July 2023
Dear Friends in Christ,
In June I had the privilege of traveling to Luther College to participate in the Northeastern Iowa Synod Assembly on behalf of FLC Dows. This year’s theme was “Growing Together in Faith, Hope and Love.” One example of faith was the remarkable story shared by Pastor Kim and Diane Willis from Zion St. John in Sheffield about the West Fork Food Pantry. The ministry began in 2016, when ZSJ was contacted by the Food Bank of Iowa to serve as a mobile distribution site twice a month. The Willis’ asked God in prayer
throughout the process if what was being proposed was consistent with God’s will. Pastor Kim and Diane each admitted they had their doubts but did their best to follow Christ by listening and keeping open hearts. It very quickly became evident that God’s answer was “Yes!” because that ministry took off like wildfire, growing to include volunteers from 5 different congregations who now serve as many as 150 families weekly out of a former bowling alley that was purchased and renovated through grants and donations from area congregations, organizations, businesses, families and individuals.
My purpose for telling you this story is not to recommend FLC Dows should do the same. It is to reassure you that God still has a mission for this congregation, but it might be different now than in the past. In his report, Bishop Kevin Jones pointed out that the average age of folks who come to worship is now 72 and most counties in Iowa are now at their lowest population since their peak in the 1880’s. So, continuing to use worship or Sunday School attendance to gauge success fails to take into account all the other ways a congregation can be part of God’s mission. Author and theologian Frederick Buechner describes vocation as the place where our deep gladness meets the world’s deep need. The recent hog roast held at the community center demonstrates FLC’s deep gladness in feeding people, which may include partnering with the school district to ensure the kids of this community receive enough to eat all summer long.
What other needs are not being met in this community and how can FLC use its resources to help? (think beyond money). As your interim pastor, I can’t tell you what you should do, but I can invite and encourage you to keep your minds and hearts open to the Holy Spirit’s urging. And don’t be too quick to dismiss an idea because you can’t imagine how it’ll work.
In one of our June scripture readings, we heard God call Abraham to go “to the land that I will show you.” Now, my response would be something like, “Come again, God? You want me to leave everything I know behind and just go? You haven’t even told me where!” While many other churches have completed their mission and closed their doors, FLC is still here. I believe that’s because God is calling you to something new, something that has yet to be imagined. But getting there will require letting go of where you are now
(whatever that might mean for you). Saying yes to God’s call is easy when we assume it means sticking to the familiar; taking a step into an unknown future is the hard part. Abraham trusted God would make good on God’s promises. So can we.
Yours in Christ, Pastor Anita
ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR JULY
Acolytes:
July 2 - Nolan Muhlenbruch
July 9: Jaxon Verba
July 16: Jodryn Muhlenbruch
July 23; Hannah Wharton
July 30: Nolan Muhlenbruch
Ushers: Craig Russell and Jean Swanson
Deacon: Jeanne Russell
Meetings: First Council- July 5th at 6 pm
FLCW quilters: July 11 and 25th at 1 pm
Altar Guild: Judy Gorder and Jeanne Russell
Breadmakers: Pat Meek
PRAYERS: the family of Garth Willis whose funeral was held at First on June 9th, all of our shut-ins and those in care centers.
FIRST LUTHERAN COUNCIL, JUNE 7, 2023
President, Shelly Howard, opened the meeting with 8 members present. Loren Lienemann made a motion to approve of the agenda as presented and Craig Russell seconded that motion. The motion passed.
Pastor Anita led us in devotion. She used a Confession Body Prayer from the book, “50 Ways to Pray”, by Teresa Blythe. Discussion was held on the breakdown of the survey we did on Anita’s Pastoral Priorities last month. The top priorities from the survey were: Crisis Intervention/Life Events/Preaching and Youth.
Secretary’s Report: Jeanne Russell
Jeanne read the minutes from May 3rd Council Meeting. There was a correction. Jean Agena approached the Council about the outreach of helping with the Summer Lunch Program in July, not the CGD School. With the correction noted, the minutes were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Beth Hurt
Beth noted that there was a bill paid to the grocery store pertaining to one of the Lenten suppers for an amount of $72.65, listed under miscellaneous on the report. Discussion was held on the cost of the propane for the winter. Doing the “summer fill” was recommended as we have done in the past. There was a credit of $724.02 this year on propane paid for but not used. A motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report was made by Loren Lienemann and seconded by Kim Brinkman. Motion carried.
President’s Report: Shelly Howard
Shelly noted that there are members who would like to know what the Church needs in order to utilize memorial gifts in memory of loved ones. Discussion was also held on ways in which we could raise funds for things like fuel costs/building projects, etc. Visual aids was suggested by Pastor Anita.
Deacon’s Report:
Shut-ins and those in care centers are being visited and taken communion monthly. A member has recently taken up residency in Story City and will be visited.
