November 2023: Peter Bushman and Jean Helland
Congratulations to Peter Bushman, one of our two November God’s Helpers. Peter has been actively involved in many aspects of our church community, including Church Council President, member of our Tech team, and participating in several church activities such as Sleep in Heavenly Peace and nursing home ministry.
Nominated by Lizzie Lunde, our church office manager, Peter has been extremely helpful with the numerous technological needs of day-to-day church work. Peter has set up software programs, assisted with the organization of our many computer workstations, and supported and guided the updating of our new church website.
Over the past few years, Peter has been a regular fixture in the balcony assisting with the recording of our weekly services. According to him, “Since Covid, we had to safely reach people without sitting in church. With the creative help of the Pastor and Lizzie, plus the dedication of Paul Rykken, John Louis, and Barb Olson-Louis, we continue to have a great online ministry.”
Sleep in Heavenly Peace is also a cause that Peter loves. He just can’t stand the thought of a local child sleeping on the floor. He has been an advocate for the cause, donated funds, raised additional money, and built beds.
Peter is a forward thinker and is continually looking for innovative ways to meet the needs of our congregation and community. He enjoys volunteering with ELC because he believes “ELC is my family. They give me joy!!” We thank God for Peter’s many talents.
Our other November God’s Helper Award is presented to Jean Helland. Jean is recognized for her oversight and dedication to two areas of our church: the “Book Nook” (the glass cabinet located in the Gathering Room of our church) and our church library.
The Book Nook provides a very economical way of sending family and friends a card to keep in touch. One of the most important aspects of our Book Nook is that every single card has a Bible Verse printed inside with different verses for each occasion. Here is a wonderful way to share God’s Message of love, to teach others about Him, and support our women (WELC).
According to Jean, “I am not sure where the name originated (as we don’t sell books) but as long as I have been a member of ELC that has been its name and everyone knows it as such! I truly enjoy being the caretaker of the Book Nook and have done so for over 30 years.”
With so many choices today in reading material, it is the hard work of Jean to provide such a wide selection of Christian books to choose from in our cozy church library (another branch of WELC) Every book, whether it be for children or adults, has a Christian message in its story. “I truly enjoy taking care of our church library, something I have done for over 8 years. It is one more way I can help spread God’s word, by offering biblical material for all ages to get to know HIM better”, Jean said. The library has an easy check out system and allows readers to keep the books as long as they need. Check out our numerous new titles today!
Jean is also active in other offerings at our church including The Gather Magazine Circle, Tuesday Bible Study, Church Book Club, Adult Bible Study and assisting with funeral set-up and other Lutheran World Relief events. Jean is supported by her husband Clint of 53 years and her children: Stephanie, Sharalyn, Jocelyn, Daniel and Andrew She is also blessed with 13 grandchildren, ages 1yr-21yrs.
Jean ended by saying, “I love being a volunteer at ELC and am very humbled to be chosen for Volunteer of the month. Not only do my activities spread God’s word but the friendships developed along the way make for lifelong friends. We have such a caring, loving, prayerful community of God’s people working together at ELC and I love being a part of it!” Thanks so much for all you do, Jean!!