~ Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost ~

Transcription

1 First Avenue and Court Street Iowa City, IA Phone: Weekly Newsletter - September 8/9, 2018 ~ Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost ~ RALLY DAY September 9 Coffee and snacks will be in the Fellowship Hall to help pay Lutheran World Relief shipping costs. Thanks Cheryll, Erica, and Lillian! All Midweek classes resume on September 12. A meal (freewill offering) will be served that night at 6:00 pm. There will be a Kids Club Orientation for all parents and participants in the sanctuary and all confirmation students meet in the Fellowship Hall at 6:45 pm. Choir starts at 6:45 pm and Adult Midweek at 7:00 pm. All Sunday school classes, including adult, will meet in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 am and presentations for 3 year olds, 1 st graders, 3 rd graders, 6 th graders, and juniors will take place during late service. Rev. Brian Gauthier, Panama missionary, will be preaching and leading the adult Bible class. Attend the potluck in the Fellowship Hall at noon. There will be a meeting for National Youth Gathering in the sanctuary following the potluck. Gauthier Family THANKS TO REV. BRIAN GAUTHIER FOR BEING WITH US ON SEPTEMBER 9. Rev. Brian and Amanda Gauthier serve the Lord through The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) as missionaries in Panamá. Brian coordinates all theological education in Panamá in conjunction with Luther Academy and Concordia Seminary & Mercy Center in Palmar Arriba, Dominican Republic. He also serves as an adjunct professor at the seminary. Brian facilitates and mentors seminarians in their classes and fieldwork. He recruits and prepares young men for pastoral formation at the seminary as well. In addition, Brian preaches, teaches, and baptizes in the various congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Panamá (IELPA) and works with Panamanian pastors to plant new churches in the province of Colón. 1

2 Sunday, September 16 Follows 10:30 am service Fellowship Hall Following the late service there will be a voters meeting in the fellowship hall to elect new members of boards and committees for Progress reports by the boards, committees, and staff will be presented. 9:15 am Opening for everyone in Fellowship Hall 9:30 am Sunday School Preschool A-4 th Grade 10:00 am Closing 5 th -8 th Grades 10:15 am Sunday School Ends Joseph was hated by his brothers, who threatened him with death and sold him into slavery, but he was rescued by God. God s Son, Jesus, was also hated and was killed for our sin. He is our deliverer from sin, death, and the power of the devil. REJOICE! A NEW SONG Adult Bible Class September 16 October 7 Sunday Morning 9:30 am - 10:15 am The theme of the Equipping Disciples book is Rejoice! and with this theme comes a new theme song by the same title, written by Dustin Kensrue. In this Bible study we will take time to go through the verses of this song and in doing so we ll see in Philippians and other places that Paul calls us as Christians to rejoice. This song calls for us to rejoice in what God has done and who He is, and who we are in Him. Along with this, comes the idea of rejoicing through trials and suffering EQUIPPING BOOKS ARE IN THE NARTHEX TAKE ONE HOME! BASICS OF THE FAITH Sundays, September 23 & 30, :00-5:00 pm All are welcome! Appropriately titled, this course begins a six unit examination of the basics of the Christian Faith. Taken from the Bible and as understood by the Lutheran Church, we will explore the role of the Triune God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The revelation of God through the Bible and the role of the catechism will be discussed first. The Biblical message of Law and Gospel will be detailed. Finally, we will end with discussing the victorious and sanctified life of the Christian. Call the office or redeemer@ourredeemer.org if you plan to attend. 2

