Author: Noreen Bryan

Augustana
Church
PREVIEWS
Lutherans & Anglicans worshiping together

February 2024

Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church 1201 Broadway Avenue Saskatoon, SK S7H 2A4

Office: 306-242-9553 E-mail: augustana@sasktel.net
www.http://augustanasaskatoon.net/

welcoming celebratory inspiring adventurous in mission

WELCOME TO LENT
In one of those beautiful and strange holy day coincidences, this year Ash Wednesday, which begins the season of Lent, falls on the same day as Valentine’s Day, a holiday with obscure origins that may or may not include a martyred saint, but that now has become synonymous with love. So maybe that makes sense that we begin on this day dedicated to love – knowing that it is in love that God’s story with us begins and ends – much like our Lenten journey.
Ash Wednesday is one of the most intimate times we have to interact with one another in our services. We stand face to face, inches apart really, as we look each in the eye and draw our deepest fears to the surface, as we invite each to remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return.
Yet from that depth of humility, from that place of seeming hopelessness, we reach out with our thumbprint of ashes and place the brand, the reminder, of our God’s limitless love for each one of us individually, and God’s claiming us as God’s own, forever. And that marks the start of Lent, our time in these 40 days before Easter, our pause button in the busyness of the year, to reflect on God’s assurance that evil will not prevail and that life does not end with death. Love does indeed win!
I hope you will join us on Sundays through Lent as we explore our theme “Again & Again: A Lenten Refrain.” As well, you are invited to travel between congregations on Wednesdays for our Midweek services with the other Lutheran churches in town.
Pastor Kirk

Sundays in Lent
This Lenten season I hope you will join us each Sunday for a new worship series by Sanctified Art called: Again & Again: A Lenten Refrain.
In this season of Lent, we’re reminded that, again and again, suffering and brokenness find us. We doubt again, we lament again, we mess up again. Again and again, the story of Jesus on the cross repeats—every time lives are taken unjustly, every time the powerful choose corruption and violence, every time individuals forget how to love.
With exacerbation we exclaim, “Again?! How long, O God?” And yet, in the midst of the motion blur chaos of our lives, God offers a sacred refrain: “I choose you; I love you, I will lead you to repair.” Again and again, God breaks the cycle and offers us a new way forward.
This theme invites us to come to God again and again with our prayers, our dreams, our hopes, and our doubts. It encourages us to continue to be community to one another—especially when it’s hard—by choosing each other over and over again and it calls us to continue to love God with the same persistence God chooses and claims us.
Our sub-theme, A Lenten Refrain, speaks to the ways God can make music of our lives. “Refrain” also reminds us that Lent is a season of abstaining from certain practices in order to take on new rhythms and habits.
In this season, we need rituals—both old and new—to remember and be transformed. Embodied practice builds muscle memory. Repetition helps retrain our neural pathways. We need the 46 days of Lent because this season shapes us into more faithful disciples.
Join us this Lent as again and again, we bring all of who we are to God and trust that God will meet us, time and time again, along the way.

Council Notes
Pat Blakley, Council Chairperson
Hello Augustana Church Family,
Church Council had three major items on its agenda when we met on January 17: the 2024 budget, Annual General Meeting (AGM), and Value Statements. With the budget, the plan will be to thoughtfully consider our expenses and search for opportunities to increase our income.
Please mark March 3rd in your calendar for the AGM. One task to complete at the AGM is to elect members to Church Council. There are currently 9 members of Council of which 3 members have completed their terms. Two members will be seeking re-election. Our Constitution indicates that Council can have up to 12 members. This means that 4 additional members can have their names put forward for Council. Please consider participating on Council. We expect to spend time in the coming year identifying opportunities to live out God’s mission and ministry for our Congregation.
Finally, the Faithful Innovation Team has completed the analysis of the information provided by members of the Congregation in the 3 Visioning Sessions. The following are the Value Statements which were discerned by the team:
Inclusivity and Accessibility: At Augustana we welcome everyone by fostering a safe, inclusive, and accessible space and community for all.
Building Community Within our Congregation: At Augustana we celebrate the image of God in one another and in all of creation and seek to build community rooted in our faith in Jesus Christ.
Building Community Beyond our Congregation: At Augustana we learn about, recognize and value the experiences of the community around us through engagement and collaboration.
Worship and Music: We gather together to explore the love, grace, and challenge of God in a variety of ways that honour our Lutheran and Anglican traditions while making space for God’s creative spirit. Music is integral to our identity.
Celebrating the Varied Gifts in our Community: At Augustana we seek to empower people to share their abilities, resources and experiences.
Respecting the Past While Ensuring Augustana’s Future: At Augustana we acknowledge the faithfulness and adaptability of those who have gone before us and will not be afraid to make responsible decisions for the greatest good of our faith community.
A Willingness and Need to Change: At Augustana, we recognize that life is dynamic and complex. Relying on the Spirit to guide us, we are committed to being open to new possibilities and opportunities as we respond to needs in our congregation and wider community.
Working Alongside Others with Similar Goals: At Augustana, we believe that we are stronger together. Through partnerships, we seek to become engaged in issues and challenges that are important to the congregation and the wider community.
The Value Statements will be used to guide the work that we do.
If you have any questions or concerns that you would like to be brought to Council, please feel free to contact me.
Blessings,
Pat Blakley, Church Council Chairperson

