Star. People truly want to be healthy; sometimes they just need a little bit

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1 Star Northeastern Iowa Evangelical march 2014 Volume 27, Issue 3 Lutheran Church in America Strengthened for Witness and Service Parish nurses carry out Jesus healing ministry by Marcia Hahn Sometimes another set of ears can make all the difference. That s what one woman discovered when she shared some health concerns with Krista Vanden Brink, a registered nurse who volunteers at Decorah Lutheran, Decorah. As part of the congregation s parish nurse ministry, Vanden Brink gives blood pressure checks between worship services once a month. She listens to people s questions and People truly want to be healthy; sometimes they just need a little bit of support. concerns, and her nursing acumen has helped catch some potentially serious health situations. One woman told Vanden Brink she could hear her heart beat at night and she also shared some other concerns. Vanden Brink recommended that she see her doctor, and within two days the woman had heart surgery at Rochester, Minn. Other people have turned to Vanden Brink to talk about their recent diagnoses and other health issue affecting them. When a blood pressure reading is high, Vanden Brink makes a point to ask if the person is taking medication for it. People truly want to be healthy; sometimes they just need a little bit of support, Vanden Brink says. I am another support outlet for some of those people. I am someone they know, and they are comfortable talking to me. A number of congregations of the Northeastern Iowa Synod are finding that parish nurse ministries offer new opportunities for fellowship and service in carrying out the healing ministry of Jesus. Parish nurses emphasize physical health and spiritual growth, and help people recognize God s presence in their daily lives. According to the Evangelical Lutheran Parish Nurse Association, a certified parish nurse is an integrator of faith and health, reminding people to care for their body, mind and spirit. Certified parish nurses are licensed registered nurses who have completed an endorsed parish nurse training program. They serve as health educators, personal health counselors, referral agents and health advocates for congregation members. They pray with people dealing with illness, listen to their concerns and questions, and use the ELCA Wholeness Wheel to help people understand the connection of attitude, faith and wellbeing. The parish nurse ministry at Decorah Lutheran started three years ago when Vanden Brink and another registered nurse from the congregation approached the Lutheran Education Committee about sharing health information and doing blood pressure screenings at the church. The committee embraced the idea, and health awareness has taken on a visible role at Decorah Lutheran. In addition to the blood pressure checks, a bulletin board featuring current health topics greets visitors at the front entrance, health issues In This Issue >> Continued on page 3 Health ministries can strengthen faith connections Gifts for a Lifetime Synod Assembly Personal budgeting can lead to generous giving 7 Congregations 8 Prayer Calendar Krista Vanden Brink, RN, BA

2 Health ministry offers a spiritual approach to wellness Pastor Sandra Burroughs knows firsthand what a difference good health has made in her own life, and now she is helping others improve their health and their connection to God. Burroughs serves as pastor for St. John (Buck Creek), Sumner, and St. Peter, Oran, where she offers wellness and fitness classes to help people get active and learn about wellness, nutrition and exercise with a Christian perspective. I believe the mind, body and spirit are so much more connected than we generally think, Burroughs says. Combining all three together in a class opens a much deeper level of what we want to work on to get healthier and grow more whole. Burroughs developed the classes based on Revelation Wellness, a non-profit ministry dedicated to educating and inspiring people to live healthy, whole lives in Christ. Burroughs became a certified facilitator and began her fitness ministry in response to requests from congregation members wanting guidance in health and weight management. A picture of health today, Burroughs struggled with her own health issues for 30 years until she was diagnosed with celiac disease. After eliminating gluten from her diet, Burroughs says she found herself in a new place she she had never experienced before in her life. Once I got to this new level of feeling good, then everything else in my life changed, Burroughs says. You re open to so much more, to doing so much more in your life. Burroughs eight-week Spirit-Filled Wellness class focuses on Bible study, education and support to help participants develop a weight loss and fitness plan based on what works for their lives and their relationship with God. Each class member is assigned a prayer partner and daily Bible verses for support and inspiration. They learn that when they weigh less and are healthier, they are better able to share their gifts and service with others as Christians. Pastor Sandra Burroughs Some two dozen people from age nine to 74 have been getting a work out in Burroughs s Spirit-Filled Fitness classes, which are offered three times a week in the basement of the St. Peter church. The hour-long sessions open and close with scripture and devotion. Christian music plays in the background while Burroughs leads the class in cardio, stretching, balance and strength exercises, and a variety of games that use balloons, pool noodles, weighted hula hoops, jump ropes, rhythm sticks and other props to keep the sessions as fun as possible. The more fun we can make it, the better, she says. Burroughs says that opening the sessions with scripture trains people s faith, as well as their bodies and minds. The music reinforces the day s devotion to help people open their hearts and minds to hear God s voice speaking to them. They get a work out and also get a work in of God s spirit, Burroughs says. We use God s message that you are strong and God will be with you through weakness. That is so critical for total health and wellness. Both classes are offered free to anyone interested, with only a onetime $15 fee to purchase the Bible study book used in the wellness class. Burroughs developed her fitness ministry as an extension of two other ministries offered through her two congregations the His Hands Food Pantry and the Helping Hands Clothing Closet. I really feel strongly that there are people in this community who don t or can t go to a gym or exercise program, Burroughs says. For me it s a justice issue for people at lower incomes who can t afford this kind of thing. Participants are already seeing results. One woman has lost 15 pounds in two months. Another has seen problems with her hip, shoulders and feet go away through strengthening and stretching. Another, who was reluctant to join, says her body and spirit is changing. These classes are not about perfection, but about progress, Burroughs says. It doesn t matter what level of fitness people are when they come in, I just want them to make some progress and connect with God at the same time. 2 Northeastern Iowa Synod

