If News / Announcements / Upcoming Events:

Please note:    – Make sure to check the calendar for weekly activities, meetings and Bible study times.

Social distancing and face masks are recommended.  If you are sharing a pew with another person, please leave space between you and another person who is not your family member.  The fellowship hall is available for seating during services.

Now thru Labor Day, Beautiful Savior has one Sunday morning worship service at 9 am.  We also offer a midweek worship service on Wednesdays at 7 pm.  (This is the same worship service as the upcoming Sunday service.)   At this time, we will continue to stream our Sunday morning worship service for those unable to attend in-person worship.

We are in need of an organist or pianist at BSLC.  One or two additional people would be nice to help out and give our regular musicians a break.  If you are interested or know someone who would be willing to help out, please talk to Pastor Chris, Pastor Brian, Mary Seiffert or email the church office.  Thanks!

Beautiful Savior still stands in need of a chairperson for the board of stewardship.  The duties include: working with the pastor(s) to develop and implement programs recommended and approved by the church council, educate church members in the Scriptural principles and practices for sharing of time, talents and treasures and attend monthly council meetings.  Please call the church office and speak with one of the pastors if you could assume this important duty.

The church has some landscaping “river rock” available if anyone is interested.  Contact the church office 293-1047 or Mike Schlichtmann for more information.

The LWML 39th Biennial Convention will be held in Lexington, KY on Thursday, June 24 thru Sunday, June 27.  The theme for the convention is “Running the Race…  Looking to Jesus” based on Hebrews 12:1-2.  Convention attendees will focus on Jesus thru God’s Word and Sacrament, joyfully celebrate our salvation with song and prayer, and serve our neighbors through witness and mission.  Go to www.lwml.org/2021-convention for more information, registration information, hotel links, polo shirt order form, etc.

Register Now:  Attention Youth…  Dare to be Lutheran and attend the Higher Things Youth Conference “Forgiven”.  The conference will be held June 29 – July 2 at North Dakota State University.  To register or learn more, go to www.higherthings.org/2021-forgiven or visit with Pastor Brian.  Register now.

Please Update Your Information:
Do we have your current phone number, email and mailing address?  If you have moved, got rid of your old phone number or have a new email address, please let us know. 

On that topic, we have been informed that cableone.net email addresses will no longer work after June 9th.  If you would like to continue to receive emails from Beautiful Savior, please let us know your new email address so it can be updated in our system.  
If you go to the lake for the summer, please let the church office know.  Newsletters are not forwarded, and the church is charged $.62 each time one comes back.  By letting the office know, a newsletter can be emailed to you each month until you return home.  Thanks!

Prayerfully consider if you could step up and join the Altar Guild.  Our altar guild sets up communion on those Sundays, Wednesdays (during summer months) or holidays when Holy communion is celebrated.  We are looking for approximately 3-4 people who would be willing to join our group.  We are also needing a new “captain” as our current captain is stepping down after many years of serving on the committee.  The captain is responsible to line up altar guild members for a month at a time.  If you would like to join the altar guild, contact the church office or talk to Pastor Chris or Pastor Brian.

If you are interested in helping mow the church grounds this summer, contact Mardi Schlichtmann at 730-0466 to get added to the schedule.  You can mow as many or few times as you want!

Rock area around the church foundation constantly has weeds…  want to help out?  Just stop by any time and feel free to pull a few weeds or stray grass out of the rocks.

Meals on Wheels is in need of volunteers.  Weekdays over the Noon Hour.  1 Hour Time Commitment to deliver a route.   Volunteer information can be found at www.valleyseniorservices.org or call 293-1440 if you are able to help. 

We are in the 3rd year of our 3 year capital campaign.  We are currently short $22,000 of our $330,000 goal with projects yet to accomplish.  If you would like to donate to the campaign, please write “Capital Campaign” on your donation check or donate to it via the online giving portal.  If you would like to see a complete list of Restore His House projects, they are posted in the church narthex.  Thank you for your support!

There are brochures in the narthex for those who would like to attend church camp.  This year’s theme at Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads is “Be Strong in the Lord”.  Some of the camps offered are horse camps, art camp, guitar camp and even an adult camp.  Their website is www.shretreat.org.

 

Lutheran Island Camp is now taking registrations for Summer 2021 Camps.  There are great programs for all ages.  They have a Covid plan that will be adapted as restrictions and mandates are changed by their licensure.  Mid May, they will be posting specifics as they relate to their county’s expectations.   Their website is www.islandcamp.org.