Augustana services are in-person and live-streamed, and worship recordings can always be accessed through the YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCua4E9ZVxlZ4Wfmct0ZLnBA/videos
Or on the Augustana website http://augustanasaskatoon.net/worship-resources
To participate in the 10:30 AM live-streamed worship service please go to the Augustana YouTube Channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCua4E9ZVxlZ4Wfmct0ZLnBA/featured
Once there, click the play button on the player in the browser to open the live player
and view the worship service.

Date	Tech Support	Ushers & Communion Assts	Lector & Prayers	Coffee Clean-up / & Set-up
Feb. 4	Bryan T. / (Greg F-N. bu)	Wayne Carlson & Larry Trenouth / (Linda Stauffer)	Paul Weatherington	Marie Ebbert & Isabel Zacharias
Feb. 11	Katie O. / (Karen W. bu)	D.-Jay Krozser & Bonnie Moser	Betty Warren	(?)
Feb. 18	Greg F-N. / (Bryan T. bu)	Edith & Lorne Carlson / (Margareth Peterson)	Linda Jarock	Linda Catton & Shelley Apolonia
Feb. 25	Karen W. / (Katie O. bu)	Cherie & Linda Jarock	Chris Martin	(?)

If anyone would be interested in helping with altar guild or any of the worship roles, it would be make a huge difference for how worship continues at Augustana. Please prayerfully consider assisting and signing up when the clipboard is passed around on a Sunday. Thank you! Also, if you need to trade with someone for a worship role, please let the church office know as soon as possible.

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT
Join us as we gather again at various Lutheran churches in the city for midweek services through Lent.
This year, we will observe a Holy Lament – considering what it means to sit with our grief rather than try
to push it aside. We will discover that many faithful believers have wrestled with grief, sorrow,
and questions for God about why the innocent suffer.
It is our hope that as we begin to understand lament in a new way, we will begin to see it as
one of the more faithful things we can do. For when we approach God with honesty and humility, and we admit
that some things are too big for our hearts to bear, we will find there not a disapproving God but one who
weeps with us. We will find a God who can take our grief and disappointment and transform them into holy joy
and renewed hope. We will learn, ultimately, that Jesus’ death on the cross—the place to which the season of Lent leads us—is the reason we never mourn as those without hope.
Here is the calendar of our midweek Lenten services. All services begin at 7:30pm
Date Host Preacher
Ash Wednesday (Feb. 14) Zion Lutheran Resurrection
Lent 1 (Feb. 21st) Resurrection Trinity Lutheran
Lent 2 (Feb. 28) Good Shepherd King of Glory
Lent 3 (March 6) Trinity Lutheran Augustana Lutheran
Lent 4 (March 13) Redeemer Lutheran Good Shepherd
Lent 5 (March 20) Augustan Lutheran Zion Lutheran

Health Notes
February is Heart Month
Staying Active is important to prevent heart disease and maintain function if you have had a heart attack or if you have other heart or lung disease.
How much activity is enough?
Recommendations are for 150 minutes of exercise per week - or 22 minutes per day. Activity should be done a minimum of 10 minutes at a time, and keep in mind, it does add up!
10 to 11 minutes of exercise two times per day is sufficient to reach the recommended amount of exercise.
Activity that you enjoy or that is already part of your day is often the best way to include exercise in your routine. Mild to moderate activity such as light or brisk walking, gardening, or household chores can be considered as exercise so long as they are more than 10 minutes at a time. Using large muscle groups, such as arms and or legs are the best fitness activities. And the more muscles involved, the better the exercise.
Exercising with a friend will also help you and them to make exercise a routine.
Augustana hosts a Forever in Motion exercise session 2 times per week with each exercise session being 45 minutes in duration providing the majority of your weekly recommended exercise activity for heart health! In addition to physical exercise, there is opportunity to get together with your friends from Augustana and as well as to meet new people from the community. Socialization is also good for heart health and general well being and this group likes to have a good laugh!
Remember to ask your doctor before starting any exercise program.
(From Stay active | Heart and Stroke Foundation )
Did you know:
Although chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack, women may experience a heart attack different than men. Women may have one or more of the following: shortness of breath, pressure or pain in the lower chest or upper abdomen, upper back pain, dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting, or extreme fatigue.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing a heart attack, call 911, stop all activity, chew and swallow one 325 mg aspirin (or two 81 mg tablets if you are not allergic or intolerant), and have a list of your medications handy.
(From Signs of a heart attack | Heart and Stroke Foundation)
Augustana Health Cabinet
(Health Cabinet meets on February 12 at 1:30 PM)