Trustee Report:
Bushes around the church have been sprayed and the AC in Pastor Anita’s office is now working properly. The bathroom off the fellowship hall was discussed. We might need to have Mort’s come and check it out.
Stewardship Report: Loren Lienemann – No Report
Parish Board of Ed: No Report
Old Business:
Summer Lunch Program – Jean Agena reported that Scott Coldiron said that 500 lunches were done up in Clarion beginning in June. 400 to Clarion/60 to Dows and 40 to Goldfield. The times for pickup are: 11:30-12:15 pm – Monday-Thursdays - with a breakfast and lunch item in each sack. The USDA is in charge of the program. The site for the July preparations will be the First Lutheran Church in Clarion. The food products and training would be provided. Volunteers would be needed each week from July 5th-August 2nd. Jean Agena will provide information on this for the bulletin/newsletter.
Fundraiser: June 4 th - Approximately 200 people were served on Sunday, which included 27 carryouts. Thanks to everyone who helped in any way to make it so successful. The proceeds from the dinner have not all been figured yet. Expenses have yet to be deducted.
New Business:
Interim Vacation: It was determined by the Council that Pastor Anita would have 3 weeks of vacation, which would be from Sunday-Saturday on the weeks she would be gone. A supply pastor would be on call for emergencies.
Corn Days - Discussion on a float for the parade was tabled until the July meeting.
Request: On July 1st, the Wesenberg’s will be celebrating Phyllis and Dennis’ 60th wedding anniversary and have requested the use of tables and chairs for the event planned at their home. A motion to approve the request was made by Loren Lienemann and seconded by Kim Brinkman. Motion carried.
Adjourn: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Jean Swanson and seconded by Beth Hurt. Meeting adjourned. Council members and Pastor Anita all said the Lord’s Prayer in closing.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
DOWS CORN DAYS
It will be here before we know it and we need your help! A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex for volunteers to help at the corn days food stand. These are 2 hour shifts on Friday evening and again for the day on Saturday. If you would be willing to sign up for a shift and can’t get here to put your name down, just let the office know and we will gladly do it for you. Email us at firstlutheran-Dows@hotmail.com or give us a call at 515-852-4283 and leave a message.
FLCW INFO
Just as an FYI, the quilters will meet on the 2 nd and 4 th Tuesdays of July due to the 4 th holiday. Remember that the gals are always looking for any extras sheets to do their quilting!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We are asking for volunteers to help with a possible July lunch program for local kids. Drivers are needed to pick up lunches and bring them to Dows. If you are interested or have questions, please contact Jeanie Agena.
Greetings from Riverside!
Summer is here! We have been busy preparing the grounds, the summer program, and investing in our summer team as we prepare to welcome campers next week! Our time of training and investing in our staff began three weeks ago with lifeguard training and concludes this Friday. This past week was spent equipping our team for the variety of jobs and situations they are likely to encounter in the nine weeks ahead. They have spent time together in training, worship, and prayer. They have spent hours learning about a diverse array of topics, focusing on how each and every part of programming ties back into Riverside's mission and values of relationships, excellence, Jesus- centered, life-changing, and disciple-growing. We especially want to thank Pastor Jon Anenson, who devoted three days during our training to lead us in times of biblical teaching over our summer theme. Jon blessed and encouraged our staff, and reminded us all, "You will never regret going all in for Jesus!". We' re grateful for your prayers as we continue in our mission, "To know Jesus Christ and to make Christ known to all!"
Campers start arriving on Sunday, June 11th
& we can't wait to kick in Summer Camp 2023!
Will You Pray for Our Staff this Summer? Serving on staff during summer camp staff is an incredibly fulfilling role, but can also be very challenging. Please use our 2023 Summer Camp Prayer Flyer to pray for each of our summer camp staff members now through August. And, if you feel led to do so, please send them a note of encouragement (details are in the flyer).
The Riverside flyer is on a separate attachment!
July 2023, LSI Bulletin/Newsletter Article
God’s work. Our hands.
As a social ministry organization of the ELCA, Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) is so thankful for your partnership in ministry. Through your support, a first-time mom is able to receive the education and resources she needs to build futures full of hope, a person with a disability is reaching their goals and becoming more independent each day, and an immigrant is learning English through our Community Based English Language Learning (CBELL) program led by compassionate teachers.
This month, we would like to give a special thank you to those of you who have made LSI a focus on your congregation’s “God’s work. Our hands.” project. On a planned day in September, each congregation is encouraged to reach outside of the church and do good deeds in the community by participating in a project for “God’s work. Our hands.” This is a perfect opportunity to combine community projects with a special project for nonprofits like LSI, whether it’s raising money or contributing in-kind gifts.
We thank you for your generous support in this important work! If you are interested in supporting the Iowa children and families served by LSI or would like to get involved in a “God’s work. Our hands.” project with LSI, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI senior director of philanthropy and church relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org or 563-676-2065.
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 LSIowa.org and facebook.com/LSI.Iowa.