APRIL 2025
“So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them, and theysaid nothing to anyone for they were afraid.” That’s where the Gospel of Mark originally ended. And it just seems so odd to me. It’s so abrupt. I mean, the women had seen the angel. He’d announced that Jesus was raised from the dead, and then he tells them all this good news and wants them to go on their way. And they just are not going to say a single word.
There are three words in that passage that really stand out for me, especially in the Greek. One is fear—phobos. We get phobia from that. The other one is amazement—ekstasis. We get ecstasy from that. And the other one has to do with being seized. It actually means “being possessed.” So we take a look at these women, and they’ve had this miraculous appearance by an angel. They’ve heard the good news that Jesus has raised from the dead, and they’re too afraid to do anything about it, and they just are going to be silent. It seems that nothing changed. They came to take care of Jesus’ dead body because on the Sabbath they could not work. But on the first day of the week, they were there. They have this announcement, and then It’s all the same.
Sometimes I think we feel like nothing’s changed. Sometimes I think that the events in our country, in our church, around the world are just so terrifying and so overwhelming that it seems like the resurrection really didn’t make a difference. But these three words really say something about the women, and I think about us and, most especially, about Easter. When they said that they were filled with amazement—this is this ecstasy, ekstasis—they were really standing. It means literally standing in a different place. So though they were still in the tomb and they hadn’t reacted yet, nevertheless, everything had changed.
And because of the resurrection, we, all of us, are standing in a different place. The whole of creation is standing in a different place. And the word for fear, phobos, phobia we get from that. But it’s really a sense of trembling in the presence of God, of awe that they were actually filled with awe—not paralyzed by fear but filled with awe. And I hope this Eastertide and all year round, we have a sense of the presence of God that fills us with awe.
When things seem to be staying the same, when things seem to be happening and coming at us so quickly, I think it’s very important to take time to be a little amazed.
And it also says that they were seized with fear. Well, the word means “possessed.” And yes, we believe that in baptism because of the resurrection, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit and we now are all Spirit-possessed.
When things seem to be staying the same, when things seem to be happening and coming at us so quickly, I think it’s very important to take time to be a little amazed, to be standing in a different place, to have a sense of this awe and trembling before the Lord, and to allow ourselves to be possessed by the Spirit, who will give us power and courage in these times.
My favorite hymn is “Lord Jesus, You Shall Be My Song.” It’s ELW 808. And the last verse goes like this: “I fear in the dark and the doubt of my journey; but courage will come with the sound of his steps by my side. And with all of the family Jesus saved by his love, we’ll sing to his dawn at the end of our journey.”
Be well, dear church. Happy Easter.
-taken from Living Lutheran by Bishop Eaton
APRIL VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
Apr 6 – Casey Simmons Apr 6 – Nolan Muhlenbruch
Apr 13 – Pastor Jane Granzow Apr 13 – Madi Muhlenbruch
Apr 17 – Pastor Jane Granzow Apr 17
Apr 20 – Pastor Jane Granzow Apr 20– Jaxon Verba
Apr 27 – Casey Simmons Apr 27 – Hannah Wharton
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
Brad and Kim Brinkman Kim Brinkman
Jeanie Agena
DEACON BREAD BAKER
Craig Russell Cheryl Jass
COMMUNION
April 17 – Maundy Thursday
April 20 – Easter worship at 9:00 a.m.
FLCW QUILTERS April 1 st at 1:00 p.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING April 2 nd at 5:00 p.m.
LENTEN MEALS AND SCHEDULE
April 2 nd meal – assorted soups, desserts
Worship: Love does no wrong to a neighbor Pastor Maureen Howard/Bethany Iowa Falls
April 9 th meal – meatloaf, mashed potatoes, salads, dessert
Worship: Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Pastor Jonathan Dolan/Bethesda Jewell
Serving of the weekly meals begins at 5:30 p.m. worship at 6:30
LSI NEWS
LSI serves Iowans of all ages; from families with newborns navigating parenthood, to Refugee and Immigrant elders, and children of all ages. One of the most vital populations LSI supports is young parents, especially those navigating the challenges of early motherhood. Cheyenne F., a Family Support Specialist for LSI’s Healthy Families America (HOPES) program, shares the impactful work she’s doing with young mothers in need of support.
She shares that she had the privilege of working closely with NF, a young mom who has shown incredible growth and resilience. The Healthy Families America (HOPES) program is an evidence-based child abuse prevention program that provides support to prenatal families and families with children ages 0-5. LSI’s Family Support Specialists work with families like NF’s to provide the guidance and resources needed to break cycles of abuse and neglect and build strong,healthy foundations for children and parents alike.
NF’s journey began in June 2023 when she reached out for help. At 19 years old and pregnant, NF was living in Muscatine County and knew she needed extra parenting support. Through the HOPES program, Cheyenne began building rapport with NF right away and learned about NF’s challenging upbringing, which included bouncing from foster home to foster home starting at age 6.
“NF had faced so much inconsistency and pain in her early years,” shared Cheyenne. “It was clear that she had a lot of unresolved trauma, but it was equally clear that she wanted to make a positive change in her life, especially for her baby.”
