 am

-29 – Pastor Breitbarth in office –8am-5:00 pm

-29 – Confirmation Class – 4-5:30 pm

-29 – Soup n’ Sandwich – 5:30 pm – Chisholm

-29 – Lent Worship – 6:15 pm - Chisholm

SCRIPTURE READERS

February

5 Lois Warner

12 Hannah Kivela

19 Tim Erickson

26 Connie Stage

CHECK OUT the - WILL YOU HELP? Board!

On the board, you will find “Roof Repair” slips.

The total cost of roof repairs (valleys, insulation & knuckles) equaled $13,588.88. We are still in need of $2,964.25. Also, needed for pastors moving expenses $4,425. Any size donation would be greatly appreciated. Notice that the slips do not have a dollar amount on them. In the blank, you may enter any amount you prefer. Checks should be made out to Grace Lutheran Church for the amount on the slip. Please give check to Debbie Jarvi or turn into the office. Thank you SO much for your help!

“Young at Heart” Potluck Lunch

Calling all those who feel “young at heart”! All those ages 21 through 101 are invited to come and join us on the second Tuesday of the month for a potluck lunch and fellowship.

The next “Young at Heart” potluck lunch will be held on Tuesday, February 14^th beginning at noon. Plan to attend. Bring your favorite dish to share. All are welcome who are “Young at Heart”!

CALL MEETING

January 15

The meeting opened with prayer by Circuit Counselor Don Stauty.

Roger Kivela presented the candidates:

Pastor Robert Kuefner—Nebraska

Pastor William Lahrman—Michigan

Pastor Eric Van Scharrel—Oklahoma

There was a time for questions and the vote was taken. Pastor Eric Van Scharrel received the most votes. A unanimous vote was cast. Pastor Eric Van Scharrel was issued the call.

Pastor Stauty closed the meeting with prayer for both Pastor Van Scharrel and the Grace congregation.

Meeting adjourned.

Submitted by, Patricia Mattson, secretary

OFFICIAL ACTS

Baptism: January 8 – Jaxyn Tagtren

ELDER OF THE MONTH

We will have an Elder of the Month who is the person people should contact if they have a spiritual concern and aren't able to reach the Pastor. The Elder of the Month will be listed in the Bulletin and the Monthly Newsletter. This month, February, it is Roger Kivela. You may reach him at 262-5783 0r 929-0101

TRUSTEE OF THE MONTH

We have a Trustee of the Month who is the person to call if there are needs in the church building or the parsonage. The month of February the trustee to contact is Doug Felten, reach him at 969-4768.

MEMORIAL BLOOD DRIVE

Blood Drive here at Grace Lutheran-Hibbing on Feb. 14^th from 2:30-5:00 pm. You can work miracles by donating blood. The demand is constant, the supply is not. It’s safe, it’s simple and it saves lives. Call Joann Ulrich at 263-3955 to make an appointment to donate at Grace Lutheran Church on Tuesday, February 14^th. Please help replenish the supplies of blood for area hospitals.

The time slots are open, contact the church office at 263-3955 to sign-up.

Why should you donate blood?

-Memorial blood Centers need to collect blood from at least 2,400 donors every week to meet the needs of the community hospitals they serve.

-Because blood must be available 24 hours a day. Without donated blood, a great many medical and surgical procedures would be impossible. Donated blood and blood components save the lives of numerous people: accident and burn victims, patients with leukemia and other cancers, premature infants, open heart and other surgery patients, people with bleeding disorders or on blood thinners, and many others. The list is endless, and the need is continuous.

-Because you may need blood.

-Because less than five percent of the population donates regularly, almost 50% have done it once.

----To donate blood you must:

Be at least 17 years of age or 16 with parental consent

Weigh at least 110 pounds.

Be in good health.

Feel well for at least three days following a cold or flu.

Be off oral antibiotics for at least 24 hours (unless taken daily for skin condition).

Wait at least 56 days since your last whole blood donation.

Bring an ID.

Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on February 22^nd. Worship service for Ash Wednesday begins at 5:30 pm here at Grace Hibbing with the soup n’ sandwich following at 6:15 pm. Ash Wednesday at Chisholm is worship at 7:00 pm and soup n’ sandwich at 6:15 pm.

Pastor Steve Breitbarth will participate in a pulpit exchange for Lent with Pastor Stauty & Felix.

