Monthly Newsletter of Fredsville March 2018

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Ilene Thomas
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It stinks to make a drive that you are almost certain isn't going to end well. It stinks to go through the pain of saying good bye. It stinks to have family drama.

1 PEACEFUL TIDINGS! From Fredsville Evangelical Lutheran Church Serving in Jesus name since March 1871 Monthly Newsletter of Fredsville March 2018 A message from Pastor Lisa It stinks! I really wanted to use a stronger word here, but I think you get my point. It stinks to have someone you love die. It stinks to get the news. It stinks to make a drive that you are almost certain isn't going to end well. It stinks to go through the pain of saying good bye. It stinks to have family drama. It stinks to make arrangements and decisions and pick up death certificates and file insurance claims. It stinks to realize you can no longer pick up the phone and call or talk and hear a voice. It stinks to hear songs that you once sang with great joy be now filled with sadness and memories that linger. It stinks to hardly be able to make it through a worship service without getting choked up. It stinks to be sitting at home at night and having a pity party, which by the way never turn out to be much of a party. The bottom line is, death stinks. On Tuesday, February 13th my mom died. On Wednesday, February 14th we began Lent with Ash Wednesday. Less than a week ago we celebrated my mom's life and laid her to rest with my dad. Death stinks. You probably already know that. There are times in our life when death and sadness come crashing through and then, more than ever, we need to be reminded of who we are and whose we are. During this last week and a half, more than ever I am reminded that I am mortal, that I am dust and to dust I shall return. I have been reminded also that this time on earth is just but the blinking of an eye. I have been reminded that during the dark days of Lent, and grief, and questioning, and doubt, that Easter comes in the morning. I have been reminded just how much I need Easter! I have been reminded just how much I need a Savior! I'm reminded just how much I need each of you on this journey we are taking together!

On Ash Wednesday, we wipe ashes on our foreheads and remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. At the end of Lent, we celebrate Easter, or rather, Resurrection Sunday! Woot Woot!

It is about remembering that we belong to God and that God walks with us ALWAYS! It is remembering that death does NOT get the final say! It is about remembering that light comes with the morning!

2 On Ash Wednesday, we wipe ashes on our foreheads and remember that we are dust and to dust we shall return. At the end of Lent, we celebrate Easter, or rather, Resurrection Sunday! Woot Woot! Ultimately, that's what this journey is about. It is about remembering that we never walk alone, not even in the deepest grief. It is about remembering that we belong to God and that God walks with us ALWAYS! It is remembering that death does NOT get the final say! It is about remembering that light comes with the morning! Our light is Jesus Christ and Christ has been raised! Alleluia! Peace, Pastor Lisa. Keep Them in your prayers Lillian Boswell member at NewAldaya Jerrold Christensen member recovering from surgery Alma Heath member with dementia Phyllis Jorgensen member in memory care Jim Klipping member with cancer Cole Mikkelsen - member with leukemia Peter Mommer member with MRSA Darryl Sherwood member with Parkinson s Bob Stewart member with cancer Jeanne Thuesen member had a pace maker put in Dan Petersen Merlyn & Catherine s son will have open heart surgery and needs a kidney transplant If you need to be added to the prayer list or desire a visit, please contact the church office at or Pastor Lisa at Daylight Savings Time begins Sunday March 11, move your clocks ahead one hour!

3 Thank You A very sincere thank you to all of the members at Fredsville during the time of my mom's death. The plant, memorials, meals, cards, kind words, prayers, and hugs have meant so much to Scott and I. Thank you for carrying me through as I grieve and find comfort in the promise of our risen Savior. Praise be to God for each and everyone of you are a true gift. Scott and Pastor Lisa Jeanne Thuesen and her family wish to thank everyone for their prayers and many acts of kindness during Neal s illness and death. And a special thank you to those that prepared and served the luncheon following the funeral. Lent Mid-Week Schedule During Lent we will take a closer look at the final words of Christ. Worship will be more informal in nature and will meet in the Fellowship Hall following dinner. The Lent Schedule is as follows: 5:45-6:30 p.m. Dinner 6:30-7:15 p.m. - Worship in Fellowship Hall 7:15-8:00 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsal 8:00-8:30 p.m. Senior Choir Rehearsal The meals will be planned by Jean Loger. A sign-up sheet will be available on the Yes table beginning February 4 for food donations, workers, etc. The meals will begin Wednesday night, February 21. Final Words of Christ Wednesday, March 7- Behold your Son, behold your mother Wednesday, March 14-My God, My God why have you forsaken me? Wednesday, March 21- I thirst Wednesday, March 28 (Maundy Thursday on Wednesday) Into your hands I commit my spirit No Supper March 28 and worship will in the Sanctuary at 7:00 p.m. Friday March 30 Monologues from witnesses of the cross No Supper and worship at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary

4 Confirmation Class Confirmation Youth are asked to attend worship for three mid-week worship services. They are also asked to attend Maundy Thursday worship on (Wednesday, March 28 th ) and Good Friday (March 30 th ). During Lent the youth are also to watch the Veggie Tales movie, Jonah! Regular classes will resume Wednesday April 4 th at 6:30 p.m. Youth Mission Trip To guarantee your spot on this year s mission trip, please pay $ deposit by Sunday March 11 th. The Property Committee meeting is at 6:30 p.m. Monday March 5 th The Finance Committee will meet Thursday evening March 22 nd at 6:00 p.m. Please welcome Intern Andy! He may be reached at andy.graves270@gmail.com or on his cell phone Schedule/Hours: Monday: Formation for Discipleship 10:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m./fredsville-off Tuesday: Systematics 8:00-9:20 a.m. and New testament letters 10:40 a.m.-12:00 p.m./ Fredsville 1:00-4:00 p.m./ Field Work at Love Inc. 5:00 8:00 p.m. Wednesday: Spiritual Practices 11:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Fredsville 1:30-8:00 p.m. Thursday: Systematics 8:00-9:20 a.m./ Fredsville 9:30-10:30 a.m. New testament letters 10:40 a.m.-noon/fredsville noon-3:00 p.m. Friday: Fredsville 9:00 a.m.-noon Tuesday s, usually from 1:00 2:00 p.m., Pastor Lisa & Intern Andy will be in their supervisory meeting. Please watch for the yellow sign on Pastor Lisa s office door and do not disturb. Also, since Andy is a student at the seminary, he does have a class schedule. Some of his class time will be in his office on his computer. Please respect his do not disturb sign he will have on his door during class time.

JAM is being rescheduled from Wednesday February 28 to Wednesday March 28 due to

WinGS (Walking in God s Service) Wednesday, March 7 th from

Meet at the Dike Community Building students bused to Fredsville Theme: God s grace

Service: Working on Welcome cards for April event Activities: Making new life jars

5 JAM is being rescheduled from Wednesday February 28 to Wednesday March 28 due to the girl s state basketball tournament. WinGS (Walking in God s Service) Wednesday, March 7 th from 1:30 4:00 p.m. Meet at the Dike Community Building students bused to Fredsville Theme: God s grace has saved us because of our faith in Christ Ephesians 2:8 Key Word: Salvation Service: Working on Welcome cards for April event Activities: Making new life jars & Bible Feud Tournament Youth Committee Meeting March 4 th at 6:00 p.m. Weather reminder: Whenever Dike-New Hartford School is canceled or has early dismissal due to weather; church meetings and activities will be canceled too.

March Birthdays Heidi Mounce 1 st Katie Camarata 2 nd Miles Mounce 2 nd Kyle Andersen 3 rd Walter Brekke 3 rd Carol Watson 3 rd Paisley Hines 4 th Kelsey Soska 4 th Paul Koch 6 th Bob Stewart 7 th

Margaret Johnson 19 th Gary Karr 19 th Nancy Stage 19 th Kody Kruger 22 nd Kathryn Nielsen 22 nd Tom Soska 23 rd Kaj Riggle-Foust 26 th Trevor Dumler 27 th Cole Fleshner 27 th LuAnn Jones 27 th