ALZHEIMER SOCIETY SASKATCHEWAN
Care Essentials Learning Series: For Family, Friends, and other Care Partners
Join us in Saskatoon this month for our Care Essentials Learning Series:
February 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2024
6:30 – 8:30 PM
This series will offer guidance throughout the caregiver journey and strategies for
when a person with dementia's care needs have increased.
To register for either location, call 1-877-949-4141.
Participants are asked to attend all sessions.
For more information on our Learning Series, please see our website.
THE BRIDGE
Current Needs are:
Coffee Whitener
35”x50” Garbage Bags
Mens’ & Women’s Underwear
Men’s & Women’s pants
L-XL Nitrile gloves
Mitts
The Bridge on 20th Fellowship Centre, 1008-20th Street West
DIACONAL MINISTRY SUNDAY
Diaconal Ministry Sunday is on February 25 this year.
It's a Sunday we set aside to highlight the value of diaconal ministry as a church, as well as celebrate the deacons serving in the ELCIC. All of us are called to diaconal ministry, through the waters of baptism.
ELCIC HOMOPHOBIA, BIPHOBIA, TRANSPHOBIA TASK FORCE
The ELCIC is looking for volunteers to fill a number of positions in the Homophobia, Biphobia, Transphobia Task Force. Applications will be reviewed by the National Office. The ELCIC hopes to appoint a diverse and effective team. For more information, contact Carmen Ramirez, Assistant to the Bishop, Diversity Equity, and Inclusion, cramirez@elcic.ca . Apply online.
ELW
The ELW meeting and bible study for February will take place on Monday, February 26th at 2:00 PM
in the Fellowship Hall. All women are invited to attend.
A big THANK YOU is also extended to everyone who knit or crocheted articles for our Mitten Tree.
It was very much appreciated. The following articles were packed and taken to:
Haven Kids' House, Interval House and the Salvation Army:
Toque & Mitten Sets (21); Toques (58); Mittens (49); Scarves (53);
Mittens & Headband Sets (2); Headbands (8); Gloves (4); Hats (2)
Neck Warmer (1); Socks (18)
can be modified to suit your individual situation. Enhance your balance with heel toe walks or standing on one leg.
While it's possible to address all of these fitness components with a physically active lifestyle, an exercise pro-gram can help you achieve even greater benefits. You do not need to sign up at a fitness center if you are not able. Any time you move for extended periods of time such as golfing, walking in the park, tai chi, yoga, bowling etc. they are all considered exercise. Enjoy your new found health benefits! PS – friends increase the fun, time and accountability of an exercise regime.
 Lift Us Up Choir Concert - Augustana Choir, a unique ensemble of Lutherans and Anglicans, presents its sixth annual concert “Lift Us Up” on Friday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Augustana Church, 1201 Broadway Ave. S. Special guests include members of the German children’s choir Kinderchor Saskatoon, flutist Alison Mont-gomery, and others. Proceeds go to the Accessibility Project—making our building wheelchair accessible. A free will offering will be collected, with donations of $15 or more eligible for a tax receipt (matching grant of up to $300 provided by FaithLife Financial Chapter 2181).
 Lay Academy - The Lay Academy will be held by Skype on June 3 and June 10. For details, visit https://layacademy5.wixsite.com/elcicwla
 Confirmation - At the worship service on June 4, Zachary Apolonia, Erin Bick, Brian Borisko and Thomas Diegel are to be confirmed. A potluck celebration will be held after the service.
 Friendship Inn - Would you like to help serve lunch at the Friendship Inn on an occasional basis? More volunteers are always welcome. Au-gustana’s day is Thursday, June 8 from 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM. Contact Heather for more information or to volunteer.
 Garage Sale June 9-10– Augustana's Garage Sale will take place on Fri-day, June 9 from 2-8 p.m. and on Saturday, June 10 from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. You can bring your "treasures" to the church on Tuesday, June 6, Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
 Synod Area Gathering - The ELCIC Sask Synod Regional Gathering will be held in Saskatoon June 17, 2017 at Lutheran Theological Seminary. The Saskatoon Conference will cover the registration cost for Saska-toon Conference representatives. Free parking will be available at the Seminary. There will be no registra-tion fee for Augustana members.
 Church Picnic - Augustana's Church picnic and Sunday School windup will be held on Sunday, June 18 fol-lowing the worship service. Meet at the Forestry Farm at the play structure. BBQ hamburgers, hotdogs, re-freshments and sides will be provided. Please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, bug spray and sun-screen. In case of inclement weather, the picnic will be held in the church basement.
 Men’s Book and Breakfast - The Men’s Book and Breakfast group meets each Wednesday at Grainfields in Grosvenor Park Shopping Centre, beginning at 7 a.m.
 Just Older Youth (JOY) - Details about the June JOY program were not finalized at press time. Watch for the poster and announcement in the bulletin..