This year, we are planning to have weekly gardening sessions every Tuesday at 5:00 pm and every Saturday at 10:00 am.  We are discontinuing the Wednesday gardening sessions for now to hopefully increase the number or regular/semi-regular gardeners.  Also, Tuesdays at 5:00 pm is a great time slot as there is a Bible study on Tuesdays at 7:00 pm which allows the garden members to stay for Bible Study.  If you have any questions, please contact Tim Deitemeyer at tim.deitemeyer@hotmail.com

The women’s Bible study group began the study “Sermon on the Mount” on April 29.  Cost of the book is $8.  We meet via Zoom on Thursdays at 9 am.  All women are welcome to join us.  Contact the church office or Shirley Elsner (701) 388-9521 if you have questions or are interested in joining our group. 

Shepherd’s Hill Camps:  (Registration now open)
This year at Shepherd’s Hill at the Crossroads, the summer theme is “Be Strong in the Lord.”  You can register online at shretreat.org, email Rev. Jon Bonine, Executive Director at director@shretreat.org or call (701) 244-5225.  There are a few weekends left for you to reserve a spot this spring for a get-together, a spring escape, or a family reunion.  Call or email to reserve your space!

Thrivent Choice Dollars: 
If you are a Thrivent member and are eligible for Thrivent Choice dollars, please go to www.thrivent.com/choice or contact your representative to have your Thrivent Choice dollars designated to Beautiful Savior.

Do you currently receive the newsletter in the mail and would prefer to read it in a digital format?  If so, just let the office know and we can add you to our newsletter email group.  Instead of receiving the newsletter in the mail, we would send you an email with the newsletter attached.

The newsletters are also available on our website under the “Resources” tab.  Click here to read this month’s newsletter, or any of our past newsletters.

We hope you will join us in-person for worship to hear the Word and receive the Sacraments.  However, if you are unable to attend in-person, our services are available online on our YouTube channel.  If you have a Smart TV or casting device, you can also watch them on your TV.

Note: For those needing closed captioning… YouTube’s closed captioning [cc] feature is not available to turn on until approx. 24 hours after the live stream has ended.

Our YouTube channel is located at:  www.youtube.com/channel/UC7L0AwnEaGMsmCosZUn-6jQ

Our bulletins are available at:  www.beautifulsaviorfargo.com/bulletins

The 2021 Flower Chart is on the bulletin board outside the church office.  You may also register for a Sunday by calling the church office.  The cost is $25.  Please designate the check/cash for “altar flowers” and place in the offering plate or mail to the church office.  The flowers may be taken home after the last service on Sunday.  Please return vases to the church office when done using them. Thanks.  If you have any questions, contact the church office.

   Beautiful Savior now has live audio and video during worship services available in the fellowship hall.  If you have not been coming to church out of concern the sanctuary might be “too full”, the fellowship hall is another option for worship at the church.  See photo to the right of what the screen looks like during a worship service.  (Click on the picture to enlarge it.) 

   While in the fellowship hall, please remember to allow for social distancing.  Face masks are encouraged.  Also, please be respectful of others who are in there to hear the worship service.

We are studying “Genesis: A Book of Beginnings“.  This study is open to both men and women.  No registration is required.  Please join us in the fellowship hall on Tuesdays at 7 pm.

The church confesses to Christ, “You have the words of eternal life” (John 6:68).  The church is encouraged to “Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly…” (Colossians 3:16).  Psalm 1 teaches us to meditate on God’s Word day and night.  It is our great opportunity and joy to read and study God’s Word.  One beneficial practice is to memorize the Scriptures and, in so doing, to meditate on it.

The LCMS invites everyone to join together memorizing a verse each week.  Click here for this month’s verses.

We have received information that there is a scam occurring that sounds as if it is coming Pastor Chris.  We would never send out texts or emails that would ask you for a favor or to purchase gift cards.  If you have any questions, please contact the church office.

In addition to various correspondence, we email our bulletin and announcements each week to all our members.  If you are not receiving them, please let us know and we will get you on our email list. 

Call (701) 293-1047 or email office@bslcfargo.org to be added to our email list.

The Portals of Prayer booklet for April – June is available in the narthex.  If you would like to stop by the church during the week to pick one up, it is recommended you call first to make sure someone is there and the building will be open.

Did you know that Amazon will donate every time you shop when you shop thru Smile.Amazon.com ?

Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price.  You will see eligible products marked “Eligible for AmazonSmile donation” on their product detail pages.  And, yes, you can still use your Prime Membership on AmazonSmile.  Plus, your shopping cart and shopping history will carry over to AmazonSmile.  For more information about the AmazonSmile program, go to http://smile.amazon.com/about.

