Shepherd of the Pines

Lutheran Church
2015

1950 125th Street NW

Rice, MN 56367
Phone: 393-4295
Pastors Home/Study Phone: 363-1323
Email: sotpministries@jetup.net
Church Website: sotpministries.com

Greetings,
This month starting Sunday, September 13, we begin a ten
week church-wide journey at Shepherd of the Pines. This journey
is called Jubilee and is based on Biblical principles that guide us
to financial freedom. In Philippians 4:19 the Apostle Paul tells us,
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of
His glory in Christ Jesus. How do we see this promise of God
played out in our lives? By trusting that God will keep His
promises and guide us on the journey of letting Him fulfill His
promises in our lives.
Deuteronomy 6:16 says, Do not put the Lord your God to the
test as you did at Massah. This verse teaches us to trust that
God will take care of us in good and bad times. We shouldnt
become overconfident in times of plenty, but we also need to
patiently endure times of adversity. God will never leave us. He
will be near us in our troubles. Unbelievers dont have this
confidence in God, because they put their trust in earthly things.
If what we need isnt available to us, we have to rely on Gods
promises. If we dont rely on God, we are testing Him. This is
what Moses was writing about when he said, as you did at
Massah. At Massah, Israel complained and asked, Is the Lord
among us or not? (Exodus 17:7) The people didnt trust Gods
promises because He didnt fulfill them in the time, place, or
manner they expected. Therefore, they gave up and stopped
believing. When we try to dictate to God the time, place, and
manner for Him to act, we are testing Him. At the same time,
were trying to see if He is really there. When we do this we are
putting limits on God and trying to make Him do what we want.
But we must realize that God is not subject to any limitations. He
is the one who dictates to us the place, manner and time that He
will act.

As we trust in Him and walk in His ways that are given to us in

the Bible, we will experience His power and help whether in our
finances or any other arena of our lives.
May your fall journey begin with the loving, living Gods
direction in your life! God Bless, Pastor Bob

Board of Lay Ministry

Pending Approval Minutes
August 20, 2015

BOLM members present: Brent Betker, Deb Erdmann, Keith Peterson, Keith Hackett, Sarah Anderson, Tim
Neutz and Pastor Bob.
Absent: Curt Kvamme, Wayne Johnson, Tom Ollman
Meeting was called to order by President Brent Betker at 6:42 pm. Pastor Bob opened the meeting with prayer.
Mission statement was read by Tim Neutz.
Acts Chapter 14 was read and discussed.
Treasurers report was reviewed. Curt was not present due to being out of town, but provided a written report for
the BOLM. Motion made to accept the report by Tim Neutz, seconded by Deb Erdmann. Motion carried.
Properties Report: Keith Peterson shared a drawing of the committees proposed kitchen changes. The committee
is in the process of getting blue prints for bids. The plans will be discussed and voted on at the annual meeting. If
approved, the kitchen work would take approximately two weeks in February. The lights in the parking lot have
been fixed. Fire extinguishers in the church will be checked and charged, if necessary, this coming week.
Secretarys report was reviewed. Correction to the minutes that the letter was from MCBI, not KCFB, regarding
funding. Motion made to accept the report by Keith Hackett, seconded by Deb Erdmann. Motion carried.
Old Business:

Director of Outreach the Service Team is keeping this in prayer for the upcoming annual meeting
discussion. Pastor Bob feels it is important that each member use their SHAPE for outreach.

Church office computers Jen filled in for Karen recently and made some changes to the projection
computer that may help with the freezing up during services.

MCBI Full day sponsorship is $720, half day $360. Tim will get more information regarding a church
presentation from MCBI. They have three local stations.

Salem Christian Fellowship Keith Hackett motioned that we send them $300, Tim Neutz seconded.

Motion carried. We are happy to support those who reach out to Muslims with the Christian faith.

Spirit 92.9 Our sponsorship day message sounded very good. Members commented that it was
energizing for them.

SOTPs Float in Parade the day was hot and the fans they passed out were welcomed. Thanks to all who
participated!

District Synod Gathering Pastor reported that Bruce Resch is willing to attend as our delegate.

New Business:

The BOLM reviewed the worship Shepherd schedule through September 20th.

