Simply put, this year is Trinity’s 125th anniversary. There will be a special Service on Sunday, September 18th, at 4:00 PM. A catered meal will follow. We’d love for you to attend if you are able.

Just a short reminder! If you or anyone you know will be attending NDSU in Fargo, or UND in Grand Forks this coming fall, we would love to meet them and introduce them to our campus ministries. We will provide them with Word and Sacrament ministry while they are at college, and we will endeavor to be their “home away from home” congregation. Encourage them to get involved with Bible study and other events throughout the year. Please send their names and, if possible, their contact information (address and cell number), and we will make every effort to get in touch with them and provide them with pastoral care.

Serving with you in the Savior’s service,

Rev. Steve Schulz, Immanuel, Fargo, NDSU Campus Pastor

steve.schulz@live.com | 701-293-7979 | immanuelfargo.org/campus-ministry

Rev. Daniel Suelzle, Wittenberg Lutheran Chapel, UND, Grand Forks

dsuelzle@me.com | 701-215-2592 | wittenbergchapel.com

“Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage–with great patience and careful instruction” 2 Timothy 4:2

What a tremendously important directive for all times, and even more so in these days when the pressure is increasing to change and/or totally disregard what God has revealed regarding the sanctity of human life and His creation of male and female in the image of God!

Thank you for your much-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!

mainstreetliving.com

-Ken Koehler, Volunteer Coordinator

“Main Street Living North” Programs for August 2022:

August 7: Rev. Matthew Tooman, Immanuel Lutheran Church, Wahpeton, ND, presents the message: “Myopia Gives Way to Faith in Jesus” based on Luke 12:22-40. This Is The Life” program: “No Laughing Matter” – A woman must learn to deal with her past to help someone else in her present.

August 14: Rev. Daniel Larsen, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Wabasso, MN, presents the message: “Heresy” based on Jeremiah 23:16-29. This Is The Life” program: “My Husband, My Sorrow” – A man and woman must deal with whether they should consummate an adulterous affair.

August 21: Rev. Christopher Brademeyer, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Oakes, ND, presents the message: “The Offices Christ Bestows” based on I Corinthians 12:1-11. “This Is The Life” program: “The Cup” – The dilemma a trucker must face when a good friend dies trying to protect him.

August 28: Rev. Kent Borglum, St. John Lutheran Church, Montevideo, MN, presents the message: “Angels Unaware” based on Hebrews 13:1-2. “This Is The Life program: “Stranger at the Door” – Having given up a baby for adoption 22 years before, a man shows up on her steps saying he is looking for his mother.

The boundary waters of northern Minnesota and southern Canada is a one million-acre protected wilderness that is explored by outdoor adventurers of all skill levels every year. 

The pristine ancient setting, the beauty of the surroundings, and the peaceful trek by foot or canoe lure families, friends, and adventure groups to test their abilities to survive with few modern conveniences.

Though referred to as boundary waters, there is no clear demarcation of one nation from the other that is easily visible at all times. What is clear is that Canada and the United States have different laws and rules that govern their sovereignty and carry great importance to each nation. To coexist peacefully, it is important for each to understand the other. And so it is with church workers and their congregations.

Maintaining healthy boundaries is a challenging but vital task for pastors and other church workers. Without healthy boundaries, workers run the risk of compassion fatigue, interpersonal conflict and role confusion.

Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend in their book “Boundaries” noted:

“Made in the image of God, we were created to take responsibility for certain tasks. Part of taking responsibility, or ownership, is knowing what is our job, and what isn’t. Workers who continually take on duties that aren’t theirs will eventually burn out. It takes wisdom to know what we should be doing and what we shouldn’t. We can’t do everything.”

