NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS! Have you made some of these – perhaps related to diet and/or exercise? I’m not much of a New Year’s resolutions kind of a person; but on the other hand, FRESH STARTS are one of the most important aspects of a Christian’s life! Every time we REPENT of our sins, we are not only confessing that we have done something contrary to God’s will, but we are also to be intentionally declaring our RESOLUTION to change our minds and actions regarding that sin! With God’s forgiveness and ongoing process of our sanctification, may our 2023 be filled with resolutions that allow God’s Holy Spirit to continue to “transform us by the renewing of our minds” (Romans 12:2) – in Christ! A Blessed New Year to all!

Please continue to share information about our LCMS “Main Street Living” media ministry with others. In addition to being broadcast each Sunday morning, you can view archived programs anytime at www.mainstreetliving.com – then click on the link under the picture identified as “Fargo.”

Thank you for your needed financial support! Checks may be sent to “Main Street Living NORTH,” 821-5th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, or donate by Credit Card or your PayPal account on the website. God’s blessing in Christ!    

-Ken Koehler / MSL North Volunteer Coordinator

“MSL North” Programs for January 2023:

January 1^st:  Rev. Daniel Voth, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND, presents the message: “Our Exodus” based on Matthew 2:13-23. Lutheran Hour seasonal program: “The Other Wiseman” – Another Magi, making his journey to the Christ child, encounters others and shows kindness along the way.

January 8^th:  Rev. Thomas Puffe, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, MN, and Zion Lutheran Church, Warren, MN, presents the message: “The Baptism of our Lord Jesus” based on Matthew 3:13-17. “This Is the Life” program: “Senior Citizen” – A man struggles with purpose and a place in life after retirement.

January 15^th:  Rev. Daniel Suelzle, Wittenberg Chapel, Grand Forks, ND, presents the message: “The Lamb of God” based on John 1:29-42a. “This Is the Life” program: “The Deadly Pen” – A businessman struggles with the guilt of another man’s death.

January 22^nd:    Life Sunday Service / Guest Speaker. “This Is the Life program”: “Live Option” – A 15-year-old pregnant daughter and her mother disagree on the future of her child.

January 29^th:  Rev. Richard Biberdorf, Grace Lutheran Church, Carrington, ND, Grace Lutheran Church, Cooperstown, ND, and Zion Lutheran Church, Rural Binford., presents the message: “When Worlds Collide” based on 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. “This Is the Life” program: “Transition”– A young boy reacts to the reality of a divorce of his parents and the new reality he now faces.

“MAIN STREET LIVING” is a locally-produced TV program that includes a 30-minute worship service led by participating pastors of the Minnesota North and North Dakota Districts of our LCMS, along with a 30-minute Lutheran Hour program (normally “This Is the Life,” along with occasional church-season specials).

Programs are broadcast starting at 9:00 am Central time on the following FOX stations:

Fargo-Moorhead: KVRR Channel 15.1

Thief River Falls-Grand Forks: KBRR Channel 10.1

Jamestown: KJRR Channel 7.1

Pembina: KNRR Channel 12.1

Programs are broadcast starting at 10:00 am Central Time / 9:00 am Mountain time on the following WDAY XTRA Channels:

Fargo-Moorhead: WDAY Xtra Channel 6.3

Grand Forks: WDAZ Xtra Channel 8.3

Bismarck/Dickinson: KBMY Xtra Channel 17.3

Minot/Williston: KMCY Xtra Channel 14.3

Please check your cable and satellite providers for the corresponding channel on your system. MSLN programs are also archived for one year and can be viewed at any time on www.mainstreetliving.com then click on “(Fargo)”.

Dear brothers,

The retreat at St. John’s in Oakes was a delight! Thank you to everyone who attended!

Next year’s retreat will focus on worship in the Scriptures and the Lutheran Confessions. It is scheduled for October 29-31, 2023 at St. John’s in Oakes. Please mark your calendars and I hope to see you then.

Yours in Christ, Chris Brademeyer

Needing a place to get away? Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads has cabins for rent during the winter and spring season. Whether it is a ski trip or ice fishing on the local lakes, we have cabins for your Turtle Mountains winter adventure. Call us at 701-244 5225 for more information or to book your stay.