6 March Birthdays Heidi Mounce 1 st Katie Camarata 2 nd Miles Mounce 2 nd Kyle Andersen 3 rd Walter Brekke 3 rd Carol Watson 3 rd Paisley Hines 4 th Kelsey Soska 4 th Paul Koch 6 th Bob Stewart 7 th Loren Bakker 9 th Michael Camarata 9 th Sarah Nank 10 th Cara Lott 11 th Helene Wertz 11 th Art Lupkes 12 th Dwayne Schiller 15 th Elizabeth Bergmann 16 th Jenny Stewart 17 th Maranda Crotty 19 th Margaret Johnson 19 th Gary Karr 19 th Nancy Stage 19 th Kody Kruger 22 nd Kathryn Nielsen 22 nd Tom Soska 23 rd Kaj Riggle-Foust 26 th Trevor Dumler 27 th Cole Fleshner 27 th LuAnn Jones 27 th Thomas Verhulst 28 th Jim Jorgensen 30 th Jason Lott 31st Happy Anniversary! Mike & Tiffany Asche March 10 th Jerry & LuAnn Jones March 19 th Harlan & Joan Thuesen March 21 st If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, or if you have added a cell phone, no longer have a home phone or changed your address, please call or us at fredsville@fredsvillelutheran.org. Please make sure we have your address for church activity reminders! Thank you for keeping us current! Please pick-up a green sheet from the Yes table with Directory updates and new family information.

World Relief Needs requested by Quilting Ladies For Layettes/Baby Care Kits - sizes 6 months 24 months: Sleepers (with no feet ) or gowns Socks Hand

Accepted items are: gently used sheets, table cloths, curtains, drapes etc. or yard goods.

Please clearly label Quilting so the items are not misdirected. Thank you for your donations to help in this ministry!

Transforming pillowcases into beautiful little dresses is a lot of fun and we have a great time doing it!

There are lots of things we can use your help with!

7 World Relief Needs requested by Quilting Ladies For Layettes/Baby Care Kits - sizes 6 months 24 months: Sleepers (with no feet ) or gowns Socks Hand towels, dark color recommended Soap bars large (4 5 ounces) Blankets (Baby receiving up to 52 ) THE QUILTERS STILL HAVE A NEED FOR FABRIC! Accepted items are: gently used sheets, table cloths, curtains, drapes etc. or yard goods. When you bring your donated items to church please put them on a back table in the Fellowship Hall. Please clearly label Quilting so the items are not misdirected. Thank you for your donations to help in this ministry! Pillowcase Dresses We are a small but mighty group and we would love to have you join us! Transforming pillowcases into beautiful little dresses is a lot of fun and we have a great time doing it! We will meet again on Tuesday March 14 th from noon until 4:00 p.m. You are welcome to come for an hour or stay the whole time! Can t sew, that s ok! There are lots of things we can use your help with! If you are looking for a fun project that makes a difference in people s lives and are looking for an afternoon full of laughter, well this is the group for you! Any questions about this ministry please feel free to ask Audrey Stefan, Pastor Lisa, Jane Campbell, or the church office! We are in need of pillowcases to transform into dresses. Please give your donations to Audrey Stefan or leave them on the back tables in the Fellowship Hall clearly marked for dresses. Please, no white pillow cases. Thank you! 7

8 March Altar Guild volunteer is Donna Bruhn Thank you for volunteering your time! 8

Women s Circle The Women s Circle next meeting will be Tuesday, March 6 th in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. Lutheran Day on the Hill Sue Green, was one of 218 ELCA Lutherans from across the state

9 Women s Circle The Women s Circle next meeting will be Tuesday, March 6 th in the Fellowship Hall at 9:00 a.m. Lutheran Day on the Hill Sue Green, was one of 218 ELCA Lutherans from across the state of Iowa, who gathered on February 8 at the Iowa Capitol in Des Moines on behalf of the Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI). The goal of Lutheran Day on the Hill was to advocate "for those without a voice". All were given a longsleeve bright blue t-shirt to wear and received two hours of training at a nearby Lutheran Church. The participants then walked to the Capitol where they met personally (or left messages for) their Representatives and Senators. The following are the four key topics that were brought to the attention of the Representatives and Senators: * Oppose cuts to child and family services in the Dept of Human Services budget. These cuts would greatly impact the services to children at the Bremwood Residential Treatment Center. * Adequate funding for the Dept of Human Services for their case workers dealing with children in abusive situations, foster care and adoptive care. * Adequate funding to support legal refugees so they can develop language and workforce skills and have access to human services that put them on the path to self-sufficiency and success. * Adequate funding so there is equitable access to mental and behavioral health care for all Iowan children, adults and families. There are currently very few beds available in the whole state of Iowa for children that need to spend time in a psych ward, making it nearly impossible to get help for these children in crisis. This was the 13th year, Lutheran Day on the Hill was held. Sue plans to go again next year and welcomes anyone from Fredsville to join her. Feel free to ask Sue any questions you have regarding Lutheran day on the Hill. 9

