From The Pastor s Desk

Transcription

1 From The Pastor s Desk During the high point of the summer months, the heat is a reminder of what Christians face in this world. Jesus made it abundantly clear to His disciples, If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you (John 15:20). Above the daily grind of life that all people confess about their job, family, health, investments, and relationships, Christians actually deal with a different kind of suffering. We dare not make a self-made cross by our own design. The true cross is what comes upon any baptized into Christ. It means having to bear with Him who is in our life. How is Christ in our life? By the promise of the Holy Spirit that has come by His Word. Jesus declares, If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free (John 8:31-32). God s Word promises that Jesus death and resurrection has won our freedom by the cross. We are free to be faithful to Him knowing that nothing else sets us free from sin, death, and the Devil. In other words, the sheep hear the shepherd s voice and follow Him. Certainly, Christians at times have tried to be more than sheep persecuting both believers and unbelievers. The only solution is repentance for Christ keeps setting any free by forgiveness. Even if we fall short, it does not mean the Word of truth can be pushed aside for false freedoms. We must find our voice and speak not for the sake of control, but to confess Christ crucified! He alone saves sinners. He alone sets free the prisoners. He alone declares, Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 5:10). Last month I went once again with youth to the Thrivent Heartwood Camp in Wisconsin. Three pastors were present, a woman chaperone from Trinity, and about 20+ youth. The topic of discussion during our time was persecution. Many did not even know what the word meant. Evidence I say of how free we still are in this country as Lutheran Christians! Yet, this discussion drew out the reality of what kind of suffering to expect, how to handle it properly, along with the role of Church and State in our lives. As the Church continues to shrink in the Western world and move to the Southern hemisphere, let us pray for perseverance under the cross. Luther welcomed persecution trusting in the better promise by God. He says, If the devil were wise enough to be silent and let the Gospel be preached, he would sustain less harm. For when the Gospel is not attacked, it rusts and has no opportunity to reveal its power and might (Plass 1039:3305). The youth will no more save the Church then any of us, but Christ our Good Shepherd will bring us to green pastures. Peace be with all who are in Christ Jesus, Pastor Jerry Gauthier 1

2 August Birthdays Aaron Dean John Nelson Lezlie Boetel Pohlman Jordon Dean Alivia Avery Dallas Fischer Lori Stahly Kyle Noble Mike Gillespie Steven Ihnen Kadda Jones John Boetel, Jr. Jared Knips Dustin Heuer Esther Gaudian Donna Voss Carol Voss Kali Smith Carol Voss Joshua Wacker Connie Boetel Alysha Harlow Landon Larson Shelli Nissen Kellie Jones Terri Ellingson Carrie Elbuytori Maria Reimers Brian Ihnen Carissa Kazemba Bev Wiese Audrey Donnenwerth James Brockhaus Chelsey Hiveley Joan Kasch Aug. 2nd Aug. 2nd Aug. 4th Aug. 4th Aug. 5th Aug. 5th Aug. 6th Aug 7th Aug. 8th Aug. 8th Aug. 9th Aug. 13th Aug. 13th Aug. 14th Aug. 15th Aug. 15th Aug. 15th Aug. 16th Aug. 17th Aug. 18th Aug. 19th Aug. 19th Aug. 19th Aug. 20th Aug. 21st Aug. 22nd Aug. 23rd Aug. 23rd Aug. 24th Aug. 24th Aug. 24th Aug. 26th Aug. 31st Aug. 31st Aug. 31st Concordia Officers/Boards President: Robert Brons Vice President: Dave Stahly Secretary: Treasurer: Russell & Dolly Meier Trustee: Brian Ruehle Charlie Rowe Elders: Bob Brons Russell Meier Dennis Stahly Finance Secretary: Carol Rowe Brian Ruehle Dennis Stahly Head Ushers: Gerald Weerts Stewardship: Russell Meier Dolly Meier Carol Rowe LWML President: Dolly Meier Vice President: Secretary: Pat Ruehl Treasurer: Carol Rowe SS Staff: Brian Gilmore Shannon Stone Connie Brons, Music Cradle Roll Beverly Stahly Organist: Leyla Fischer Custodian: Carrie Elbuytari Secretary: Shannon Stone August anniversaries can be found on page 16 2