A Celebration of Grace took place on November 11 at the Sanctuary Events Center. We had 293 item donations, 174 unique bidders, 110 dinner guests, 16 cheesecakes, 13 live auctions, 2 emcees, and one lovely evening. Thank you to ALL who donated, promoted, participated, and organized this celebratory event. Together with all of you, we raised $52,500, with almost 90% of that amount directly benefiting students through curriculum updates and scholarships, ensuring that every child has access to Lutheran education. We are humbled and we are thankful for every one of you. Thank you.

The Christmas Musical will take place on Friday, December 16, with performances at 1:30 and 7:00 pm. Please note the date change. All are invited to enjoy the Christmas message shared by our student body.

Brothers and sisters of the North Dakota District,

Peace be with you. Our brothers and sisters in Chilé need our support. The Chilé mission that we have supported for years needs more than we had resolved in the District Convention due to a change in how the government in Chilé is handling and challenging the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ by obtaining church property and restricting the Chile church’s schools. To aid the congregations of Chilé, St. Matthew Lutheran, Hazen challenges our sister congregations to a fund-raising effort, Chili for Chilé. Chilé named for Chili. Rather, Chilé comes from an Aztec Word for “Where the land ends.” If you look at a map, Chilé is a long narrow country that borders the Pacific Ocean in South America. So, the Aztec word for “where the land ends” is very descriptive. Chili is also from an Aztec word describing a type of pepper plant. This plant was unknown in Europe before Columbus brought them back from the Americas.

We will connect the two to help us remember and have a soup supper called “Chili for Chilé.” The proceeds will be sent to the North Dakota District to assist the important ministry in Chilé. (The plans are for a later event called “Chilly for Chilé,” where we host an ice cream Sunday to collect a gift for our Lutheran brothers and sisters in Chilé.) We would offer the challenge of raising 5,000 dollars through participating congregations. This matches their need, but what a blessing it would be if we were able to raise more! So start choppin’ the onions and diggin’ out the Chili recipes. May the Lord bless our efforts.

Yours in Christ, St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Hazen, ND

On Sunday, November 6, 2022, Rev. Brandon Woodruff was installed as Pastor of Bethlehem, Forbes & Zion, Edgeley.

(From L to R: Rev. Chris Brademeyer, Rev. Steve Schulz, Rev. Robert Hill, Rev. Woodruff, Rev. Brock Schmelling, Rev. Paul Preus, Rev. Tom Eckstein

The LCMS is encouraging each district to have a Disaster Response group. We are organizing this under the Local Mercy committee. This will be an effort and opportunity for the local congregations to show mercy in their communities and congregations. This is an opportunity for our congregations to make themselves visible in the community.

Each congregation would have two people involved with disaster preparedness. One person would be the liaison, somebody from the congregation who knows the congregation well and would know the people that may sustain disasters or need help. The other person would be a construction-type, handyman-type person who would understand working in repairs/construction. If you are interested in being involved or would like to recommend or nominate someone from your congregation, you may contact Kirk Rosin at 701-347-5279 or email at krosin@juno.com.

“GLORY TO GOD in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2:14 There doesn’t seem to be much peace on earth these days. As I write this article in mid-November, Russia continues to rain down missiles throughout Ukraine, tensions are growing with North Korea and China, and the recent mid-term elections seem to indicate an ever-deepening split in our own nation regarding who should govern. And sadly, I could list many more examples of a lack of peace. BUT there IS PEACE between God and those of us who believe in Him! This PEACE has been made possible by the Jesus we celebrate especially at this time of the year we call CHRISTmas!

Please continue to share information about our LCMS “Main Street Living” media ministry with others. In addition to being broadcast each Sunday morning, you can view archived programs anytime at www.mainstreetliving.com/north

-Ken Koehler,Volunteer Coordinator

“Main Street Living North” Programs for December 2022:

Dec 4th: Rev. Heath Trampe, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot, ND, presents the message: “Peace? Are you kidding me?” based on Matthew 3:1-12. Lutheran Hour seasonal program: “Stable Boy” – A manger scene comes to life and tells the story of the first Christmas.

