Over the years, the marriage of Mark and Sofia Johnson has been a blessing for Mark’s church (Gethsemane Lutheran) and Sofia’s church (Greek Orthodox). With mutual respect they have supported both ministries.
Sofia has become involved with the Gethsemane project of supplying layettes to overseas missions. She is also one of about 100 members of the Daughters of Penelope, a Greek heritage philanthropic group. Not church-related, the organization donates funds to various causes, such as food shelves and battered women’s shelters. Sofia approached them about making a modest gift to Gethsemane’s layette ministry, suggesting a $30 donation. Generously the Daughters responded with a gift of $100!
Money and the People You Love, by Bruce Helmer
Financial advisor, Bruce Helmer, popular host of the WCCO radio show, “Your Money,” has learned that relationships are the single greatest influence on how people use their money. Imagining their financial futures, people focus on family, friends, faith communities, and charities. In Money and the People You Love, Helmer offers a new approach to financial planning based on this universal principle.
American Gospel: God, The Founding Fathers, and the Making of a Nation by Jon Meacham
Read the following reviews written by two of today’s eminent authors, and note that this book was chosen as a text for one of the Lay School’s courses offered this fall at Luther Seminary.
"In his American Gospel, Jon Meacham provides a refreshingly clear, balanced, and wise historical portrait of religion and American politics at exactly the moment when such fairness and understanding are much needed. Anyone who doubts the relevance of history to our own time has only to read this exceptional book.” - David McCullough, author of 1776
“Jon Meacham has given us an insightful and eloquent account of the spiritual foundation of the early days of the American republic. It is especially instructive reading at a time when the nation is at once engaged and deeply divided."
The Scandinavian Fall fair began 33 years ago as a modest little bazaar in the old building at 9th and 2nd. Over the years it has expanded in scope to become a shopping and dining extravaganza doing astonishing business in both Fellowship Hall and the Gathering Space.
The Fair was held November 3-4, 2008.
Click here to see photos from the 2008 Scandinavian Fair.
(Thank you Martha Arneson for photographing the event!)
The fair is a shopping opportunity, a gathering of friends, a colorful happening; but it also raises money for a lot of useful projects, both for Gethsemane needs and for outreach. Where does all the money go? Last year’s funds paid for 10 needs right here at Gethsemane; for example, support of children’s and youth ministries, wages for the kitchen coordinator, painting supplies, and kitchen equipment.
The outreach portion supports 13 worthy causes, including Dinner at Your Door, Lutheran World Relief, After School for Kids program, Operation Bootstrap and the Adult Mission Trip.
Adding to the effectiveness of the funds distribution is the support from Thrivent for Lutherans. This insurance corporation has promised matching funds up to $800.
Library Birthday Club
Honor your child or another treasured child, with a special gift book, DVD or CD. Check out our display shelf filled with all the birthday club purchases made this past year. Through your generosity our children's collection has grown by 21 new items - 12 picture books, 8 young adult books, and one primary DVD. The total retail cost of these materials is over $260.00. Thank you!
Once you sign up, watch for a birthday card to arrive in the mail and complete the enclosed preference card. Return the preference card via mail or drop it in the basket on the library desk. You will be notified when your gift arrives, and then payment is due. A bookplate honoring your child will be inside the book, and your child will receive a small favor as a "thank you" from the congregation.
Used Book Sale
To further enhance our collection, the library is holding a Used Children's Book Sale between services on Oct. 12, 19 and 26 (or until supply lasts.) A book is a gift forever!
Remembering Amy Furan‘s cheerful competence when she served on Gethsemane’s staff, it’s good to see these abilities still in evidence in her role as a multi-tasking volunteer.
Amy grew up in Brainerd. Her father, Doug Furan, worked in the post office. Lona, her mother, was a teacher’s aide, then went back to college and is now a fifth grade teacher.
Amy’s one sibling is Gethsemane’s popular facilities anager, Brian, two years her senior.
As Amy tells it, she was “socially awkward” as a child, “with big, ugly glasses and clothes not at all like those worn by the popular girls.” She was, and insists she still is, an introvert.
The Furans were a church-going family. Their church was their home. Luther Crest Bible Camp near Alexandria was an every-summer adventure, and she served as a junior leader there twice.
At Brainerd High School she was active in the Arts Club and sang in an a capella choir that was nationally recognized for excellence.
After high school graduation, she journeyed through a whole series of school and work experiences: community college for awhile, a short time at the University, some time at Augsburg, and a variety of jobs in the spaces between schools.
Those jobs included writing, secretarial work, managing a warehouse, you name it. Her degree from Augsburg came ten years after starting college.
“I guess I’ve always been on a quest, deciding what to do with my life,” she explains. “Whatever work I do has to be meaningful to me.”
She did learn, while employed by a “Dot Com”, that she’s not interested in the corporate world.
One weekend spent back home in Brainerd was a life-changer for Amy. A mutual friend arranged her re-introduction to Mike Lamser, whom she vaguely remembered from high school.
