MESSENGER THE. Memorial Fully Funds 2016 General Fund Ministry. Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada, IA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

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THE MESSENGER Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada, IA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Epiphany Edition January 24, 2017 What s Inside Special Congregational Meeting

All weather cancellations will be announced on Ames radio station KASI 1430 AM and Des Moines TV Stations KCCI (8), WOI (5), and WHO(13).

Memorial Fully Funds 2016 General Fund Ministry I thank my God every time I think of you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing

Contributing to the missions and ministries at Memorial with your time, talent and treasure is part of what it means to be church.

We have much to be thankful for in the past year: Helped to strengthen our mission together through support to the Southeastern Iowa Synod and ELCA, Many Hands 4 Haiti, MICA Home

Provided resources for faith formation of all ages from 3 years through the adult Book of Faith group. Continued Memorial s excellence in praises to God through music.

Many thank you notes are sent to the people who impacted these ministries and more.

None of the blessings we have seen in the last year would have been possible without God. God bestowed gifts on each of us.

We simply need to discern those gifts, whether time, talent or financial, and discern the purpose God has in mind for the gifts.

1 THE MESSENGER Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada, IA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Epiphany Edition January 24, 2017 What s Inside Special Congregational Meeting Information P. 2 New Member Pictures P. 4 Sharing the Weight Workshop P. 5 Last Word P. 6 Weather Cancelations We are moving into the winter season when the weather can become extreme. All weather cancellations will be announced on Ames radio station KASI 1430 AM and Des Moines TV Stations KCCI (8), WOI (5), and WHO(13). When the Nevada Community School District dismisses early due to weather conditions, activities at Memorial Lutheran that evening are postponed. Memorial Fully Funds 2016 General Fund Ministry I thank my God every time I think of you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. Philippians 1:3-5 During the year we try to take time to thank members for their generosity. Contributing to the missions and ministries at Memorial with your time, talent and treasure is part of what it means to be church. The thanks may come in the form of the newsletter, a contribution statement, the bulletin or a personal note. We have much to be thankful for in the past year: Helped to strengthen our mission together through support to the Southeastern Iowa Synod and ELCA, Many Hands 4 Haiti, MICA Home Project, University Lutheran Center, Lutheran Lakeside, and U of I Chaplaincy Program. Provided resources for faith formation of all ages from 3 years through the adult Book of Faith group. Continued Memorial s excellence in praises to God through music. Raising new leaders that serve God s church through leadership roles in and beyond Memorial. Responding to the 4th quarter appeal to fully fund our 2016 ministry. Many thank you notes are sent to the people who impacted these ministries and more. If that is the only thanks we do, then we are neglecting that the thanks should start with God and be constant. None of the blessings we have seen in the last year would have been possible without God. God bestowed gifts on each of us. The use of those gifts in community is being the body of Christ. God knows what we need and what our purpose should be. We simply need to discern those gifts, whether time, talent or financial, and discern the purpose God has in mind for the gifts. This should be done individually and as a community, and it should be done in gratitude to God for those gifts. There is still God s work to be done. We have the ministry of 2017 to fund as well as paying off the bank line of credit of $17,000. The Finance Committee and Church Council will be making a decision about structuring a repayment plan after making projections based on 2017 giving patterns. It is not too late to make a 2017 Plan for Giving and consider an increase throughout the year. This will alleviate the need for a fourth quarter appeal. Like Paul, our daily prayers include thanking God for each of you and your sharing of the gospel. Also like Paul, we are taking this opportunity to write our thank you to God as well. Thank you, God, for your people Memorial Lutheran Church. You have blessed this place with many gifts and a spirit of generosity to share those gifts for the purpose of being the body of Christ in the world. Amen.

Page 2 Epiphany Seasonal Council News The Church Council held its annual retreat the weekend of January 6 through 8 at Camp Quaker Heights near Eldora, Iowa.

thinking and using an asset map as a tool for visioning. The first council meeting of the year takes place at the retreat for the purpose of electing offices to the church council.