Pastor will be on vacation on October 11th. The BOLM discussed who would fill in for him that Sunday.
It was decided to have communion on the 1st and 4th Sundays in October to accommodate a lay person filling in on
the 2nd Sunday.

The BOLM reviewed the tasks to be completed before the annual meeting. There are two BOLM member
terms that are concluding.

Financial Peace University Team reported that plans are going well for four classes this fall starting in
September. Signup sheets are available for classes and helping with childcare during classes.

Pastoral Call Committee report was given by Tim Neutz. Two names have been submitted to the District
for review. The Team will meet Wednesday August 26th to prepare questions for interviews.

Pastor Bob is planning to attend the Fall MN North Pastoral Conference on Speaking Gods Word in the
Legislative Process in the Public Square.

Worship Team Leader Michelle Motschke has tendered her resignation as Worship Team Leader due to
changes in her work responsibilities. She will remain active with the youth at SOTP. The BOLM is thankful for
Michelles service to SOTP in this role. Until another member steps into this leadership position a member of the
BOLM will ensure there is leadership to the Worship Team. Deb Erdmann motioned to accept Michelles letter
of resignation, Keith Peterson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Keith Peterson motioned to advertise our church in The Newsleaders Sauk Rapids Rice Resource Guide
seconded by Deb Erdmann. Motion carried.

Pastors Comments: Pastor Bob is excited about the upcoming Jubilee at SOTP.
Motion was made by Keith Peterson to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Keith Hackett. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 pm.
Closed with circle prayer.
Respectfully submitted by Sarah Anderson, BOLM Secretary

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at Gods command,

so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:2.
This verse means a lot because it tells us that God created from what was
not. How can we NOT trust in Him to take care of all our needs be they
physical, mental, Spiritual of course He will take care of all our needs in
this earth and in Heaven above.
With needs being met, God continues to richly bless us by each of you
in the many gifts you give whether in money, donated time, or other needed
items for the ministry house.
We had a great reunion meeting with many alums from many years ago. It
was fun to see the older and the newer unite with a common bond that being
LSF.
We will begin our fall semester Thursday, September 3rd. We will be
needing meals prepared as well for the studies so if you are interested and
would be willing to provide a meal any Monday at 4pm and or Thursday at
11:30am we would greatly appreciate that. I will meet with students for
weekly surveys starting next week the 25th. It will be nice to welcome back
the old and new students.
Thank you for your prayers, and continued support of the campus
ministry, they continue to be felt in many ways.
In Christ, Barbara Hertling, DCE

Come join us for Dave Ramey's Financial Peace University 9 week

course. You'll learn to take control of your money, invest in the
future, and experience God's blessings in your finances.

Where:
When:

Shepherd of The Pines Church in Rice

Sunday Mornings starting Sept. 13th
9:30-11:30 am. FREE childcare

Tuesday
Evenings starting Sept. 15th
7:00-9:00 pm.
FREE childcare
Wednesday
Evenings starting Sept. 16th
6:30-8pm.
FREE childcare

Where:
When:

Grades 7-12

Pine Country Bank in Rice

Tuesday Evenings starting Sept. 15th
6:30-8:30pm

Come check out the first class for FREE!!

The cost is $100 for a couple or for single persons.
The church is offering a $50 rebate for those who complete
the 9 week course.
Questions: Please call the church office at 320-393-4295

Join us on Sunday
mornings at 9:30 in
the youth room
starting September
13th. Lots of fun
things to plan for
the year and a
great study to
begin! Continue
your walk with
Jesus in growing
your faith!
Karen Ellefson
&
Michelle Motschke

Attention ALL YOUTH

items can be placed in the red tote on the
We have been praying
shelf near the coat racks.
for our church family each week as we
go through our church directory from
A to Z. As you go about your daily tasks lift a
prayer for the family of the week as the Lord brings
them to mind.
In September we will be praying for:
September

6 Arthur Betker

September 13 Brent & Jennifer Betker

Children: Aaron & Ashley
September 20 Tammy Billmeyer
Children: Kyle & Luke
September 27 Aaron & Jill Boatz
Children: Ryan & Grace

Its that time again! The sales are on for

back-to-school supplies. Also remember to
ask your dentist for donations of tooth paste
samples and tooth brushes. Other items we
are low on is health suppliesbrushes,
combs, washcloths, and deodorant. The

RICE AREA
FOOD SHELF
September distribution is
Thursday, September 10th,
3:00-5:30pm
at the Old Village Hall

SEPTEMBER NOISY
OFFERING!
We will be taking up our noisy
offering on Sunday, September
20th, for Habitat For Humanity.
Thank you for your support
and your generous donations!

