I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing to you as I journey to Family Camp in the Red Woods. It's been at least 5 years since I last attended but I wanted to be present this time for a memorial for my mother who helped start the camp. I would like to invite you to the burial for my mom that is happening on July 10th at 7pm at Ebenezer. My aunts and uncle will be here from Texas. Plus other family that was not able to attend in December. We will be planting a tree, placing the stone, and burying the ashes. There will be food, refreshments and amazing fellowship on what I'm sure will be a beautiful evening out at Ebenezer. Hope to see you there. I also would like to invite you to the Joint Service happening at Bethany at the end of July. On Sunday July 30th all three of our congregations will come together for worship at Bethany at 10:30am. The day is extra special as Bethany is celebrating 75 years of ministry! There will be food and activities following worship. Hope to see you there. And lastly I would like to invite you to Vacation Bible School happening from August 6th through the 10th. Much more information to come for this. Hope to see you there and that you are enjoying the growing season. Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
Hello my name is pastor Jonathan Dodson. I am child of God and a follower of Jesus. My home is in Plummer Minnesota with my family Kelly, Jack and Lyla. Kelly and I have been married since 2000 and people that know us both like her better. We have lived in Plummer since 2005 when we came straight from Luther Seminary. I realize that our 18 years up here really isn't long in the grand scheme of things but I do feel like we've started some roots. Everything I know about God I learned from the Bible, my family and the Good People of Northwestern Minnesota. We love it here; it is a good and proper home for the faithful.
I am happiest in the open air, learning something new, connected with people. My favorite scripture verse is whatever I'm reading that day. I believe that God's Word is a living and breathing one. If I was forced to chose, I would pick Romans 5:1-2 in an attempt to lift up God's Grace. That is the central theme of scripture and my personal experience. My favorite hymn is “Lord of All Hopefulness.” Though my favorite verse is found in “Amazing Grace” when we sing about being home with God for ten thousand years; it reminds me that I have lots of time to practice guitar. I am looking forward to our ministry together!
Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dear friends in Christ,
Grace to you and peace. I hope this letter finds you well. As I write to you the newsletter deadline has long past and I find myself running to catch up. That pretty much sums up what the month of March has felt like for me. It has been exciting and Spirit led but I am a little out of breath each day. We are now three weeks into joining together Immanuel, Ebenezer and Bethany. On March 5, 2023 all three congregations voted to give it a try through October 2023. So far so good from what I can tell. I am confident that we will find a good rhythm. Your patience is much appreciated!
Normal service times are as follows:
1st Sunday Each month2nd Sunday 9am Immanuel with Communion 9am Ebenezer 10:30am Ebenezer with Communion 10:30am Bethany 7pm Bethany with Communion 7pm Immanuel
3rd Sunday4th Sunday 9am Immanuel with Communion 9am Ebenezer 10:30am Bethany with Communion 10:30am Immanuel (Pastor Jonathan) 7pm Ebenezer 10:30am Bethany (SAM Allen)
5th Sunday Joint Worship in one location
April will be a bit different because of Easter Sunday. Please take a close look at the calendar and then phone a friend to double check worship times. Give me a call anytime as well. There is a good chance that I'll have needed to hear from you. April is shaping up to be packed with goodness. There will be lots of opportunities to gather to praise our Risen Lord! May God bless you and shine New Life now and always.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Jonathan
Pastor Jonathan shares his adventures while showing the three churches are within "walking distance" of each other.