Monthly Pulse Newsletter

April 2024

Easter Vigil

Reminder that the Chapel will be open this weekend for meditation and prayer through the Easter weekend.

March 29-31

Friday: noon-8 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Sunday: 7-9 a.m.

Table Talks

The Transition Team has planned an enriching series of discussions exploring the building blocks of Associated Church and our life together. We invite anybody who is interested in to join us for an extended Java, Juice, and Joy time in the Fellowship Hall each Sunday after worship in April.

These discussions are central as the Transition Team continues shaping our congregational profile in preparation for our upcoming pastoral search. We need your help! Your insights and perspectives play a crucial role in defining the essence of our faith community.

Here's a sneak peek at what's in store:

April 7th: Worship

April 14th: Education

April 21st: Inreach/Outreach/Mission

April 28th: What it Means to Have/Build a Sustainable Atmosphere

Come, share your thoughts, and explore with one another what it means to be Associated Church. We look forward to seeing you there!

Opioid Crisis in Steele County

What can we learn and what can we do?

Join us on Tuesday, April 30 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about the opioid crisis in Steele County. How many of us have a personal connection with someone who may be abusing fentanyl or other opioids? What can we do? Our panel of experts will focus on what is happening in our area, how law enforcement deals with the crisis, treatment for those involved, and education and prevention for youth and adults.

Panel of Presenters

Amber Aaseth - Public Health Director

Maddie Hessian - Public Health Project Coordinator

Ben Johnson - Commander, South Central Drug Investigation Unit

Renee Lips-Bush - Treatment Director of South Central Human Relations Center

Tim Schammel - Community Corrections Director

Following the presentation, there will be a time for questions where people can think out loud together in a safe, respectful environment. Refreshments will be provided.

We encourage you to share this notice and/or invite those you know who

would be interested in this topic.

Thoughts and Prayers

Ken Torrey is in rehab following a mild stroke. His address until April 18 is:

Ken Torrey

c/o Dan Torrey

281 Chelsea

Mahtomedi, MN 55115

Shirley Lohman is currently in the Emeralds at Faribault following a fall at home.

Shirley Lohman

c/o Emeralds at Faribault

500 1st St SE

Faribault, MN 55021

Clearwater Forest Mission Trip

The Clearwater Forest Mission trip has been cancelled.

Communion Servers

We are continuing to serve communion on the first Sunday of each month, holidays and other dates as needed. We will have four servers each time consisting of two elders and two council members. Elders will be contacted individually by a council member. Sharon Partridge has graciously committed to obtaining the bread and juice, and preparing the table. We thank her and thank you for continuing this Associated tradition.

Eli Underwood Benefit Breakfast

Sion Lutheran Church will host a breakfast to benefit Eli Underwood, son Racey and Rachel Underwood, who was born September 21st at 28 weeks, weighing 1 lb, 13 oz. Breakfast will be served from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, April 14 at Zion Lutheran, 7126 SE 98th, Ellendale, and will include pancakes and French toast with Grandma’s homemade flavored syrups, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee (gluten-free options are available). There will also be quilt and charcuterie board raffles and a bake sale from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information, contact Jim Arthur at (507) 456-1522.

Special Notes and Reminders

Copies of the devotional booklet These Days for January through March are available in the Narthex and Office. There is no charge for this resource. Please help yourself.