2 Page 2 Epiphany Seasonal Council News The Church Council held its annual retreat the weekend of January 6 through 8 at Camp Quaker Heights near Eldora, Iowa. The theme of the retreat was Gifted for God s Work Together with Pastor Myron, Pastor David, and Jodi Schuman as the retreat leaders taking the council through a series of sessions on asset-based thinking and using an asset map as a tool for visioning. The first council meeting of the year takes place at the retreat for the purpose of electing offices to the church council. For 2017 the officers will be Sandy Bremer as President, Dan Stieler as Vice President and Dee Johnson as Secretary and Eric Dalthorp as Treasurer. Special Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 29 at 10:00 am There Congregation will meet for the purpose of taking action on two resolutions. The resolutions will be acted upon by a parliamentary vote rather than by consensus. According to our Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions a parliamentary vote is required on amendments to the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions. 1. Resolved, to adopt and incorporate into the Constitution, Bylaws and Continuing Resolutions of Memorial Lutheran Church the Amendments to the Model Constitution for Congregations as approved by the 2016 Churchwide Assembly. Most of the amendments to congregational constitutions relate to a decision about the ELCA rosters. Previously, there was as roster of Ordained Ministers and three lay rosters, Associates in Ministry, Diaconal Ministers, and Deaconesses. The roster of ordained ministers is now named Ministers of Word and Sacrament and the ministers are titled Pastors, and the three lay rosters have been unified to the Ministry of Word and Service and the ministers are titled Deacons. 2. Resolved, to affirm and adopt the following sections of the Constitution, Bylaws, and Continuing Resolutions of Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada, Iowa, as adopted unanimously by the congregation on Sunday, August 21, Some portions of the Constitution requires a second reading for affirming and adopting. This is required on the topics of: The election of officers Ecclesiastical ballot for council members Ecclesiastical ballot for council officers Annual meetings of the congregation Description of decisions to be made by parliamentary vote and consensus Duties of committees and the Ministry Endowment Board All voting members are encouraged to attend Lent Preview The theme for Lent 2017 will be Formed and Reforming. There will be a number of options for keeping a Holy Lent including midweek worship and a variety of book studies. Lent begins with Ash Wednesday on March 1. There will be one worship service at 7:00 pm. Midweek services will begin on Wednesday, March 8. There will be a preview forum on Sunday, February 26 during the fellowship hour. We will also celebrate Fat Sunday with a pancake breakfast that morning. Come for breakfast and here about the many options for worship and study this Lent.

