April 2024
This is a story about four members of a small, Lutheran congregation. Their names were Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
More than a year had gone by since their pastor left to accept another call and it was impossible to predict how much longer the process of finding a new one would take. In the meantime, there was something important that needed to be done.
It was so important, in fact, that Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could’ve, but Nobody did.
Well, as you might guess, that made Somebody angry because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
But why hadn’t the part-time interim pastor done it? She was contracted for a few hours a week, which was enough time to write sermons, plan worship and visit some folks, but little else.
While they could have offered her a new contract for more hours/pay, she’d have declined for reasons that had nothing to do with them. And so “it” was up to them.
First off, this story is not a complaint! It is not about anything or anyone in particular. In fact, First Lutheran is one of the most self-sufficient congregations I’ve come across in my brief ministry career. So, you should give yourselves a lot of credit for stepping up and getting things done.
Second, the “important thing” in the story that fell by the wayside is whatever you think it is. It’s up to you to fill in that blank.
If you asked other folks, you’d probably get a variety of responses. But I urge you to come up with your own idea first. What is that one thing you feel is so important? It might be a question you can answer immediately, or you need time to reflect on it.
But before you decide to take a survey at coffee hour or the Crème or at Shorty’s, ask yourself what God is already doing here among you. That’s often a good starting point for imagining where God is calling you. And don’t ask me because I can’t answer that for you.
“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go… And he went out, not knowing where he was going” (Hebrews 11:8).
Not knowing can be uncomfortable or it can be exciting. Just imagine you’re standing outside the empty tomb!
Yours in Christ, Pastor Anita
ACOLYTES
April 7 Hannah Wharton
April 14 Nolan Muhlenbruch
April 21 Jaxon Verba
April 28 Hannah Wharton
ALTAR GUILD Jeanie Agena, Kim Brinkman
BREAD BAKER Cheryl Jass
USHERS Brad & Kim Brinkman
DEACON Craig Russell
FLCW QUILTERS April 2 nd at 1:00 p.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, April 3 rd
D/SAOC DONATIONS We are currently collecting donations of diapers and Kleenex for the D/SAOC. Please leave any and all donations in the shopping cart that is in the narthex. Thanks for your help!
THANK YOU!!! Thank you to everyone who provided and served our Lenten meals and to those who took care of Easter breakfast. Everything was absolutely delicious!
PRAYER REQUESTS for the family of Pastor Harold McMillin, the family of Lisa Kapka, Lucille Dawson, Roger Stover, all of our care center residents and those who are homebound.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 6, 2024
President, Jean Swanson, opened the meeting with eight members present. A motion to accept the agenda as presented was made by Craig Russell and seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
Devotions: Pastor Anita Pastor Anita read the devotion from Ephesians: 2:1-10 taken from Lutheran Seminary’s Lenten Devotional –“Lord Jesus You Shall Be My Song”.
President’s Report: Jean Swanson referred to New Business items on agenda
Secretary’s Report: Jeanne Russell Jeanne read the minutes from the February 7th Council Meeting. Mary Anderson said that the fire extinguishers were done so that was a correction in the minutes. She made a motion to accept the minutes with the correction noted and Tammy Klatt seconded the motion. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Beth Hurt “The Ride Against Hunger Ministry Grant” that was applied for and received last week from the ELCA for $500 will show up on next month’s report. A motion to approve of the report was given by Maynard Agena and seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
Deacon’s Report: Shut-ins, are all being visited and receiving communion. If there is a member that needs to be included with visits/communion, please let Pastor Anita or Shelly know.
Trustee’s Report: We need to have the “On Demand Hot Water” heater checked out. It is not functioning as it should be.
Stewardship Report: Tammy & Larry Klatt Tammy & Larry along with Jeanne & Craig Russell and Pastor Anita attended the Riverside Conference meeting in Iowa Falls at Bethany Lutheran on Feb. 25th . It was a very good meeting. One of the issues discussed was the shortage of pastors in the rural areas of the NEIA Synod. The Synod is working on a program where a member of a congregation could take 2 years of course study and then be able to do ministry work in their own congregation. The cost of the 2 year course would be $3,000. On June 1st , the NEIA Synod is offering a workshop on restructuring the Church Constitution to work for smaller congregations.
Old Business: CGD School District requested to use the church basement for summer school the weeks of June 10th and June 17th – Monday through Thursday. A motion to approve of that request was made by Craig Russell and seconded by Maynard Agena.
Dows Community Monthly Meals: A meeting with representatives from all of the churches in Dows will be held on March 13th at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Anita to discuss ideas going forward and for advertising this new venture in our community. Please stay tuned for all of the details which will begin in April. Getting excited!!
Other: Craig Russell will be finding the ceiling fan/lights for the kitchen and lining up help to install them.
New Business:
Summer Worship change was discussed and tabled until next month.
Fundraiser Meal – There was a motion by Tammy Klatt and a second by Maynard Agena to again have the June fundraiser. It will be held at the Dows Convention Center on June 2nd . A sign-up sheet for salads/bars and other items will be up in the narthex soon.
The CD for the parsonage funds –investment #21946 - will be up for renewal on May 26. 2024.
West Door Handrail – discussion was held on this matter and options will be taken to see what will work best.
Other New Business: None
Adjournment: Bev Weidemann made a motion to adjourn and it was seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried. We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
WELCOME TO OUR CHURCH: On Sunday, March 3 rd , we welcomed into our family at First Lutheran, the
following new members: Jason Nohrenberg, Troy & Michelle Srigley, Jen Verba and Adam & Madalyn Vorrie. When you see them in church, take a minute and introduce yourselves!
THANK YOU!!! To everyone who volunteered to work at, or provide food for our 5 Lenten meals and Easter breakfast. It is wonderful having this time of food and fellowship during the Lenten season.
Dows Neighborly Nourishment Your next chance at a community meal will be Wednesday, April 17 th . We are embarking on a new adventure here at First and in our community. The Dows Neighborly Nourishment meals will start serving a once a month meal (3 rd Wednesday) here at First for FREE!!! This meal is for EVERYONE in our community so please help spread the word. See the enclosed flyer for more info.
April 2024 – From Sheep to Shepherd: An LSI Early Childhood Services Story
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a mother, recently released from treatment, found herself in her new empty apartment with her son. She felt lost and needed a shepherd to guide her. So, Hali contacted LSI’s Early Childhood Services, and Gretchen O’Brien, a Family Support Worker, answered the call. Gretchen began virtual home visits using the Healthy Family America home- visiting model.
For the next three years, Gretchen connected Hali and her son to community resources, served as a support system and a shoulder to cry on, and celebrated Hali’s sobriety milestones with her. Even when Hali doubted herself, Gretchen guided and believed in her.
“I just remember sitting in that empty apartment crying, but I had Gretchen on the phone. You guys believed in me when nobody else did,” shared Hali.
Today, Hali serves on the Healthy Family America (HFA) National Parent Advisory Committee, the first of its kind. The group is composed of 10-12 parents from around the country who have graduated from their local HFA program, each participant with their own story to share.
Hali needed a shepherd in her time of trouble and self-doubt, and Gretchen answered that call. Now, Hali serves as a shepherd to thousands of parents through the National Parent Advisory Committee. The LSI Early Childhood team couldn’t be more proud of Hali and Gretchen.
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.