Reformation ever and ongoing!

Transcription

1 Ascension Lutheran Church P.O. Box S. 5th Avenue Coon Rapids, IA October 2017 Christ Lutheran Church P.O. Box S. Elm Street Jefferson, IA Reformation ever and ongoing! There s a lot of hoopla right now - and that s a good thing - concerning the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. A revelation of sorts came to mind as I was anticipating trying to schedule an ecumenical event the showing of a new film about Martin Luther and the Reformation on October 25 while also squeezing into the calendar a Bible study program featuring Martin Luther s Small Catechism as well as a study series designed to accompany the aforementioned new Luther film. The revelation is that none of the Reformation celebrations/studies/events have to be done in October. Done means not just scheduled, but also finished, as in we are going to do something, and as in the project is done like a cake is done. And that s really good news! The glorious thing about the Reformation is that it is never really finished. All things evolve. Civilization today is not the same as it was 2, 200, or 2,000 years ago. Life itself is not limited to one place or time, and neither is God. God is Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, and all that happens in between. As the world changes, so does our relationship with God. God s love is constantly in adjustment, ebbing, flowing, meeting us where we are, acting on us as we are, transforming us into what God wants us to be and how God wants our relationship to evolve. As it stands, we have one event officially scheduled, but others are in the works. The scheduled event is showing of the film, Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World, at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, October 25, at the Greene County High School Auditorium in Jefferson. Admission is free, with a free-will donation. Seating is limited to 250, so plan on reserving a seat or arriving early. Reservations can be made by calling Christ Lutheran at or Pr. Terry at Reserved seats need to be occupied by 6:15 pm in order to allow for walk-in attendance. When we purchased the film, we also received a study guide that includes lessons and other materials that will be offered during late winter/early spring to explore more deeply the Reformation, the events leading up to it, and its longlasting effects. The other event we have to look forward to is a study of the Small Catechism entitled By Heart, Conversations with Martin Luther s Small Catechism. It includes a beautifully illustrated text written in everyday language, a DVD, and study guide. My current Lutheran Confessions instructor, Rev. Dr. Martin Lohrmann of Wartburg Seminary, is one of eight contributors, and his approach to Luther, and being Lutheran, is wonderful and welcoming. This also will be something we have to look forward to in the Lenten season of Peace, Pr. Terry THANK YOU to all who participated in God s Work. Our Hands. activities on September 10. At Christ Lutheran, members helped pack food and restock shelves at the local ARC food pantry. Ascension members assembled classroom kits for use by Junior Achievement of the Upper Midwest. We hold up in prayer For healing: Verna and Wayne Remme (Luann Bohnet's parents), Tammy Reynosa, Deloris Brede (Del s mother), Shirley Hoyt, Melba Smith, Erwin Post (Mary B s father), Paula Murphy, Jeanene Baker, Fereleen Acton (friend of Jeanene), Brandi Stormer, Marlin (Virgil s brother-in-law), Mary Dayton and Avril Shahan In long-term care: Bernice Pevestorf & Rebecca Franzeen

2 Page 2 Community of Faith Celebrating the Reformation Ames area Lutheran churches of all synods have organized a program to provide an opportunity to celebrate the 500 th anniversary of the Reformation. Sunday, October 15, 2 pm C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on the campus of Iowa State University, Ames The program will feature Pati Kachel of The Parable Fund in Minnesota; Rev. Don Rothweiler, retired Lutheran pastor in Ankeny; Dr. Paul Maier, professor emeritus of ancient history and former campus pastor at Western Michigan University, and Simon Estes, world-renowned opera singer. Local choirs will participate as well. Contact Jan. Rosdail at CLC about lining up a carpool from Jefferson. OCTOBER Birthdays & Anniversaries BIRTHDAYS 1-Jim Andrew 2-Jamie Daubendiek, Virgil Dickman 14-Harry Shackelford 20-Cindi Daubendiek 24-Jacob Christensen 30-Pr. Terry Mogensen ANNIVERSARIES 27-Bruce & Cindy Tapper From our Lutheran Camps INGHAM / OKOBOJI LUTHERAN BIBLE CAMP It s RETREAT TIME! Oct. 21 Women s Day Away with speaker Rebecca Meidinger from Fargo, ND. Youth Recharges begin Oct for grades 4-6. Others are weekends in November. This year s theme is Unshakable based on Psalms 62:2. To register for any event call OKOBOJI or go on-line at RIVERSIDE LUTHERAN BIBLE CAMP Riverside Recharges are Oct for grades 3-6 and Oct for grades 6-9. Check out the website for registration and other information. The Gather magazine study theme for this fall is The Apostle s Creed. Women from both congregations are welcome to meet at Christ Lutheran on Wednesday, October 18 at 7 pm for fellowship and study of the Second Article. Extra copies of Gather magazine will be available. Invitation to Fall Women s Retreat Women of Western Iowa are invited to attend a Fall Retreat Hands to Work, Hearts to God on Saturday, October 7 from 9:30-3 pm at Bethany Lutheran in Spencer. Pr. Jennifer Henry will lead the Bible study, and Nancy Raska will share the benefits of aromatherapy and massage. There will be a special craft to take home. Men in Mission Men in Mission is an organization of ELCA men who gather to do mission with one another and to minister to each other. CLC s men are involved with the Church of Damascus Road at correctional facilities at Ft. Dodge and Rockwell City. If anyone is interested in learning more or attending worship with the Church of Damascus Road this fall, contact Dave Bohnet for information.