3 Upcoming Events/Announcements SUNDAY 4PM at Trinity: All are welcome to join adult bible study at Trinity as we make our way through One Truth, Many Lies. Updates Needed: Postcards have been placed in boxes. Please help us update our records and return the postcards to the church office. We would like to have an up-to-date listing for all our members. If you have moved, gotten married, had a child, changed your phone number, cell phone, and/or address we would like to know so that our records can be accurate. Thank you! Birthdays and Anniversaries: If you would like your birthday or anniversary printed in The Lutheran Witness to commemorate a birthday of 90 years of more or an anniversary of 50 years or more please contact the church office two months in advance, so that notification can be sent to the district office. Newsletter deadline: Thursday, August 20 will be the deadline for the September newsletter. Please call or with any announcements. Thank you! Prescription drug coverage: Thr ivent Member s benefits ar e available. Expr ess Access pr e- scription drug discount card may help. It provides an average of 30% off all prescription drugs. For more information and to apply go to thrivent.com/community/membership/benefits or call Contending For Truth In An Age Of Anti-Truth Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Is Islam a Religion of Peace?, "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown, Adoption, Decision Theology, Handel's Messiah and more. You can listen to what you want when you want at Thrivent Choice: Remember to enroll as Thrivent members your Choice Dollars. Trinity & Concordia Lutheran Church is eligible to receive Choice Dollars. Please consider us a your choice. To learn more about Thrivent Choice, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call and say Thrivent choice when prompted. Sacred Music For The World...You can listen to the best of the Church's music 24/7 at You'll hear hymns like "Thy Strong Word," "The Church's One Foundation," "Lord, Thee I Love with All My Heart," "God's Own Child I Gladly Say It," "My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less" and more. You can also listen on mobile devices like an iphone, ipad and an Android phone. If you have any questions, please call (618) Christian Music: Music for Members sections on thrivent.com/music is available to discover original Christian music by amateur and professional musicians is now easier than ever. You can find and download an array of free music. Continued on page 4 Continued from page 3 Electronic Newsletters: If you are interested in receiving the monthly newsletter electronically please send me an making the request. 3

4 ConnectPlus: LCEF is now offering a new investment option called ConnectPlus. Please go our website lcef.org or call (800) for more information. Text Message Scripture/Devotionals: Sometimes it is nice to receive something during the week, if you would like to have a scripture/devotionals sent to your cell phone. To sign up please contact the church office. Cancelation & Reminder: Since it is becoming more challenging to get radio announcements out, we will be including either a voice or text message. One of the systems have been set up. Please subscribe by using the following directions. Mrs. Shannon Stone would like you to join Concordia & Trinity! To receive messages via text, to You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, Trouble using 81010? Try to (712) instead. To: Message: c83311 *Standard text message rates apply. Or to receive messages via , send an to c83311@mail.remind.com. To unsubscribe, reply with 'unsubscribe' in the subject line. Recipients Subject c83311@mail.remind.com. These instructions are also available in the narthex and on the church s website. Please contact the church office if you have any questions. Faith & Family Nights: The MN Vikings are hosting their faith and family night this fall. Saturday, August 15 & 22 both games starting at 7:00 p.m. The 15th game is against the Tampa bay Buccaneers and the 22nd games is against the Oakland Raiders. The cost is $20 per ticket (seats are on the upper level of the U of M stadium) and you can go on-line and purchase Vikings.com/faithandfamily and enter promo code faith. Help Wanted: Lake Park Presbyterian Church is looking for a secretary. If you are interested or have any question lease contact Rev. Tim Harmon at (712) Camp Okoboji Events: Camp has a lot going on but we especially want to share two items. 1. Jesus Painter Ministries coming to Spirit Lake. 2. All Camp Reunion and Celebration A Labor Day weekend opportunity for families to Get-A-Way. See the flier in the narthex Church Directory: The voters have agreed upon that the church directory needs to be updated. It has been 5 years since our last one. So I am asking if anyone would consider joining me on this task. I am looking for volunteers who can help with phone calls and editing. The information/planning meeting will be on Tuesday, August 4 at 5:30 p.m at Concordia. The photographs being taken at Concordia on September 22 & 23 and at Trinity on October 6 & 7. If you are interested in either of these tasks please let me know. Adult Retreat: Dr. Paul Maier is coming to Camp Okoboji on August 14 to 16th. This is a retreat for all ages. The topic is The Genuine Jesus, new evidence for history and archeology about Jesus and the early Christians. Cost is $175 per person for room, meal, and program fee. Otherwise program only is $30 for locals. To register go to: campokoboji.org Commission on Theology and Church Relations: Is a publication of a report that addresses the challenge of scientism. In Christ All Things Hold Together: The Intersection of Science and Christian Theology helps us confront the worldviews. Christians may be lead to doubt their faith or imagine that faith is irrelevant to daily life. In, response, this report offers and understanding of science that is compatible with Christian faith. It encourages a perspective from which Christians involved with science will seek to discover that wonders of God s creation. This report is available in the narthex. Save the Date: Have you ever found yourself searching for something? Maybe you have searched for where you left your phone? Or maybe you searched the Internet for some valuable information? But have you ever searched for who God is, or what He is about, or what it all means for your own life? SEARCHING is the theme for the 2015 Iowa District West Junior Youth Gathering on October at the Sheraton in West Des Moines. We are going to be taking a closer look at the Apostles Creed and searching for insights from God s Word about who we are in relationship to God and this world. Swen and Dean will be back 4