Here is the schedule of Pastors and their topics that they will share during the 2012 Lenten Services. Our Lenten Series this year focuses on the six chief parts of the Catechism.

In Hibbing:

Feb. 22 – Pastor Breitbarth 5:30 pm – Hibbing

10 Commandments 7:00 pm - Chisholm both services will have Holy Communion.

The following weeks will be combined 6:15 pm services with Chisholm and Hibbing with Soup and Sandwich at 5:30 pm.

Feb. 29 – Chisholm - Rev. Stauty         The Lord's' Prayer
Mar. 7 – Hibbing - Rev. Felix        The Apostles' Creed
Mar. 14 – Chisholm - Rev. Breitbarth        Holy Baptism
Mar. 21 – Hibbing - Rev. Stauty    Sacrament of the Altar
Mar. 28 – Chisholm - Rev. Brad Felix The Office of the Keys
Maundy Thursday Service:

April 5 will be at Hibbing at 6:15 pm
Good Friday Services:

            Holy Communion 1 pm at Chisholm
            Hibbing - Worship at 5:30 pm
            Chisholm - Tenebrae at 7:00 pm

Easter Vigil Service:

            April 7 will be in Hibbing at 5:30 pm
Easter Communion Services:
            Hibbing 8:45 am
            Chisholm 10:30 am

SOUP N’ SANDWICH DINNER

LWML Groups & ACT Youth will share serving the Soup n’ Sandwich Suppers. On Ash Wednesday, Feb. 22^nd the Lenten supper meal will be served by the LWML. Mar. 7^th will be served by the Youth and Mar. 21^st will be served by the LWML.

Soup & Sandwich suppers will be served beginning at 5:30 pm (except Ash Wed. at 6:15), cost is freewill offering. The Guild & the Youth will rotate serving, cleaning up and providing the sandwiches for the suppers. Join us!

THANK YOU TO

Thrivent Choice donors who have donated their Thrivent Choice dollars to Grace Lutheran Church and also, to Open Arms of Grace. Your donations are very much appreciated, Thank You all very much!!

SMELT & FISH FRY

A Fish Fry & Smelt Feed will be held here at Grace on Fridays 3-7:00 pm through April 6^th. Cost is $10.00 donation. The menu will include: Cod, Pollock, & Smelt deep fried; Baked Potato, Potato Salad, French Fries, Cole Slaw, Baked Beans, Hot Dogs for the kids, Kool Aid, Coffee, & dessert.

SWEETHEART DINNER

Sweetheart Dinner made and served by our youth here at Grace on Sunday, February 12^th from 5:30-7:30 pm. Please sign up in fellowship hall & select menu choice either chicken alfredo or rigatoni & meatballs. Cost is free will offering, dinner begins at 5:00 pm. Singles, couples, all are welcome.

ANNUAL VOTERS MEETING

January 15, 2012

Call to order.

Donna Nowak was honored for her twenty years of service as treasurer to Grace Lutheran Church.

Secretary’s Report: Dave Boettcher/Pearl Johnson moved the minutes of the October Voter meeting be accepted. MC

Treasurer’s Report: Dave Boettcher/Paul Johnson moved the treasurer’s report be accepted. MC

Elder’s Report:

-Confirmation classes are meeting in every other two-week segment, exchanging with Chisholm. Continuity of the lessons is enhanced.

-Ash Wednesday is Feb. 22 with 5:30 pm Worship Service-Holy Communion with 6:15 pm Soup n’ Sandwich Supper. We will exchange Wed. Lenten Services with Chisholm.

Trustees Report:

-Insurance covered the Gym Floor, being replaced with a newer style, thicker rubber floor.

-The leakage, according to the roof repair company, is due to moisture coming in under the ridge cap. It will be corrected in the summer.

Old Business:

-Regarding the loan—no new information has been received. Vergil Ulrich/Richard Husmann moved that the church council be given permission by the voters meeting to refinance the loan to a lower interest, upon review of new information. MC

New Business:

-January 29th in Bovey, MN is the Iron Range Circuit Forum. A volunteer was needed as a voting representative of the Grace. A circuit counselor is being selected at the forum. No one volunteered to go. Grace, Hibbing will not be represented.

The president reminded members of the Call Meeting in the evening at 5:00 to view sermons of the three candidates.