3 Small Group Ministry Mission Statement: To grow in grace using our spiritual gifts, through good stewardship for the benefit of the group so that the body of Christ may be built up. Upcoming Event for Small Group Ministry... Women s Beth Moore Study Beth Moore says "Every disciple and early follower of Christ left a legacy for future believers. John's legacy was love. Perhaps like no other disciple, John understood that relationship is the point. Every command of Christ and call to obedience is to enhance relationship and place the recipient in a posture the Giver can bless. This study is about finding our way to the heart of Jesus and reclining so closely that our pulse begins to throb in tandem, loving what He loves and hating what He hates." Beloved Disciple: The Life and Ministry of John is an 11 week interactive study that includes personal, daily assignments and weekly, video centered group sessions. Sign up in the office for either Tuesday 9:30-11:30am or Thursday 7:00-9:00 pm sessions. The Tuesday study begins on September 11 and the Thursday group met for the first session on September 6. Do you like to sing? Have you thought about joining choir? This is a fun group and we have a great time praising God with our voices. Many people refrain from joining the choir because they feel they don t have a good enough voice. I love the saying if only the birds who sang the best sang, the woods would be silent. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings from 6:45 7:45 pm. Musicians and singers are always needed for the Praise Team as well. Members and visitors have expressed their appreciation for these songs that enrich the worship service. Can you read music and have a desire to learn how to play handbells? We play one Sunday a month, and rehearse (typically from 6 7 pm) two times prior to that on Tuesday evenings, so this is not a weekly commitment. Please prayerfully consider using your gifts and talents by joining one (or more) of these music groups! For more information, contact: Susan Scott susankscott06@hotmail.com Louise Klopp choirdirector@ourredeemer.org or the church office 3 Adult Midweek A MAN NAMED MARTIN-PART 3: THE MOVEMENT DVD September 12, 19, 26 October 3, 10 Wednesday nights (5 sessions) 7:00 pm 8:00 pm The Reformation changed more than religion. From Luther s 95 Theses in 1517 to the Peace of Westphalia in 1648, God was at work in the Reformation. In A Man Named Martin Part 3: The Movement, we will see how the Reformation transformed European society and, eventually, left a profound impression around the globe.

4 NOISY OFFERINGS Saturday, September 22 Sunday, September 23 Kids, bring your Immeasurably More coins. Adults, why not lighten your load by emptying the change from your purse or pocket?! SALAD SUPPER Monday, September 17 6:00 pm Fellowship Hall LWML will meet for a salad potluck. All women of the church are invited to attend. Come hear Anna Otterman speak about Women in the LCMS and there will be an IED Convention report. Hostesses are Sandy Wagner, Lynne Westphal, and Brenda Johnson. Lynne will also lead devotions. Volunteers Wanted at Liberty High! Would you like to be a friend to a high school English learner? I would love four or five volunteers to come to Liberty every Tuesday this fall from 10:00 to 10:30am to help my students practice speaking English and reading English. No special skills necessary, other than a smile and a friendly demeanor! Please contact me at roiseland.tiffany@iowacityschools.org if you would like to make a difference in a student's life! Thank you! ~Tiffany Roiseland 4 LWML SUNDAY October 6/7, 2018 Skip and I would like to thank all who sent memorials and cards with comforting words at the passing of my mother Wilma Leaders. Mom heard Jesus voice calling her home to the peace and joy of heaven. We are sad to see her go but we rejoice that she is home with Christ Jesus; and awaits the second coming of our Lord. Skip and Marilyn Kempnich