FILM SERIES ON GAZA
Augustana, along with Grace Westminster United and Emmanuel Anglican churches are offering a series of three films and opportunities for discussion around the conflict in Gaza. The first film will be held on Tuesday, Feb 20th at Emmanuel Anglican Church. Doors open at 5:30 for soup and sandwiches and the movie begins at 6:30 PM.
Roadmap to Apartheid
With a comparison between apartheid South Africa and the Israel/Palestine conflict, this doc traces the future of one conflict from the past of another. Weaving the history of apartheid into the complex issues facing Israelis and Palestinians, it highlights the frighteningly similar laws and tools used by Israel and apartheid-era South Africa. It's a dark picture of the present but offers hope based on the peace that South Africa eventually found.
HEALTH CABINET
The Health Cabinet is conducting a “Whole Person Health Care Survey” “to identify faith needs and health care issues to develop future directions of our health care ministry at Augustana.” Printed copies of the survey are in the narthex. Your participation is voluntary and completing the survey implies your consent.
The information gathered will be confidential. Members of the Augustana Health Cabinet (Linda, Shelley, Heather, Gayle and Pastor Kirk) will review and collate the responses to the survey. Only summarized information, with no personal identification will be reported. Results will be published in an upcoming monthly newsletter. Please do not put your name on the survey unless you wish us to contact you.
Please return your survey in one of the following ways by February 11th: either mail to the church, place in the Health Cabinet Survey box in the church narthex, or as a last resort email to augustana@sasktel.net SUBJECT LINE: Health Care Survey. Thanks very much for your input as an individual member in this survey.
J.O.Y GROUP
On Thursday, February 15th at 2:00 pm
in the Augustana Fellowship Hall
the J.O.Y. Group presents
“Experience Turkey (Türkiye) through the Eyes of a Tourist”
with Angie and Merv Johnson.
Experience the wonders of the Ancient Spice Road, the famed Trojan Horse of Troy, follow in the footsteps of the Apostle Paul to Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, share in a sunrise balloon ride, and so much more. Prepare your taste buds to savour an authentic Turkish Taste experience.
Be prepared to be astounded by the delights of the Ancient World and the many biblical references you will encounter in this presentation. Everyone is welcome & encouraged to attend this fun-filled afternoon!
KAIROS: LET'S TALK SOCIAL AND ECOLOGICAL JUSTICE
Kairos invites you to participate in the Canadian government's Budget 2024 preparation process by filling out the online questionnaire by February 9. Information on the KAIROS perspective and a link to the questionnaire are on the website. Kairos very much wants to see the government prioritize reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the transition to renewable energy sources, the well-being of migrant workers, and increased investment in its Feminist International Assistance Policy, particularly women peacebuilders in the Global South.

can be modified to suit your individual situation. Enhance your balance with heel toe walks or standing on one leg.
While it's possible to address all of these fitness components with a physically active lifestyle, an exercise pro-gram can help you achieve even greater benefits. You do not need to sign up at a fitness center if you are not able. Any time you move for extended periods of time such as golfing, walking in the park, tai chi, yoga, bowling etc. they are all considered exercise. Enjoy your new found health benefits! PS – friends increase the fun, time and accountability of an exercise regime.
 Lift Us Up Choir Concert - Augustana Choir, a unique ensemble of Lutherans and Anglicans, presents its sixth annual concert “Lift Us Up” on Friday, June 2 at 7:30 p.m. at Augustana Church, 1201 Broadway Ave. S. Special guests include members of the German children’s choir Kinderchor Saskatoon, flutist Alison Mont-gomery, and others. Proceeds go to the Accessibility Project—making our building wheelchair accessible. A free will offering will be collected, with donations of $15 or more eligible for a tax receipt (matching grant of up to $300 provided by FaithLife Financial Chapter 2181).
 Lay Academy - The Lay Academy will be held by Skype on June 3 and June 10. For details, visit https://layacademy5.wixsite.com/elcicwla
 Confirmation - At the worship service on June 4, Zachary Apolonia, Erin Bick, Brian Borisko and Thomas Diegel are to be confirmed. A potluck celebration will be held after the service.
 Friendship Inn - Would you like to help serve lunch at the Friendship Inn on an occasional basis? More volunteers are always welcome. Au-gustana’s day is Thursday, June 8 from 11:30 AM - 1:15 PM. Contact Heather for more information or to volunteer.
 Garage Sale June 9-10– Augustana's Garage Sale will take place on Fri-day, June 9 from 2-8 p.m. and on Saturday, June 10 from 8 a.m.- 2 p.m. You can bring your "treasures" to the church on Tuesday, June 6, Wednesday, June 7 and Thursday, June 8 from 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
 Synod Area Gathering - The ELCIC Sask Synod Regional Gathering will be held in Saskatoon June 17, 2017 at Lutheran Theological Seminary. The Saskatoon Conference will cover the registration cost for Saska-toon Conference representatives. Free parking will be available at the Seminary. There will be no registra-tion fee for Augustana members.
 Church Picnic - Augustana's Church picnic and Sunday School windup will be held on Sunday, June 18 fol-lowing the worship service. Meet at the Forestry Farm at the play structure. BBQ hamburgers, hotdogs, re-freshments and sides will be provided. Please bring your own lawn chairs or blankets, bug spray and sun-screen. In case of inclement weather, the picnic will be held in the church basement.
 Men’s Book and Breakfast - The Men’s Book and Breakfast group meets each Wednesday at Grainfields in Grosvenor Park Shopping Centre, beginning at 7 a.m.
 Just Older Youth (JOY) - Details about the June JOY program were not finalized at press time. Watch for the poster and announcement in the bulletin..