5 What is Happening At Your Camp? Camp Okoboji 1531 Edgewood Drive Milford, IA Phone: Fax: Web site: Camp Theme The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; his mercies never come to an end Lamentations 3:22 (ESV) Calendar of Events: Aug. 2 Omelet Brunch Aug. 2-8 Family Retreat II Aug. 9 Annual Golf Outing: Register your foursome! Aug Adult Retreat: Dr. Paul Maier Topic: The Genuine Jesus Aug Jesus Painter Presentations: Des Moines, Sioux City & Spirit Lake Fall Adult Retreat - Aug Don t miss this great opportunity to enjoy Dr. Paul Maier. Topic: The Genuine Jesus- New evidence from history and archaeology on Jesus and the early Christians. Jesus Painter Coming to IDW One of the popular parts of the National Youth Gathering has been the Jesus Painter. The Message of Christ is shared through art and music. Three events are being scheduled around the district to highlight the ministry of Camp Okoboji and to raise funds for Discover CAMPaign OKOBOJI. Two of the live paintings will be auctioned off at these events: August 21-Des Moines Area; August 22-Redeemer, Sioux City; and August 23-Immanuel, Spirit Lake area. More information will be released soon. To see more of this great ministry go to Kathy Troccoli Returns to Camp Okoboji for a concert on Saturday evening, October 10. The perfect conclusion to this year s Fall Women s Retreat. Looking Ahead Spotlight: Look for more information on these events. All Camp Celebration Weekend: Sept. 4-7 Lutheran Schools Outdoor Education: Sept Fall Women s Retreat: Oct FACEBOOK! LIKE us on Facebook - Watch for upcoming events. See pictures of events and more! 5

6 498 4 th Ave. NE Sioux Center, IA August 2 "What is Truth?" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz Flawed human reason has lost sight of God's divine Truth. (John 18:38) August 9 "What do You Think of Christ?" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz Everyone seems to have an opinion about Jesus; however, faith is what counts. (Matthew 22:41-43) August 16 "The Inevitable Question" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz Pontius Pilate asks the question each of us must answer: "What shall I do with Jesus?" (Matthew 27:22) August 23 "Faith Faces the Future" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31) August 30 "The Truth" Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Ken Klaus God's saving truth reaches out to a world steeped in lies. (1 John 1:1-3) Thank you for sharing with your parishioners that Lutheran Hour is broadcast at 1:00 pm each Sunday Cindy Nederhoff cnederho@dordt.edu 6