5 Personal Care Kits are also needing items: COLLECTING FOR LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF KITS PLEASE DONATE ONLY ITEMS ON LIST 45 kits have been assembled to date and 25 more are incomplete with 18 more school bags that could be filled. The items in parenthesis are needed for this goal. Notebooks are in shortest supply. This is a great time of year for back to school bargains. While shopping, why not pick up a few items for the school kits ONLY LISTED ITEMS CAN BE SENT TO LWR. Each School Kit requires the following items (all new): Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide or college ruled paper, approximately 8x10 ½ ; no loose leaf paper. (75 more needed) One 30cm/inches ruler (20 more needed) One pencil sharpener (20 more needed) One BLUNT scissors (20 more needed) Five UNSHARPENED #2 pencils with erasers, secured with rubber band Five ballpoint pens (no gel), secured with rubber band (100 pens & pencils) One box of 16 or 24 crayons (20 more needed) One 2 ½ eraser (20 more needed) Backpacks are sewn for these items by Lillian Moyer and others One light-weight bath-sized towel (between 20 x40 and 52 x27 ), dark color preferred Two bath-size bars soap in original wrappings, any brand (4-5oz) One adult sized toothbrush in wrapping or from multipacks with each in a business sized envelope One sturdy comb One metal nail clippers Drop your items into the blue bins in the downstairs hallway across from the kitchen door. The Gospel of Mark Saturday, November 3 6:30-9:00pm For decades, scholars have increasingly placed The Gospel of Mark in an oral context, believing it to be a written document intended to be read aloud to a gathered audience. Concordia Seminary s dramatic presentation of The Gospel of Mark is not simply a recitation of the text, nor is it a play based upon it. Instead, you will hear the text of Mark come alive as never before in an interpretation of the way in which it might have impacted those who first received it. 5 Want to learn to be an active listener and reach out to others in a distinctively Christian way? Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is hosting a Stephen Ministry Introductory Workshop on Saturday, September 29, from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. Members of ORLC are invited to attend the workshop free of charge. If you would like to attend, please sign-up in the church office.

6 LUTHERANS, LAWMAKERS, AND LEGISLATORS With the passing of the Iowa Fetal Heartbeat Bill on May 4 th, it became apparent that LCMS Lutherans, Lutherans for Life, and Lutheran Family Service played an important role in an effort to pass legislation that would save the lives of many unborn Iowa children. Commenting about the work of the Iowa Legislature, LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison said, This is a monumentally important piece of legislation for Iowa for the protection of the unborn child. I especially thank our wonderful LCMS folks who serve in the Iowa House and Senate for their work to pass this legislation and Gov. Reynolds for signing it into law. The world will be changed by all the precious lives that have been saved by their efforts. To God be the Glory. It should be noted that Lutheran Family Service was one of the founding members of Iowa s Coalition of Pro- Life Leaders, a group that proved instrumental in passing of Pro-Life legislation in Iowa. Lutheran Family Service brought together the LCMS Caucus to let Lutheran Iowa legislators know they were supported by their church, uplift them in prayer and encourage them to focus on life issues concerning the Church, such as abortion. Both Iowa District East President Rev. Brian Saunders and West District President Rev. Steve Turner encouraged this work by personally traveling to Des Moines, the state capitol, to bring to legislators God s Word regarding life issues and to pray with them. Lutherans and legislation of course! While the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod refrains from openly endorsing particular political candidates, Lutheran legislators and Lutheran Christians continue to work unceasingly to speak the Word of God into political arenas to protect the unborn and aged. Please join them with your voice speaking God s Truth about abortion and other life issues to your family, friends and community. Life Quotes Iowa City Hospice is hosting a luncheon for anyone who has experienced the death of someone close to them the third Thursday of each month beginning September 20, 2018, at Gus Food and Spirits, Coralville, The luncheon will begin at 11:30 and you will be greeted by Iowa City Hospice staff or volunteers. Please join us for lunch if you have experienced a loss and want to connect with others and share common experiences. Many people who are struggling with grief and loss find it helpful to have social outlets, such as this luncheon, where support is available. You do not need to RSVP but if you have questions, please call Iowa City Hospice at or The culture of life respects human life at all its stages, recognizing that those who have lived long and well have much to offer those who are just beginning their journeys on this earth. Not only should the young respect the aging, but the elderly should also respect themselves with the honor God says is due them. If Grandpa is too weak to work, he is not too weak to pray. Let us cherish our parents and grandparents as they intercede on our behalf and pass down to their children s children the wisdom of the Lord. Ryan C. MacPherson, Professor at Bethany Lutheran College, Mankato, Minnesota A Life Quote from Lutherans For Life 6 FLU VACCINATION CLINIC Coming to Our Redeemer on Sunday, October 7 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. More information is posted on the bulletin board by the upstairs restrooms.

