Christ Lutheran Church P.O. Box S. Elm Street Jefferson, IA

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1 Ascension Lutheran Church P.O. Box S. 5th Avenue Coon Rapids, IA February 2018 Christ Lutheran Church P.O. Box S. Elm Street Jefferson, IA Question: What do many small, rural congregations across the country have in common, regardless of type of building, name of denomination, style of worship, or any other of a great number of variables? Answer: A shrinking membership, reduced offerings, and an accompanying sense of discouragement. This really isn t news to anyone, but what is news is that there are new ways to address what seems to be a growing condition for many congregations. The process is neither quick nor easy, but it is doable. I would like to share with you some information we have received from Pr. Jeff Ung's, of the Western Iowa Synod, concerning the Congregation Vitality Team, an ongoing ministry of the Western Iowa Synod that helps congregations rediscover a passion for Christ. What is Congregation Vitality? A process, not a program. It is a change of lifestyle for a congregation. Lay led, empowering leaders from within the congregation. Spirit-driven: discerning and following the lead of the Holy Spirit. Contagious for the entire congregation. Engaging the community where that community is most vulnerable and in need. Biblically founded, following the example in the book of Acts 6:3-4. Significantly empowered by prayer. Freedom for the Pastor to equip and send the priesthood of all believers. A new way of being Church. Making a difference in the lives of individuals, congregations and communities. Why Congregation Vitality? The Synod congregation vitality team works with each congregation individually, recognizing that every context is unique. Currently denominations are shrinking and Christianity is increasingly marginalized. Vital congregations recognize these changes and work within their community to be the hands, feet and voice of God in a hurting world. What is the purpose of the Congregation Vitality Team? To accompany congregations as they rediscover passion for Christ s mission to God s glory. How do we learn more about the Congregation Vitality Team process? At this point in time, the councils of both churches would like to learn more, share what is learned with the congregations then to prayerfully consider each church s interest in participating in the process, Our first step will be to ask Pr. Jeff to come visit with the councils and tell us more about what the process could mean for us. There is currently a group of churches who are already part way through the process, and there are plans to start a new group in the fall that may consist of several small, shared ministry, multi-point congregations such as ours, so we have time to learn more and explore the possibilities. Peace and blessings! We hold up in prayer For healing: LaVerne Christensen, Rod Raygor, Anna Snizek, Karen Bossard, Jay Rosdail, Deloris Brede, Shirley Hoyt, Melba Smith, Paula Murphy, Jeanene Baker, Fereleen Acton, Brandi Stormer, Marlin Adams, Mary Dayton, Cindy Moore, Tommy Moore, Emma Dahl, Avril Shahan, Tammy Reynosa In long-term care: Joyce Hansen & Rebecca Franzeen

2 Page 2 FEBRUARY Birthdays & Anniversaries From our Lutheran Camps Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp-Mark your calendars for Feb Marriage Celebration with speakers Greg and Amanda Jorgensen. What a perfect Valentine weekend! The 2018 schedule is now out! It is not too soon to start planning for summer.. See brochures on the welcome table in the narthex. BIRTHDAYS 3 - Randy Freeman 4 - Twyla Brede, Sue Shackelford 5 - Rochelle Pevestorf, Jan Rosdail 6 - Laura Ballard 9 - Dixie Mengel 11 - Paisley Irlbeck 12 - Dave Bohnet, Mary Bower 14 - Christian Cook To register for any event call OKOBOJI or go on-line: Riverside Bible Camp: Feb. 13 is the Daughter Daddy Dance. Check out the web site for registration and other information. Men in Mission Men in Mission is an organization of ELCA men who gather to do mission with one another and to minister to each other. CLC s men are involved with the Church of Damascus Road at correctional facilities at Ft. Dodge and Rockwell City. Anyone interested in learning more or attending worship with the Church of Damascus Road this winter may contact Dave Bohnet for information. Reminder About Items for Prayers, Newsletter & Announcements Please forward all announcements, prayer concerns and newsletters items to Pr. Terry as she will be completing the announcements and monthly newsletter on a temporary basis until arrangements are made regarding future secretarial assistance. Anyone with an interest in helping with secretarial activities is invited to talk to councils or Pr. Terry. Pr. Terry Ann Mogensen annieangel@gmail.com Phone or text Mondays - Off Tuesdays - Jefferson Wednesdays - Jefferson Thursdays - Coon Rapids Fridays - Coon Rapids Saturdays - Off 2018 Youth Gathering Registration is OPEN! ELCA Youth Gathering June 27-July 1, 2018 High School youth are heading to Houston next summer. Registration is now open!! It's an awesome and formative opportunity for the faith of our youth!! Check out the ELCA website for all the details:

3 Page 3 Of special interest to Christ Lutheran members Men's Retreat "Come and Share - Build Relationships" February 2 & 3, 2018 The Western Iowa Synod Lutheran Men in Mission will be hosting their annual retreat at Lutheran Lakeside Camp in Spirit Lake. Registration cost will be $50. This includes room and meals during the retreat. The theme is "Come and Share - Build Relationships." The retreat begins Friday, February 2 with registration at 6:30 PM in the Upper Shalom House. The retreat will conclude Saturday February 3 at 3 PM with a service of Holy Communion. Friday night will be filled with fun, fellowship, and laughter as men play the card game, "Man Talk." February TLC Activities Book Club Resumes Our newest book discussion will be over John Ortberg s book, If You Want to Walk on Water, You Have to Get Out of the Boat. Several copies have been ordered, so if you need one see Roger. The book club typically meets on Mondays for one hour or at an alternate time convenient for the participants. Join us for one book or for the whole year all are invited for a relaxing hour of fellowship and conversation. We are always looking for a good book, so if you have some suggestions let Roger know. ARC FOOD PANTRY FEBRUARY Cake & Frosting We will meet at 7:15 pm on Feb. 21 to continue our Winter/Spring 2018 study Multiple Meanings on ways to understand the scriptures. Enjoy some fellowship as we gather around the Word. We will have extra copies of the January/February Gather magazine. All Women from CLC & ALC are welcome to attend Calling all kids in grades 1-5, 6-8. Our February gathering will be a Valentine s Day party on February 14. Friends are welcome, but we will need a permission form available on our website for kids who attend without a parent/adult. Typically kids meet monthly during the school year for a time of snack, Bible study, crafts, and games. If you have questions, call Jan at Christian Ed Opportunities at CLC Brief children s Sunday School in the fellowship hall following worship Ecumenical Bible Study every Wednesday 8-9 am at Greene Bean Coffee in Jefferson. Table Grace, usually held at Uptown Café at noon on the first Tuesday of the month, is on hold until Spring. Bible study every Sunday 8-8:45 am before worship, informal & lay-led.

4 Page 4 Especially for Ascension Lutheran members Ascension Lutheran Church Council Minutes January 11, 2018 The January 11, 2018 Ascension council meeting was called to order at 5:30 pm. Members present: Harry Shackelford, Laura DePenning, Brandi Stormer, Donna Pevestorf, Twyla Brede, Larry Miesner and Pr. Terry Mogensen. Pastor opened with prayer. Approval of Minutes: The previous month s minutes were approved as read. Treasurer's report: Following discussion of insurance bills, missions expenses, (insurance, $3,400 and missions, $1,400), and the COF monthly payment, which required transfer of funds to the general checking account from the savings account, the report was approved on a motion from Twyla with a second by Laura. Pastor s Report: There was discussion of the potential changing of the mileage payment at some point in the future following ordination and call. Mileage calculation will remain as is for the present. Pastor reported that the most recent class has been completed. She provided information about a synod process entitled Vitality Team that starts in November. It was decided to ask Pr. Jeff Ungs of the Synod office to come and share more information about the process. There is also a Leadership Academy scheduled for February 10 in Carroll, and Pr. Terry plans to attend the Rural Ministry Conference in Dubuque on March 4-6. She will leave for the conference following Sunday worship on March 4. Jon Mogensen will be presiding over the January 21 service so that Pr. Terry can attend the CLC Annual meeting. FEBRUARY VOLUNTEERS At ASCENSION Greeters... Marcia Young Reader... Laura DePenning Communion... Larry Miesner/Vicky Hahne Usher... Harry Shackelford Fellowship... To Be Announced February 4 is almost here Don t miss this year s SOUP R BOWL fundraiser, one of the biggest events in the community, and featuring many, many delicious soups, sandwiches, bars, and lots of fellowship. Join us this Sunday from 11 am to 1 pm. It s not too late to bring your favorite soup! Building Report: Larry reported that a burned out bulb on the steeple has been replaced and that the Mowing List for summer is being updated. Education Report: Wednesday afternoon Church4Kids is starting up January 31, with a Lego theme. Twyla explained this year s format, and she and Pr. Terry will work on ads. Twyla has posted a list of supplies that can be donated and a sign up sheet for volunteers. A Thrivent Action Team grant is being requested. There was renewed discussion of a Game Nite for older kids and families that was tabled again for the time being. Worship & Music: Oil for the candles has been received. Lenten services alternating between the two churches is being discussed, along with the possibility of serving a meal. Old Business: Prom Closet was discussed, and it was agreed that Dona Tuel will continue to run it for this season. New business: Open positions for the coming year were reviewed, and current members eligible to run again were asked to consider taking another term. Making contacts for additional council members was also discussed. Plans are underway for Soup r Bowl There was discussion about the possibility of having a lunch following 5th Sunday services which are also being considered to be designed as Healing Services beginning with April 29. There was discussion concerning the Revised Budget for 2018 and approval of the budget to present to the congregation was moved by Laura, seconded by Harry, and passed. The 2018 COF budget was also discussed for presentation, and it was moved by Donna, seconded by Harry, and approved. Submitted by Donna Pevestorf, secretary Prom Closet News Donations of gently-used prom dresses, shoes, jewelry, and accessories continue to be accepted for the Prom Closet housed at Ascension. They may be left at church at any time throughout the year or can be donated during regular business hours in April & May at Iowa Savings Bank locations in Coon Rapids, Carroll & Glidden or at People s Trust & Savings Bank in Guthrie Center & Jefferson.