7 DR. KEITH LAMBERT DOES IT AGAIN! When the chips are down, the Lord always sends someone to help at just the right time! Once again the Lord provided more MIRACLES for us at Mission Central! A couple of days ago, some dear friends called from northern Iowa and said, Gary, we left two hogs up at the meat processing plant at Sibley, Iowa for all the groups that come to Mission Central! How, could I find a real volunteer to help? At a time like that, a person has to do some thinking and then I realized that our missionary carpenter friend Keith Lambert lives in Hull, Iowa and maybe he could help! Keith has been working on another project for us at Mission Central. He is constructing six new holders for our photos that will be displayed at the National LWML Convention in Des Moines, Iowa. Maybe he could pick up the pork and also bring down the new specially made holders for us at the same time. That MIRACLE took place! Not only did we have those hogs delivered (all wrapped and packaged), we also got our new holders for the six pictures. Here you see Dr. Lambert with the holders and one of the six photos (our volunteer staff members at Mission Central). This is an excellent blessing for us! ONE DAY THE LORD PROVIDED TWO HOGS AND SIX NEW HOLDERS THAT WE REALLY NEED- 7

8 Serving the Lord with Gladness at Any Age on July 2, 2015 in Features, Lutherans Engage by Megan K. Mertz We re called to be servants; that is something God expects of us, said Ruth Martens, a greatgrandmother and member of St. Peter-Immanuel Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. And serve she does. During her 19 years as a volunteer at the Lutheran Home, a skilled-nursing community in Wauwatosa, Wis., the 89-year-old Martens has worked in the gift shop and beauty shop, led bingo games, taken residents to the doctor, helped with the organization s mailings, visited residents one-on-one and pushed a lot of wheelchairs. The Lutheran Home, a Recognized Service Organization of the LCMS, was founded in 1906 as a home for retired and indigent pastors and teachers. Today, the organization continues to provide faith-based care to its 175 residents, who come from many different backgrounds. Some 330 people like Martens volunteer with the organization, providing an extra level of friendship and support. Finding Her Fit Although Martens doesn t live at the Lutheran Home, she serves there every Wednesday. Currently, she works in Bunny s Boutique, where she transports residents to and from their appointments, keeps the beauty shop tidy, and assists the beautician and manicurist by taking out curlers and removing old nail polish. Sometimes she even sings to residents who seem to need a little cheering up. I love every moment, she said. I love talking to people and making them happy. God s gifts weren t being used because I thought they weren t good enough. But you don t have to have any special gifts. Ruth Martens But years ago when Martens saw the request for volunteers in the Sunday bulletin, she didn t think she was qualified to help out at the Lutheran Home. She spent most of her adult life as a Continued on page 9 Continued from page 8 8

9 housewife and mother of four daughters, and her only work experiences were at several parttime secretarial jobs. When she mentioned this to another member who was sitting next to her in the pew that day, the woman called the Lutheran Home and set up an appointment for her to meet with the volunteer coordinator right away. I went with my husband, and both of us ended up volunteering, Martens recalled. I m sure God was working through the lady sitting next to me. When I said I didn t have the talents, she did something about it. Over the years, Martens has served God in many different ways, and she continues to volunteer at St. Peter-Immanuel s food pantry. A few residents of the Lutheran Home even save their paper grocery bags which are constantly in demand at the food pantry for her. My problem was that I never thought I had anything wonderful to give back, Martens continued. God s gifts weren t being used because I thought they weren t good enough. But you don t have to have any special gifts. Enriching Lives Since 1996, Ruth has volunteered a total of 6,100 hours and has made a huge impact on the lives of our residents, said Michelle Mittelsteadt, director of Volunteer Services for the Lutheran Home. Ruth brightens our residents day with her friendly, helpful manner, along with her radiant smile. Even though our nursing staff is caring and hardworking, they cannot do everything for our residents. That s why volunteers like Ruth, who give so generously of their time, are able to enrich the lives of the residents, Mittelsteadt continued. Martens thanks God for having given her the opportunity to serve the Lutheran Home all these years. She said she s gotten so much more out of the experience than she ever put in, including abundant joy and the realization that she already had skills to use in God s service. There is just no limit to how much joy it brings to do something for another person, she said. Despite the challenges that come with getting older, Martens is determined to reach 20 years of service at the Lutheran Home. Continued from page 9 Continued on page 10 I take it one day at a time, but I am willing to work as long as I can. There are plenty of opportunities to serve that I can still do, she said. 9