Its time to
start getting
ready for our
SOTP Saints
Confirmation
program as we
focus on My
Place In God's
Forever Plan." This program is for
our young people 7th grade and up.
Our goal is to grow in Gods word in
a fun way while building positive
Christian relationships. There is
an important event planned for
Wednesday, September 9th, at
6:30pm at the church. This is
for PARENTS ONLY. Pastor Bob
will share with you the details of
this years program. (Parents, you
are an important part of this
program and your participation
makes a powerful impact on the
young person's life.) The SOTP
Saints events for the youth
begin on Wednesday,
September 16th, at 6:30pm. If
you have any questions contact
Pastor Bob at 393-4295.
You are invited to
quilting at the
church on
Thursdays,
September 10 & 24, from 2:00pm
until 6:00pm. Everyone is
welcome to stop in and join us!
ATTENTION CHOIR
MEMBERS!
Choir practice will
begin again on
Wednesday, September 16th, at
7:00pm. We also welcome any new
members to the choir. We love to sing
and invite you to sing with us! Our

fun group is open to everybody. See

you there!

In Acts 6:1-9 as the

Apostles were in need
of others to help in the
ministry
they
encouraged
the
believers to choose
those who are known to be full of
the spirit and wisdom. In keeping
with this advice from scripture,
Article 4 of our Constitution By
Laws says, The Board of Lay
Ministry of the church shall be
composed of 7 communicant
members (male and female), and
the treasurer of the church, elected
at the annual meeting of the
church. They shall be people who
have proven faithful to the Lord
and His church. They shall also
have been communicant members
of the church for at least 2 years
prior to sitting on the board and
shall not be ministry staff members
or employees of the church. They
also should be people who attend
worship faithfully and are involved
in ongoing Bible study and a
committed
life
of
growing
discipleship.
Members of the
board shall serve three-year terms
established on a staggared basis,
and may not serve more than two
consecutive terms.
The SeniorPastor - Director of Ministries shall
be an ex-officio member of the
Board of Lay Ministry.
There are two spots open for
election on the Board of Lay
Ministry. They are currently
held by Keith Hacket finishing
his second term and not able to
be renominated, and Keith
Peterson finishing his first
term. Please pray that the Lord

will guide us to the people He

wants to fill these positions.
As you are led to someone,
contact that person to see if
they are willing to serve, and
then submit their name in
writing and place it in the
nomination box on the counter
in the church lobby. The
nomination box will be
available on the counter
between September 13 and
October 15. The congregation will
elect two people from the list of
nominations at the annual
congregational meeting on
November 22. Feel free to contact
any current board member with
any questions you may have.

The Call Committee has reached the next

phase in the call process, we have 2 names
collected from the congregational
nomination box to send in to the District
Office, they will begin the process of
collecting more names to send to us,
approximately within the next 6-8 weeks
we'll have that information. From that point,
we'll have to narrow the list of names down
to just a few to begin the next steps of
preparing for interviews. The Call
Committee would like to ask you all to be in
prayer alongside us in this process. We need
the prayers of the entire family to gracefully
walk out this journey, to hear the Lord's
voice and to be obedient to His plans. Its

much more fun to pray with God than

merely to pray to Him. - See more at:
http://prayer-coach.com/2010/05/12/prayerquotes-billjohnson/