7 Toddlin' Class Jonie Murken Preschool 1 Diane Amundson Preschool 1 Michalle Waring Preschool 2 Angela Hotz 3rd Grade Class Please Volunteer Kindergarten Paula Caylor 1st/2nd Grade Class Heather Bernhard 4th Grade Class Lonne Loney 5th Grade Class Kate Ramsey 6th/7th/8thGrade Class Ethan Coblentz 6th/7th/8thGrade Class Josiah Coblentz High School Kara Hartwig Music Aaron Mueller Sunday School Superintendent Kelli Kucera Children s Ministry Coordinator Marnie Schrader 7

8 Pastor Hartwig 6th Grade Confirmation 8th Grade Confirmation Vicar Otterman 7th Grade Confirmation 6th Grade Boys Small Group Art Schwarting 7th Grade Boys Small Group Chris Schwarz 8th Grade Boys Small Group Sara Cross 6th Grade Girls Small Group Denise Schwarting 7th Grade Girls Small Group Tammy Bower 8th Grade Girls Small Group Kara Hartwig Kevin Sellers High School Midweek Little Lambs Aaron Mueller 1st/2nd Grade Crosstown Merri Mullane 1st/2nd Grade Crosstown Karen Warner 3rd/4th/5th Grade Faith Explorers T. J. Ramsey 8

9 Preschool Newsletter September 4-7, 2018 Director/Teacher, Kaja Mueller Assistants, Sheena White M/W/F, Sara Cross T/TH Preschool Phone: We had a great first week at preschool welcoming all our preschool students! M.W.F = 10 children T.TH = 11 children * we will be picking up more kids as they turn 3 or complete their medical forms. This Week CIRCLE TIME Name recognition Common area expectations for: Hallways Walking Bathrooms Playground Classroom expectations: Sit criss-cross-applesauce Be respectful Share The Learning Centers that found the most excitement this week: READING PUPPETS CARS/BLOCKS MATH MANIPULATIVES PLAYDOUGH COLORING FISHING POND KITCHEN DRAMATIC PLAY CASTLE I hope your child has had a fun week in preschool. I am looking forward to settling into more of a routine next week. Next Week we will start student/teacher time where Mrs. Kaja will be able to sit down with each student for some special learning time. If you have an empty Kleenex box of any size the preschool will take them. We are Dear Families, You can shop and submit your order online or send the printed order form with payment directly to me. No matter how you order, every purchase you make earns FREE books and educational supplies for our classroom. The arrival of the book box is always a highlight-thanks for making it happen! Happy reading! Ordering online is fast and easy: scholastic.com/readingclub ENTER Class Activation Code MQWNQ going to use them for building blocks, presents, and creative craft time. We are still taking wine bottle corks as well. SHOP and add to your cart SUBMIT your order and earn FREE Books for our classroom All book orders will be shipped to our classroom so we can celebrate the joy of reading together! 9

10 Birth 5 th Grade Children s Coordinator Marnie Schrader mvschrader@icloud.com (319) Kid s Club Orientation Wednesday, September 12 6:45-8:00 pm Sanctuary PARENTS AND KIDS CLUB MEMBERS: Come and learn all about the fun we are going to have in Kid s Club (4 year olds through 5 th grade) this year. You can register before by picking up a registration form in the church office or register that night. We will hand out the yearly calendar, talk about events for the year, discuss expectations and of course meet your teachers! Also, remember to invite your friends! You do not have to be a member to get in on the fun! If you have any questions, please contact Marnie ! Thank you to the Children s Ministry Committee! Kelli Kucera, Sunday School Superintendent Denise Schwarting Crissy Pence Allison Haack Melissa Mullane They are a huge blessing to ORLC! Just a friendly reminder that on September 16, opening for Preschool B through 4 th Grade begins at 9:15 am in the music room! We encourage all children to join us to get our Sunday School morning started! Teacher needed! Please consider becoming a 3 rd Grade Sunday School Teacher! Our Children s Ministry is still looking for one or more volunteers to teach our 3 rd grade Sunday School class. You do not need teaching experience or your own children! All you need is a heart to serve the children of our church. If you are interested, please contact Marnie Schrader. 10

