June 2024
SEVEN WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR PASTOR
Ministry is a stressful vocation, with unspoken expectations, projected anxieties, and conflicting demands. After the pandemic caused a sudden shift to the way we worship and aggravated political differences, pastors have been leaving congregational ministry at even higher rates than usual. The emotional fallout of burnout and church conflict can stay with pastors for years.
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING WAYS TO SHOW YOUR PASTOR YOU CARE
Honor their boundaries. Understand why they can’t tell you everything and might decline social invitations. Respect their days off and vacation time.
Respect their family. Your pastor’s spouse and kids are not obligated to fill certain rolls in the church, or participate at all. Don’t pressure your pastor to choose between their family and the congregation.
Convey concerns responsibly. Don’t pass along anonymous feedback. Telling your pastor “some people are saying…” isn’t helpful and only stirs up drama.
Stick up for them. When toxic individuals try to force their way, attacking the pastor or going behind the pastor’s back, tell those people kindly but firmly that such behavior isn’t appropriate. Don’t leave your pastor standing alone.
Compensate them fairly. Pastors may serve God (shouldn’t we all?) but they work for the congregation. Make sure their salary and benefits reflect their qualifications and don’t become a source of stress or resentment.
Check your expectations. Do you think pastors should be available 24/7? Do you assume that a thirty-something pastor will automatically attract young families to the church? Remember that your pastor is called to lead but is not responsible for saving the church.
Express appreciation. A note of encouragement or “thanks for all you do!” can be just the boost your pastor need on a challenging day.
Inspired by Wounded Pastors” Navigating Burnout, Finding Healing, and Discerning the Future of Your Ministry, by Carol Howard and James Fenimore
JUNE VOLUNTEERS & MEETINGS
ACOLYTES SUPPLY FOR JUNE
June 2 Jaxon Verba June 2 - Casey Simmons
June 9 Hannah Wharton June 9 - Pr Gloria Friedrich
June 16 Nolan Muhlenbruch June 16 – Pr Kent Meckler
June 23 Jaxon Verba June 23 – Casey Simmons
June 30 Hannah Wharton June 30 – Pr Jane Granzow
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
Maynard Agena Judy Gorder
Shannon Muhlenbruch Jeanne Russell
DEACON BREAD BAKER
Bev Weidemann Wanda Glade
COMMUNION SUNDAYS
June 9 th & June 16 th at 9:00 a.m.
REMEMBER…SUMMER WORSHIP TIME IS 9:00 A.M.
FLCW QUILTERS June 4 th at 1:00 p.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, June 5 th – 6:00 p.m.
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!
PRAYER REQUESTS for the family of Lucille Dawson, whose funeral was held at First on May 7 th , Marv Moss, Roger Stover, all of our care center residents and those who are homebound.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MAY 1, 2024
Vice President, Larry Klatt, opened the meeting with 9 members present. A motion to accept the agenda as presented was made by Maynard Agena and seconded by Craig Russell. Motion carried.
Devotions - Pastor Anita led us in devotions from Hebrews 11:8-10. Her pastoral duties for April were listed.
President’s Report: Senior Recognition Day – May 5th – presentation of the trees
Secretrary’s Report: Jeanne read the minutes from the April 3rd meeting. A motion by Mary Anderson to approve of the minutes as read was seconded by Kim Brinkman. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Tammy had a question pertaining to the Youth Ministry Fund. If anyone is interested in donating to that fund, please indicate that on your check. Maynard Agena made a motion to approve the Treasurer’s Report as presented and a second was made by David Ziesman. Motion carried.
Deacon’s Report: All of our members who are in care centers or are shut-ins, are being visited and receiving communion by our Deacons.
Trustee Report: Mary Anderson reported that the weeds around the church have been sprayed. Furnace filters will be changed and the TV in the Pre-School room will be checked out and replaced if necessary.
Stewardship Report: Tammy & Larry Klatt People in the community are being invited to each Monthly Meal.
OLD BUSINESS:
Fundraiser Meal – June 2nd at the Dows Convention Center – A sign up sheet will be put up in the back of the church on Sunday, May 5th. Look for what salads/bars or other items you can bring for that dinner.