Dec 11th: Rev. Philip Beyersdorf, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, Minot, ND, presents the message: “The Work of the Great Physician” based on Matthew 11:2-11. Lutheran Hours seasonal program: “Red Boots for Christmas” – A shoemaker learns the true meaning of Christmas.

Dec 18th: Rev. Craig Fenske, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Forks, ND, (message to be announced). Lutheran Hour seasonal program: “Christmas Is” – The shepherd in a Christmas play learns the importance of Christmas.

Dec 25th: Rev. Matthew Harrison, LCMS President, presents the Christmas message. Lutheran Hour seasonal program: “Christmas on Main Street” – The Christmas message at a mission brings a grandson and his grandfather together.

“MAIN STREET LIVING” is a locally produced TV program that includes a 30-minute worship service led by participating pastors of the Minnesota North and North Dakota Districts of our LCMS, along with a 30-minute Lutheran Hour program (usually “This Is The Life,” along with occasional church-season specials).

The Christian’s Identity in a World Full of Labels
A Higher Things Retreat at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Minot

March 24-25, 2023

As I write this, it is a gorgeous day in north central Iowa. It seems the season of winter jumped over spring entirely and presented us with sunny, balmy summer weather. The changing of the seasons is met by some with anticipation and wonder. Warm weather, sunshine, beautiful flowers are admired and enjoyed. For others, the change is unwelcomed and dreaded. High pollen counts, worries about sunburn and skin cancer, make enjoying the outdoors difficult.

Church workers’ transitions run the gamut of exciting, joyful, frightening and stressful. In addition to the usual church year transitions, there are transitions from one call to another and one home to another. For Lutheran school teachers, the transition is growing one class of students, saying goodbye, then welcoming another class a few months later.

Preparation can be helpful in handling life’s changes to reduce stress and expedite adjustment. In her article, “Ten Tips for Handling Life’s Transitions,” author Nylse Esahc (Ibelieve.com, March 10, 2019), suggested the following points with accompanying Bible references, followed by my observations.

TEN TIPS FOR HANDLING LIFE’S CHANGES:

1. Expect change. (John 16:33) “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” 

Oftentimes we try handling life’s changes by struggling to keep everything the same; often without knowing that is what we are doing! Change is inherent in our lives from the day we are conceived. We change physically as we age, our abilities change, and our pursuit of vocation changes. Even in retirement, our lives are continually changing. If we can accept this, and know that the One who created us never changes, we can be soothed.

2. Be Anxious for Nothing. (Philippians 4:6-7) “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Anxiety is one of the chief complaints of my church worker clients.  Understandably so as they face pressures and changing situations and are on-call 24 hours a day.  We need to be reminded that we will be taken care of, that God knows our every need, that we must do our part, but ultimately the situation will work out to His plan.

3. Seek Me First. (Matthew 6:33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” 

Change and transitions can have us feeling as though we are slipping and sliding our way through life. It is important to reassure ourselves that we will find solid ground again as we progress through the change. What we tell ourselves is a key element of coping in a healthy manner. To be able to say, “This is uncomfortable and unfamiliar now, but it will get better and I will adjust” is an important step.

4. Seek Wise Counsel. (Proverbs 19:20) “Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise.”

Finding a trusted confidante, perhaps someone who has been through our same struggle, is critical to coping with the stress of change and transition. Having a friendly listening ear allows us to process what we are thinking and feeling. Hearing stories of what our confidante found to be helpful gives us options and the knowledge that we are not alone. Connecting church workers with each other for the purpose of wise counsel and support is a manner in which transitions can be smoothed and church workers can stay healthy.

5. Realize There is A Time for Everything. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Like the changing of the seasons, life presents us with birth, aging, launching children into the world, illness, disability, and a myriad of other changes and transitions. We can make plans and predictions but can never know for sure what is going to happen in our lives. Fifteen years ago, I had no idea that I would wake up and be unable to walk, undergo emergency spinal cord surgery, and be in the hospital for 2 ½ months. In retrospect, I can appreciate the life lessons I learned and am still learning related to this experience.

6. Remain Hopeful. (Psalms 35) “For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favor lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning.” 