Our coffee club has resumed for those members who feel comfortable meeting in person. 

BSLC members, men and women of any age, are invited to gather on Friday mornings at 9:00 am at Randy’s University Diner, 2130 University Drive S, Fargo.  Please join us!  Everyone is welcome!  Feel free to bring a friend.

Do you have a child in college?  Please leave your child’s new college address with the church office.  This will allow us to keep in contact with them as well as to notify the campus ministry so they can make contact with your child.

Confirmation Classes:  (Wednesdays Sept-Apr)
As a part of our education ministry, BSLC offers confirmation classes for students in seventh through ninth grades.  If you have a child in those classes, please have them join us in-person Wednesdays from 6:15 pm – 7:30 pm.  If you have any questions, please talk with Pastor Chris or Pastor Brian.

On Wednesdays at 7:30 pm, LYF for Grades 6-12 will meet in person.  We will have a Bible study followed by a fun activity.  Please contact Pastor Brian with questions.  Hope you will join us!

The food pantry at BSLC is in need of non-perishable items: canned fruit, tuna, boxed pasta and potatoes, and granola bars is our current need.  But, you are always welcome to drop off peanut butter, boxed cereal, canned soups, canned fruit, rice and pasta boxes or mixes, and spaghetti sauce.  If you are able to help with these needed items, you may drop them off in the church office between 9:30 am – 2:00 pm Monday thru Thursday.  Thank you so much for helping restock our shelves.

With over 500 young people in our association churches, many of them can benefit greatly from an education based here at Grace Lutheran School.  Let us take you for a tour of the school to get an idea of what Grace Lutheran is like.  We have needs based financial aid with over $100,000 available for your students to attend Grace!   Registration is only $50.00 for new families.  Give us a call and set up a Care Visit today!   Their website is:  www.gracelutheranschoolfargo.com

Did you know Beautiful Savior has a Facebook page?  In addition to our website, it’s a great place to see what’s going on at our church.  It gives you a direct link to sermons when they have been posted and also reminds you when events are coming up.  Go to our Facebook page and click “Follow” so our posts come thru on your Facebook feed:  Click here to go to our Facebook page.

Do we have your current phone number and address?  If you have moved, dropped your landline, have a new phone number or move to the lakes for the summer, please let the church office know.  You can inform us of the changes by calling, emailing or leaving a note in the office with the new information. Thank you.

Want to listen to the most current sermon – or one from the past 2 years?  Just go under the “Worship” tab and choose “Past Sermons”.  Scroll down to the sermon you’d like to listen to, make sure your volume is on, and enjoy! 

Beautiful Savior sermons are also available as a podcast on both Spotify and iTunes.  You can listen to one of our posted sermons while at the lake, on a road trip or even while you’re on your exercise machine.  Go to either the Spotify or iTunes app, and search for “Beautiful Savior Fargo” and click on “Follow” or “Subscribe”. 

Note:  Look for the podcast with the picture of our stain glass window at the front of our church.

Are you thinking about where you or your  children may go for college?  Consider one of our LCMS universities.  Grants are available to assist youth and adults who wish to begin or continue their education from an LCMS university or seminary.  Applications are available in the church office.

We are in need of individuals to help serve on a properties committee.  If you would be interested in serving on this committee, please contact Scott Persoon, Denise Doeling, Pastor Chris, Pastor Brian or any member of the Church Council.

Do you have a heart for people?  Do you have an hour a week to help?  Would you like to use your God-given talents for the glory of God and benefit of a congregation member?  Then becoming a Stephen Minister may be for you!

Stephen Ministers are not pastors or counselors, they simply listen and support individuals, in times of trial and need.

Stephen Ministers typically meet with a care receiver for one hour each week.  Training sessions are on Thursday evenings from 6:30-8:30 pm.  If you are interested in becoming a Stephen Minister or have questions about Stephen Ministry, please visit with Pastor Chris.  All those who want to serve as Stephen Ministers must fill out an application which can be picked up from the church office. 

The ND District has adopted a new voluntary model for funding the missions of the District.  Every baptized member of the Body of Christ in your congregation, from the baptized baby to the oldest member is involved. This funding model is based on the belief that “there is power and strength in many giving a little.”  Loving our neighbor includes caring for their spiritual well-being. The need exists for God’s people to come together in support of missions that are bearing kingdom fruit. In addition to each congregation’s regular giving to the District, the 1-1-1 funds stay in the District and support District missions. God’s generosity is not lacking! Where the Word of God is taught, and the Sacraments are administered according to their institution by Christ, there are ample resources to do this ministry. A special collection box and brochure with more information is located in the narthex.