KARAOKE NIGHT “RAISE THE ROOF” FUNd RAISER,
Saturday Feb. 10th at Christ Anglican Church, 515-28th Street West.
Doors open at 6pm, music starts at 7 pm. Food and Drinks available all night.
Entrance by Donation – donations can be made at the event or e-Transferred to
christchurchsaskatoon@sasktel.net with memo of “roof fund”.
There will also be a silent auction. All are welcome!
LUTHERCARE STAIR CLIMB CHALLENGE
The 10th Annual Luthercare Stair Climb Challenge will take place at Luther Tower on Feb. 9th, at 11 AM. The Forever-in-Motion group has entered a team in the LutherCare Stair Climb
and are looking for sponsors. Please see the pledge sheet on the bulletin board.
Alternatively, contact Sandra Cey or Marie Ebert. It is hoped that each team will raise at least $500.
The Stair Climb Challenge enhances the quality of lives of LutherCare residents by providing much needed equipment, renovations, and improvements. This year, funds raised will be used to purchase Obie Projectors
for the 11 Group Homes that serve individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Thank you for supporting this Challenge!
LUTHERCARE COMMUNITIES and SASKATCHEWAN SYNOD
are working together to raise money for Telemiracle (Feb. 24 & 25) this year. If interested, you are invited to participate by purchasing a “Helping Hand”. You can leave a donation at the church office (name, address, cash or cheques made out to Telemiracle), and fill out a “Helping Hand” with your name on it. The “Helping Hands” will be placed in a designated space in the church. All donations will be forwarded to LutherCare Communities by February 14th and your tax receipt will come from Telemiracle.
LTS Upcoming Panel Discussion Within A Year of Intention
'A Year of Intention' - a series of four online events celebrating LTS's commitment to being a Reconciling Christ school - continues in early February with a panel discussion. On Thursday, February 8, 7:30-9:00 PM, a webinar featuring LTS's Rev. Kyle Schiefelbein-Guerrero and St. Andrew's College's Dr. Becca Whitla, among others, will be investigating liturgical resources that center LGBTQIA2S+ people and communities. If you would like to attend this webinar and get more information, please click here-.
MEN’S BOOK AND BREAKFAST CLUB
The Men’s Book And Breakfast Club meets each Wednesday morning for about one hour beginning at 8 AM. We are studying The Kingdom, the Power and the Glory: American Evangelicals in an Age of Extremism by Tim Alberta.
The Book Club reads both fiction and non-fiction books. They are not always directly related to theology or spirituality but we generally discuss them through a spiritual lens. We often choose books that are available through the Saskatoon Public Library's Book Club in a Bag program, in which case it is not necessary to buy the book. We meet by Zoom most weeks but may get together at a restaurant occasionally for breakfast, discussion and exchange of books. If you are interested, contact Bryan Tastad.

NATIONAL WORSHIP CONFERENCE
The 2024 National Worship Conference titled The Stones Cry Out: Praying with the Land' will be held on July 18-21, 2024 in beautiful Regina, Saskatchewan. Gifted keynote speakers will help us to think and talk and pray about the ways in which we can transform our worship, in authentic ways, from language and image of empire and colonialism to one which recognizes our rich multi cultural and Indigenous heritage. Together we will explore our own experiences, biases, and hopes for new ways of being the church!
SASKATCHEWAN SYNOD CONVENTION
Saskatchewan Synod Convention 2024 is set for May 30, 31, and June 1, here in Saskatoon at Elim Church.
In order to prepare for the convention, we need your help securing volunteers to ensure the experience is positive for all attendees. We are asking that a representative from each congregation sit on the planning committee. They would act as liaison and would be given updates.
The committee plans to meet one evening a month until the convention. We are also looking for volunteers to help during those three days. The volunteer positions are for greeters, stewards, meal hosts/hostesses, registration desk attendees, and ushers. If interested contact the Augustana church office and this information will be provided to the Synod Arrangements Committee. Thank You.
Spiritual Growth Group
The Spiritual Growth Group meets twice a month on Tuesdays at 8 AM. In February we will meet on Feb. 13th and 27th. We continue to discuss A Hidden Wholeness by Parker Palmer. If you are interested to know more about the group contact Heather Kleiner or Noreen Donald.