Mike was in the Army, and for two years they continued to see each other. When Mike was stationed in Escanaba, Michigan, doing recruiting work, Amy was finishing her degree at Ausburg. After graduation she took a job in Escanaba, writing for the newspaper.
They became engaged. Understanding that Amy just wasn’t cut out for the role of a military wife, Mike agreed to go from full-time service into the Army Reserve. They married in 2000 and, returning to Minnesota, settled in Hopkins.
Visiting Gethsemane one Sunday with Brian and his wife Krista, Amy noticed a “Help Wanted” item in the Tri-fold. She applied for the job and was hired as Administrative Secretary.
Her service was legendary. “You brought a problem to Amy and it was solved.”
For several of her Gethsemane years her brother, Brian, was also on staff. They had the normal amount of squabbles as kids, but it was “fun to be together at work.” Brian continues to be a jack-of-all-trades at church.
Amy and Mike’s daughter, Faith, was born three and a half years ago. For most of her babyhood Mike was in Iraq, called into duty with the reserves. Although both of her parents tend to be introverts, Faith is the huggable life of the party. She loves people and has always been willing to go to anyone.
Mike now works for a Civil Affairs Unit in Arden Hills. Amy resigned from her Gethsemane job after four and a half years. “Actually,” she says with a smile, “it’s the longest I’ve ever stayed in one job.”
The quest continues! Amy has finished most of the course work at Augsburg for a Master’s Degree in Education.
“I’ve always loved school, and I’ve always toyed with the idea of teaching. Now I’m not sure what to do with my degree. Is teaching really the answer?”
Stay Tuned!
Busy keeping an eye on Faith and attending school, Amy has managed to keep a strong involvement at Gethsemane: Mary Circle, Social Ministry Committee, the Web Team, GCW Board, Nominating Committee, Hospitality Plus, and Sisters in Spirit planning. Her outside interests include camping, a little craft work, and a book club.
Her vision for Gethsemane’s future? “We should broaden the base of lay leadership, encourage those who don’t see themselves as leaders, and give them the opportunity to step up. It’s the servant leadership idea. We should just say to these members, “Try it! We’ll give you the support you need.”
Gethsemane has a dedicated group of Caring Visitors who commit to making monthly visits to members who are unable to attend worship or are a bit isolated for some other reason. Their time and compassion extend the pastoral care of this congregation and maintain important connections with some of our less visible members.
We would like to increase the number of visitors so that we are able to respond more quickly as needs become known. There is a particular need for more men to serve as visitors.
If you think this ministry is a fit for you or would like more information about it, please contact Bev Paterson at 952-476-1340, or make your interest known to one of the pastors or someone in the church office. Each visitor undergoes a background check as a safeguard for both the members being visited as well as the visitors themselves.
Are you looking for a way to enhance your worship experience? Why not assist in the serving of communion? We are currently looking for additional volunteers to assist in this important sacrament. Instruction will be provided. If interested contact the church office at 952-935-1753.
Gethsemane member and artist Julie Lindstrom explains the inspiration for the design of the new Elements of a Living Faith graphic you see displayed around church and here on our website.
"As for what was sown on good soil, this is the one who hears the word and understands it. He indeed bears fruit and yields, in one case a hundredfold, in another sixty, and in another thirty." Matthew 13: 23
A prayer requesting guidance and inspiration goes up, messages and seeds are planted through the Gospel and sermon from July 13, 2008, as a vision unfolds* and the following seven panels, each depicting an element of a living faith, result. The image can be viewed as a whole or separated into the individual panels for focused discussions.
Remember Your Baptism
Water, a basic necessity in our earthly and spiritual lives — the source of life and cleansing power — runs through all seven panels reminding us of how Christ became linked to us in his baptism, and we become linked with Christ in our baptism.
- Panel one — PRAYER: Our communication with God who responds in ways that nourish us.
- Panel two — WORSHIP: God plants seeds of faith for each of us. The Holy Spirit makes them come alive as we reach out to accept the Word in our hearts. Amazing growth; amazing grace.
- Panel three — STUDYING SCRIPTURE: Matthew 13:23 serves as the foundation for the illustration of a passionate growth with deep roots in God’s Word.
- Panel four — ACTS OF SERVICE AND JUSTICE: A community of Christ bridges the chasm between a variety of differences. The path of service and justice leads us near and far on journeys that call all of God’s children to unite in acts that demonstrate the fruits of the Good News. Love, peace, joy, and grace encircle all and flow through each element.
- Panel five — SHARING GOD’S STORY: Those who grow from the foundation of faith in Christ and His cross scatter seeds of faith themselves by sharing His story.
- Panel six — STEWARDSHIP: Gethsemane’s capital campaign logo or “tree” reappears as a reminder of how we can continue to build joy and excitement in our family in Christ. Stewardship encompasses our whole lives, not just our finances.