I just wanted to share the following testimony from the Outpost July Newsletter. Outpost is a ministry of
setting people free from the bondage of same sex attraction and bringing them into the freedom to live in
Gods plan for sexuality.
I was the middle child of five in a Catholic family. Our church in the 50s and early 60s was all about fire, hell
and damnation. I dont remember hearing about the mercy or love I longed for. Coming from a Scandinavian
heritage, I learned at an early age that boys dont cry and never share their painful thoughts. I had plenty of painful
thoughts, as I had been sexually abused as a toddler.
As I grew older, I felt different from other boys. I was called a sissy by my peers and ignored by my older
brother. I was also a super sensitive young boy, and I perceived, erroneously, that my father was ashamed of me
and didnt love me. I detached emotionally from him. I got involved in theater in high school, and it was my major
in college. My father just had no interest in those things, so I thought he had no interest in me as well. My mother
was bipolar during a time when there was no such diagnosis; she could be verbally abusive.
I want to make it clear that I dont blame my parents for the sinful choices I made. They did the best they could
with a son they didnt understand. Later in life, God showed me many happy times in my childhood and that my
parents had indeed loved me.
When I got to college, I discovered pornography and began to act out with other men. Diane, my high school
girlfriend, and I were dating and later married. I continued to act out, unbeknownst to her.
I remember the first time that I went into a gay bar, and I was in awe of all the attention I received. For the first
time in my life, I felt important, needed, and affirmed.
One day I was in a bathhouse, and a very old, fat, ugly man in a disheveled suit approached me and asked if I
wanted to have sex. I said, No. He said, Ill pay you $20. Again I said, No. Then he said, Ill pay you $20 if
you just give me a hug. I told him to keep his money. I gave him a hug and went home. I looked in the mirror, and
though I was 26, like a veil being lifted, I saw that one day I could be like that old man.
I believe that man was an angel. He opened my eyes,
and I had a new revelation of myself. I realized that my
homosexuality was not about sex at all, but it was all about
being accepted and affirmed. I got on my knees and cried
out to God, Lord, please change me.
I struggled with unemployment for a season, and within a
year, Diane and I moved to our cabin in Wisconsin. We
joined a prayer group, and they loaned us books. One night,
Diane and I were reading Ephesians out loud. The scriptures
jumped off the page at me, and I soon realized that God was
speaking to me. In Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV), we read, For it is
by grace you have been saved . . . It is the gift of Godnot
by works, and in 2:10, my life verse, We are all Gods work
of art (The Jerusalem Bible). For one suffering from selfhatred, that was music to my ears. Ephesians 5 says, For
you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light. Have nothing to do with the fruitless
deeds of darkness, but rather expose them. This is why it is said: Wake up, O sleeper, Rise from the dead, and

Christ will shine on you (vs. 8, 11, 14, NIV).

I fell on the floor weeping and asked God for forgiveness for my sinful ways. I also wept for joy because I finally
understood what Christ did for me at Calvary and realized that the Fathers love for me is unconditional. We gave
our lives to Christ that night. I thought my healing journey was over, but it was only the beginning.
We moved back to Minneapolis, and I finally got a job. We joined an interdenominational Christian community,
and for the first time in my life, I began to relate to men in a healthy way. We also discovered we couldnt have
children. Diane miscarried three times, and each time, it was like a death in the family. We adopted the first of our
two children, a special needs child. Though God would work a miracle in my sons life, healing him from
hydrocephalus, he had to endure severe migraines for the first 11 years of his life.