If I could accomplish only one goal in my role as a Christian therapist, it would be to instill hope. No matter what the circumstance, there is always hope. Not necessarily the way we would like it to be, but it is always there, thanks be to God. When my sister was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, the initial hope was that she would be cured and survive. When it was clear that was not to be, the hope was that she would not suffer physically. The hope that was certain was that she would be held in the arms of her loving Savior as she traveled the journey and be welcomed by Him.

7. Know His Plans Supersede Yours. (Jeremiah 29:11) “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”

We humans can be very self-focused when we make plans. We look at the pros, the cons, the impact on others to try to make the best decision. Too often, we leave out exploring and trying to understand what God’s plan is for us as we make our decision. Praying about and exploring what signs God is giving us through his word and our circumstances needs to be a focus in relation to handling life’s changes and transitions.

8. Be Courageous. (Deuteronomy 31:6-8) “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. “Then Moses summoned Joshua and said to him in the presence of all Israel, “Be strong and courageous, for you must go with this people into the land that the Lord swore to their ancestors to give them, and you must divide it among them as their inheritance. The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 

Fear can be paralyzing. Being fearful, but moving forward anyway, is a sign of courage. Remembering we are not walking alone into our new wilderness helps to bolster that courage.

9. Know You’re not Alone. (Psalm 46:1-2) “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea.”

When fear takes over, it is difficult to think clearly. Trusting that God walks with us, leads us, and sometimes carries, us can tame that fear.

10. Renew Your Strength. (Isaiah 40:31) “[B]ut those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Change and transition can be strength depleting. Returning to the well of God’s word and prayer frequently during our journey can bring renewal and strength to continue on our path.

Christian counselors at Lutheran Family Service are available to assist church workers who are struggling with transition and change in their personal or professional lives. If you need someone to talk to, practical tools to better cope, and hope for a better future despite the changes that will come your way, reach out anytime through our online web form: https://lutheranfamilyservice.org/contact/

Toni Larson, LISW
Director of Church Worker Wellness
Lutheran Family Service

ELECTION DAY WILL SOON BE HERE, and because God has established Civil Government for the good of our fallen world (see Romans 13), it is very important that we as Christians actively participate in the structure of government under which we live. Therefore, we are to work for laws and elect civil representatives that will best represent God’s revealed will and the good of our neighbor. While there are hundreds of issues to consider, let us remember that a person needs to be alive to enjoy any of the benefits of civil government’s laws and provisions. Therefore, the sanctity of human life naturally rises to the top of issues – both from a biblical view and as declared in the Declaration of Independence, which rightly lists “life” first among the unalienable rights endowed by our Creator! We, therefore, have a high responsibility to know the positions held by the various candidates for civil government before we vote. Let us do our homework carefully.

Please continue to share information about our LCMS “Main Street Living” media ministry with others. In addition to being broadcast each Sunday morning, you can view archived programs anytime at www.mainstreetliving.com – then click on the link under the picture identified as “Fargo.”

Thank you for your needed financial support! Checks may be sent to “Main Street Living NORTH,” 821-5th Ave S, Fargo, ND 58103, or donate by Credit Card or your PayPal account on the website. God’s blessing in Christ!    

-Ken Koehler / MSL North Volunteer Coordinator

“MSL North” Programs for October 2022:

October 2:  Rev. Brett Hartwig, Trinity Lutheran Church, Sabin, MN, presents the message: “Increase Our Faith” based on Luke 17:1-10. This Is The Life” program: “The Sound of Closing Doors” – A man in mid-life crisis and the effect it has on his family.

October 9:  Rev. Rick Jones, Dakota Boys & Girls Ranch, Minot, ND, presents the message: “Word Unbound, Life Unbroken” based on 2 Timothy 2:1-13. “This Is The Life” program: “Tina” – Two lonely people, a woman, and a child, come together through Jesus.

October 16:  Rev. Arie Bertsch, ND District President, presents the message: (to be announced). “This Is The Life” program: “Look to the Mountain” – A hopeless situation becomes more hopeless when a down-and-out man kidnaps a young girl for ransom money.

October 23:  Rev. Brian Doel, Our Savior Lutheran Church, Minot, ND, presents the message: (to be announced) based on Luke 18:9-17. “This Is The Life program: “Home Free” – A family learns the real meaning of love and that it comes free.

