December 2022
We all have gifts. They differ according to the grace God has given to each of us. Do you have
the gift of prophecy? Then use it according to the faith you have. If your gift is serving, then
serve. If it is teaching, then teach. Is it encouraging others? Then encourage them. Is it giving to
others? Then give freely. Is it being a leader? Then work hard at it. Is it showing mercy? Then
do it cheerfully.
- Romans 12:6-8
Dear Friends in Christ,
My sister-in-law, Kelsey, works for Thrivent. In her position as the Corporate Responsibility Manager in the Twin Cities, she has become very familiar with the nonprofits in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Last year she started to pair each of our family members with nonprofits that fit their passions. One of my cousins is a number nerd, so Kelsey suggested she check out Prepare + Prosper, an organization that helps low income individuals file their taxes appropriately. My sister and her Bible study were seeking a way to support families during the holidays, so she gave her nonprofit options to consider, too. It was so cool to watch a person who knew the needs of a community and the gifts of those around her, and have her match them up.
First Lutheran Church members are excellent at using their gifts in the church. Seriously, it was the first thing I noticed when I came here. People plug into the things they are good at and are willing to give their time and talents. Part of our stewardship time this fall is lifting up the great things that people are already doing. One of the reasons I think this happens is that people are welcome to try new things. Maybe you haven’t hosted coffee before, ask someone who has. They can help you out. Maybe you haven’t taught Sunday School, we can partner you with someone who has before. I am constantly impressed with the grace given to each of us when we try to use our gifts in a new place.
I encourage you during this stewardship drive to examine both your monetary giving and how you might use your talents in the church. I promise that God has blessed you with gifts and interests that can be utilized in this church! I would call in my sister-in-law to help match us up, but I don’t think we need her this time. Instead, I invite you to spend some time this week thinking about where your skills and passions are needed in the church and how you might participate in the body of Christ!
Peace, Pastor Laurel
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR DECEMBER
ACOLYTES
December 4th Hannah Wharton
December 11th Nolan Muhlenbruch
December 18th Porsche’ Lilly
December 24th Jaxon Verba
December 25th Jordyn Muhlenbruch
MEETINGS
FIRST COUNCIL WILL MEET December 7th at 6:00pm
FLCW Quilters Meeting: 1:00pm December 6th and Dec 20th
Advent Begins November 27th
Little Bethlehem December 10th 9am-11am
Children’s Christmas Program Dec 11th
Christmas Eve Worship December 24th 6:30pm
USHERS: the Brinkman family
DEACON: Jeanne Russell
ALTAR GUILD Kathy Thelke & Monica Johnson
BREADMAKERS – Kathy Thelke
PRAYERS: Roger Stover, Norman Hanson, Kris Stein, Linda and John Coldiron, Baby
Walker, Bob Jass, Grace Haugen, Shane Hefti, Rev. Dave Anderson & family, all of our
shut-ins and those in care centers.
GRAIN DONATIONS Did you know that your local Coop has an account set up for First Lutheran Church to accept deliveries of grain? If you are wanting to make a donation of grain, just contact any of the NEW Coop offices and let them know that you will be delivering for First Lutheran. This does not have to be a full load as they will transfer any bushel amount over to the church with your permission. The church is then contacted to price the grain. If you are considering a donation to a different elevator that does not have an account for First, just let the church know and we can get an account open. This is an easy way to help out the church! If you should have any questions about the process, just give Shelly Howard a call and she can walk you through it!
THANK YOU! I sure would like to thank everyone for the prayers, cards, visits, meals and phone calls while I was recuperating from a broken toe surgery and another surgery in the same week. It meant the world to me and really helped cheer me up to get better and to also get moving. Our Church family is the BEST! Jeanne Russell
ELCA YOUTH GATHERING 2024 INTEREST We are looking to see if there is interest in attending the 2024 ELCA Youth Gathering in New Orleans. This will be open to all those who will be attending or entering high school in fall of 2024 (Current 6th -10th Graders). We will have to organize and participate in fundraisers and activities to make this possible. Please let Beth know if you would be interested in this opportunity for your child.
THANK YOU FOR PROPANE DONATIONS Thank you for giving the gift of warmth this winter to First Lutheran Church! Since the end of September we have received $7554.84 in donations for LP!
WEATHER ANNOUNCEMENTS In case of bad weather and we need to cancel the church service, we will try to get it on Facebook, out to you by email, and on the website. We will also contact KCCI TV, channel 8 and KLMJ radio as soon as we know. If we do not cancel church and you feel the weather is too crappy for you to venture out, please stay home and be safe. We are still Facebook live streaming at 10 am. If you would like a phone call, please let the church office know and we will put your number on a list to notify. Any questions, let us know. Thanks
LITTLE BETHLEHEM GARAGE SALE The Bethlehem Garage Sale will take place on Saturday, December 10th. All ages are welcome to participate. We are currently collecting item donations for the sale. Please drop off your items in the box located in the Narthex.