The evangelism committee is looking for families or individuals to mentor new members.  If you think you would be interested in helping, please email tim.deitemeyer@hotmail.com.  Thanks.

Main Street Living North is a Lutheran Television Program that is endorsed by the LCMS.  MSLN broadcasts each Sunday at 9:00 am, followed by “This Is Your Life” program at 9:30 am on TV station KVRR.  MSLN is also broadcast on WDAY Xtra with “This Is Your Life” program at 10 am followed by the “Main Street Living” worship service. 

The program is financially supported through donations given by the viewers and congregations of the viewing area.  The sermons and songs are video’d in advance and are then used in a future broadcast of the program.  The choir is composed of members of the local churches – you do not have to be part of our choir in order to participate.  If you would like more information about MSLN or want to watch this week’s broadcast, go to: mainstreetliving.com/north.  Once there, you can watch the current week’s broadcast with the links at the bottom of the screen.  Or you can access previous broadcasts from prior months by using the drop-down menu at the top of the screen and choosing “Watch Main Street Living” under the “Main Street Living” tab at the top of the screen.  Or use this link:  mainstreetliving.com/north/blog/category/schedule.  (Depending on your web browser, the drop down menu might show as a set of 3 lines at the top of the page.  If so, just click on the 3 lines to access the drop-down menu.)

To donate:  Financial Support checks may be sent to “Main Street Living North”, 821  5th Ave. S., Fargo, ND  58103.  You can also donate by credit card or a Paypal account at: www.mainstreetliving.com/north.  Thank you and God’s blessing in Christ!

“Portals of Prayer” is now available on your digital device!  In addition to relevant and easy-to-read meditations, you can listen to recordings of each day’s Bible readings, devotion, and prayer.  You can also search past devotions by keyword, save your favorites, share prayers, and access seven years of “Portals of Prayer” devotions.  Available on the App Store or Google Play.  The cost is $9.99 for a 1 year subscription.

Do you have a family member in the military?  The LWML would like their address so that they can send cards of encouragement to them.  Please leave their address on the church office desk or email them to the church.  Thank you.

We are looking for Group Fellowship Captains…  Don’t let “captain” intimidate you.  Ask a friend to do it with you and make it a co-captain position.  

What does a captain do?  Our “captains” make phone calls or e-mail members to line up treats for Sundays, to help set up or clean up for special services and funerals.  A captain is responsible for one month at a time.  There are 8 captains in all that rotate the schedule. 

If you have additional questions, feel free to visit with Mary Seiffert who would be more than happy to give you more details.  You can also leave your name in the office and Mary can call you.  Thanks for stepping up!

The “Restore His House” 3 year capital campaign is underway and off to a good start, but has a long way to go.  As was reported at the June 2018 voters’ meeting, our building is in need of a number of repairs and updates that are a normal part of taking care of a property as it ages.  Our goal for these projects is $300,000 over the next three years to meet these building needs.  In addition, we will donate 10% to Grace Lutheran School during that same time frame for a total campaign goal of $330,000.  

    A mailing was sent out in October 2018 with details about the Restore His House Capital Campaign, giving you the opportunity to make your commitment to the Campaign.  If you did not make a commitment yet, it if not too late.  You can make donations to the campaign anytime by writing “Capital Campaign” on the memo line of your check or by donating thru the online giving portal.

   We ask that you prayerfully consider how God has blessed you and what you may be able to commit to this campaign.

   You can see a complete list of projects and also watch the progress of the campaign on the display in the Narthex.

Please help to keep the sanctuary pews and chairs clean by not bringing food or beverages in the sanctuary.  If something should happen to get spilled, please clean up after yourself.  Thank you for helping us keep the Lord’s House clean and looking nice.

Our youth praise band is in need of you!  This is for any students in grades 6-12 who love to sing and/or play an instrument.  If you have any questions, talk with Ramsey Dahl or come to a rehearsal any Sunday at 7 pm.  Practices are usually on Sunday evenings from 7-8 pm.

For information regarding our Facebook group or Instagram page for the Youth Grades 6-12 and their parents, please check the Youth page of this website located under the “Get Involved” tab above.