The stress at work and home was too much to bear, and I sought out those old patterns of medicating. I now
knew what the Bible said about homosexuality, and I just felt more guilt and shame. The shame fueled my acting
out, and it became a cycle.
Homosexuality was not talked about in the church unless it was condemned. All the recovery books were yet to
be written. Jesus was going to have to lead the way, and lead He did. He called us to join a non-denominational
church with some of our friends, and God showed me how those relationships were key to my healing. It gave me
great comfort and strength to know that these men accepted me and respected me and would not reject me. Still, I
was not ready to divulge my secret sin.
One Sunday, the pastor spoke on anger and then invited people forward and prayed over them to be released
from the clutches of anger. I went forward. Another Sunday, I went forward to be prayed for to be released from
bitterness and unforgiveness. God revealed to me my hardened heart toward those who had wounded me in my
youth. I was led in a prayer to forgive all of those peoplemy parents and my tormentors. I even had to forgive
God for not allowing me to father a child. My desire to act out decreased considerably after each of those times of
prayer ministry.
Later at a mens retreat at my church, God spoke to me in my quiet time, I have given you friends to
encourage you, I have dealt with the root cause of your sinfulness. The next step is up to you. I knew what He
meant. I needed to expose the darkness and end my double-life. The truth needed to be shared. At the large
group gathering, trembling, I shared briefly, I have struggled with homosexuality most of my adult life, and God is
doing a tremendous thing. I did not get the rejection I feared but applause and acceptance.
That fall I went to my first group meeting at Outpost Ministries for Christian men struggling with unwanted
same-sex attractions. I finally began to talk about my brokenness. Shame and guilt lost its hold on me, and along
with it, my desire to act out with other men. No more pretending. I went to Diane and shared with her my years of
infidelity. I said I was sorry and asked her for forgiveness. Initially in anger and tears she said, No, but God spoke
to her at that moment. He told her He had forgiven her of her own sins. She then grabbed my hand and chose to
forgive me.
I went through Living Waters, a Christ-centered program with teaching, prayer, and small group interaction.
God showed me many other areas I needed healing. Living Waters brought me to the cross where I experienced a
deeper level of healing for my sexual brokenness.
Diane and I gave our testimonies for the first time publicly at our home church in 1999. Around that time, God
called us to help other couples impacted by homosexuality in their marriages. We formed Simon Ministries,
named after Simon of Cyrene who carried Christs cross on the way to Calvary. Diane also gave her testimony at a
national conference in San Diego in 2000. I will always remember those two events as highlights of our ministry.
We worked out of our home, holding group meetings for both husbands and wives and running Living Waters at
our church. We were under the authority of our church until 2011 when we closed Simon Ministries and joined
forces with Outpost. I came back to where it all began. Our group is now called Simon Refuge. In total, we have
been ministering to married couples impacted by homosexuality for 16 years. We will be celebrating our
45th wedding anniversary in September. One of my favorite scriptures from Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV) says it all, I sought
the Lord, and He answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces
are never covered with shame. To quote Robert Frost, we took the road less traveled, and that has made all the

difference.
This testimony reminds me that as we call sin what God calls sin, we need to offer forgiveness and a
way of victory over sin by the power of Jesus Christ. This journey is usually a journey of struggles rather
than a one time transformation in the blink of an eye. God loves us as we struggle to overcome our sin
and its painful consequences in our lives. God is there to help us by His grace.
The 2015/2016 Living Waters program will begin in October and run through March 2016. Living Waters
is a 21 week Christ centered program for those seeking healing and freedom from sexual abuse, sexual
addiction, unforgiveness, fear and shame, insecurity, unwanted same sex attraction and other relational
brokenness common today. For more information contact Jean the Living Waters Coordinator for Outpost
Ministries at 763-592-4700 ext. 108 or check out www.outpostministries.org - Pastor Bob

Worship Shepherds
September 6

Tim Neutz

Tony & Linda Omann

September 13 Candace Dingmann

September 13 Keith Hackett

September 20 Al & Bev Gerads

September 20 Deb Erdmann

September 27 Wayne Johnson
October 4

September 6

Curt Kvamme

September 27 Charlie & Nancy Anderson

October 4

Barb Zapzalka

SEPTEMBER COUNTERS
Dennis Arntson, Laurie Madoll,
Keith Kirchner, Ron Bulthuis
September 6

8:00am Keith & Evie Kirchner

10:30am Pat & Carol Rolph

September 13 8:00am Keith & Roxanne Peterson

10:30am Rich & Robin Hemple
September 20 8:00am Kevin & Janet Maleska
10:30am Steve & Roxann Ree
September 27

8:00am Randy & Donna Klaphake

10:30am Troy & Deb Popp

October 4

8:00am Bonnie Gottwalt & Charyl Walberg

10:30am Wayne & Colleen Peterson

If it is your turn to serve fellowship, please

bring some treats to share and arrive early
to help set up. If your name is first on the
list, please arrive 30 minutes prior to the
8:00am service to make coffee. The
directions for making coffee are posted on
the bulletin board in the kitchen. When you serve
fellowship, please plan on serving coffee and treats and
cleaning up the kitchen after the first service. The others
serving with you would appreciate it!