Our Welcoming Statement
We are a Christ-centred, welcoming community.
We commit ourselves to modeling Christ’s
unconditional love in our worship, learning, fellowship, friendship, and service to others.
Just as God welcomes and cares for us, so we welcome everyone to participate in all aspects of our community, without regard to sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, race, culture or ethnic background, physical or mental abilities, family or economic status, gender, or age. We pledge to ourselves and all others that we will strive to live as a
reconciling people in our life together and in our
outreach to the world.

Our Mission Statement
Augustana Evangelical Lutheran Church
is a family in Christ. We gather to worship God
and to celebrate God’s grace received through faith. We are Christians who proclaim the universal lordship of Jesus Christ and, as Lutherans, we believe that we receive salvation through faith, not through our own works.
Our congregation aims to serve God and use our different talents in Christian service in our community and the world. Through the Holy Spirit, we draw closer to Christ, spreading His good news and sharing His love through word and deed to foster the continual growth
of the church.

Tickets are available from Show Pass at
https://www.showpass.com/taste-and-see-the-bridges-25th-anniversary-celebration-banquet/
People can also call the Prairieland Park Administration at 306-931-7149 to purchase tickets.

AUGUSTANA FINANCIAL UPDATE

(as per Accountant / Treasurer reports)
	To Dec. 31, 2023	To Dec. 31, 2022	2023 Budget
INCOME
Offerings, Rental	219,982	191,480	211,960
EXPENSES
Worship (Pastoral, Music, Supplies, etc.)	110,335	67,665	113,965
Learning (Education, Conferences)	2,710	1,137	3,950
Witness (Parish Nurse, Health Cabinet)	2,782	506	7,900
Service (Benevolences)	27,605	24,892	24,494
Support (Staff, Supplies, Utilities, Audit, etc.)	105,109	93,494	102,451
Total Expenses	248,540	187,692	252,760
Funds Increase (-Decrease)	-28,558	3,788	-40,800
Augustana Financial Position
	As at Dec. 31, 2023	As at Dec. 31 2022
Funds beginning of Year	77,125	73,337
Funds End of Year	48,567	77,125
	As at Dec. 31, / 2023	As at Dec. 31, / 2022
Affinity Credit Union Chequing Account	32,073	27,278
Canadian Western Bank Account	11,851	1,288
Credit Union Term Deposit	10,626	40,000
Canadian Western Bank GIC	0	10,000

Expenses estimated (January) 20, 811 Income estimated (January): 19,429

Spending of funds is confined to Augustana approved programs and projects. Each donation put toward an approved program or project will be used as designated on the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met, or cannot be completed for any reason, the remaining designated donations will be used for a purpose determined by Augustana Council
to be consistent with the spirit of the gift.
If you wish to contribute an offering, you can: (1) Place an envelope in the offering plate; (2) Drop off cash or cheques through the front door mail slot OR send a cheque in the mail; (3) Use E-transfer; (4) Sign up for automatic monthly withdrawal through PAR [contact church office for application forms]; (5) Donate by credit card through Canada Helps. [Donate button on the Augustana website].
Remember: when writing cheques for funds that will go through Augustana, such as Nest or Queen Elizabeth School, make your cheques payable to Augustana Lutheran Church and not directly to the charity or cause that will ultimately receive your gift. Thank you !

Prayer Changes Things
Prayer Net: God hears our prayers. Prayer is a gift God has given to us for sharing joys and sorrows. Intercessory prayers, prayers for others, are offered as we follow Christ’s example.
The Prayer Net involves volunteers who feel called to the ministry of prayer and are committed to pray for those who ask for special prayer or for those whose needs have been made known to us. To activate the Prayer Net, contact any person on the list; that person will then pass the prayer request to other members. The confidential nature of information shared is respected. When a request is received or need is known, prayer will be offered as soon as possible and continue to be held up until told otherwise.