10 Volunteer at an RSO Near You Would you enjoy mentoring a refugee, assisting a food pantry or resale shop, providing office support, tutoring English or being a friend to a person in a retirement community? The Synod has 176 Recognized Service Organizations (RSOs) all around the United States. RSOs are independent, nonprofit organizations that foster the mission and ministry of the church, whose program activities are in harmony with the Synod and who agree to respect and not act contrary to the doctrine and practice of the Synod. These organizations often are looking for volunteers, and the available opportunities are as diverse as the services they offer. Visit lcms.org/rso/directory to find a listing of RSOs in your area. LCMS denounces Planned Parenthood on July 15, 2015 in Official Statements Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, We logged on to the Internet and Facebook yesterday only to be hit with a sickening story: undercover video footage seemingly implicating Planned Parenthood in the sale of the body parts of aborted children. In the video, Planned Parenthood Federation of America s Senior Director of Medical Services, Dr. Deborah Nucatola, discusses how she adjusts abortion procedures to procure certain parts of a child s body, even as she notes that we ve been very good at getting heart, lung, liver. Listen long enough, if you can handle it, and you ll hear her suggest that such items could eventually be listed on a Planned Parenthood menu for affiliate organizations to purchase for a price. Later in the day, Planned Parenthood released a nothing to see here kind of statement, asserting that the discussion was merely one revolving around a patient s right to donate tissue, as with any medical procedure. But why does Nucatola then mention the costs of body parts ( Thirty to one hundred dollars, she says)? Continued on page 11 Continued from page 10 10

11 Lord, have mercy. If what Nucatola says is, in fact, the truth, we as Christians cannot allow this story to go untold or be buried by the media. We simply cannot remain silent while the reprehensible act of killing a child in the womb is made even worse by selling portions of that child s dismembered body simply because there is a market for them. Speaking up about the shameful act of killing children as well as harvesting their body parts may be uncomfortable. We may lose friends and create awkward tension at work. Our professors may mock us, and our family may roll their eyes at us. If that is the case, so be it. Because as Lutherans, as Christians, we are for life, no matter the cost. As Lutherans, we confess that every life has value, that it has worth, that it matters from the moment of conception until natural death occurs. We confess that what Nucatola calls 17- weekers are actually children with beating hearts and little moving fingers and toes. We confess that even the tiniest of humans are just that regardless of what scientific term the culture uses to make them seem like something less. We confess that they are created in the image and likeness of our Lord Himself. And we confess that because of Him, their hearts and lungs and livers matter, no matter how small they might be. We also admit our own failings in this regard. Where we have failed to speak and act for life, we repent. Where we have not cared for mothers in crisis-pregnancy situations, we ask for forgiveness. Where we have thought more of ourselves than giving to an organization that can assist those moms and babies, we are sorry. Where we have been apathetic to this pandemic of death, we grieve. But we are not without hope, because our Lord is for life too. He is so pro-life, in fact, that He has given His own life for us, even as He has laid it down for these tiniest of children. Where their short lives are taken, He offers up His willingly. Where their little bodies are sold, He gives His freely to us at His holy table for the forgiveness of our sins. Today let us confess life with renewed vigor to our friends over supper, through letters to the editor of our local paper, by writing our congressmen, in tweets and s to Planned Parenthood, on our Facebook pages. Continued on page 12 Continued from page 11 Let us pray that our Lord would bring an end to abortion altogether and that He would stop the horrible sale of infant bodies. 11

12 And let us pray that He would forgive us, renew us and bolster us to make a good confession in season and out of season: one that is always, no matter what, for life. Rev. Bart Day, executive director Life and Health Ministries LCMS Office of National Mission Joint Services 2015 August Concordia 9:00 a.m. September Trinity 9:00 a.m. October Concordia 9:00 a.m. 12