The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted, Patricia Mattson, Secretary

FORMER PASTOR - BATTLING CANCER

Former pastor, Tom Palomaki was a pastor here at Grace of Hibbing from 1970-1985. He and his wife, Lynn have many friends here in Hibbing. Pastor Tom is battling cancer. We ask those of you who know him to send words of encouragement to him and his wife, Lynn at this time.

Cards can be sent to: PO Box 1384, Walker, MN 56484. I am sure they will truly relish hearing from you.

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Due to Pastor Breitbarth serving two congregations at this time, mid-week Confirmation Classes will be held in Hibbing the last two Wednesdays in February, the 22 & 29^th the time is 4:00-5:30 pm.

In addition, Confirmands are asked to attend the Sunday Morning Worship at 8:45 am and also the Youth Bible Study at 10:15 am. All those in 7^th grade and up who have not been confirmed are invited to attend.

SUNDAY SCHOOL NEWS

A Sunday school meeting was held following Sunday school on January 29th.

In March, the Sunday school will again this year collect food and money for our local Food Shelf as our mission project. The whole congregation is invited to take part in this as well.

Plans were made for the children to sing during the worship service. The next time the children will sing will be February 26^th. Please plan to have the children, Preschool – 6th grade, at church by 8:35 am that day.

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Please keep our Sunday school teachers/helpers in your prayers:

1^st with prayers of thanksgiving for them and for all they do to plant the word in our children’s hearts

2^nd with prayers of protection, not only for them but also their families and loved ones

3^rd with prayers of continued and greater passion, that they will continue to seek God and delight in His Word

Please keep our Sunday school children and their families in your prayers:

1^st with prayers of thanksgiving for them and the opportunities we have to share God’s word

2^nd with prayers of protection (For Satan steals, brings trouble, brings worries and concerns)

3^rd with prayers of openness of heart, that they may be open to hear the Word of God and desire to do what it says, that they may be fruitful.

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Our next Sunday school meeting is scheduled for February 26th, following Sunday school.

CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING

January 10, 2012

Call to order.

Council Members present: Jeff Jensen, Cal Severson, John Matetich, Dave Boettcher, Donna Nowak, Ron Forer, Dave Kuusisto, Doug Felton, Ron Niday. Also attending were Deb Jarvi and Pastor Breitbarth.

Pastor Breitbarth opened with attention to gifts, with special comments regarding Donna Nowak sharing her gifts as Treasurer for the past 20 years. Pastor Steve encouraged all to share the gifts God has given us and followed with prayer.

Secretary’s Report: The minutes of the December meeting were read and accepted.

Treasurer’s Report: Dave B/Ron Niday moved acceptance. MC

Pastor’s Report:

-The issue of unsupervised play in the gymnasium was again cautioned.

-Pastor presented a workshop on Bullying/Harassment to the staff of Open Arms Tuesday, Jan. 10 at 5:30pm.

-He announced several items regarding the congregation:

Ash Wednesday is Feb. 22, 2012

A continuing concern that Grace’s Sexual Harassment Policy is lacking a local Reporting Procedure.

January 29^th is the Circuit Forum in Bovey. A representative from Grace is needed. Referred to the Voter’s meeting.

Elder’s Report:

-The Elders will meet with their Chisholm counterparts on Thursday, January 12.

-Cal Severson announced that five shut-ins were given Communion in December.

Trustees Report:

-Dave Boettcher reported that General Maintenance upkeep was completed.

-The gym floor was ordered. Installation is from mid to late March.

No other reports.

Old Business: The Call meeting has been set for 6:00 pm on Sunday, January 15, 2012.

New Business:

-The following minutes were made because of the election of Deb Jarvi as Treasurer:

-Safety Deposit Box access assigned to Vergil Ulrich/Deb Jarvi. Moved by Dave B/Ron Forer. MC

-Dave B/Ron Forer moved that signing checks be assigned to Deb Jarvi/John Matetich, Jr. MC

-Dave Boettcher/Dave Kuusisto moved Donna Nowak be directed to seek advice from John Forte regarding tax payments of Grace and Open Arms can they be made separately using the same tax number. MC

-Dave Kuusisto reported that a proposal to Rupar Music has been made for new microphones that will accommodate the new frequency that we are required to use. The present frequency is being assigned to Emergency Response.