The Prayer Net
Sandra Cey
Michael Diegel
Noreen Donald
Marie Ebbert
Alice Hamp
Heather Kleiner
Ev Knoll
Ev Schumacher
Kirk Tastad	(306) 242-9553	Augustanapastor / @sasktel.net

Please remember all those in need of our prayers:
Ron & Marlene Belke, Curtis Carlson, Danielle Carlson, Edith Carlson, Kevin & Linda Catton, Gayle Dixon, Alice Dzus, Ron Fast, Don & Shelby Gwozdz, Alice Hamp, Lisa Hamp, Scott Hamp, Audrey & Ed Hedlin, Brodie Jenkins, Minnie Kaminski, Adrienne Kinchen, Evelyn Knoll, Mildred Lesser, James & Karin Lissel, Marie Lovrod, Doris Lundmark, Lyssa Martin, Sharon & Gord Morley, Bruce Nordstrom, Linda Richmond, Evelyn Schumacher, Jim & Tannis Sharp, and Deanna White.
May all be strengthened in the knowledge of God’s grace,
and the healing power of the Holy Spirit.
We also pray for those who grieve at this time.
May they be comforted by the promise of God with us.

This month we hold the
Property Care Committee
& Altar Guild in our prayers. The Property committee looks after the care of our buildings and makes sure that we have a safe and well-cared-for place to gather for worship and hold all Augustana’s events
and activities. The Altar Guild serves faithfully in preparing communion for our worship services every month. Thanks be to God for all their efforts.

.
Monthly Manna (Canadian Bible Society)
V Day 8: “For mortals it is impossible, but not for God; for God all things are possible.” Mark 10:27b (NRSV)
V Day 19: “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart.”
Jeremiah 1:5a (NIV)
V Day 29: “As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13a (NRSV)

Augustana church council would like to thank:
Lorene Jewitt for her hard work in the busy Advent and Christmas season .
The Augustana Congregation for their contributions to the gift for Pastor Kirk.
Pastor Kirk for all his efforts (including the stars) during the busy Christmas season.
Deborah Buck, the members of the choir and the musicians for enhancing our Advent and Christmas services with wonderful music.
DAILY BIBLE READING
Shelving is urgently needed for the Synod archives which are being temporarily (due to circumstances beyond our control) held at Zion Lutheran Church, Saskatoon. We could use 5, 5 shelf units (utility style) that can hold fairly heavy boxes. Please contact Synod archivist Michael Diegel at the Synod Office if you can help.

Church Office: 306-242-9553
Pastor: Kirk Tastad, augustanapastor@sasktel.net
Admin. Lorene Jewitt, augustana@sasktel.net
Chairperson: Pat Blakley
Vice Chairperson: Larry Trenouth
Treasurer: Karen Wallace
Accountant: Monica Johnson
Custodian: Martha Ann Geransky

Augustana Previews
Please feel free to submit items for the newsletter to publicize events or activities in your group.
Digital pictures from events would be great!
Information for the March 2024 Newsletter should be
submitted by February 22, 2024.
Email: augustana@sasktel.net

Sun	Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat
				1 / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 7 PM Choir	2	3 / 3 PM “The Tea ‘Room” AA Group
4 Ephiphany 5 / 10:30 AM Worship & Holy Communion	5 / 7 PM AFG (Al Anon grp)	6 / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 1:30 PM Bible Study / 6:30 PM Concordia / Alpenrose Jr. Dancers	7 / 8 AM Men’s Book Club (Zoom) / 7 PM Church Council / 7 PM “The Living Room” NA Group	8 / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 7 PM Choir	9	10 / 3 PM “The Tea ‘Room” AA Group
11 Transfiguration / 10:30 AM Worship	12 / 1:30 Health Cabinet 7 PM AFG (Al Anon grp)	13 / 8 AM Spiritual Growth Group (Zoom) / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 1:30 PM Bible Study / 6:30 PM Concordia Jr. Alpenrose Dancers / Alpenrose Jr. Dancers	14 / 8 AM Men’s Book Club (Zoom) / 7 PM “The Living Room” NA Group / 7:30 PM Ash Wednesday (Zion)	15 / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 2 PM J.O.Y. Group: “Presentation on Turkey” / 7 PM Choir	16	17 / 3 PM “The Tea ‘Room” AA Group
18 Lent 1 / 10:30 AM Worship & Holy Communion / 12 PM Congregational Meeting	19 / 7 PM AFG (Al Anon grp)	20 / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 5:30 PM Holy Land Film #1 (Emmanual Anglican)	21 / 8 AM Men’s Book Club (Zoom) / 7 PM “The Living Room” NA Group / 7:30 PM Lent 1 / (Resurrection)	22 / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 7 PM Choir	23	24 / 3 PM “The Tea ‘Room” AA Group
25 Lent 2 / 10:30 AM Worship	26 / 2 PM ELW / 7 PM AFG (Al Anon grp)	27 / 8 AM Spiritual Growth Group (Zoom) / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 6:30 PM Concordia Jr. Alpenrose Dancers	28 / 8 AM Men’s Book Club (Zoom) / 7 PM “The Living Room” NA Group / 7:30 PM Lent 2 / (Good Shepherd)	29 / 10 AM Forever in Motion / 7 PM Choir

February 2024

We remind members that the church is a scent-free zone. Please be considerate of others who have serious allergies or reactions to scents, especially artificial ones. Fragrance is a part of many cosmetics or lotions, and the combined effect of several products can be overwhelming to some.