October 30:  Rev. Mark Moss, Lutheran Heritage Foundation, presents a Reformation message: “Hang in there, baby!” based on John 8:31-36. “This Is The Life program: “The Sexton” – A pastor and a sexton (church caretaker) with magical powers fight an eerie duel in a church.

“MAIN STREET LIVING” is a locally produced TV program that includes a 30-minute worship service led by participating pastors of the Minnesota North and North Dakota Districts of our LCMS, along with a 30-minute Lutheran Hour program (usually “This Is The Life,” along with occasional church-season specials).

Programs are broadcast starting at 9:00 am Central time on the following FOX stations:

Fargo-Moorhead:                                KVRR Channel 15.1

Thief River Falls-Grand Forks           KBRR Channel 10.1

Jamestown                                          KJRR Channel 7.1

Pembina                                              KNRR Channel 12.1

Programs are broadcast starting at 10:00 am Central Time / 9:00 am Mountain time on the following WDAY XTRA Channels:

Fargo-Moorhead                                 WDAY Xtra Channel 6.3

Grand Forks                                        WDAZ Xtra Channel 8.3

Bismarck/Dickinson                            KBMY Xtra Channel 17.3

Minot/Williston                                   KMCY Xtra Channel 14.3

Please check your cable and satellite providers for the corresponding channel on your system. MSLN programs are archived for one year and can be viewed at any time on www.mainstreetliving.com, then click on “(Fargo).”

It’s more than a feeling. Or is it?

Exploring emotions is the bread-and-butter work in my role as a therapist. Emotions are neither good nor bad. They just are. Emotions are a creation and gift of God. Pastors and other church workers face emotions every day. How you respond externally and internally can be critical to the success of your ministry.

Whitney Hopler, in her article “Five Ways to Win Spiritual Battles in Your Emotions,” printed in Crosswalk.com, provided this guidance:

1. Fill your mind with timeless truths so you can focus on that despite changing emotions.

“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect Will of God.” – Romans 12:2

She suggests that daily meditation on scripture can help temper emotions and allow us to ferret out a truthful interpretation of how we should manage emotions that arise that can potentially disrupt our ministries and our relationships.

• Give yourself a time-out when you notice your emotions are spiraling out of control.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.” – Mark 6:31

We may need to step away from situations that are fostering strong emotions. That step away might consist of just a few minutes, or longer, depending on the situation. Use that time to identify the source of that emotion, which may likely not be related only to the current situation but previous events as well. Stepping away gives the opportunity to defuse and prepare a manner of responding that can be more appropriate.

• Deal honestly with the uncomfortable emotions you feel.

“Good will come to those who are generous and lend freely, who conduct their affairs with justice.”- Psalm 112:5

Hopler writes, “Keep in mind that it is normal to experience lots of uncomfortable emotions in this fallen world, and that your emotions themselves aren’t necessarily wrong. What’s sinful is choosing to respond to the emotions you feel in the wrong ways. So if you feel jealous of another person, you can feel that way and still be right with God if you confess how you feel to God and rely on his help to respond faithfully. But if you do not intentionally deal with how you feel, your jealousy will make you vulnerable to temptations from Satan to say or do something wrong when relating to the person of whom you’re envious.”

• Take care of your physical health, which is connected to your emotional health.

“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” – Corinthians 6:19-20

 Most are familiar with the term feeling “hangry.” It refers to being irritable or angry as a result simply of being hungry. Physical self-care is a critical foundation for stable mental health. Acting inappropriately on emotion may be related to dehydration, hunger, physical illness, or fatigue.

• Learn lessons God wants to teach you through your emotions.

“Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered” – Hebrews 5:8

Hopler shares, “Think of your emotions as school bells ringing for you to pay attention, and the Holy Spirit as your teacher who communicates with you once you come to class. Rather than just reacting to your emotions (as Satan tempts you to do), respond to them with the purpose of learning and growing closer to God in the process.”

If you are a pastor or church worker struggling with emotions and the impact these emotions are having on your personal life and/or ministry, consider making an appointment with a counselor from Lutheran Family Service. Our counselors offer a safe, faith-based place to explore and grow in your relationship with God and others. Reach out anytime through our online web form at: https://lutheranfamilyservice.org/contact/.

Toni Larson, LISW

Director of Church Worker Wellness

Lutheran Family Service