Chairs – Mary Anderson bought 4 new chairs for the Fellowship Hall and they match exactly to the old ones. Mary donated these chairs.
Mission Investment CD – up for renewal on 5/26/24 – the interest rate will be checked for a 5 year vs. a 2 year rate and decided upon later this month.
May 5th – Senior Recognition Sunday- trees will be given that day to Bailee Boll and Kehra Vinsand.
May 19th – Sunday School recognition – Jean Swanson has purchased the ice cream certificates for the students and carnations for the teachers
Summer School – June 10-13 & June 17-20
Other Old Business: None
NEW BUSINESS:
Education wing door replacement – we have gotten an estimate of $8000 from Iowa Falls Glass. More estimates are being done.
June 1st – Wartburg Meeting – Creative Collaborative Congregations Ministry Fair – 8:30 – 3:45 pm. Registration of $50 will be paid by the Church for anyone who would like to attend. Register by 5/24/24.
Insurance Walk-Thru Findings: Water notification sensor – Larry Klatt will check on this. Two lighted Exit signs - David Ziesman will check on those. Needed by 7/28/24.
Other New Business: The last day of Sunday School for the children will be May 19th and that will also be Pastor Anita’s last Sunday here are First Lutheran. Cake and homemade ice cream will be served that day following the church service. Everyone come downstairs for a time of fellowship and fun!
Craig reported that he had purchased 4 ceiling fans with lights that will be put up in the kitchen soon.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Kim Brinkman and seconded by Mary Anderson. Meeting was then adjourned and we closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell, Council Secretary
June 2024 – School is out, but LSI continues to serve
School may be out for the summer, but LSI continues to serve Iowans year-round. Our Early Childhood team continues their in-home visits, ensuring young families are supported and connected to their community as they raise the next generation of Iowans. Our therapists are talking and, most importantly, listening to individuals struggling with mental health challenges, difficult situations at home, and seemingly simple everyday problems. Children in our Foster Care and Adoption services are bonding with their foster parents as they grow and learn in their community.
Immigrant and refugee learners gather at LSI offices in Des Moines, Sioux City, and Waterloo to attend class as they prepare for their citizenship test, learn how to become financially stable, practice their English skills, and more. Global Greens farmers are busy at the farm or selling their produce at the Global Greens Farmers Market in Des Moines.
Summer is a great time to get involved with LSI! Volunteer with our Immigrant and Refugee Community Services, check our social media pages to see what donations our services need most, or give a financial gift to support numerous services benefiting children and families across the state. Visit our website (LSIowa.org) to learn more about getting involved this summer.
For more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI’s Director of Philanthropy and Church Relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org or 563-676-2065.
HOG ROAST FUNDRAISER
First will be hosting a pulled pork meal at the Dows Community Center on Sunday, June 2 nd . Serving will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with carry-outs and drive thru available. Menu will include bbq or plain pork sandwiches, cheesy taters, baked beans, salads and desserts. Free will donations will be taken. We are in need of volunteers to make salads and desserts. If you haven’t already signed up in the narthex, please do so ASAP. We will also need everyone to help that day with serving and cleaning up. It’s a lot of work, but a great day of fellowship!
LEAVING WELL A Covenant When a Call is Complete
For the Congregation
The congregation remains focused on the mission of the congregation and call to follow Jesus.
Congregation members follow the boundaries and expectations outlined by the former pastor and synod. The congregation works with the synod office during the transition and call process.
Congregation members do not ask the former pastor to conduct pastoral acts or pastoral visits and do not ask the successor pastors to involve or invite the former pastor.
Congregation members refrain from engaging the former pastor on social media platforms or following the pastor on their platforms for at least one year and then only cautiously in non-congregational conversation.
Congregation members do not engage the former pastor in conversation about the congregation or successor pastor(s), whether critical or not.
Any necessary contact with the pastor regarding congregational business is done through the successor pastor or synod liaison.
Congregation members speak well of the former pastor and their ministry with the congregation.
Congregation members refrain from inviting the former pastor to family events when they are doing so solely because they were their pastor and not friend, family or neighbor.
Congregation members refrain from inviting the former pastor to serve in a pastoral role in a community capacity when the role is typically reserved for an active clergy member of the community.