Cloud and Townsend go on to describe the following types of boundaries:

• Physical, bodily boundaries relate to being touched physically.  Handshakes, hugs, and pats on the back, fall within this category.
• Words, with the most basic boundary-setting word being “no”. The word “no” and other words help to delineate for others where you stand and help to define your personal boundaries in a way that can be clear.
• Truth, God’s truth, versus Satan’s truth sets personal boundaries for behavior and thought as a Christian.
• Geographical distance may be a necessary move when boundaries are being violated until such time as the issue can be dealt with in a safer manner. This can relate to needing to take time out from a discussion in order to calm down and/or gather thoughts to continue.
• Time can be a necessary boundary to assist in defining and strengthening boundaries between people or entities. Taking a break in whatever form can be helpful, especially with thoughtful purpose to establish or correct boundary violations.
• Consequences are the result of boundaries being violated. The consequences may include difficult conversations to address the violation or possibly a decrease in trust in a relationship for a time.

A useful exercise for pastors and church workers is to do a “boundary check”.  Ask yourself questions similar to these.

• Am I feeling uncomfortable with physical touch from someone such as hugs that last too long or personal space encroached?
• Are tasks being given to me or am I volunteering for tasks that don’t fall within my ministry expectations? Tasks that could be done by others? Tasks that I don’t have time to do, that feel burdensome or that I find myself getting angry about?
• Am I being asked to or being nudged in the direction of violating God’s truth for the sake of (you fill in the blank)?
• Is my families’ privacy being compromised? Is my family time being compromised?
• Am I taking on the responsibility to “fix” that which is not mine to fix? Am I absorbing secondary trauma from situations that occur that I have no control over to prevent or solve? Are my moods and emotions being swayed by the moods and emotions of those around me on a regular basis?

Looking at the biblical implications of boundaries, this website https://www.gotquestions.org/boundaries-biblical.html offered the following:

“Boundaries teach us to accept one another as being different yet still valuable. God uses boundaries to help us appreciate the differences in people rather than be upset by them. A godly friend tells us what we need to hear, not necessarily what we want to hear (Proverbs 27:6). We are free to be ourselves with others if we control ourselves. Boundaries are not selfish when we use our freedom to serve and love one another because we are keeping our own flesh under control (Galatians 5:13). In a godly relationship, both people are free to love each other and to be themselves because neither is using or manipulating the other.”

Navigating the boundary waters may take an experienced guide or a detailed map. If you are struggling with boundary issues, a Lutheran Family Service counselor can assist with sorting through the wilderness and getting on the right trail. The journey may take some effort, but the end result is worth it for yourself, your family, and your ministry.

Toni Larson, LISW
Director of Counseling
Lutheran Family Service

The funeral service for both Edward and Marian Rutter will be on Thursday, July 14, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Minnesota.

The committal service and burial for both Edward and Marian will be on Friday, July 15, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at Prairie View Cemetery, Wimbledon, North Dakota where their twins, David and Daniel, are buried, and where they will await the Coming of the Lord Jesus.

Edward John Rutter was born on April 19, 1921, on a farm in China Township, St. Clair County, Michigan. He was the firstborn child of his parents, Allan Edward Rutter and Emma Marie (Alexy) Rutter. He was brought to baptism and became a member of God’s family on June 12, 1921, baptized by Pastor M. L. Baseler of St. Peter Lutheran Church in St. Clair. Edward lived the first nine years of his life in and around the city of Detroit, Michigan. In 1930, his family moved to a small farm near North Branch, Michigan, where he continued his education in a one-room country school, and at North Branch High School where he graduated in 1939. He and his brother, Allan, were confirmed in St. Paul Lutheran Church of Lapeer, Michigan, on June 5, 1938. In 1940, Edward and his brother, Allan, entered Lawrence Tech in Detroit, pursuing bachelor’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering.

In June 1942, Ed and his brother, Allan, enlisted in the US Army Air Force, and were called to active duty in March of 1943. They were commissioned as 2nd Lieutenants and became pilots, Ed of B-24 and Al of B-29 heavy bombers.
Ed served in Europe, completing 33 combat missions over Germany. Al served in the Pacific theater, completing 15 combat missions over Japan. His brother, Allan, and his crew were shot down over Tokyo on a low-level mission on May
25, 1945.

Ed married Marian E. Jagow, a member of the same 1938 confirmation class, on June 8, 1946, in St. Paul Lutheran Church, Lapeer, Michigan, by Pastors O. Graesser and A. Jehn. Ed began working for J.O. Ross Engineering in Detroit. He completed his engineering studies in night school where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree.

