February 2024
“GOOD NEWS” FEBRUARY 2024
Here we are all in one place, the wants and woundsof the human race.
Despair and hope sit face to face when you come in from the cold.
Let her fill your cup with something kind, eggs and toast like bread and wine.
She’;s heard it all so she don’;t mind.
~Betty’s Diner by Carrie Newcomer
________________________________
“In Betty’s Diner, Newcomer illustrates the significance of ordinary moments and the bonds that
can form through shared experiences. The songreflects upon the importance of finding comfort and
belonging in our everyday lives, even within themodest confines of a local diner. Betty’s Diner serves
as a metaphor for the community, where people fromdifferent walks of life come together in search of
nourishment not only for their bodies but also fortheir souls.” 1
Dear Children of God,
As I write today, most of our state is under a blizzard warning, followed by a wind chill warning projected to
last several days beyond that. In the interest of safety, many churches canceled worship services, First
Lutheran included.
The song Betty’s Diner reminds me that folks find nourishment for their souls in other places, too.
Outdoor enthusiasts talk about feeling closest to God when surrounded by nature. Others name the golf
course as a place where they encounter God’s presence. After all, the Lord’s name is often uttered
there.
It’s no secret that the number of individuals in this country who belong to a church has dropped
dramatically over the past decade. So, researchers Ryan Burge at Eastern Illinois University and Paul
Djupe of Denison University created what they think is the largest-ever study of folks who stopped going to
church, surveying 4,099 “dechurched” Americans. 2
Burge and Djupe uncovered a variety of reasons, but perhaps the most ironic was the 14% of mainline
Protestants who responded that they did not fit in. The irony lies in the fact that so much of Jesus’
ministry was focused on outreach to people who were considered the outsiders.
The creation stories in Genesis demonstrate to us that humanity is wired for connection, with one another
and with God. If we don’t find it with one group, we go looking for it elsewhere. I hope First Lutheran can be
the kind of place that anyone can come with their wants and wounds to have their cup filled with
something kind.
Despite the decreasing numbers of people who attend church, the human need for love, acceptance and
belonging still exists. In fact, I’m willing to bet that because of the divisive political climate we live in, the
need is greater.
That means there is no better time than now to share the kind of love, acceptance, and belonging that we
have received only on account of Jesus Christ and not any of our own efforts. (Ephesians 2:8)
My dear, dear friends, if God loved us like this, we certainly ought to love each other.
1 John 4:11-12 (MSG) Pastor Anita
FEBRUARY VOLUNTEERS & MEETINGS
ACOLYTES
February 4 Hannah Wharton
February 11 Nolan Muhlenbruch
February 14 Jaxon Verba
February 18 Porsche’/Jeremiah Lilly
February 25 Hannah Wharton
USHERS Curtis Dow & David Ziesman
ALTAR GUILD Linda Dow & Ruth Reingardt
BREAD BAKER Pat Meek
DEACON Kim Brinkman
FLCW QUILTERS February 6& 20 1:00 p.m.
COUNCIL MEETING February 7 th @ 6:00 p.m.
INSTALLATION OF NEW OFFICERS Sunday, February 4 th during worship
The following thank you was received from “Gift of Giving”.
Dear church members, thank you so much for the monetary donation to Gift of Giving. We were able to serve over 200 families which totaled over 800 individuals. Thank you! Kathy & Erica
THE SHOPPING CART is empty! Can you help us fill it with paper products for the D/SAOC? They are always in need, so if you are at the store, grab an extra package of toilet paper or paper towels and throw them in the cart. Please and thanks!
FIRST LUTHERAN COUNCIL MINUTES
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL met on JANUARY 3, 2024 President, Shelly Howard, opened the meeting with seven members present. A motion to approve of the agenda presented was made by Loren LIenemann and seconded by Dan Hurt.
Pastor Anita had us all read the devotion together, “Blessing for the New Year”. Her report on her pastoral duties for December were given to the council members.
Secretary’s Report: Jeanne Russell Jeanne read the minutes from the December meeting and they were approved as read.
Treasurer’s Report: Beth Hurt Beth reported that the “vimeo” has been paid and the renewal should be started again. The LP balance is at “0”. A motion to approve of the report was made by Loren and seconded by Craig. Motion carried.
Deacon’s Report: Craig Russell reported the shut-ins and members in care centers are getting called on and receiving communion monthly.
Trustees Report: Mary Anderson Everything is ok at this time. Nothing new to report on.
Stewardship: Loren Lienemann No report
Board of Ed: No report
Old Business:
Monthly Dinners: It was discussed again and it decided to apply for a grant to the “Ride Against Hunger Ministry Grant” through the Northeastern Iowa Synod. Discussion was held about what to call our Hunger Ministry and also when the best time would be to start them up. It was decided to begin our
first one in April after the Lenten suppers and Easter.
Constitution Update: Craig Russell is going to work with Dan Hurt on revisions on this.
Nominations: An auditor and a stewardship chairman are still needed on the ballot.
Membership/New Members: It will be held on March 2, 2024 with a potluck following church.
New Business:
Budget Approval: The proposed Budget of 2024: $103,296 –a motion by Craig Russell was made to approve of this budget amount and it was seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
Auditors: The auditors need to meet and go through the books
Annual Meeting Agenda: The Harvest Festival designation of 100% to the Maintenance Fund will be discussed.
Ash Wednesday: February 14th – Lenten Suppers beginning on Feb. 21st and will run for 5 consecutive weeks on Wednesday nights.
Adjourn: Loren Lienemann made a motion to adjourn the meeting and Craig Russell seconded that motion.
Jeanne Russell, Secretary
February FLCW Thankoffering Month
Each year the First Lutheran Church Women continue the tradition of giving in thanks and praise. Thankofferings are given in support of the life changing ministries of the Women of the ELCA. In gratitude for all God has given to us, and in hope for all that is to come, we will gather our Thankoffering envelopes during the month of February.
Look for the pink offering envelopes on the table as you enter the sanctuary. Offerings may be left in the pink basket in the back of the church or in the offering plate.
PRAYER REQUESTS for Norman Hanson, baby Aspen, Kris Stein, all our shut-ins and those in care centers.
LENT SCHEDULE
Ash Wednesday service will be held on February 14 th at 6:30 p.m. Holy communion and an imposition of ashes will be offered during this service. Have an early meal with your Valentine and then bring them to church!
We will once again be serving a meal on each of the five Wednesday’s of Lent. The first meal will take place on Wednesday, February 21 st . Serving will begin at 5:30 p.m. and worship will be held at 6:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex for any who would like to help with a meal.
The Lenten series this year is “In Community” and each week will be a different focus, including the saints, our neighbors, people on the margins, Christ, and those who suffer. First Lutheran will be part of the Riverside Conference round robin group so each week we will host a different speaker from somewhere in our conference.
Happy Valentine’s Day from LSI!
“We love because he first loved us.” 1 John 4:19
The idea behind Lutheran Services in Iowa’s (LSI) mission is centered around love: responding to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service.
We give thanks to all our ministry partners, both individuals and congregations, who help share this love for Iowa children, adults, and families.
At LSI, we see this love in newly adopted children and their families, in teens who are overcoming years of trauma and building brighter futures, in Iowans with disabilities who are growing their independence and confidence, in new parents who are raising strong and healthy families, and in so many other joyous moments.
You can help carry out LSI’s mission of hope and healing by giving a gift and showing love to the Iowa families we serve.
Thank you for the love you share and create through LSI. Happy Valentine’s Day!
For more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI’s 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.