11 6 th 12 th Grade Youth Coordinator Kara Hartwig (319) Rally Day Sunday on September 9 th Special Opening in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 am Dismiss to Sunday School classrooms following opening All Sunday School ages will gather in the Fellowship Hall at 9:15 am for an opening by Pastor, music, and dismissal to appropriate rooms. Following Sunday School, a Milestone Presentation will occur during the 10:30 am Worship Service. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church s Children s & Youth Ministry is pleased to provide our students with materials to aid in their spiritual growth. 3 year olds My First Bible Story Book 1 st Graders ESV Children's Bible 3 rd Graders Timeless Bible Truths 6 th Graders ESV Lutheran Study Bible, Luther s Small Catechism, and a Confirmation carrying bag 11 th Graders Concordia s Complete Bible Handbook The Rally Day Lunch (bring a dish to share) will follow the 10:30 am worship service in the Fellowship Hall. 1:00 pm (following the Rally Day Lunch) NATIONAL YOUTH GATHERING Meeting in the Sanctuary 8 th grade and High School students and parents Wednesday, September 12 th CONFIRMATION & MIDWEEK CLASSES START 1 st night of Confirmation classes and High School Midweek Meal at 6:00pm Classes at 6:45pm Wednesday, September 6:45 pm Confirmation Orientation Parents & Students 6 th, 7 th and 8 th Grades Parents and High School youth are encouraged to attend Basics of the Faith Sunday, September 23 rd 1 5 pm Sunday, September 30 th 1 5 pm 11

12 OUR REDEEMER OFFICE DIRECTORY Office: Fax: Website: Preschool: Prayer Chain: or Special Announcements Line: STAFF & PHONE NO. STAFF & PHONE NO. Brent Hartwig, Senior Pastor (home) Kaja Mueller, Preschool Director (preschool) Joshua Otterman, Vicar Sara Cross, Preschool Assistant (preschool) Sarah Ghabel, Bookkeeper Kara Hartwig, Youth Coordinator Denise Holida, Adult Coordinator (cell) Louise Klopp, Director of Choirs Marilyn Paetz, Organist (home) Marnie Schrader, Children s Coordinator childrensministry@ourredeemer.org (cell) Kevin Sellers Director of Technology technology@ourredeemer.org (cell) Laurel Sellers, Office Coordinator redeemer@ourredeemer.org Sheena White, Preschool Assistant preschoolassistant@ourredeemer.org (preschool) 2018 Board of Elders Bill Benson Vaughn Davisson Jim Eick Skip Kempnich Eric Kooker Val Penney Denny Schrader Arlan Thompson (Chair) Marty Wenck Board of Directors President Alan Meyer Vice President Myrl Holida Secretary Jennifer Kooker Treasurer Larry Freeman Board of Elders Arlan Thompson Properties Dave Johnson At Large Jeff Kucera Barb Schanbacher Kevin Roiseland DEADLINES Reflections (printed weekly): Information must be submitted (written, typed, ed or faxed) each Wednesday by 5:00 pm Beacon Newsletter & Church Activities Calendar (printed monthly): Information must be submitted (written, typed, ed or faxed) by noon on the 20 th of each month. TELEVISION ~ RADIO Our Redeemer Worship Service on Public Access TV Channel 18 every Wednesday at 4:00 pm. The Lutheran Hour Television Ministries talk show On Main Street is shown on Public Access Television Channel 18 on Thursdays at 1:30 pm and Sundays at 10:00 pm. Lutheran Hour Ministries on Radio WMT 600 AM Radio on Sunday mornings at 6:30 am, and KXEL 1540 AM Radio on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. For more information on Lutheran Hour Ministries go to VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND SCREENING Our Redeemer Lutheran Church has been in ministry with children and youth for almost 55 years. Our insurance carrier strongly encourages us to promote the safest and most secure environment possible by screening all employees and volunteers, both new and existing, especially those who interact with children. Performing background checks will provide safeguards and peace of mind to our staff, volunteers, parents, youth and children. Additional details will be forthcoming as we put this screening process in motion. 12