-There was discussion of desirability of a dropped mike. Dave K was directed to seek quotes on this as well.

-Cal S/John M moved the Trustees assemble a committee to pursue a drop-down motorized screen for the sanctuary. MC

-The electronic keyboard is in need of replacement. Dave Kuusisto will make inquiries.

-A committee of Pastor Steve, John Matetich, Jr., Ron Niday and one Elder to work on the policy on the Sexual Harassment was made.

The meeting adjourned with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Patricia Mattson

GUILD MEETING

January 26, 2012

Pat Mattson opened with prayer, hostesses were Jane Severson & Helen Jacklen. 11 were in attendance.

Thank You notes were received from the Food Shelf & Samaritan’s Purse. We discussed the LWR School Kits, and decided to send $50. instead of collecting items for this.

New Business:

-LWML Zone Board Meeting will be held here on Tues., Feb. 21^st starting at 9:30 am.

-The Lenten schedule for Feb. & Mar. was decided. We will do the first & third one at Grace Hibbing and ask the youth to take the Mar. 7^th.

-We have three(1 youth & 2 adults) getting confirmed in March. The Guild will buy the cake, corsages & certificates.

-Chris Matetich gave us a report of her trip to China and going to the New Day Creations children’s center where her daughter Anna & husband Doug have been working. We hope to have Anna at our Feb. Meeting to tell us more about their time in China.

Submitted by, Maxine Corradi-Secretary

LAMP Door Offerings

For Pastor Mark Peske

For the past year or so we have had a monthly door offering to help support Pastor Mark Peske. Pastor Peske does American Indian Outreach to the Ojibway people in the Cass Lake/Leech Lake area. Pastor Peske has worked for 17 years as a called missionary of the Minnesota North District to bring the Good News of Jesus to the Ojibway people. Due to budget constraints, the MN North District will no longer be funding his outreach work. MN North District still pays for his medical insurance and LAMP(Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots) pays his salary.

If you would like to participate in this mission by supporting Pastor Peske with a monetary donation you may do so by sending directly to LAMP address below or mail to the church office and your donation will be put in our monthly door offering. Make sure your donation is marked clearly “For Mark Peske”. Any questions call the church office at 263-LOVE or Pat Mattson.

LAMP ADDRESS:

Lutheran Association of Missionaries & Pilots

3525 N. 124^th St.

Brookfield, WI 53005

Indicate on donation for Pastor Mark Peske

MEMORIALS GIVEN IN

JANUARY

1-8 Memorial given by Donald & Leah Haverkost, designated to the Building Fund, in memory of Lillian Mattson.

1-8 Memorial given by Gordon, Ardis & Ron Forer, designated to the Building Fund, in memory of Neill Timmerman, brother of Leah Haverkost.

1-8 Memorial given by Don & Leah Haverkost, designated to the Building Fund, in memory of Neill Timmerman, brother of Leah Haverkost

1-15 Memorial given by Maxine Corradi, designated to the Building Fund, in memory of Neill Timmerman.

1-15 Memorial given by Maxine Corradi, designated to the Building Fund, in memory of Lillian Mattson.

1-15 Memorial given by Richard & Marie Skog, designated to the Building Fund, in memory of Neill Timmerman, brother to Leah Haverkost.

1-22 Memorial given by Mike & Debbie Jarvi, designated to the Building Fund, in memory of Lillian Mattson.

1-22 Memorial given by Dick & Pat Mattson, designated to the Library, in memory of Lillian Mattson, Dick’s step mother.

NEWS FROM THE LIBRARY!

BOOKS - BOOKS - BOOKS

Remembering You, by Patricia Goyer.

How many times have I regretted not sitting and asking my grandfather more about his life in Russia-- about his father’s farm, his siblings, and his time in the Czar’s army.

These regrets were echoed by Patricia Goyer as she explains in her afterward. In her research, she came upon the name of a Nazi concentration came named Mauthausen. Prisoners began arriving in 1939. About 120,000 were killed at Mauthausen.

And so began her story, based on actual events, but written about imaginary veterans of the group that freed the prisoners at Mauthausen.

35-year-old Ava Andrews' dream job is interrupted by an unusual request--fulfill her 84-year-old grandfather's last wish by joining him on a battle site tour of Europe. Ava is sure her boss will refuse her request. But, instead, he gives her a directive of his own--to videotape the tour and send it back as mini-segments for the show she produces.