- Panel seven — BUILDING SPIRITUAL FRIENDSHIPS: Christ taught us, “Wherever two or more are gathered in my name I will be there.” Through the building of spiritual friendships the Church continues to grow beyond our walls or “tree,” with open hearts and a welcoming invitation to all.
I invite you to engage in a living faith, at home, at work, and in the world.
*Prayer IS answered...I have the bulletin doodles to prove it! Blessings to our Brothers and Sisters in faith.
Click here to see the "Bulletin Doodles"
Julie Lindstrom
On September 12 and 13, 19 women gathered in The Benedictine Center at St. Paul’s Monastery. Pastor Laurie led the group in a study of the biblical story of Ruth and Naomi, as a guide in reflecting on our own lives. It was a wonderful, spirit-filled experience.
While the participants wish everyone could have shared in the ‘high’ of this retreat, we do want to strongly recommend the book that was used for our study. It’s "The Book of Ruth: Twelve Moments in Every Woman’s Life" by Joan Chittister. The words are powerful. . .the art is inspiring. It’s truly a VERY special book. We encourage you to read it!
A Girl Scout, a teacher, a "career grandma," a clown, a life-long member of Gethsemane, all of the above roles are played by Paulette Dummer.
Paulette’s parents, Alice and the late Paul "Curt" Janke, joined Gethsemane when they moved to Hopkins from Minneapolis in 1951. Alice worked at Northwest Bank and Curt was a plumber. He brought an artistic flair to his work, creating fountains for Loring Park and other public spaces.
Paulette was the oldest of four. Her siblings included brothers Larry and Eliot and one sister, Nancy. She describes herself in childhood as "a busy kid, who didn’t sit around much."
At Hopkins High School (before it became Eisenhower) she was involved in Pep Club, Theater, and Variety Shows.
In those high school years Viktor Franck's book Man's Search for Meaning, led Paulette to self-examination. She decided that she didn't need to suffer to "do something big." As a behind-the-scenes person she would make use of her spiritual gifts of helpfulness and insight. He mantra became "My Hope is in Jesus Christ. I am anchored in the Word."
When she and her high school friend, Bob Dummer both enrolled at the University they carpooled for a time.
Paulette transferred to Golden Valley Lutheran with thoughts of becoming a parish worker, but in 1975 she and her carpool companion were married at Gethsemane, the church where she had been baptized.
Bob’s background was Catholic, and you might say he experienced a "gradual conversion." Paulette explains that he "eventually found the liberating power of grace" and joined her church in 1981.
At Gethsemane the two have attended the Alpha program, gone on a Lutheran "Via de Christo" weekend and a Marriage Encounter weekend. They have also teamed on several adult education projects for the church.
The Girl Scouting that began in childhood has continued to have a central interest. In high school she earned the God and Community Award, with 50 hours of community service through Gethsemane. In adult years she has worked as a Scout leader and trainer.
Although Gethsemane’s activities have drawn on her bubbling energy for a whole lifetime, she considers herself "a tiny cog in the life of the parish." At church she has taught Sunday school, helped with Confirmation, journeyed to Montana with the 9th graders twice, gone with the senior high mission trip to Poland and Lithuania, helped with Mother’s Morning Out, Adult Education, Vacation Bible School, musicals, GCW programs, Bible studies, and calligraphy.
Her current focus is to develop a web-based connection for young people away from home, particularly college students. She doesn’t want them to break the link. Through these Bible studies she hopes they will feel more comfortable coming back.
Obviously, Paulette is deadly serious about "growing in Christ," as per the mission statement, but she has never taken too seriously the reality of growing up. The girl who adored Dr. Seuss in childhood still finds delight in Harry Potter and other fantasy books.
If she loved playing dress-up as child, she still slips into costumes and masks for the Renaisance Festival or (at church) to become Letty the Clown for Rally Day, the Glamour Witch or Batty the Rainforest Bat.
When her three children were small, Paulette did day care at home, and for 9 years she has done contract work (fact finding) for a medical foods company now owned by Nestles.
Paulette’s community interests have included Toastmasters Club, Mrs. Jaycees, and involvement in the Raspberry Festival.
The Dummers’ three grown children are: Brian, a certified computer support technician; Kevin, an architect living in Pennsylvania; and Michelle Albers, an artist living in Burnsville with husband Ben. That bright-eyed toddler often seen on Paulette’s hip at Gethsemane is grandbaby Ellisandra (Ella) Albers, her pride and joy.
Paulette’s travels have taken her on Girl Scout trips to Canada and Mexico, a recent Triennial Convention of the Women of the ELCA in St. Lake City as well as East Coast trips with Kevin, including a targeted stop at Dummer, New Hampshire!
Her personal heroine? Tiphanie Dirnberger, who "brings wonder, excitement, and inclusiveness to Gethsemane’s children."
Paulette Dummer is a woman who believes in miracles, in the real presence of God, in shared prayer and in the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
She sees a genuine youthfulness of spirit in century-old Gethsemane. She wants her church to continue to be a welcoming place, a safe place where members can learn and grow and find opportunities to give back.