10 PROPERTY COMMITTEE With the tremendous growth in our facilities and ministries over the last several years, the Property Committee has reorganized our committee structure. We are looking to streamline and refocus our efforts to better meet the needs of our facilities and of our members. Property will now have subcommittees that will be responsible for different areas. Mechanical systems. Lead person Dan Crotty. Would include responsibility for the areas of HVAC, electrical, lighting, plumbing, and alarm systems for the main building, the parsonage and the Villa. Grounds/landscaping. Lead person Travis Wibben. Would include areas of lawn care, shrub/tree trimming, plant care, general landscaping, and snow removal. Structural and building upkeep/maintenance. Lead person Doug Dall. Would cover issues with the main building, parsonage and Villa involving minor problems such as broken door knobs/window treatments/etc., need for updates to fixtures, etc. Interior upkeep/cleaning. Lead person Angie Wibben. Would include responsibility for the areas of cleaning, event/seasonal setup including tables/chairs/altar/baptismal font/décor, and general aesthetics. Please consider contributing your time and talents by volunteering to assist in the ways that best fits you. The signup sheet indicates that you are willing to assist with tasks, this is not a requirement to attend meetings, and the lead person would contact you as tasks arise to see if you are able to help. You may wish to be only involved for certain as-needed tasks. Many tasks are able to be performed by one or two volunteers that they would fit into their schedule as the need arises. Signing up to assist does not commit you to being involved in every project, but allows the lead person a list of people that could be interested in helping with different tasks. Your schedule is already busy and your time is very valuable to you. Our goal is to minimize the amount of time spent in meetings and to allow our members to assist in productive ways that best fit their schedules and talents. We are truly blessed with wonderful facilities and with a beautiful setting. Thank you for your consideration in helping to maintain our incredible facilities. Property committee chairman: Dan Crotty, dan.crotty@fredsvillelutheran.org (319) Mechanical systems lead person: Dan Crotty, dan.crotty@fredsvillelutheran.org (319) Grounds/landscaping: Lead person Travis Wibben, travsgarage@msn.com (319 ) Structural/building upkeep/maintenance: Lead person Doug Dall, ddall@hotmail.com (641) Interior upkeep/cleaning: Lead person Angie Wibben, longearranch@msn.com (319)

11 FREDSVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH Council Minutes - January 4, 2018 Attendance: Pastor Lisa, Janet Vandehaar, Brenda Cooper, Tonya Nicholson, Kim Adelmund, Roy Stefan, Tom Verhulst, Linda Nielsen, Nate Bakker, Shannon Mikkelsen and Sawyer Loger Call to Order: Brenda Cooper Devotion by Pastor Lisa, Psalm 110. Prayer by Pastor Lisa Secretary report approved by Tom Verhulst and Brenda Cooper. Treasurer Report: General $22, /30/2017 Building $21, Memorial $22, Lower level restroom finish date. Nate will check with Dan C, Eric A, and LuAnn J. The vicar house has been offered to the Chris Bakken family after their fire. Funds for a queen size bed, 5 drawer chest and night stand not to exceed $1, if needed. Property expense if purchased. Tom V, 1st and Roy S, 2 nd. Discussion regarding ELCA position regarding same sex marriage. Secretary, Sue, will be retiring August 31, Annual meeting agenda approved. All council members will bring one dozen cookies Intern support committee consists of Helene Wertz, Lance Loger, Shannon Mikkelsen, Jeff Sandlin, Jennifer Verhulst, and Travis Wibben. Pastor has been busy planning for Lent. Committee Reports:Worship & Music Finance - February 22, 6:00 Property Social Ministry Christian Ed Mutual Ministry - January 8 Cemetery - met recently IT Farm Evangelism Next Council Meeting February 25 th, 2018 after church. Lords Prayer Respectfully Submitted, Janet Vandehaar 11

March is National Professional Social Work Month March is National Professional Social Work Month, a time to recognize social workers and thank them for all they do.