A very good book. I enjoyed it. Susan Meissner, another good author, reviewed Remembering You in these words: “A wonderfully told tale about the need we all have for peace over the parts of our past we wish we could change—and the amazing truth that often what we wish we could change; God has already redeemed for good.”

LUTHERAN WITNESS SUBSCRIPTIONS

A magazine you know and trust, “The Lutheran Witness”, connects you to the church. If you would like to receive a subscription to the Lutheran Witness this coming year, please fill out the half sheet form that is on the wall next to the bulletins and attach your check for $22. You may bring it into the office, mail it to the church at 4010 W. 9^th Ave. or put in the offering plate. We need to have your subscription into the office no later than February 5^th.

HIBBING FOOD SHELF

Greetings in Christ,

Because food donations are down and there is

need more than ever in Hibbing, please consider a new plan we have for systematic giving.

On a rotating basis, going alphabetically, each family has the opportunity to give throughout the year. Families whose last name starts with A, B, C, & D, are asked to give food stuffs, such as flour, sugar, cereal, spaghetti sauce, noodles, soup, stew, canned fruit & vegetables, beans, jello, cake mix, and tuna, during the month of February.

Jesus expects us as Christians to share with those less fortunate than ourselves.

If you’d rather make a money donation, please make out a check to the “Grace Lutheran Benevolent Account”.

We need to keep donating non-perishable food to the Food Shelf at Grace. Even if it is not your turn alphabetically, please keep supporting the Food Shelf.

Thank You, Food Share Coordinator, Shirley Kuusisto

OPEN ARMS OF GRACE NEWS

February 2012

“I’m giving you a new commandment: Love each other in the same way that I have loved you. Everyone will know that you are my disciples because of your love for each other.” John 13:34-35

“I have loved you in the same way the Father has loved me. So live in my love. If you obey my commandments, you will live in my love. I have obeyed my Father’s commandments, and in that way live in his love. I have told you this so that you will be as joyful as I am, and your joy will be complete. Love each other as I have loved you. This is what I’m commanding you to do. The greatest love you can show is to give your life for your friends.” John 15:9-13

A new focus for our synod is the three-fold theme “Witness, Mercy, and Life Together”. At Open Arms of Grace we have the opportunity to engage in all three of these foci. We give witness to the love of Jesus Christ in the daily Bible stories and as we show love to the children. We also have opportunities to show mercy to families that are in need. We are able to pray with the parents and the children and give them encouragement. And in many ways the children are like extended families to us as we spend so much time together.

The love of Jesus Christ compels us to show love to others. The children and the families of Open Arms of Grace are in need of love, just as the members of Grace Lutheran Church are in need of love. Jesus would have us show love to each other just as He has shown us His love. Jesus has also promised that we will be filled with joy when we live in His love and give that love to others.

Happy Valentine’s Day

Submitted by, Peter Keyes-Director of Open Arms

SALAD RECIPE

This is a recipe a few members asked for after our Christmas caroling outing.

Theresa’s Salad

Dressing:

½ cup sugar

½ cup oil

1 teas. Poppy seed

¼ cup minced, dried onion

¼ cup lemon juice

2 Tbl. Honey Dijon mustard

Mix together in large, sealed container – can be made 1-2 nights ahead of time.

Salad:

Combine below ingredients and mix together just before ready to serve.

1 head of Romaine lettuce

1 cubed Granny Smith apple

1 cubed pear

1 cup cashews

4 oz. (1/2 bag) shredded Swiss cheese

Mix together, add dressing – serve.

From Janelle Breitbarth

ME, A PASTOR? ME A DEACONESS?

If you have found yourself asking this question, now is the time discuss your future! Pastor John Dreyer Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN, is going to be at First Lutheran Church, 735 NE 1^st Ave., Grand Rapids (218)326-5453 on Thurs., Feb. 9^th from 11am-1pm. Come & explore the possibilities! Men of all ages are invited, as are their wives, fiancées, & parents. Women interested in the deaconess program are also invited, along with their families. Conferences are individual & informal. Reservations are not required but are greatly appreciated. Pastor Dreyer’s cell and text number is: 1-260-452-7512 or e-mail at john.dreyer@ctsfw.edu to notify him that you are coming.