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15 and Brad Alles who is Senior Religion Teacher at Milwaukee Lutheran High School will be our keynote speaker. At the Junior Youth Gathering, we are not afraid of innovation and trying new things, so this year s gathering will include something new. The Search will be an interactive scavenger hunt that will lead to a deeper understanding of the Apostles Creed and even to some prizes! Future s will share more information and insight into this year s gathering. I m looking forward to seeing all our Jr. Youth at the gathering this October. This will be for youth in grade 6th to 8th. Adult Study: Each Sunday (9:45 to 10:30 a.m.) Denny Stahly, an elder, will lead a study time together. The study will include Lutheranism 101 along with Life Light series. Please feel free to join Denny and others as they grow in their faith, during this time. Voter s Meeting Secretary needed: We are looking for someone to volunteer their time to join us a the voter s meeting to take minutes, prepare for the newsletter following each meeting, and present at the next meeting. If you are interested in filling this position please contact Bob Brons. Offering for Blessings: We now have a chance to give back to the church once a blessings has occurred in your life. This donation can be published in the newsletter if you feel you want to. This is a great way to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or something that you are thankful for in your life. Just fill out the specially marked envelope in the bulletin box and drop it in the offering plate. Thank you in advance for your donation. Blessings Offering for the month of June & July: Connie Hauenstein - Thankful for family and friends Bob and Connie Brons in memory of Pete Brons and Warren Consoer Charles and Carol Rowe for new carpet on church entry LeOra Wells - Thanks to God for all His bountiful blessings. Happy Anniversary: John & Lorraine Nelson will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on August 8th. May God continue to bless you and your family. Continued on page 16 15

16 August Anniversaries Milton & Sandy Consoer John & Lorraine Nelson Duane & Lenora Kazemba Jeff & Stephanie Sohn Mike & Autumn Ross Ken & Maxine Meyer Rod & Terri Ellingson Stan & LeAnn Pohlman Bruce & Kim Ihnen Darrell & Jan Sathren Aug. 3rd Aug. 8th Aug 10th Aug. 12th Aug. 19th Aug 20th Aug. 26th Aug 26th Aug 31st Aug. 31st Concordia Voters Meeting 6/4/15 Meeting was called to order by Chairman Brons at 6:33 pm. In attendance were Bob Brons, Dolly Meier, Russ Meier, Dave Stahly, Brian Ruehle, Shannon Stone, Denny Stahly, and Pastor Gauthier. Pastor opened with a short Bible lesson from Philippians Chapter 1 and with prayer. Minutes of the previous meeting were read. Motion made by Brian seconded by Shannon to approve the minutes, motion carried. The Treasurers report was given. Our deficit so far for the year is approximately $9,000. Motion made by Dave seconded by Brian to approve the treasurers report, motion carried. Pastors report- Joint services will be coming up in the summer. Pastor has a new adult bible study series entitled Heresies in the Church. Pastor will lead Bible study on days of joint services. There may be a mid-week Bible study or two offered later in the summer. Recent confirmand was Kadda Jones, we welcome her into our Christian family as a communicant member. Pastor shared comments from a letter he received from Synodical President Matthew Continued on page 20 Continued from page 19 16

17 Harrison, regarding thoughts and possible repercussions of the upcoming supreme court ruling on same sex marriage. Elders report Riley Richard received Holy Baptism on March 8 th. Education report Sunday School ended for the summer on May 10 th. Toward the end of the term average attendance per week was just three. Sunday School will resume on Sunday August 23 rd with a rally day. We all hope and pray more parents will see the importance of Christian education and bring their children in the future VBS will be Camp Discovery Jesus at work through Us and will be July 27 th through 29 th, Monday through Wednesday. VBS will close with a program and potluck supper the final day. Trustees report Charlie Gillette was hired to do some lawn and weed maintenance work. The bushes outside are brown and near dead and looking pretty bad. Motion made by Russ seconded by Shannon to remove them, motion carried. Old Business the topic was discussed if we still want to look into having an upstairs restroom. Future repairs and building maintenance was discussed also. With what we would have to spend to have the bricks tuck-pointed someday, and the cost of roof re-shingling, it was mentioned that those added to the cost of constructing an upstairs restroom would go a long way toward a new facility. It was decided to take a poll of the congregation and see what their thoughts were regarding spending upkeep dollars or possibly using funds to purchase land for a future building site. New business discussed sending postcards to members to update their information and needs. Sounds like a good idea, so we will proceed with it. Will start process for publishing a new pictorial directory. Trinity has voted to go ahead with a new one. Motion was made by Russ seconded by Brian for Concordia to participate as well, motion carried. We hope to start this fall if we can. Motion was made by Denny seconded by Brian to adjourn, meeting was closed with the Lord s Prayer. Next meeting will be Monday September 7 at 6:30 pm. 17