COMFIRMATION 2023
Ezekiel Blaser & family
May 28

Augustana’s Church Council would like to thank:
Pastor Michael Diegel, Pastor Kristin Soveran, Pastor Alexa Wallace, Pastor Greg Fowlie-Neufeld, Pat Blakley, Larry Trenouth, Ruth Zuk, and Katie Ottley for leading services during Augustana’s time without a Pastor.
Pastor Michael Diegel, and Pastor Ron Bestvater for providing emergency spiritual care over the last months.
Pastor Kirk Tastad for joining Augustana as the interim Pastor.
Everyone who has and will continue to help Pastor Kirk in getting settled at Augustana.

From the Treasurer’s Desk
Karen Wallace
Please note our Fund Balance at the end of November
At AGM the budget was presented with an estimated $40,000 deficit for the year.
As of November 30, 2023 our deficit was $33,729. December was a good month for offerings which should help offset the deficit further. If you have any thoughts about our finances and meeting our budget in 2024 please reach out to me (klwallace310@gmail.com) or any of our council members. Thank-you.

Do you have denim jeans that have outlived their usefulness? There is a demand for quilts made with denim, so your old pants or other denim Clothing would be welcome. Traditional blue is fine, but we would welcome all colours of the rainbow. Thanks for your donation!

The Holy Rollers are also cutters and tearers and sewers. They work with used sheets from local hotels and they refit them to single-sized sheets when possible; otherwise, they tear/cut strips to measure and roll them into bandages for use in emergency or troubled areas of the world. Join this group on Fridays at 1:00 p.m. if you would like to participate.

Our Church Recycles!
Augustana recycles all paper, plastic, glass & tins. Please use the blue bins!
We also hope to continue to recycle beverage
containers, with the proceeds going to our youth for any group activities.

Please note that off-street parking is accessible from the alley at the bottom of the ramp.
Handicapped Parking may be used by anyone with the appropriate parking permit. There is also room for a couple of vehicles to park at the bottom of the ramp when needed.

Augustana supports a number of needs through directed benevolences such as CLWR, Lutheran Campus Ministry, LuMinHos, Primate World Relief and Development Fund, NEST, etc.
Besides these benevolences, Augustana also accepts donations to a number of special funds such as People in Need (which includes Queen Elizabeth School, Christmas Hampers) and ELW.
Spending of funds is confined to Augustana approved programs and projects. Each donation put toward an approved program or project will be used as designated on the understanding that when the need for such a program or project has been met, or cannot be completed for any reason, the remaining designated donations will be used for a purpose determined by Augustana Council
to be consistent with the spirit of the gift.
If not able to attend worship in-person and wish to contribute an offering, you can: (1) Drop off cash or cheques through the front door mail slot OR send a cheque in the mail; (2) Use E-transfer; (3) Sign up for automatic monthly withdrawal through PAR [contact church office for application forms] .(4) Donate by credit card through Canada Helps. [Donate button on the Augustana website].
Remember: when writing cheques for funds that will go through Augustana, make your cheques payable to Augustana Lutheran Church and not directly to the charity who will ultimately receive your gift.
Thank you in advance for your gifts!

Augustana Youth!
We’re always on the go!
Check out bulletin board

(as per Accountant / Treasurer reports)
	To Sept. 30, 2023	To Sept. 30, 2022	2023 Budget
INCOME
Offerings, Rental	145,550	128,274	211,960
EXPENSES
Worship (Pastoral, Music, Supplies, etc.)	82,591	47,883	113,965
Learning (Education, Conferences)	1,845	799	3,950
Witness (Parish Nurse, Health Cabinet)	2,115	126	7,900
Service (Benevolences)	20,442	19,127	24,494
Support (Staff, Supplies, Utilities, Audit, etc.)	83,246	72,412	102,451
Total Expenses	190,237	140,347	252,760
Funds Increase (-Decrease)	-44,687	-11,623	-40,800
Augustana Financial Position
	As at Sept. 30, 2023	As at Sept. 30, 2022
Funds beginning of Year	77,125	73,337
Funds End of Month	32,438	61,714
	As at Sept. 30, 2023	As at Sept. 30, 2022
Affinity Credit Union Chequing Account	14,099	13,071
Canadian Western Bank Account	11,790	1,283
Credit Union Term Deposit	10,626	40,000
Canadian Western Bank GIC	0	10,000

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Augustana Church Council: Members:
Chairperson — Pat Blakley Shelley Apolonia
Vice-Chairperson — Larry Trenouth Echo Fettes
Secretary — Katie Ottley Merv Johnson
Treasurer — Karen Wallace Monica Johnson Gabi Lindenbach