3 Community of Faith Page 3 Of special interest to Christ Lutheran members CLC Book Club looking for good books Envisioning Christ Book Club discussions are held each Monday in October at 6 pm at the church. We are always looking for a good book, so if you have some suggestions, share them with Roger A. The book club typically meets on Mondays for one hour or at a time convenient for participants. Join for one book or for the whole year; all are invited for a relaxing hour of fellowship and conversation. Congratulations! Congratulations to Jamie and Cindi Daubendiek on the birth of their son, Phillip Henry, born September 14. Phillip joins siblings Jameson, Fiona and Wesley. TLC costume party All kids in grades 1-5 / 6-8 are invited to a fall costume party on Wednesday, October 18, from 2-3:30 pm at CLC. TLC/MS4JC meets monthly for a time of snack, Bible study, crafts and games. Friends are welcome, but will need a signed permission form. Questions? Call Jan at CLC members will host their annual Homecoming Barbecue this Friday evening, September 29, prior to the Greene County High School homecoming football game. Serving will be from 5-7 pm. Volunteers are encouraged to wear Christian Ed Opportunities at CLC Brief children s Sunday School in the fellowship hall following worship Ecumenical Bible Study every Wednesday 8-9 am at Greene Bean Coffee in Jefferson Bible study every Sunday 8-8:45 am before worship, informal & lay-led Table Grace meal & fellowship at Uptown Café in Jefferson, at noon on the first Tuesday each month CLC hosts annual Homecoming BBQ this Friday, September 29 your yellow God s work. Our Hands shirts. Funds raised help support our annual community Day Camp program in June. Plan to attend, and invite your friends and neighbors. Sunday Volunteer Schedule In order to better address volunteer needs for Sunday worship, the council will mail in mid-october a new format for Host Team participation. Members will be asked to form their own teams and schedule times for the first six months of More details will be provided in the mailing, but council wanted to give everyone a little advance notice to begin thinking about composing their teams. New responsibilities of host teams will include: Welcome and assist worshipers beginning at 8:45 am. Light candles before or during Gathering hymn. Read scripture lessons. Take up the collection and usher for Communion. Assist with serving Communion. Serve coffee. Treats are no longer expected, but are optional. Clean up Communion ware, wash coffee cups, empty and clean the coffee pot. ARC Food Pantry collection in October: MICROWAVE POPCORN Webb House volunteers CLC s month of volunteering on Friday nights at Webb House (teen activities from 7-9 pm) sponsored by UMC in Jefferson will be here before you know it! CLC provides volunteers on November 3, 10 and 17 this year. Marcy Barlage has helped out with this local ministry for the last few years and she can tell you how easy and fun it is. Signup sheet is on the table near bulletin board.

4 Page 4 Community of Faith Especially for Ascension Lutheran members An invitation to celebrate w/ our Methodist friends The Coon Rapids United Methodist Church will celebrate its 150 th year of ministry on Sunday, October 8. The community is invited to join them for a special worship service at 10:30 am, followed by a meal from noon-2 pm at the Coon Rapids American Legion Building. All are welcome to share the meal if unable to attend the worship service. The United Methodist Church has ministered in the Coon Rapids area since Potato Bar planned in lieu of Harvest Festival During their September meeting, Ascension council members discussed an alternative to the traditional Harvest Festival held the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Current plans are to host a Baked Potato Bar fundraiser, including ice cream and entertainment, on Sunday, November 19. The event would be open to the public. If you have thoughts on this proposed change, feel free to share them with a council member. At ASCENSION OCTOBER Volunteers Greeter... Reader... Lisa Waddle Communion. John & Lisa Waddle Ushers... Harry S. & Virgil D. Lawn mowing... Virgil Dickman Sprucing up at Ascension Thanks abound for the congregation s construction workers who have been working to replace damaged siding on the Fellowship Hall. Our handy work crew of Larry Miesner, Jon Mogensen, Doug and Donna Pevestorf, and Joel Roetman have replaced the siding on the east, south, and west sides of the building, and installed guttering on the stretch of roof that overlooks the air conditioner unit on the west side of the hallway that links the Sanctuary to the Fellowship Hall. Exterior painting should be completed before winter. Cost of repairs is being paid with proceeds from the August pancake breakfast. Big changes coming to VBS 2018 The Coon Rapids Vacation Bible School planning committee met early in September to discuss possible format changes for VBS Committee members represent Ascension Lutheran, Annunciation Catholic and United Methodist congregations in Coon Rapids. A desire for more congregational involvement in VBS was expressed. It was decided that rather than hire counselors from Riverside Bible Camp, next summer s VBS will be planned and administered by local volunteers leading Bible study, crafts/science, games and music. Consideration is also being given to providing a free meal for campers and families prior to each evening session. Committee members are currently researching appropriate curriculum, and will meet again in November. VBS will continue to be held at Ascension, with volunteers from all local congregations. Sessions will be held during the evening next year, rather than mornings. VBS 2018 will run Monday-Thursday evenings, July 30-August 2. There will be many opportunities for volunteers. don t miss your chance!