In September of 1949, Ed and Marian decided to heed the call to the Holy Ministry. They moved with their firstborn son, Allan, to Springfield, Illinois, where he attended Concordia Theological Seminary, graduating in June 1954 with a
Bachelor of Theology degree. A second son, Mark, and a daughter, Janet, were born there in Springfield.

Ed and Marian and their family moved to Wimbledon, North Dakota, where on July 25, 1954, he was ordained into the pastoral ministry of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and installed as the pastor of his first parish, St. Paul Lutheran Church of Wimbledon, and Zion Lutheran Church of Courtenay, North Dakota. In 1957, Pastor Rutter began serving St. Paul Lutheran Church, of Kensal as vacancy pastor. This congregation then called him as pastor, and he continued to serve the three congregations until 1964. Four more sons were added to Pastor Ed and Marian’s family while they were at Wimbledon, Steven in 1957, stillborn twins, David and Daniel, in 1960, and Robert, in 1962.

In September of 1964, Pastor Rutter accepted the call to Immanuel Lutheran Church of Wahpeton, North Dakota, where he served for 12 years. Their daughter, Laurie, was born into their family in 1968. In 1976, Pastor Rutter accepted the call to Lynch Immanuel Lutheran Church, next to the Minot Air Force Base, where he served as pastor for 9 years. In 1985, he accepted the call to serve Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Lidgerwood, North Dakota, where he served as pastor for 6 years.

During his ministry, Pastor Rutter also served the North Dakota District of the Synod as District Secretary, District Youth Pastoral Advisor, 1957-1967, Circuit Counselor of the New Rockford and the Southeast Circuits, Chairman of the District Board of Education, 2nd and 1st Vice President, several district camp staff positions, and Dean of LSV Encounter 1965 to 1979. He was a pastoral delegate to synodical conventions in New York in 1967, New Orleans in 1973, St. Louis in 1981, and Wichita in 1989, and on the Synodical Nominating Committee in 1995.

Ed and Marian retired in June 1991, and they moved to Wahpeton, North Dakota, where they lived for 26 years until April 2017 when they moved to Ortonville, Minnesota. Ed and Marian eventually moved into Fairway View
Neighborhoods — Marian in February 2018 and Ed in November 2018 — where they resided until their deaths. Marian died on March 21, 2020, during the Covid closures of the nursing home and Edward died on June 16, 2022.

Edward J. Rutter is survived by his children: Allan (Julie) of Cyrus, Minnesota, Mark (Judy) of Yankton, South Dakota, Janet O’Neill (Dennis) of Ortonville, Minnesota, Steven (Sandra) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Robert (Jennifer) of Zumbrota, Minnesota, and Laurie Krueger (Jim) of Alexandria, Minnesota; 17 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren (with one more due in November).

Preceding him in death are his wife, Marian, his parents, his brother, Allan, his sister, Shirley Klein, his sons, David and Daniel, and his first grandchild, Rebecca Faith Rutter.

I experienced dark times in my life as a child and at every stage of my growth into and through adulthood. I became a prisoner of my anxiety; especially in my earlier years. 

I was gripped by obsessive thoughts and worries; phobias (in my case excessive handwashing to ward off germs); inability to slow my thoughts and worries which interfered with my concentration and sleep; ritualistic behaviors that I thought were necessary to fend off terrible things happening; and intrusive thoughts of frightening situations that had actually occurred in my life. These symptoms did not happen all at once. They were strung out over time and abated to just a very few occurrences in my mid-thirties.

Anxiety shows itself in all of these ways and more. Diagnostically, anxiety disorders include Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Phobias, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, and Social Anxiety Disorder. When we experience anxiety in a manner that interferes with our daily functioning, it is time to take a look at how to manage this condition.

The ADAA– Anxiety & Depression Association of America reported (adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics):

• Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S. affecting 40 million adults aged 18 and older or 18% of the population every year.
• Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet only 37% of those suffering receive treatment.
• People with an anxiety disorder are three to five times more likely to go to the doctor and six times more likely to be hospitalized for psychiatric disorders than those who do not suffer from anxiety disorders.
• Anxiety disorders develop from a complex set of risk factors including genetics, brain chemistry, personality, and life events.

