March 25, 2019

WELCOME

Welcome to Prairie Faith Shared Ministry. Located in north central Kansas, six ELCA Lutheran congregations have stepped out in faith to enter into a truly shared ministry. We strive to provide the best tools for our members to grow as disciples of Christ and to proclaim the Good News of Christ within our communities and throughout the world. We hope you will join us at one of our churches for service on Sunday to experience for yourself the fellowship of Christ.

upcoming events

lent brkfst

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL A FURTHER DATE. PLEASE DISREGARD THE INFORMATION IN THE MARCH NEWSLETTER PERTAINING TO THIS EVENT!

Family Fun Day-CANCEL

rotation

APRIL 10, 2019

support group

12-step Alcohol/Drug Recovery Group meetings every

Tuesday @ 6:30p.m. in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church basement.

338 N 7^th St, WaKeeney (come in through northeast door)

Questions? Call (785) 743-2005

midweek1

It’s that time of year again!! MidWeek is open to ALL children and adults in the area. It begins @ 6:00 p.m. every Wednesday evening (September-April) with a delicious meal prepared by Ruth Shiltz, Margaret Schmitt, and Doris Hafliger. After the meal around 6:30 p.m, the children have music with Sandee Scott. Then, from 6:45-7:30p.m. the children have their religion classes. Also during the children's class, there is an adult bible study group in the church library room from 6:30-7:30p.m. Parents are encouraged to eat with their children and then head to their bibly study while their kids are learning about God! Adult Bible Study is open to everyone in the community, not just members of Prairie Faith Shared Ministry. Volunteers for MidWeek are ALWAYS needed and appreciated!! It’s going to be a great school year full of learning and fun!

Prairie Faith Shared Ministry Council Minutes

January 28, 2019

The regular meeting of Prairie Faith Shared Ministry Council was held January 28, 2019 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church.

The following churches and representatives were in attendance: Bethlehem – Richard Jensen & Margaret Schmit; St. John – Bob Schonthaler & Katie Dreiling; Immanuel – Raymond Rumpel(absent); & Donna Deines; Emanuel – Larry Pearson(absent); Our Redeemer – Tonya Fenley(absent); & Joe Lutters(absent); Zion – John Fabrizius(absent) & Curt Fabrizius (absent). Also in attendance was Pastor Randy Gibbs, Parish Nurse Nancy Bollig, and Pastor Jon Anderson. Devotions were given by Katie Dreiling.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved
The treasurer’s report was approved as printed. Richard Jensen reported that property insurance will be going up due to all the storm damage. He will also be double checking the workman’s comp for accuracy.

Staff Reports

Pastor Randy has been in contact with Wartburg Seminary concerning the application for an intern for the 2019-2020 year. Wartburg has stated that there are fewer interns and more are restricting where they want to be assigned. The intern application has been mailed. Wartburg has suggested that we look into Collaborative Learning Students. We will be checking with the Synod Office about this program.
The Internship Committee for Kim Frederking has been selected. Tonya Fenley-Our Redeemer; Evea Rumple – Immanuel; Norbert Armbruster-Bethlehem; Johni Keller-St. John; still looking for another from St. John and Emanuel.
Intern Kim Frederking was unable to attend the meeting due to a death in the family and classes at Wartburg.
Pastor Jon reported that the Presbyterian Church will be joining us for the Lenten Services in WaKeeney to be held at Immanuel this year. Planning meeting for Lenten Services will be next week.
At this time for medical reasons Pastor Jon is unable to drive until May 4. He will be taking vacation Sundays March 31 and April 7-John Dumler will be pulpit supply. August 5 – August 13 Pastor Jon will be attending the Church wide Assembly.

Health and Wellness Committee Report

Parish Nurse Nancy Bollig handed out a written report to be reviewed later and it is attached to these minutes. She highlighted the 12-step alcohol/drug recovery support group now meeting at BLC in the basement on Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. We all are encouraged to spread the word about the group.
Work continues on increasing out-of-county medical transportation services for Trego residents. Nancy welcomes input and support as we approach city council, county commissioners and search for matching funding sources in the community.
Amazing Grace book discussion group is meeting on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. at BLC. Everyone is invited to attend at any time for part or all of the meetings.
The Parish Nurse work continues with home/hospital visits, phone calls, resource referrals, accompanying to medical appointments, PFSM newsletter insert, and other items as they come up.
Discussed funding for the Parish Nurse Program
Upcoming event June 9 – “Hymn Fest” (or caroling in June-using popular hymns instead of Christmas Carols) to be held at Senior Apartments, LTC, and Ellis Good Samaritan Home if there are enough singers. – Mark your calendars, everyone is invited to participate. Ice Cream social planned following the Hymn Fest.

Communications

None

Old Business

Discussed the concerns that were brought up at the annual meeting of PFSM

New Business

All congregations passed the PFSM budget for 2019

The next PFSM council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, March 19, 2018 at 7:30 p.m. Pastor Jon will have devotions.

Look at Our Photos

Come see a slideshow of the 2014 Vacation Bible School, the April Joint Service, and the 2014 Live Nativity - get a glimpse of the activities that take place at PFSM. Check out the video of past Joint Reformation Services posted under Prairie Faith Memories Photos.

Meet Prairie Faith Shared Ministry

Come to the About Us section to meet the church leadership, and find out what we're all about!

For some, 2018 has been filled with darkness. They may have lost a loved one and are still coping with that death. Maybe they are living with cancer or some other disease that puts a question mark over the future. Some others might be dealing with a divorce, shattered relationship, concerned about their job situation, struggling to conceive a baby, or are just having financial problems. Or perhaps it is a time that has always been difficult for other reasons.

For many people, the approaching Christmas holiday does not bring with it the joy and happiness that is advertised on television or in greeting cards. Our spirits sink as the days grow shorter. We feel the darkness growing deeper around us. We need the space and time to acknowledge our sadness and concern; we need to know that we are not alone. We need encouragement to live the days ahead of us.

The goal is to experience our grief together, to recognize that the holidays this time of year are not all happy and joyous. Prairie Faith Parish Nurse Ministry offers a special “Longest Night” service on Friday, December 21, 2018 from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Come out and join in hearing prayers, scripture, and music acknowledging that God’s presence is for those who mourn and for those who struggle, and that God’s Word comes to shine light into our darkness. Everyone, regardless of church background (or lack of it) is welcome. The service will be followed by a brief time for light refreshments and fellowship.