12 March is National Professional Social Work Month March is National Professional Social Work Month, a time to recognize social workers and thank them for all they do. At Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), we re grateful for our many social workers who have dedicated their lives to serving their communities! Maybe you ve never had a social worker involved in your life. Yet, whether you realize it or not, you ve had the benefit of their behind-the-scenes work in your community. Social workers help people help themselves in overcoming life s most difficult circumstances or managing challenges of everyday living: poverty, abuse, mental illness, depression, addiction, disability, and many other situations. Iowa wouldn t be the same without the patience, guidance, and empowerment that social workers provide. Happy National Professional Social Work Month! If you would like more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI s director of philanthropy and church relations, at or Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org. Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at and A Home Full of Love Many of Cheryl s favorite memories involve raising her two children, watching them thrive, and counting the shoes in the doorway each night to see how many of her children s friends she would be making dinner for. As her children grew up, Cheryl knew there were more Iowa youth who needed a loving family and support system like hers. That s when her family began adopting. We were a welcoming family, and we really didn t want that journey to stop, Cheryl says. Since starting her journey as an adoptive parent 20 years ago, Cheryl has welcomed 19 adopted children into her family and her children range from ages 9 to 35. They come from different backgrounds and cultures, and Cheryl says it s been enriching to celebrate those differences in her home. Iowa has a great need for more foster and adoptive families like Cheryl s. She says it has been a learning experience to raise so many different children but together, her family has found lots of love and laughter along the way. People will say to us, God bless you that you ve done this. We don t see it that way, Cheryl says. We see it as how blessed and thankful we are to have a family that s so big. 12

In Honduras, poverty and lack of opportunity prevent many children from going to school. While the country offers free public education, children must still have the proper supplies to attend.

In the last half of 2017 our partner in Honduras, Children s Gift Ministry, distributed 14,175 School Kits across all 18 departments of the country, making education possible for children living in

Many of these parents are single mothers just getting by from day-to-day and cannot afford food and clothing, much less school supplies, as much as they would like to.

13 In Honduras, poverty and lack of opportunity prevent many children from going to school. While the country offers free public education, children must still have the proper supplies to attend. But for parents who are struggling to make ends meet, school supplies can seem an impossible expense. In the last half of 2017 our partner in Honduras, Children s Gift Ministry, distributed 14,175 School Kits across all 18 departments of the country, making education possible for children living in extreme poverty. Children s Gift Ministry president, Ken Harrell, notes that the gift of School Kits truly does make education possible for children in Honduras. Many of these parents are single mothers just getting by from day-to-day and cannot afford food and clothing, much less school supplies, as much as they would like to. It is hard to believe how a simple school kit given to a child could bring such hope to a single mother living in poverty, but it truly does! Meet eight year-old Jeremy Ramirez and his family live in an area called Los Bordos in the city of San Pedro Sula, Honduras. It s been called the Murder Capital of the World. Like most families in the area, Jeremy s lives in extremely humble quarters: a one-room shack with a dirt floor and a tin roof. Many children in this area cannot attend school because their parents can t afford the school supplies needed to attend. But thanks to the gift of School Kits, Jeremey s mother says he will go to school this year. This is the first time I have had school supplies to go to school, says Jeremy. His mother shares that she s had trouble finding work, and as a result her children haven t been able to go to school. She s thankful for the gift of school supplies for her son, saying, May God bless and multiply everything you do. 13

14 Easter Morning Breakfast Please join us Sunday April 1 st for Easter breakfast to be served in the Fellowship Hall from 8:00 a.m. to 9:20. Please watch for sign-up sheets to donate food or volunteer your time. Then stay for the Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. to celebrate There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children following the worship service! 14

15 Sunday, April 8, 2018 Proceeds go to fund Fredsville Youth events & mission trips Aebleskivers are fried in PEANUT OIL 15

Service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS 9:30 a.m. 1:00 p.

16 FREDSVILLE LUTHERAN CHURCH March 2018 Newsletter RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Fredsville Evangelical Lutheran Church th Street Cedar Falls, Iowa Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. Sunday School at 10:30 a.m. WEEKDAY OFFICE HOURS 9:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m Like us on Facebook Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage P A I D Dike, IA Permit No.3 16

March 2019 Newsletter. Listen to Sermons & Donate On-Line. Fredsville Lutheran Church

March 2019 Newsletter. Listen to Sermons & Donate On-Line. Fredsville Lutheran Church Fredsville Lueran Church 32756 150 Street Cedar Falls, IA 50613 Return Service Requested Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 3 Dike, IA 50624 March 2019 Newsletter Fredsville Lueran Church