5 Community of Faith Page 5 Minutes from Christ Lutheran Council ~ September 13, 2017 Present: Jacob Bohnet, Dave Bohnet, Ruth Freeman, John Schoening, Pr. Terry Mogensen and Jan Rosdail. Pres. Jacob Bohnet presided. Pr. Terry shared opening devotions. Secretary s report: Minutes from the August council meeting were approved as presented. Treasurer s report: Current account balances are checking $16,349 and savings $14,868. Jan 1-Sept 1 total income $32,552.5, total expenses $32, See detailed report on bulletin board. Pastoral report: In addition to planning and attending four regular worship services and monthly council meetings and usual monthly activities, there were 4 Salvation Army assistance calls and time spent helping a family move, two hospitalizations. August mileage expense for CoF was $ which included 2 hospital visits and numerous additional runs between Coon Rapids, Carroll and Jefferson for a member needing transportation following hospitalization. Committee Reports: Property: Discussed removal/replacement of some trees, new wireless microphone gift by member, and routine replacement of light bulbs. Window trim needs repair. Worship/Altar: Jon is enjoying having a Sunday when Ruth or Sharon provide music. Hosting list was reviewed and will be revamped for the coming year. The volunteer sign-up was on a trial basis and some bugs need to be worked out. Education: Showing of the Luther movie will be sponsored by CLC and aired at the Greene County HS Theater on Oct. 25 at 6:30. This is open to the public and supported by the clergy association. There is also a follow-up study on the Reformation as well as a By Heart small group study of the catechism to be scheduled in recognition of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Friday, Sept. 29, is the annual Homecoming BBQ fund-raiser for Day Camp. John, Dave and Jake will set up. John is providing the meat and Jan will take care of publicity and supplies. Evangelism: Follow-up contacts need to be made with some recent visitors. s addresses, phone numbers and addresses are needed. New business: Anna is holding a garage sale and is requesting use of tables. She has delivered some books to the church library. Old business: The Luther movie will be sponsored by CLC and shown at the Greene County HS Theater on Oct. 25 at 6:30. Community of Faith leadership will visit with synod concerning the next steps for our shared pastoral TEEM arrangement this fall at a time and location to be decided. Respectfully submitted, Jan Rosdail, recording secretary Next meeting will be Wednesday, October 11, 7 pm. Minutes from Ascension Lutheran Council ~ September 14, 2017 Members present: Dona Tuel, Harry Shackelford, Brandi Stormer, Donna Pevestorf and Pr. Terry. Pastor opened the meeting with devotions. Treasurer s report: Vacation Bible School financial report was shared. July/August financial report was discussed. Report accepted. Property & Management: Repairs have been made to the exterior of the Fellowship Hall. Jon Mogensen will get it painted before winter. Worship: A new Hymn of Praise will be used in October. Pianos will be tuned. New microphones are in use. Thank you to church members who donated for their purchase. Education: Twyla will speak with the Methodist pastor about a shared Christmas program. Also discussed options for Sunday School/Wednesday afternoon children s program. Pastor s report: She has begun a new on-line class to complete her TEEM requirements. Discussed mileage and visits. Planning a Bible study on the Small Catechism. Reported on a showing of PBS movie about Martin Luther to be shown at the Greene County High School in Jefferson Wednesday, October 25, 6:30 pm. The public is welcome. Old business: Discussed results of August pancake breakfast and God s Work. Our Hands. project in September. New business: Dona Tuel reserved the Fellowship Hall for two upcoming baby showers in her family, Nov. 11 and Dec. 2. Planning a baked potato bar with ice cream & entertainment, tentatively set for Sunday, November 19. Open to the public. This would replace the traditional Harvest Festival typically held the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Meeting closed with the Lord s Prayer. Next meeting is Thursday, November 9, 5:30 pm. Pr. Terry Ann Mogensen annieangel@gmail.com Phone or text Mondays - Off Tuesdays - Jefferson Wednesdays - Jefferson Thursdays - Coon Rapids Fridays - Coon Rapids Saturdays - Off Donna Pevestorf, secretary

6 COMMUNITY OF FAITH MINISTRIES Ascension Lutheran / Christ Lutheran 406 S. 5th Avenue Coon Rapids, IA Page 6 Community of Faith Mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 25 for a special viewing of the new film, Martin Luther: The Idea That Changed the World. The film will be aired at the Greene County High School Auditorium in Jefferson at 6:30 pm. Admission is free, with a free-will donation. Follow the dramatic story of Martin Luther's life: the massive lightning storm that nearly killed him, the bleak self-punishment of his time in the monastery, the corruption that unleashed his anger, his trial before the most powerful man in Europe, and the staged kidnapping that helped him escape the death penalty.