3 Bishop Gifts for a Lifetime Whenever I watch a professional football game on TV, I realize how outstanding my junior high and high school coaches were. Obviously, pro-football players have natural abilities that few others have. It is the fundamentals, however, that make for successful players and teams. Look the ball in. Don t turn your head up field until you have caught the ball. Play your position. Contain the exterior. Whenever a ball is on the ground, fall on it. Prayer, scripture, service gifts for a lifetime. What was true in seventh grade is also true in professional championship games. My coaches were teachers who taught football lessons for a lifetime. So, too, are those who teach the faith. I was taught, by word and deed, the power of a lifetime of prayer, scripture and service to others. This faith of my childhood remains at the core of my life with God, my calling as bishop and my relationships with others. Prayer, scripture, service gifts for a lifetime. I am grateful for my teachers and for the season of Lent that invites us again into a time of renewal by exercising the basics of the faith. Steven L. Ullestad Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Synod Parish nurses carry out Jesus healing ministry << Continued from page 1 are discussed in the church newsletter, and informational handouts on health topics are made available. Even the Sunday school snacks have become healthier with more fruits and vegetables served, rather than sweets. Our role as parish nurses is to assist people in incorporating our spiritual health with our physical health. As Winneshiek Public Health administrator, Vanden Brink says the church is a perfect place to reach people with information that could help make their lives whole. Spiritual growth is part of our health, and the church can be another place to get health-related information, Berg says. The Decorah Lutheran pastors have been very supportive of this health ministry. West Clermont, Clermont After a career as a registered nurse in Carol Berg, RN home and community health, Carol Berg found a new calling as a parish nurse at West Clermont Lutheran in Clermont. The Lord had been nudging me in that direction for some time, Berg says. While visiting a retreat center in northern Minnesota, I met a wonderful lady who was an instructor in the Concordia College parish nurse course. After our visit I knew it was what the Lord wanted me to do. March 2014 Berg took the 36-hour Concordia College parish nurse coursework to become a certified parish nurse, and she and another nurse from the congregation began the parish nurse ministry at West Clermont 11 years ago. We re called unpaid staff, not volunteers, because we are professionals. The nurses offer free health consultations and blood pressure checks once a month after worship and hold an annual flu shot clinic at the church in coordination with the local community health services. Because of their backgrounds in community health nursing and their experience with health care in northeast Iowa, the two nurses serve as a valuable resource for members who may need referrals to other community resources. >> Continued on page 4 3