3 Epiphany Seasonal Page 3 The Vicar s Corner Grace and peace to you, Memorial Lutheran! Welcome to this season of Epiphany. The church celebrates the day of Epiphany on January 6, twelve days after Christmas. The church recalls the story (found only in Matthew 2:1-10) of the wise men who came from the East searching for a king born under a star. They met with King Herod in Jerusalem and ascertained that a king was to be born in Bethlehem. Herod directed them to continue their search for this new king. The wise men risked much and traveled far to pay homage to the king born under a star in Bethlehem. They came offering their gifts, only to be overcome with joy, not grasping that it was Jesus who provides the greater gift to the world. Aha! God was revealed to the wise men! There are several times in my life that I can point to and echo that Aha! because God was clearly up to something in my life. For every one of those moments there were also the very unclear moments. The unclear moments are difficult to navigate. In those times, I have desired for a star to follow as clearly as the wise men were given. Lately, I have realized that even the wise men had to pass by the ruthlessness of Herod to arrive at the Aha! of the Christ child. The Aha! is always a gift from God. The greatest of our own works cannot secure favor from God. We can strive and struggle to be the person we want to be. The truth of who we are is tied up into the identity of Christ. This identity is not earned; it is given. It cannot be taken; it is received. It is not advanced through violence; it is offered as service. May God bless you with Aha! In the love of Christ, Vicar Roger Lutheran Day on the Hill Children, the elderly, people with disabilities and families facing hunger and poverty don't have high-paid lobbyists to deliver their message. They only have you. You are the most powerful lobbyist for your community, and your voice is important. Elected officials want to hear from you because it helps them understand how public policy affects people in your local area. Lutheran Day on the Hill gives you the opportunity to share your voice with your legislators at the Iowa State Capitol on critical human services issues. You'll learn more about why your voice matters and how you can make a difference. Transportation to Des Moines is available! We ll do the driving for you! Complimentary charter buses will leave from Iowa City (stop in Newton) and Waverly (stop in Cedar Falls). Western Iowa transportation options will be determined with the Western Iowa Synod office once locations of participants are established. This opportunity is offered at no cost to attendees. Registration is open through Sunday, February 19*. *To be the best stewards of our resources, we ask if you attended last year's event to wear the shirt you received at that time. If you need a new Lutheran Day on the Hill event t-shirt or are a new participant, please register by February 2. Registrations received after this date are not guaranteed a t-shirt. This event has been made possible through an ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant. We are proud to be a partner in Lutheran Day on the Hill with the three Iowa Synods of the ELCA. Schedule of Events 9:00 a.m. - Registration opens at Capitol Hill Lutheran Church, located at 511 Des Moines Street, Des Moines, IA There will be parking in the lot across the street, west of the church. 9:30 a.m. - Devotions, keynote speech and advocacy training 11:00 a.m. - Depart for the four-block walk to the Capitol. Bus transportation will be provided for those with mobility challenges. 11:15 a.m. - Group photograph at the Capitol (on the outside steps if weather permits, inside steps otherwise) 11:30 a.m. - Begin advocacy conversations with legislators. Box lunches will be available near the rotunda. You can pick one up and eat when it is convenient for you. 2:30 p.m. - Buses depart for home. Those who drive themselves are free to remain as long as they wish for advocacy conversations with legislators.

Page 4 Epiphany Seasonal Memorial Welcomes New

Grace and Alexis Darrell and Julie Staley Marvin

and Bob Kruse The picture to the right is from Bob

Lent with new members welcomed at the Easter Vigil

4 Page 4 Epiphany Seasonal Memorial Welcomes New Members in December Mike and Bambi Cerka, Payton, Grace and Alexis Darrell and Julie Staley Marvin and Janet Jacques, Abigail and Tiara Myrna Murphy and Bob Kruse The picture to the right is from Bob s Confirmation at Memorial (8th and K) in Interested in Membership? There will be another New Member Orientation during Lent with new members welcomed at the Easter Vigil on Saturday, April 15 at 5:00 pm. Watch the bulletin for time and date of the orientation.

Epiphany Seasonal Page 5 Where Have You Seen God? In a recent sermon, Pastor David talked about how we sometimes have trouble sharing with others where we have seen God at work.

5 Epiphany Seasonal Page 5 Where Have You Seen God? In a recent sermon, Pastor David talked about how we sometimes have trouble sharing with others where we have seen God at work. Sometimes we need time to stop and think and sometimes we need to just keep the question in front of us. During Epiphany let s use the hallway bulletin board as a place to post where we have seen God at work. This might mean jotting down a Bible passage that has come to mind, or it might be an experience you have had, or it might be the name of a person who reflects the light of Christ in their daily life. You can post anonymously, or sign your name. There will be blank papers for you to write on. Let s make the board shine this season with stories and reflections of our faith. Can t think of anything to share? Stop by the board and be inspired by what is already there. You will find the gratitude chains created as our balcony decorations. They will serve as great reminders of all God is and does for us in and through others. Watch the Facebook page for postings of the contributions. Save Saturday, February 18 for Memorial s second Sharing the Weight Workshop. The workshop will be from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm with lunch provided through funding from Thrivent TEAM Funds. Sharing the Weight is a non-profit organization founded in 2013 to make and distribute weighted blankets for special needs children. No sewing experience needed. All ages are welcome. For more information contact Kathy Bergmann, Please bring a snack to share. This ministry made possible by a grant from Memorial s Ministry Endowment Fund. Second Sharing the Weight Workshop Scheduled Harmony Clothing Closet Mondays Wednesdays Saturdays Food at First Nevada Thursday, February 16 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm 9:00 am to 11:00 am 8:00 am to Noon 4:00 pm Prep Crew 5:00 pm Serve Crew Opportunities to Serve Story County Medical Center has the following volunteer opportunity available. February 14, 2017 the Story Medical Primary Care, Cardiac Rehabilitation and Wellness, and 21 st Century Rehab Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy will be in the newly expanded addition at the Hospital. We have volunteer openings as an Ambassador to welcome and escort patients and visitors to various areas in the hospital. You should have a friendly, welcoming attitude and the desire to help in a variety of ways. This opportunity requires walking much of the shift and the ability to push a wheelchair. A variety of shifts are available Monday- Friday 7:00a- 5:00p. Please contact Jill Bohnet jbohnet@storymedical.org or phone directly at Lutheran Lakeside Recruiting for Counselors Summer camp counselor positions available for If you have one year of college completed you may be just the person we need to have an incredible experience with children and youth 8 through16. If you enjoy the wonder and awe of working with young people Lakeside is the Outdoor Ministry for you. Two weeks of paid staff training with room and board provided. We provide Certification in Red Cross First Aid/CPR and Lifeguarding, High and Low Ropes training and Certification. Starting at $ week for ten weeks plus room and board. Give us a call at or go to our website:

Page 6 Epiphany Seasonal Note of Thanks To our friends at Memorial Lutheran, THANK YOU so much for providing Christmas gifts for so many of the people we serve in Nevada.

MOSAIC of Central Iowa The members of the Mary-Esther and Martha Circles adopted the residents of the MOSAIC homes and bought Christmas gifts for them.

6 Page 6 Epiphany Seasonal Note of Thanks To our friends at Memorial Lutheran, THANK YOU so much for providing Christmas gifts for so many of the people we serve in Nevada. Your congregation went above and beyond to make sure everyone was blessed this holiday. Thank you, thank you, for your generous hearts! MOSAIC of Central Iowa The members of the Mary-Esther and Martha Circles adopted the residents of the MOSAIC homes and bought Christmas gifts for them. Last Word One of the benefits of writing an article for the newsletter is that it gives me a chance to reflect on what has been happening in the parish that people need to be aware of. What stories of the body of Christ do people not normally have the opportunity to hear? A couple of weeks ago a member of our parish came to me and asked if we could help a family that was in need with a loved one who was dying. Our member said, I told the family I knew a place that could help them because we live by the slogan, The Welcome Place. (This is an example of when the words becomes the culture ). Over the next few days their loved one died and we were able to welcome the family for a funeral service. Due to one pastor s oversight (that pastor being the author of this article, but shall remain nameless) there was also a scheduling conflict in the midst of this funeral and we were not able to host a luncheon in our fellowship hall after the service. The Care Groups went above and beyond and transported all of the food and necessary items needed to host the luncheon at the funeral home after the service. That s a big deal! They will downplay their efforts, but that sort of hospitality is so kind and so appreciated by the family. We never know how our acts of love will touch the world. You can be sure, however, that they will and as a good friend always says to me, you will never regret being kind to another. Thought you should know what your brothers and sisters in Christ are up to. In the meantime, stay warm and I hope this finds you well. Now more than ever, remember, God always has The Last Word!

FEBRUARY, 2017 Memorial Lutheran Church Inviting Bridge-Building Grace-filled Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:00 am Harmony Clothing Closet Open 5:45 am Handbell Rehearsal 6:30 pm 7th & 8th Gr

