FEBRUARY | 2024

We’ll be digging into familiar stories from the Gospels each week of Lent. Also, the Holden Evening Prayer will take place at one of the services each week.

February 18 (Holden) & February 21           

When We’re Burnt Out—John 4:3-14

Have you noticed that sometimes we just get overwhelmed? Schedules are busy, demands are high–and that is nothing new. Jesus has something more for us. Jesus offers us a new start and a way out of the never-ending cycles that can often dominate our lives.

February 25 (Holden) & February 28 (Holden)      

When There’s Not Enough—John 6:1-13

We’ve all had that awful feeling of running out of something that you desperately need. What do we do when everyone around us is waiting for something that we know is all gone? Jesus isn’t afraid to step into these moments with us and show us unimaginable resources.

March 3 & March 6

When We’re Too Hurt—Luke 5:17-26

Sometimes the only thing worse than being hurt or sick is watching a loved one who is hurt or sick. Who can we turn to in times that healing is needed? Whether it is us, or someone we know who needs help, Jesus shows up in these moments with healing for every aspect of our lives.

March 10 (Holden) & March 13 (Holden)                  

When Life’s Too Much—John 11:33-44

Death often brings out the deepest grief and sorrow that we will ever experience. We don’t know what to do, we don’t know what to say. But Jesus does. When we are tied down by hopelessness, Jesus sets us free and reminds us that life always wins. 

March 17 & March 20                   

When We’re Too Anxious—Mark 4:34-39

Everyone worries about something, but sometimes, that anxiety we feel can become larger than life. When the storms of life terrify us and it seems that we are left alone to worry, Jesus is still there. The care that Jesus gives us can bring peace to any situation and calm any distress. 

LENT @ VINJE

The season of Lent is just around the corner, so we want to make sure you’re aware of the schedule and all worship opportunities coming up! Here’s what you need to know....

Ash Wednesday Worship  

February 14, 6 pm

Because He First Loved Us Sermon Series

February 18—March 20

Lenten Mentoring  

Weekly: February 14 through March 20

Holy Week  

March 24—March 29

YOUTH MISSION TRIPS

Information about the youth mission trips to St. Louis and Nebraska can be found on the website! Parents, please talk with your kids about this fun opportunity! Contact Pastor Justin with questions.

GLLM EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FEBRUARY 15

Now’s the time to get registered for camp! Head Green Lake Ministries' website to check out all the options for our youth! Also, please note that scholarships are available if needed. Please reach out to Pastor Dane with any questions.

VINJE QUILTERS

Quilters will not meet in February. We look forward to seeing you again in March! 

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 & WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7

FOLLOWING WORSHIP SERVICES

The 2024 annual meeting of Vinje Lutheran Church will begin on Sunday, February 4th immediately following worship and will conclude on Wednesday, February 7th immediately following worship. All information will be presented on both dates. Votes will be collected on both dates as well and tallied after the February 7th meeting. All confirmed members of the congregation will have voice and vote at this meeting. We will vote on new council members and a budget proposal for 2024. Hope to see you all at one of these two meeting times! 



*Childcare will be provided during both meetings!

Thanks to all Vinje members collecting your home plastic and bringing it to church. Keep collecting! In December, we collected over 120 pounds of plastic!

The 5 R’s of a Sustainable LifeStyle

A recent article in the North Star Journal provided a good reminder of how we can all contribute to a cleaner environment through the 5 R’s:

Refuse—Use the power of your wallet to buy products from companies who are waste and plastic free – let companies and legislators know your support for responsible packaging.

Reduce—Buy less stuff. Shop from a grocery list, use what you purchase rather than throw away food. Did you know that over one third of food produced in the US goes to waste?

Reuse—Reuse what you already have or invest in reusable items. Use a water bottle rather than buying bottled water. Buy used when you can and donate useable items.

Repurpose—Get creative, use what you have for other purposes.

Recycle—Recycle what you can. Cardboard, glass and most plastic can be recycled.  

WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR RECYCLING?

According to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Minnesota laws prohibit recyclables that have been put in recycling from going to the landfill or a waste energy facility. It has to go to a facility and becomes all sorts of useful things….glass bottles, food containers, wire, auto parts, playground equipment and more!

At their January 22 meeting the Vinje Council:

• Reviewed membership statistics from 2023.
• Approved the treasurer’s report after reviewing December financials.
• Discussed staffing including the hiring of Megan Strand and Samantha Russell-Barron, along with the urgent need for Loving Arms teachers and aids.
• Received a report from the nominating committee.
• Voted to approve Bill Pattison to replace Jon Hotek as an at large member of the Personnel Committee.
• Discussed the possibility of a future intern.

EXPLORING VINJE'S HISTORY

This month pastor Andrés asked Karen Rousseau to share her memories of 20 years being involved with our Prayer Shawl Ministry.

This ministry started in April of 2004 after Kay McLane attended a National Church Library Convention in representation of our Library at Vinje. One of the speakers was telling about the prayer shawl ministry and handed out a few prayer shawls to members of the audience. Kay was lucky to receive one of the shawls and she told us about it at the following meeting of our Library team here at Vinje.

I was retired and enjoyed knitting, so I volunteered to get such a ministry started at Vinje. Kay and I met with pastor Barb Larson. She approved the idea and made the brochure that we to this day give out with the prayer shawls. It was also decided that anyone could receive a prayer shawl, regardless of whether they were members of our church.

Over the years, children to adults have received prayer shawls for numerous needs. They give comfort, love, solace, a hug, symbolic of a loving God. They benefit both the maker and receiver of the shawl. Vinje prayer shawls have traveled all over the United States and recently also to Argentina in South America. When the youth go on mission trips, several shawls often go with each group to be handed out as they see fit.

I also know of some people who became so attached to their prayer shawl that they requested to be buried with the prayer shawl in the casket. And once a widow decided to cut the deceased wife’s prayer shawl in half and put one half in the casket and kept the other half for himself. Of course, his half soon started to unravel, and I fixed it for him. Occasionally it has happened that someone wore their shawl so much out that they needed a refurbishing. I have been happy to do that for them.  

During the knitting process, I always pray for whomever will receive the shawl, that it will give them peace and comfort.



As this is written, over 1,000 prayer shawls have been given out. I keep a record on my computer of the names of the all the people who have received one.