4 Parish nurses carry out Jesus healing ministry << Continued from page 3 The parish nurses coordinate the congregation s prayer shawl ministry, which has given away nearly 100 prayer shawls in the past 11 years. The nurses visit new moms and babies, along with the home bound and elderly congregation members in their homes and nursing homes. They have coordinated several health fairs with various health screenings and spiritual components, such as a social worker who could talk to people about death, dying and advanced directives. They have organized several exercise classes at church, including Pilates, yoga, balance, and walking. Our role as parish nurses is to assist people in incorporating our spiritual health with our physical health, Berg says. We are commanded in Romans 12:1 to give our bodies to God because of all He has done for us. They are to be a living and holy sacrifice, the kind that He will find acceptable. In a variety of ways, parish nurses help church members and the community to achieve this goal. As a parish nurse I have more time to sit with the person in a relaxed setting. I can develop a relationship, and people feel free to ask me questions. hospice and help them with the spiritual side to help them understand what s happening and let them know they have been baptized and can trust in Jesus. Heitman gives monthly blood pressure checks at St. John s, has taught classes on weight management and the seven aspects of Nancy Heitman, BSN wellness, and provides first-aid for vacation Bible school. She visits people in their home, hospital, nursing home, assisted living or wherever she is asked to come. She will take the time to help patients understand their medications and follow-up care after surgery. If they need further assistance, she will help make those arrangements. Sometimes people have to hear something two or three times because they have lots of concerns or their mind isn t clear, Heitman says. As a parish nurse I have more time to sit with the person in a relaxed setting. I can develop a relationship, and people feel free to ask me questions. I love what I do, and it seems to be something that s needed. St. John s American, Guttenberg St. John s American, Guttenberg, started an ecumenical parish nurse ministry in 2012 with a $2,000 grant from Wheat Ridge Ministries, matching funds and a private donation. Through partnerships with the local hospital, clinic and other churches, the St. John parish nurse ministry serves as an ecumenical outreach of the congregation. Referrals from county visiting nurses, the hospital social worker, family members, the pastor, and individuals put Nancy Heitman, BSN, in touch with patients from throughout the Guttenberg community. She works 20 hours a week as an unpaid certified parish nurse for St. John s and brings more than 25 years nursing experience with her, along with a dose of spiritual comfort for those she serves. If people get home from the hospital and they haven t had a connection with a pastor, I will call on them, pray with them, read scriptures and share devotions with them, Heitman says. I work with patients in Northeastern Iowa Synod Bishop Rev. Dr. Steven L. Ullestad ullestads@neiasynod.org Assistants to the Bishop Rev. Mark A. Anderson andersonm@neiasynod.org Rev. Darrel W. Gerrietts gerriettsd@neiasynod.org Linda J. Hudgins hudginsl@neiasynod.org ELCA Director for Evangelical Mission Rev. Joelle Colville-Hanson colville-hansonj@neiasynod.org Star Editor Marcia Hahn hahnm@neiasynod.org The Star is published 11 times a year by the Northeastern Iowa Synod, th Street SW, PO Box 804, Waverly, IA ; phone , FAX Send news for the April issue to Marcia Hahn by March 14. We welcome story ideas related to the 2014 theme, Strengthened for Witness and Service. Articles in this newsletter may be duplicated for use in synod congregations and organizations, with credit to the Star newsletter. Please notify the synod office with name and address changes. To receive an electronic version of the Star, rather than paper, send your request to hahnm@neiasynod.org. 4 Northeastern Iowa Synod

5 Synod Assembly focuses on Strengthened for Witness and Service The 2014 Synod Assembly will gather at Wartburg College, Waverly, June 13-15, for business surrounded by word and sacrament. On Sunday morning, June 15, the assembly will participate in small group study. Keynote The keynote address will be given by Minna Quint, Northeastern Iowa Synod candidate for ordained ministry. Ms. Quint is a member of Peace Lutheran Church in Ryan. Churchwide Representative Greetings and a report from the churchwide organization will be presented by The Rev. M. Wyvetta Bullock, assistant to the Presiding Bishop/Executive for Administration. Forums, Seminars, Ministry Exhibits Forums and seminars will focus on Strengthened for Witness and Service, the year-long synod emphasis. Forums and seminars will be offered on Saturday. Assembly Facts Theme/Emphasis Strengthened for Witness and Service Elections Voting members will elect a bishop, vice president, synod council and committee members. Strengthened for Witness and Service Forms General information and registration forms are inserted in this issue of the Star. Voting members have the opportunity to request the preassembly report as a printed or digital copy. Fees Fee categories are noncommuter (meals, housing), commuter (meals, no housing), and visitor/ministry exhibit staff (no meals, no housing). Information Background information will be sent to registrants on May 13. Youth Congregations are encouraged to elect a youth voting member. Voting Requirement Voting members must be voting members of their congregation. Resolutions Business is presented in resolution form. Resolutions may be submitted to the resolution committee by a voting member of a congregation in the Northeastern Iowa Synod, a congregation, or a conference. Visitors Both adults and youth are welcome and encouraged to attend. Linda J. Hudgins Assistant to the Bishop Join a Stewardship Tweet Chat Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. If you re the tweeting type, join us Sunday, March 9, 4 p.m. CDT, for a Stewardship Tweetchat on Twitter. Use the hashtag #stewardchat. The discussion will be about issues and practices related to stewardship, hosted by Pastor Jenna Couch, Zion (Jubilee), La Porte City, on behalf of the Stewardship Network. Share your passion through a synod network Is taking care of the environment a passion of yours? How about strengthening faith in families? Want to get involved in global mission projects or hunger relief efforts? The Northeastern Iowa Synod invites rostered leaders and lay members to get involved in a network ministry to help plan goals, set priorities, and have a say about ministries they have an interest in. The 10 network ministries are Care of Creation, Colleague Group Leaders, Companion Synod- Hungary, Companion Synod-Namibia, Disaster Response, Global Mission, Home Life, Hunger, LYO Leadership Team and Stewardship. Call the synod office, , to learn more or to sign up. March

