February 2025
“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.” (Isaiah 43:2).
Dear church,
The images of leaping flames, smoke-choked skies, and the wreckage of homes and habitats in and around Los Angeles are hard to bear. The ongoing, deadly California wildfires have claimed lives, displaced hundreds of thousands of people, and destroyed homes, businesses, schools and houses of worship. The devastation continues as winds spread the flames. So far we know that Bishop Brenda Bos of the Southwest California Synod and her wife, Janis, lost their home in the Eaton fire. We believe that the fires have touched the lives of many more ELCA members and several congregations as the synod continues to receive damage reports and assess the immediate needs for support.
The prophet Isaiah writes that even when fires rage, the final word is faith, not fear. God redeems us and calls us by name to be agents of healing and hope, even amid staggering loss. In faith, we respond through prayer, accompaniment and action.
Please join me in praying that God’s love and care be manifest among all who are impacted by these wildfires. Pray for the firefighters battling unrelenting blazes and for first responders, health care providers and public servants providing safety and support for those impacted. Pray for ELCA ministries as they care for the many needs of their communities. Pray for the long-term well-being of all who are affected by the widespread devastation and who face ongoing danger.
Learn how your church is responding and how you can get involved.
In Christ,
The Rev. ElizabethA. Eaton Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
FEBRUARY VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
Feb 2 – Pastor Susan Stone Feb 2 – Jaxon Verba
Feb 9 – Steve Schwendeman Feb 9 – Hannah Wharton
Feb 16 – Casey Simmons Feb 16–Nolan Muhlenbruch
Feb 23 – Casey Simmons Feb 23– Madi Muhlenbruch
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
Curtis Dow Linda Dow
David Ziesman Ruth Reingardt
DEACON BREAD BAKER
Kim Brinkman Pat Meek
COMMUNION SUNDAY February 2, 2025
FLCW QUILTERS February 4 th at 1:00 p.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING February 5 th at 6:00 p.m.
INSTALLATION OF OFFICERS Sunday, February 2 nd
PRAYER REQUESTS for Kris Stein, LoaDell Tonderum, Roger Iverson, all our home-bound and care center residents.
THANK YOU’S
Bev Weidemann would like to say thank you to the FLCW quilting ladies for the beautiful quilt that she won at the December community meal raffle.
Thank you to Rosanne Beyer & the FLCW Quilters for the nice decorative quilt we received for Christmas. It is appreciated, Clint, Amy & Ainsley Ahrens
First Lutheran Church Council Meeting
January 2, 2025
President Jean Swanson opened the meeting with 10 members present. A motion to approve of the agenda was made by Maynard Agena and seconded by Mary Anderson. Motion carried.
Beth Hurt led us in devotion and shared information about her upcoming trip to Japan for Seminary.
President’s Report: Jean Swanson
Jean shared thank you notes from Jeanette Wenzel for the TV that was purchased for the Pre-School room and one from Pastor Anita for the garden stone sent at the time of Dennis’ funeral. A memorial gift was given to our Youth Ministry fund in memory of Dennis.
Secretary’s Report: Jeanne Russell
Jeanne read the minutes from the November 6th meeting. A motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Mary Anderson and seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Beth Hurt
The Harvest Festival donation to Lutheran Disaster Relief was not on this report but will be on the next one. The picture of the confirmation students for Linda Muhlenbruch was listed under the Worship Supplies. The Youth Ministry Fund will be on its own line in the next treasurer’s report. A motion to approve of the Treasurer’s Report as presented, was made by Craig Russell and seconded by David Ziesman. Motion carried.
Deacon’s Report: Members are being visited monthly and receiving communion.
Trustee’s Report: One of the lights in the chapel need to be changed and Christmas decorations need to be taken down. Craig Russell mentioned that he has 2 more fans that need to be put up yet.
Stewardship Report: Larry Klatt – Nothing to report
Old Business:
Nominating Committee Report - Positions that need to be filled for the coming year, are almost complete.
Other Old Business: None
New Business:
Annual Meeting Agenda: if anyone has a report that needs to be in the report, that needs to be given to Shelly.
Elevator: The elevator has four wheels that are broken, and it is not running. Maynard Agena will get an estimate from O’Keefe Elevator Company out of Urbandale to see about replacing the elevator.
2025 Budget Approval: Council members looked over the budget presented. Craig Russell made a motion to approve of the budget and Mary Anderson seconded it. Motion carried.
Auditors: The Auditors will need to meet before the Annual Meeting.
Other New Business:
Ash Wednesday: March 5th – There will be Communion – Need to find a Pastor for that service.
Lenten Services: Round Robin with churches in the Conference will be checked out and service format.
Other New Business:
Craig mentioned that as a congregation we should consider tithing 10% of the gift from Gerald Rockow’s estate. In the past, as a church, when we were gifted a large memorial, we tithed 10% of that gift.
Craig said he received a call from the Iowa Wolves Basketball office mentioned that Youth could attend games at a reduced ticket price if there were over 10 attending. There is a game on February 23rd. It is the Iowa Wolves vs the San Diego Clippers. Craig will check with the confirmation and high school kids to see if they would be interested.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Larry Klatt and seconded by David Ziesman. Meeting adjourned. Council members closed by saying the Lord’s Prayer.
February 2nd will be the installation of new officers.
February 5th is the next meeting of the Council
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell Council 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.
Understanding Grief and Loss Support Group
Friends,
Periodically, I ask grieving people how they would define the word grief to someone, as if that person had never heard of the word. Grief is often described as heartache, loneliness, regrets, empty, anxiety, fear of the unknown/ future and questioning purpose in life. Perhaps you’ve had similar thoughts or could further expand the definition. Expectations of how one should cope with grief are typically set very high. Is this the arena where we want to over-achieve? Coping with grief can feel like a race, but who are you competing against? What is the hurry? The hurry comes in wanting to feel better emotionally. The emotions with grief are very powerful and can be frightening in intensity. Bereaved, over the years, remarked they thought they would handle grief “better than this.” Better than what? This invisible yardstick follows you around like a shadow. It is tricky attempting to measure something you can’t see. Even when you’ve experienced grief from other losses, it doesn’t guarantee you’ll grieve each one the same way. Well intentioned friends, family, or co-workers may make comments and suggestions about your coping skills. This fuels the race you have with yourself to “get better.”
Pay attention and listen to yourself, first. When in doubt about what to expect with griefor what is healthy coping, seek out information. Educate yourself about the normal feelings and experiences associated with grief. The more you know, the better you’ll be able to cope with grief. When you know what you are dealing with, it is a little easier to gage how you are doing on that invisible yardstick. Resources are available through your local hospice, libraries, internet, faith communities and counseling centers.
Thinking of you, Autumn, Bereavement Coordinator
*For ANY adult grieving a death that occurred at any time
*No Charge *Space is limited *Registration required
5 consecutive Monday evenings~ 5:30-7:00, March 10 th - April 7th
MercyOne North Iowa Hospice House. 232 – 2 nd Street SE - Mason City
Call Autumn @641-428-6267 to register
MercyOne North Iowa Hospice
Serving our communities since 1982