Building Process Update – From the Second Century Committee

As many of you are aware, we have what is hopefully a minor delay in beginning the construction phase of the building project. The La Crosse County Zoning Ordinance requires certain minimum setbacks and/or requirements for construction projects. If a construction project cannot meet the requirements set forth in the Zoning Ordinance, the application is denied and a legal notice is published in the newspaper. The denial is appealed by requesting a variance. Due to zoning changes we had to apply for a variance from the county.

The denial of Halfway Creek’s zoning permit was recently published so some of you may have read it in the newspaper.  This is a normal legal requirement of the zoning and occupancy process so please do not worry. We are on the agenda for their May meeting as well as on the Town of Onalaska’s planning commission meeting and the monthly board meeting. We have been communicating with both the county and the town and are feeling confident that this variance will be granted and we will be able to begin construction sometime near mid-May.

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Confirmation – May 4

Confirmands will be affirming their baptism in the Rite of Confirmation on May 4th.  They will give their faith statements at both services.  Come and support our young people on this milestone of their faith journey!  Our confirmands this year are: Cassey Bandoli, Tyson Gates, Zach Gordon, Kindra Johnson, Lars Oines, Trevor Plomedahl, Rachael Temp, and Jordyn Stasiak. 

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Holy Week / Easter Schedule

Thursday, April 17

6:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday Worship Service
Join us for an evening of worship, prayer and communion as we reflect on the new commandment Jesus gave us, that we would love one another as He loved us.

Friday, April 18

Noon — ”Crosswalk”—meet at Bandshell
A more “family friendly” way to observe Good Friday. We will start at noon at the Bandshell in Halfway Creek Park in Holmen and walk through the community, pausing at places for song, prayer and scripture. We will end up at Holmen Lutheran with an indoor worship focused on the seven last words of Christ.

1:00 p.m. – Good Friday Worship—at Holmen Lutheran Church

7:00 p.m. – Good Friday Tenebrae Service—at Halfway Creek
Tenebrae means darkness or shadows. At the final word, the church will be immersed in total darkness. The focus on rising darkness reminds us of the suffering of Jesus on the cross. This is one of the most moving and powerful services of the year.

Sunday, April 20, Easter Sunday

6:30 a.m. — Sunrise Service in Whispering Pines (weather permitting) to hear the announcement of our Lord’s resurrection.

8:00 a.m. — Festive Worship Service in the sanctuary
– after worship—ceremonial groundbreaking

10:30 a.m.— Festive Worship Service in the sanctuary
– after worship—ceremonial groundbreaking

Our youth will serve Easter breakfast from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The menu is egg bake, muffins, fruit bread, fruit, milk, coffee and juice.
Invite your friends and relatives!

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Lenten Dinner Menu and Discussion Book Theme – “When Bad Things Happen to Good People”

Please join us for dinner, worship, and discussion on Wednesday evenings during Lent. We will have dinner at 5:30 pm, and a very brief worship service at 6:15 pm. The bulk of the evening, 6:45-7:30 pm, will be in small groups discussing our theme, “When Bad Things Happen to Good People”. Our discussion will be based off of the book that has the same title and is written by Rabbi Harold Kushner.

Children are invited over to Pastor Jean and Matt’s house during the small group time and there will be activities for them.

April 2– hotdogs/ chili dogs
April 9—Tator Tot hotdish

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Vision Board Minutes – March 23, 2014

Sunday, March 23rd, 2014

Bob Bandoli called the meeting to order at 9:46 am.

The following members were present: Sydney Craig, Susan Chase, Marna Holley, Brian Mueller, Shelly Vander Linden, and Bob Bandoli (presiding).

Archie Achterkirch presented the recommendations of the Second Century committee. Three bids were submitted for approval by the Vision Board. Continue reading “Vision Board Minutes – March 23, 2014”

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Calling All “Caring for College” Donations!!

Caring for College is a program that, with the help of the HCLC congregation, I will send care packages to our HCLC college students. This is a great ministry to let our college students know that they are being thought of and prayed for throughout the year. The first packages were sent last Christmas and were a huge hit! I will be collecting items once again to send out a Spring package. Yes, I said SPRING. Having a college freshman attending Madison this year, I know how much the students LOVE to receive care packages in the mail. It’s a great reminder that they are being thought of.  Continue reading “Calling All “Caring for College” Donations!!”

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Vision Board Minutes – March 13, 2014

David Gates called the meeting to order at 6:32 pm.

Secretary’s report was approved. Bob Bandoli made the motion and Lee Anderson seconded. We were updated on the terms that the Mission Investment Fund and Merchants Bank submitted for the building loan.

There was a contractor open house on March 13th that was very well attended by reputable local companies. The contractor bids are due March 20th.

Bob Bandoli gave the treasurer’s report. He is presenting both a profit and loss statement and a balance sheet. Our accountant, Katie from Stetzer Accounting, is working with us to develop rules and procedures for the treasurer and finance team.

Lynn Wegner presented the Second Century Committee’s recommendation for our primary lender for the building addition. Continue reading “Vision Board Minutes – March 13, 2014”

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Reflection

Gifts that shape the common good
by Emma Crossen
Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:4–7
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.

Reflection
Stewardship often begins with the question “How do I use my gifts to benefit the common good?” We even ask it of others to help them get more involved. How can she use her gifts to benefit our common good? We should be careful, though, or else we’ll use this question to avoid change. Continue reading “Reflection”

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