Earn an automatic gas rebate for Grace Lutheran School of 3 cents for every gallon of gas purchased at the Exxon/Red Carpet Carwash Stations located on 13^th Ave. S. in Fargo (by Perkins and by Family Fare).  Just swipe the card when you are paying, and GLS will automatically receive the donation!  Pick up your free GLS Organizational Rebate Card from the office – and take additional cards for your family and friends to use. (This is NOT a credit card.)  These local Exxon stations also donated to this year’s GLS Auction.

If you have a concern or joy and would like our prayer warriors to pray for you or others, please e-mail the office, and your prayer will be sent out on the e-mail chain.  Also please e-mail updates to the office or the pastors so it can be shared with our prayer warriors.  Please let the church office know by Wednesday if you have joys or concerns to put in our weekly announcements.  The petitions will run weekly until you ask to have them removed from the list.  Our church members appreciate the chance to pray for our special needs and joys.  Prayer is powerful. 

Have you ever wondered if you could be an usher or greeter on Sunday mornings? Have you thought you might enjoy singing with the choir or playing in the praise band? Do you have a gift for prayer, sewing, gardening, working with children or teens, or planning activities? These are just some of the ways you can contribute your gifts and talents at Beautiful Savior. For a more complete list of opportunities, take a look under the “Get Involved” tab of this website.  Or if you would like to learn more about any of these or want to know how you can serve our congregation, please visit with Jennifer Krause or any member of the Church Council. 

1 Corinthians 12:27 “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.”

If you have pictures from church events and are willing to share them, please let the office know.

You just never know where we might use them…  Thanks!

This summer, Grace Lutheran School is getting a landscape makeover.  There will be many opportunities to help, including work days on Saturday, May 15, and Saturday, June 19.  On our website, www.gracelutheranschoolfargo.com, you will find some garden plant needs and other ways to help.  If you enjoy gardening and yard improvements, we have a place for you on our team.  Call the school at (701) 232-7747 with any questions.

If you have something you would like included in the upcoming newsletter, please submit your article(s) by the 20th of the month.

Next quilting date is Thursday, July 8 from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm (you do not have to stay the whole time).  This is open to all women of the church.  Bring a friend or two if you want!  Being a quilter is NOT a requirement as much conversation and fellowship is involved.  Come help cut squares or tie the quilts.  We donate quilts to local organizations and sell them to members.  If there is a silent auction we can donate a quilt for, we are happy to do so.  If you have any questions, please contact Donna at 232-2464.

Gold Club is a time to get together for some wonderful food, fun and fellowship.  Our Gold Club is no longer just for seniors.  It is fellowship for anyone.  If you are free during the day, please come join us.  We also encourage you to bring a friend if you know someone else who would enjoy some social time.  Bring a dish or treat to share and join us Wednesday, June 16 at noon.

Mites Sunday occurs during the months that have 5 Sundays and is called “Loose Change Sunday”!  Please bring your loose change or dollars on those Sundays and place it in the Mites Box.  On a weekly basis, the Mites Box is located across the hall from the church office and you are welcome to drop off loose change into the box at any time – it does not have to be on Loose Change Sunday.  Thank you to all who have dropped their loose change into the Mites Box.  Combined Mite Box donations amount to millions of dollars that fund district and national mission grants.  To see a list of the current recipients of the Mite Box donations, go to the “Get Involved / LWML” page of this website.

LWML typically meets on the 3rd Thursday of the month at 6 pm.  All women regardless of age are invited to join.  Even if you can’t attend every meeting, you are still welcome to come as it fits your schedule.  There are lots of activities coming up – so even if you can’t attend the monthly meetings, consider teaming up on a committee to help make things happen.  Your participation in LWML is a great way to make new friends within the church.  And, at the same time, you will be Serving the Lord!

Beautiful Savior will welcome the newer members of our congregation on Sunday, September 26, 2021.  Watch for more information as the date gets closer.  If you would like to become a member at Beautiful Savior, please call the office to find out what steps to take.  We would love to have you as part of our church family.

Save the Date:  The National Youth Gathering will take place in Houston, TX from July 9-13, 2022.

We are a small group of members who are joining Jesus on His mission by living each day as if it were a mission trip into our own community.  We are meeting once a month to share experiences and support each other.  Our next meeting is Tuesday, March 24, 2020 at 7:30 pm.  Everyone is welcome.  Visit with Pastor Brian if you have not attended and plan to attend.

Crosstraining meets one Sunday each month from 1-3 pm and is for children in first through fifth grades.  Crosstraining involves food (both spiritual and physical), fun and fellowship.  Our next Crosstraining day will be Sunday, May 17, 2020.  Contact Pastor Brian with any questions.