REQUEST FOR CHRISTMAS GOODIES A Christmas goodie sack will be handed out on Christmas Eve. Donations of prewrapped candies, gum, candy canes, snack cakes, granola bars, etc can be placed in the box in the narthex. We will be making 50 goodie sacks. If you prefer, money donations will also be collected. Please have all donations in the box by December 18. Any questions, please let Kathy Thelke know.
FIRST LUTHERAN COUNCIL November 2, 2022
First Lutheran Council met on November 2, 2022, with 10 members present. President Thelke called the meeting to order. A motion by Maynard and second by Craig to accept the agenda.The motion passed. Pastor Led Devotions.
Pastor’s report: Pastor’s report stated that the Thanksgiving Service on November 23, will be at 6:30 at the Methodist church and Pastor Meester will be preaching. The idea of a one Sunday pulpit exchange with Chris Meester was suggested by many. The council approved the exchange.
Secretary’s report: The Secretary's report was given. One correction was made to the minutes.The minutes stated that Christmas cards would be signed on a Sunday morning when in fact it will be on a Tuesday November 15. A motion was made by Beth and second by Mary to accept the minutes and the motion passed.
Treasurer’s report: Beth reported the contributions that had been made to help pay for the LP for the church. A motion by Mary to approve the report was second by Dan and the motion passed.
Trustee’s report: Mary reported that the bushes have been trimmed. Also she reported that as long as the Thanksgiving service will be at the Methodist church, the Christmas trees at First will be put up earlier.
Board of Ed: The meeting discussed different fundraisers for VBS and possibly the youth gathering in New Orleans in 2024.
Old Business: Pastor reported the generosity report is going good. There will be members speaking in church about their gifts and giving. It was discussed that the Harvest Festival offering goes into the repair fund and there will be a potluck. Christ the King Sunday will be when the new bibles are given out. Craig is working on a supply for January 1, when the pastor is on vacation.
New Business: The nominating committee had set November 15, to meet to set the new ballot...Also the budget meeting was set up for December 20. There have been several donations for the LP bill for the church. A motion was made by Maynard and second by Mary to send all the donations to W&H for the bill and any overrun needed to be paid for and also a Summer fill. The motion passed. The annual meeting is scheduled for January 22 right after church services. Christmas goodie bags were discussed and decided to do them again. The Christmas Eve service will be at 6:30 and the high schoolers will help with the service. There will be communion. Christmas day service will be at 10:00 with no communion.
There being no further business, a motion by Maynard and second by Mary to adjourn the meeting passed. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Secretary Cheryl Jass
December 2021, LSI Bulletin/Newsletter Article and Story
Merry Christmas from LSI!
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” — John 1:5
As Christmas approaches, we give thanks to you! Because of your generosity LSI has continued to offer hope and healing to Iowans of all ages. Thank you for bringing the light ofChrist to your neighbors who rely on these important services!
At LSI we see veterans getting help, children overcoming fear, moms and dads parenting with renewed joy and confidence, new neighbors from foreign lands becoming established and active in their communities, the pride of independence for those experiencing challenges in everyday life. We know parents who feel hopeless, with few resources to raise their young children. We know adults with disabilities who feel voiceless, with no support system or connection to their community. We know teens who are aging out of foster care, who fear they will never have a forever family.
The spirit of giving, the spirit of love, and the spirit of working together, allows us to stand together and celebrate this Christmas season.
LSI’s annual matching gift campaign gives opportunities to double new and increased gifts through the end of the year. If you would like to learn more about how you can support Iowa children and families, contact Deb Whitford, LSI Director of Philanthropy and Church Relations, at 563.676.2065 or Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org.
LSI is also available to provide a customized virtual shared ministry opportunity for your congregation. If you would like to share the message of LSI with your community, please visit LSIowa.org/church-relations or contact our Waverly office at 319.352.2630 to get started.
Wishing you a blessed and merry Christmas from LSI!
Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at www.LSIowa.org and www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa.
Thank you!
As 2022 comes to an end, we reflect back on all those whose lives have been impacted by your gifts.
From Iowa’s newest citizens, those you’ve helped to feel at home in a new country: “Thank you”; from the young first-time mom who has learned how to care for her newborn: “Thank you”; from the teenager who needed some redirection and support: “Thank you”.
From the veterans needing help readjusting from trauma they endured: “Thank you”; from the person who was able to receive the kind of mental health therapy they needed: “Thank you”.
From the person with disabilities who is able to live as independently as possible with our help: “Thank you”; from the parents who are learning new processes to provide healthy, safe environments for their children: “Thank you”; from the foster parents who are providing care when needed, “Thank you”.
From those kids in residential whose lives have come to a turning point with new skills to use
going forward: “Thank you!”
And from all of us at LSI that you have encouraged and supported: “Thank you!”