Crosby, Minnesota
March 2023
Note: The March Meal With A Mission has been changed to March 26th, 10:00am to 12:00pm.
Lent… Spring Cleaning for the Soul
Sally Turk Member Ministry Coordinator
A time for new beginnings and transformation. A season that symbolizes starting fresh and starting over. The tree buds start greening and preparing itself to grow. The air smells different, fresh and alive, filled with the promise of a new beginning.
It brings our focus back to God and what He has done for us with the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is a time to prepare for Lent. During the 40 days of Lent, we are urged to reflect on our lives, perform acts of charity, and make small sacrifices. Setting aside deliberate and intentional time to reflect on the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. The sacrifice serves as a reminder of what Jesus endured for us when He went to the cross. The goal of giving something up, that the time would be replaced with prayer.
I don’t know about you, but I am feeling the need for a “reset.” Prayerfully consider joining me for a time of fasting and prayer as we enter into the Holy season of Easter with focus on the One who gave His All to allow us to be a part of His family and experience the forgiveness of sins. I encourage you to pick up the book, “Draw the Circle: The 40 Day Prayer Challenge” by Mark Batterson. My first intentional Lent season, I used this book as my guide. I highly recommend it!
“Seek a relationship when you pray, not answers. You won’t always find answers, but you will always find Jesus.” – Author unknown
Blessings to you,
Sally Turk,
Member Ministry Coordinator
The Church Lady
Debbi Carlson ILC Office Manager
While shopping at Super One one day last summer, I heard a little voice say, “Look, Mom, it’s the church lady.” Believe or not, that has happened before, as I have worked in churches for most of my adult life. I have always considered it a privilege to work in a church office. It’s a place where faith stories are told and laughter is common and tears are shared. It is just a few steps to the sanctuary for a quick prayer of thanks or response to a need. God is ever-faithful and doesn’t just live in the worship space, but again, it is a privilege to work in a place where those private prayers are possible.
I see familiar faces here at Immanuel, and many friends I have yet to meet. You have a unique family of faith here. People seem very connected and willing to help when someone needs a hand—I was the recipient of those helping hands on one of my first days working here as Marv Hayes and Amy Stanfield helped dig my car out of a snowbank! Representatives of Jesus for sure.
My husband Mark and I live exactly 2.2 miles from Immanuel, but have a country home. Mark is retired and an avid gardener who also loves making maple syrup and rock hunting. I am mostly the beneficiary of his hobbies. We are parents of three adult daughters, in-laws to three terrific sons-in-law, and grandparents to 7 grandchildren, although none of them are children anymore.
I will be in the Immanuel office Monday through Thursday, 8am-4:30pm. I look forward to working with you and serving our Lord in this place. In the end, I enjoy being known as the church lady.
Debbi Carlson
ILC Office Manager
HOME PRAYER TEAM
If you feel called to be a part of this ministry of prayer, contact Sally at 218-546-6010 or cell phone 612-309-0191. This group has committed to pray for the needs of our church family, the community and beyond. If you have a prayer need or request, please let us know, and we will also add you to our prayers. You are also welcomed to share answered prayers & what God is do-ing in your life….. this gives joy and encouragement to all of us.
Sally Turk, Member Ministry Coordinator