Managing the physical aspects of anxiety along with the cognitive processes that feed anxiety can be extremely helpful to improve daily functioning and quality of life.

Managing Anxiety Physically

When anxious, our body responds in “fight or flight” fashion. We physiologically prepare for battle, though there is no physical battle to fight. Our breathing becomes shallow and rapid, our muscles tense, our heart rate increases, we may perspire, and we may experience stomach aches, weakness, headache, and shakiness. The more we notice these effects, the more anxious we become, sometimes believing that we may be having a heart attack. While it is essential that we take potential heart attack symptoms seriously, once we have determined that is not happening. it is time to look at how to manage these symptoms.

The best way to prepare for physically reducing the effects of anxiety is to practice relaxation techniques to the degree that we can utilize them when the signs of anxiety begin to develop.  Our body cannot respond in an anxious way if we are relaxed. Practicing progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing exercises are very effective techniques for this. Progressive muscle relaxation is purposely tensing, then relaxing muscle groups moving from toes to head. Deep breathing exercise is purposely breathing from the diaphragm rather than shallow chest breathing and monitoring inhaling and exhaling to slow down respirations. A great resource for this is YouTube which can provide hundreds of guided exercises that will address breathing and muscle relaxation. Peruse what is there and find the ones that work best for you. 

Here are two video links to show you examples of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing:

• Progressive muscle relaxation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClqPtWzozXs
• Deep breathing: https://youtu.be/Wemm-i6XHr8.

These videos give you a general idea of what you are looking for. However, it might be more beneficial to search for videos that have the voice and background music that feels best suited to you. To utilize these techniques when you need them most, you will need to PRACTICE! Practice before you are in a state of high anxiety so that when you have to use these tools, you are familiar with the technique, and you know it works. 

Managing Anxiety Cognitively

The cognitive portion of managing anxiety involves talking rationally and reasonably to yourself. This is where my “go-to” Bible verse comes in.

“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.” Philippians 4:6-7

This verse was not in my repertoire when I was younger, but now that my faith has developed and strengthened, it provides me with immediate reassurance. God tells us not to worry. He tells us to come to Him. We can be assured that He will handle our situation in the way He deems fit. We do our personal part, but what we can’t control, we have to work at not trying to do so.

At a time when my children were high school age, my husband’s job of 33 years ended due to reorganization of the company. I was working part-time as I wanted the freedom to be involved in my children’s lives while they were at home. With the loss of his job, came the loss of insurance benefits. I was able to access insurance through my work, but the cost took most of my part-time paycheck. My husband went almost a year without steady employment despite a wide search. The fact that he was in his mid-fifties probably played a role.

As I pondered the situation, there was so little we had control over in terms of his finding another job. It was possible we might not be able to pay bills, might lose our home, might even struggle with putting food on the table. As I thought of those things as the worst possible scenarios, I had a sense of peace that wafted over me. That was the peace of God’s promise. If all those worst possible things happened, I was certain that God would take care of us as He always has. The most important part, that we stay together as a family, didn’t hinge on whether we had our own home. We could manage a life anywhere, as long as we were together.

I look at many situations that create anxiety for me now with that perspective; that God has a plan for my life. He will provide for me and my family. And, when I’m anxious, it means that I’m forgetting God’s promise and is a reminder that I need to return to it. The Bible is filled with these promises. Perhaps several bible verses are coming to you that may help you remember His promises. If not, do an internet search for “bible verses for anxiety and depression,” and you will find a plethora of reminders that God has us in the palm of His hand.

Take a look at what you are telling yourself about the situation that is creating anxiety. Challenge the negative thoughts and the “ain’t it awful” thinking. Replace those thoughts with the promise of scripture. Replace those thoughts with a rational perspective that you might offer a friend who you are trying to reassure or comfort. Our thoughts dictate our emotions. If we can alter what we are thinking about our situation, we can alter our emotional reaction, including anxiety. Pairing this type of thinking with the physical tools of progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing is a powerful and positive response to combatting anxious feelings.