September 6 - VOLUNTEERS

September 6

8:00am
10:30am

Janet Maleska
Howard Forer

September 13 8:00am
10:30am

Roxann Ree
Heather Ostendorf

September 20 8:00am
10:30am

Ruth Brutcher
Melissa Hinderschied

September 27 8:00am
10:30am

Alice Ellefson
Carol Trinklein

October 4

Linda Omann
Pam Fuchs

8:00am
10:30am

September 13 - W. Peterson, J. Hoeft, R. Bulthuis,

J. Dumonceaux, K. Foss
September 20 - B. Gottwalt, J. Brouns, K. Feia,
T. Ollman, t. Neutz
September 27 - J. Saldana, Ro. Gummert, D. Traut,
K. Gummert, J. Gummert
October

4 - C. Anderson, B. Fiedler, S. Schraut,

D. Brannen, A. Ostendorf

September 6 - Psalm 100:1-5

Luke 17:11-19

September 13 - Proverbs 22:7

Luke 14:28-30
September 20 - Psalm 24:1
Matthew 6:25-33
September 27 - Romans 13:8
Matthew 6:25-33

SEPTEMBER
Deb Erdmann, DJ Janski,
Joan Ramey, Linda Omann

PROJECTIONIST
September 6

8:00am Bill Paradeis

10:30am Matthew Neutz

September 13 8:00am Donovan Elyea

10:30am Noah Ellefson
September 20 8:00am Samantha Dubbin
10:30am Denise Leahy
September 27 8:00am Dennis Arntson
10:30am Noah Ellefson
October 4

8:00am Donovan Elyea

10:30am Matthew Neutz

NONPROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
RICE, MN
PERMIT NO. 32

RETURN SERVICES REQUESTED

Jesus Has A Good Plan For...

Bob Trinklein, Pastor

Church Phone: 393-4295
Pastors Home Study: 320-363-1323
Email: sotpministries@jetup.net
Church Website: sotpministries.com
SOTP BOARD OF LAY MINISTRY/ELDERS
Brent Betker, President 584-8170, Deb Erdmann, 393-4279, Keith Hackett, 393-4531, Keith Peterson, Vice-President 292-4007,
Curt Kvamme, Treas. 393-3353, Sarah Anderson, Secretary 267-2628, Tim Neutz, 393-3386, Wayne Johnson 253-9020
Tom Ollman, Church Properties 253-4623
EXECUTIVE MINISTRY TEAM
Brenda Hackett - Small Group Team Leader, Michelle Motschke - Worship Team Leader, Maria Traut - Service Team Leader
In case of church cancellation due to bad weather listen to, 98 COUNTRY 98.1, SPIRIT 92.9, KCLD 104.7, WJON 1240,
or call the church office and listen to the message.

Shepherd of the Pines Mission Statement: Connecting People to GodTo Othersand To Service
The purpose of this congregation is mandated for us by our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, as found in the words of the Great
Commission (Matthew 28), namely first of all to Go. To leave our walls of refuge, going into all the world, comprising of our families
and neighbors. We plan to achieve our purpose by identifying persons with whom we are particularly well-equipped to serve and reach
with the challenge of becoming Disciples of Christ.
Second, to Make Disciples or in the words of St Paul, To equip the saints (Ephesians 4:12). This is to be understood as helping
people to live the Christian life here on earth. Preparing and encouraging young and old alike to find and to use their God given gifts
and abilities for the extension of His Kingdom, and to grow in fervent love for God and for others.
Thirdly, to Baptize as commanded by Jesus Himself. As God reaches down to mankind with His means of grace, He would have us
baptize His people, bringing them into His family and Kingdom, granting to them life, forgiveness of sins, and eternal salvation.
And lastly, to continue steadfast in His Word, Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. A continued
zeal for the study of His Word, the Bible, is necessary for the growth of any Christian congregation. Thus, the Word of God will be
taught and studied in full measure and His Word shall be the rule and norm of this congregations faith and life.
To that end, our every effort and energy will be used in motivating, training, and putting to use our time, and talents and treasures
to Make Disciples.