Throughout the course of their work together, Cheyenne and NF focused on building trust and creating a safe space for NF to share her experiences and challenges. NF revealed that after High School, she fell into a pattern of poor choices, including run-ins with the law. NF got pregnant, and although she knew the father, he didn’t want to be involved in her pregnancy or her life. Despite this, she had two strong support networks: her foster parents and her current roommate.
Cheyenne shares that NF struggled with controlling her behavior, and she feared she might end up back in jail, which unfortunately happened. When she was incarcerated, Cheyenne made sure to stay in contact with her foster parents and provided them with regular updates and support.
When NF was released from jail, she confided in Cheyenne that she was considering running away with her baby, which prompted Cheyenne to share valuable resources with her to support her mental health, housing, and employment.
“I knew that if NF ran, it could jeopardize the progress we had made. But with the right guidance and resources, NF began to see a different path forward,” Cheyenne shared.
Cheyenne expressed her excitement about NF’s progress stating, “NF has made such huge strides. She started attending therapy twice a week and has also found a job at a local consignment store. She’s enrolled in anger management classes and is committed to creating a better future for herself and her baby.”
Today, NF’s baby is thriving, meeting all developmental milestones. NF continues to meet regularly with Cheyenne and enjoys engaging in evidence-based activities that are tailored to her needs as a young mother. “I’m so thankful for the HOPES program I don’t know where I’d be without the support of Cheyenne,” NF shared.
It’s stories like NF’s that remind us why the work we do is so important. With the right support, anything is possible.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING March 12, 2025
President, Larry Klatt, opened the meeting with 12 council members present. Jean Swanson made a motion to accept the agenda as presented. Tammy Klatt seconded that motion. Motion carried.
Devotions: Larry Klatt gave a devotion.
President’s Report: Larry reported that the elevator is on schedule to be replaced.
Secretary’s Report: Jeanne Russell read the minutes from the February 12th meeting. Mary Haugen made a motion to approve of the minutes as read and Kathy Thelke seconded that motion. Motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report: Shelly reported that the old stoves in the kitchen are gone. The new ones will be put in the church on March 13th. A motion to accept the treasurer’s report was made by Jean Swanson and seconded by Tammy Klatt. Motion carried.
Deacon’s Report: Shut-ins and members in the care centers are being visited and receiving communion. Mary Haugen made a motion to approve of the report and it was seconded by Tammy Klatt. Motion carried.
Trustee’s Report: The communion rail needs to be tightened up. It will get done as soon as possible.
Stewardship Report: Larry & Tammy Klatt –nothing to report
Old Business:
The April Council meeting will be at 5:00 pm on April 2nd due to the Lenten supper and service.
A motion to donate $50 to the Fireman’s Ball was made by Jean Swanson and seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried. A check will be sent.
Lenten Offering Designations: Tammy Klatt made a motion to give the meal offerings to the Grocery Store. That motion by Tammy was seconded by Mary Haugen. Motion carried.
The Lenten service offerings – Tammy made a motion to donate ½ to the Senior Citizens and ½ to the ‘Crème ‘de la ‘Crème. Tammy’s motion was seconded by Jean Swanson. Motion carried.
New Business:
Jean Swanson made the motion to change the church service time to 9:00 a.m. on June 1st to Sept. 7th. Tammy Klatt seconded that motion. Motion carried.
Easter Worship: 8:00 a.m. breakfast – 9:00 a.m. Worship time - a motion by Mary Haugen to change it to those times was seconded by Kathy Thelke. Motion Carried.
We have a broken window in the education wing – Z&Z Glass will be called to fix it. A motion to approve of that expenditure was made by David Ziesman and seconded by Troy Srigley. Motion carried.
Other New Business: Jean Swanson will order the palm branches for Palm Sunday. Easter Lillies can be purchased by church members and placed on the altar for Easter morning.
Hog Roast: Kathy Thelke made a motion NOT to have the hog roast in June this year. Mary Haugen seconded that motion. Motion carried.
The last day of Sunday School this year will be May 18th. Teachers and the Board of Ed will decide if they want to plan something special for that day.
We have three seniors this year. Jacob Wharton, Belle Wharton and Madison Ingebritson. Senior recognition day will be May 11th.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Bev Weidemann and seconded by Tammy Klatt. Motion carried.
We all closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
EASTER BREAKFAST
This year’s menu includes Egg Bake, Pancakes, Sausage Patties, Fresh Fruit, and Cinnamon Rolls. If you signed up for food donations, please have items to the church by 10 am on Saturday, April 19 th . Easter breakfast will be served at 8:00 a.m. with worship to follow at 9:00 a.m. PLEASE NOTE THE TIME CHANGE.
PALM SUNDAY
The Sunday school students will be processing and singing during the worship service on Palm Sunday, April 13 th .
CONGRATULATIONS!
Congratulations to Madalyn and Adam Vorrie on the birth of their daughter, Iris Mae, on March 1 st . God’s blessings to your family.
RIVERSIDE 2025 PARTNER DINNER
You are invited to the Riverside Partner Dinner on Monday, April 25, 530 pm at the Riverside Dining Hall.
There is no charge for this event, as its a small way for us to say “thank You’ for your partnership in the Gospel! We are so grateful. Please RSVP by April 23, 5157335271.