There is a time when you may need professional help coping with anxiety. Our counselors are experienced, Masters-level prepared Christian therapists that are equipped to assist from a practical and spiritual perspective. Learn more about mental health counseling or reach out at https://lutheranfamilyservice.org/mental-health-counseling/

Toni Larson, LISW

Director of Church Worker Wellness

Lutheran Family Service

A Christian friend of mine usually adds the words “It’s all about Jesus!” along with his signature. I am reminded of how very true this is whenever I read the words of Colossians 1:16-17: “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

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 much-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 June 2022:

June 5^th:  Lutheran Bible Translators will be presenting a special service. “This Is The Life” program: “A Will To Live: – A man leaves a large portion of his money to the church and hospital then has his will contested by relatives.

June 12^th:  Rev. Toby Heller, Concordia Lutheran Church, Beulah, ND, presents the message: “Christ, The Wisdom of God,” based on Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31. This Is The Life” program: “Interlude”– A husband and wife are having marital issues.

June 19^th:  Rev. Nathan Schieber, St. John’s Lutheran Church, Underwood, ND, and Trinity Lutheran Church, rural Hazen, ND, presents the message: “The Word of God is all you need,” based on Luke 16:19-31. “This Is The Life” program: “Man in the Middle” – Two Men are left with a “secret” when one tells him he has terminal cancer.

June 26^th:  Rev. Matt Thompson, Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Bismarck, ND, presents the message: “Set Free in Christ,” based on Galatians 5:1, 13-25. “This Is The Life program: “Return Trip” – The modern-day story of a prodigal daughter.

“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)”.

–And issues a Challenge to other congregations to help too!

We are super excited about the Shepherd’s Hill Work Weekend this summer! What is this Work Weekend, though?

Last year, St. Paul’s, Minot took around 40-50 volunteers to Shepherd’s Hill to tackle many projects. Using Thrivent Dollars and Special Funds from St. Paul’s, plus manual labor from the volunteers, we shingled a cabin, trimmed trees, painted, etc. We estimate that it was a $25,000 equity improvement to the camp with all the labor and supplies in just three days.

Messiah, Mandan also brought a group up to finish some projects last year and are poised to bring more people along to get even more done this year.

This year St. Paul’s, Minot and Messiah, Mandan are planning to do the same thing but would LOVE to have more churches involved. St. Paul’s has set up a special page on their website for project details and ways to get registered.

anchoredminot.com/work-weekend

Messiah, Mandan will be bringing their group up on June 10-12.

Either of these congregation groups would love for you to join them! Or Let Rev. Jon Bonine know that you would like to set up a date for your group. (director@shretreat.org | 701-244-5225 | 701-389-9033)

Our goal is for this not to be a huge burden to the camp but for us to come in, work hard, make improvements, and then clean up.

Ever wonder how much is too much?

This is a great question for all of us to ask ourselves as we examine our coping strategies for our lives. Learning how to cope and adapt to life’s stressors is a good thing, but sometimes our choices for coping can become problematic and lead to addiction.

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” Corinthians 10:13

For questions to ask to assess your situation, read the entire article at: https://lutheranfamilyservice.org/2021/07/confronting-your-addiction/

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

North Dakota Lutherans for Life held their Essay Contest in support of life in March. The theme for this year’s essay contest was Blessed for Life from Psalm 41:2: “The Lord protects him and keeps him alive; he is called blessed in the land; you do not give him up to the will of his enemies.”

In the 6-8th Grade age group, our 1st Place winner is Connor Olson of Zion Lutheran Church, Gwinner; and our 2nd Place winner is Audrey Weidner of Grace Lutheran School, Fargo and a member of St. Andrew Lutheran Church, West Fargo.

Yours in Christ, Rev. Matt Thompson | Board Member, ND Lutherans for Life | mt@midco.net

The 140th anniversary of St. Paul Lutheran Church – St. Thomas, ND, will be celebrated on June 26, 2022. There will be a Divine Service at 11:15 am followed by a meal. The 140th Anniversary Service begins at 2:30 pm with bars and coffee served following the anniversary service. Please come join the faithful to celebrate God’s mercy in St. Thomas, ND.