7 FEBRUARY, 2017 Memorial Lutheran Church Inviting Bridge-Building Grace-filled Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 9:00 am Harmony Clothing Closet Open 5:45 am Handbell Rehearsal 6:30 pm 7th & 8th Gr Confirmation 6:30 pm 6th Gr and Parents 7:30 pm Memorial Choir 2 8:00 am Staff Meeting 7:00 pm Cancer Support Group 3 9:00 am Bulletin Assembly 4 8:00 am Harmony Clothing 5:00 pm Evening Communion 5 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am All Ages Fellowship 10:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Book of Faith 6 4:30 pm Harmony Clothing 7 1:30 pm Mary-Esther Circle 7:00 pm Executive Committee 7:00 pm Martha Circle 8 9:00 am Harmony Clothing Closet Open 1:00 pm LWR Work Day 5:45 am Handbell Rehearsal 6:30 pm 7th & 8th Gr Confirmation 7:30 pm Memorial Choir 9 8:30 am Staff Meeting 6:30 pm Threads of Love 10 9:00 am Bulletin Assembly 11 8:00 am Harmony Clothing 5:00 pm Evening Communion 12 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am All Ages Fellowship 10:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Book of Faith 13 4:30 pm Harmony Clothing 14 Staff Prayer Day-Office Closed 5:30 pm Finance Committee 15 8:30 am Staff Meeting 9:00 am Harmony Clothing Closet Open 9:30 am Care Center Devotions 5:45 am Handbell Rehearsal 6:30 pm 7th & 8th Gr Confirmation 7:30 pm Memorial Choir 16 10:00 am Internship Cluster 10:45 am Meadows Communion 2:00 pm Rolling Gr Communion 2:45 pm Story Sr Communion 6:30 pm Beer and Theology 17 9:00 am Bulletin Assembly 18 8:00 am Harmony Clothing 8:30 am Share the Weight Workshop 5:00 pm Evening Communion 19 9:00 am Worship 10:15 am All Ages Fellowship 10:30 am Sunday School 10:30 am Body, Mind, Soul Town Meeting 10:30 am Book of Faith 1:00 pm Con-FEST 20 4:30 pm Harmony Clothing 6:00 pm Knitting Circle 6:00 pm Ministry Endowment 21 Lutheran Day on the Hill 7:00 pm Stephen Ministry 22 9:00 am Harmony Clothing Closet Open 5:45 am Handbell Rehearsal 6:30 pm 7th & 8th Gr Confirmation 6:30 pm 9th Gr and Parents Orientation 7:30 pm Memorial Choir 8:00 pm Council Meeting 23 8:30 am Staff Meeting 24 9:00 am Bulletin Assembly 25 8:00 am Harmony Clothing 5:00 pm Evening Communion :00 am Worship 10:15 am All Ages Fellowship 10:30 am Sunday School 4:30 pm Harmony Clothing 10:30 am Book of Faith

8 Memorial Lutheran Church 11 th and G Avenue PO Box 36 Nevada, Iowa RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED Non-Profit U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 78 Nevada, IA «Mailing Label» «Address 1 (current as of today)» «City State (current as of today)» «Zip code (current as of today)» Special Congregational Meeting Sunday, January 29 at 10:00 am For the sole purpose of affirming and adopting sections of the updated Constitution and adopting changes to the Constitution following the 2016 ELCA Churchwide Assembly. Sunday School Children Assist With Worship in 2017 Date Sunday, January 29 Sunday, February 5 Sunday, February 26 Sunday, March 5 Sunday, March 26 Sunday, April 23 Sunday, April 30 Sunday, May 7 Grade Levels 2 nd 6 th Grade 3 yrs 1 st Grade All Ages 2 nd 6 th Grade 3 yrs 1 st Grade 2 nd 6 th Grade 3 yrs 1 st Grade All Ages Thank you to the Sunday School families for having the children present in worship to assist with the musical offerings on that day. Children are asked to arrive early for any last-minute instruction or rehearsal. Phone: (515) Fax: 515) s: memluth@midiowa.net Pr. Myron Herzberg prhzberg@midiowa.net Pr David Burling prburling@midiowa.net Vicar Roger Fears vicar@midiowa.net We re on the Web! See us at:

MESSENGER THE. Fifth Annual Day of Service. Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada, IA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)

MESSENGER THE. Fifth Annual Day of Service. Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada, IA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) THE MESSENGER Memorial Lutheran Church, Nevada, IA Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) Fall Edition September 19, 2017 Fifth Annual Day of Service What s Inside 500th Anniversary of the Reformation