Blue Earth River Conference 

“Our Hands, God’s Work in the World” was the theme of the Blue Earth Conference spring event, which was April 9 at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Alden. Members of Concordia Bear Lake Lutheran and St. Paul Lutheran assisted. Displays in the church hall were presented by Global Health Ministries, Lutheran Refugee and Immigration Services, Good Earth Village, Campus Ministries, Women’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Association, and ABAN products.

Seventy-nine attendees heard Kim Dickey of Global Health Ministries speak on its mission of “helping the hands that heal.” GHM exists to aid community health systems by shipping supplies and equipment, aiding in developing sustainability and consulting in governance of health care in needy countries, emphasizing not disaster relief but basic fundamental health needs. Tina Foster, philanthropy and communications manager of Good Earth Village, invited everyone to attend GEV’s annual Women’s Day on June 25 to hear guest speaker the Rev. Margaret Kelly and take in afternoon workshops, and explained current construction to replace cabins at the Wells Fargo cabin site.

The second Temple Talk was a video created by Lutheran Refugee and Immigration Services entitled “The Journey.” The timely video stressed the risks 50 million people are willing to take when they become refugees.

Gail Otteson was elected to serve a three-year term as convener. Janet Peterson will serve as a member at large for three years, a two-year term will be filled by Mary Slette and a one-year term by Carol Purdy, as members of the nominating committee and Sandra Soli will serve a two-year term on the synod nominating committee. Kay Hodge and Minnie Dunbar of the synodical WELCA board installed the 2016-2017 BERC board members.

Retiring BERC board members were recognized for their service: Denise Kluender, Lorraine Schaper, Margaret Melcher, Lorraine Jacobson and Esther Ziemer.

The 2017 BERC spring event will be hosted by Bricelyn Lutheran Church with South Blue Earth Lutheran and North Blue Earth Lutheran churches assisting.

 

St. John’s Auxiliary

St. John’s Auxiliary gathered in the St. John’s chapel at 10:30 a.m. May 16. To begin the meeting, President Jan Jerdee welcomed everyone. The hymn “My God How Wonderful Thou Art” was sung, accompanied by Irene Goskeson. There was no secretary’s report. LeAnn Knutson gave the treasurer’s report. The volunteer report was given by Carla Reichl: February saw 1157 hours, March saw 963 hours and April saw 1,294 hours. The year-to-date total is 6,364 hours.

Upcoming events that were announced include Father’s Day on June 17, family planting on June 21, a garden party on July 27, a cruise on the Pelican Breeze on July 14 and the Freeborn County Fair on Aug. 3.

Vice President Les Harmon announced birthdays for March, April and May and the birthday song was sung.

The program was fulfilled by Norrine Jensen on piano; she played show tunes, spring songs, old time songs and inspirational songs.

The meeting was closed with the Lord’s Prayer and the Table Prayer.