5 Page 5 Christ Lutheran Council Jan. 16, 2018 Minutes Present: Jacob Bohnet, John Schoening, Ruth Freeman, Cindi Daubendiek, Pr. Terry Mogensen, and Jan Rosdail. Pres. Jacob Bohnet presided. Pr. Terry shared opening devotions. Secretary s Report The Dec. council minutes were approved as presented. Treasurer s report Inflows for the month of December were $ and Outflows were $2, The Quarterly McDonald s stock dividend for $1, was deposited. Pastor s Report: Report included the planning and attending regular worship services and the monthly council meetings and the usual monthly activities. Overall attendance at both churches has shown a 5 member per week decrease in the past year. Mileage expenses for COF were discussed. In 2017, the trip between churches was figured one way, but both the one way and round trip mileage were presented to illustrate the impact of round trip calculations. The new federal guidelines will increase by.01. The council agreed a decision would need to be made by the COF leadership as to how this should be handled once ordination occurs. Pastor will attend the Rural Ministry Conference March 4-6, which is a COF item. Members are encouraged to attend the WIS Leadership Academy Leading Change in the Heartland in Carroll on Feb. 10, 9:30-3:00. (Registration cost is $30, but those registering before Jan. 25 will receive a $10 discount.) Committee Reports: Property: Tim Pound is using our garage for the storage of some snow equipment used for our property and nearby neighborhood. Jon Mogensen has presented a $745 bid for wall repairs and replacement of flooring in both basement bathrooms. Flooring samples were shared. It was approved to proceed with this project. Monetary gifts and a generous gift of Jon s labor will decrease that expenditure; the remainder will come from the property budget. Worship: Ash Wednesday worship will be Feb. 14 at CLC. Pr. Terry will check with Ruth Broman about the possibility of Greene County High School students presenting the Holden Evening Prayer on Ash Wednesday. Altar Guild: Help is needed and all interested parties are asked to see Luann. Education: Format for Lenten supper and activities has yet to be decided. Tentative plans are to have a Mardi Gras similar to last year, and five weekly suppers 6:00, with half hour mission activity to follow. ALC will be invited to participate. (NOTEsince the meeting, these plans have changed. See Lenten Activities elsewhere in newsletter.) Souper Bowl of Caring will be on Jan. 28 and Feb. 4. Evangelism: Pastor reported contacts with three member families. Follow-up on visitors has not happened, but invitations will be sent for the Lenten suppers and activities. CLC will be helping host the Ecumenical Lenten Luncheon on March 7 in partnership with another congregation. Old Business: Host family lists are ready to begin in Feb. and will be done again in May. A monthly postcard has been sent to members who are on the first rotation. New Business: Drafts of the annual meeting were distributed for proofreading. A couple of reports are still needed. The CLC 2018 proposed budget was reviewed and discussed with total cost of $48,555. It was approved to present at the CLC annual meeting. The COF proposed budget was reviewed and discussed. The only change for the time being is in the mileage which showed an increase. It will be presented at the annual meeting for approval. This budget will be in place until a call process and ordination are complete, at which time a new budget with the appropriate adjustments will be voted on by both congregations. The meeting ended with the Lord s Prayer. Respectfully submitted, Jan Rosdail, recording secretary Next meeting will be Feb. 7:00 PM

6 Page Lenten Activities Christ Lutheran Church 6 pm, February 13 Mardi Gras Pancake/ Sausage Supper 6:30 pm, February 14 Ash Wednesday 6-7 pm, February 21 through March 21 Hunger Across the Continents, suppers featuring foods from around the world, education and activities for all ages about hunger in other parts of the world. Ascension Lutheran Church February 13 and 14 All are invited to attend activities at Christ Lutheran in Jefferson 6-7 pm, February 21 through March 21 Join in a Lenten study based on Max Lucado s book, He Chose the Nails, and moderated by Jon Mogensen. Study time will include soup supper and short devotion time. Books will be available by February 5. COMMUNITY OF FAITH MINISTRIES Ascension Lutheran / Christ Lutheran 406 S. 5th Avenue Coon Rapids, IA 50058