6 STEWARDSHIP Personal budgeting can lead to generous giving Very often Christians are not generous givers not for lack of desire, but because their personal finances are out of control. Families who are in debt, who don t have a budget, who are ensnarled by credit cards cannot see a way to give generously and also must live with the anxiety of not being financially secure. So, one of the most effective ways of helping the ministry of a congregation to thrive is by helping families control their own finances. This is the premise behind the resource from the ELCA titled Money Leadership for Thriving Congregations. The materials can be used in the context of a two-day retreat or six two-hour small group sessions. The participants are guided by a local leader to write a money autobiography and to review the units on: Giving Saving Spending Debt Management Financial Planning Money Leadership in the congregation At the end of the course, each participant or family is invited to create a personal action plan to lead them out of debt and in to savings, allowing them to become generous givers. All the materials are available from the ELCA Resource Catalog at Products-Stewardship.html or by calling Day of Renewal is April 3 Thursday, April 3, 2014 Nazareth Lutheran, Cedar Falls, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Rostered leaders from the Northeastern Iowa Synod are invited to a Day of Renewal Thursday, April 3, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Nazareth Lutheran, Cedar Falls Pastor Joelle Colville-Hanson will present The New Town Crier, a look at how social media is a continuation of the way communication of the Gospel has been evolving since the Church s beginnings. It is important for the church to be where people are, and social media is where people are, Colville-Hanson says. It is the new town square. Social media has been around since before Facebook, and Pastor Joelle Colville-Hanson has been using it since She will reflect on the theological implications of social media, give examples of how colleagues in the synod are using it, address any questions or concerns about social media, and share ways the synod can help and support congregations in their social media outreach. This event is free for rostered leaders and includes lunch. To register by Monday, March 24, call the synod office at or send an to hamiltonl@neiasynod.org. LYO Assembly March 22-23, 2014 Camp Ewalu, Strawberry Point, Iowa High school youth from the Northeastern Iowa Synod are invited to attend the annual Lutheran Youth Organization (LYO) Assembly March 22-23, 2014, at Ewalu Camp and Retreat Center, Strawberry Point. The theme for the assembly will be based on James 1:17: Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. This event will feature games, discussions, activities, worship and more. Keynote speaker will be Pastor Jealaine Marple of Elvira Zion, Clinton, Iowa. She will speak about vocation. Susan Entriken, youth worker for St. Timothy, Hudson and practice discipleship coach for the synod, will speak about dealing with failure and forgiveness. Registration is due Sunday, March 16. The registration form and more information can be downloaded at 6 Northeastern Iowa Synod

7 Events march EVENTS 2-4 Conference, Rural Ministry, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque 6 Meeting, Interim Ministry Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 6 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Decorah, Decorah, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 8 Meeting, LYO Leadership Team, Synod Office, 10 a.m.- 1 p.m. 10 Event, Lutheran Day on The Hill, Des Moines 15 Meeting, Synod Council, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 16 Event, Safeguarding God s Children, Trinity, New Hampton, 2-5 p.m. 20 Meeting, Deans and Chaplains, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 22 Meeting, Synodical Women s Organization, 9:30 a.m.-noon 22 Meeting, Resolutions Committee, 9:30-11:30 a.m Assembly, Lutheran Youth Organization, Ewalu Camp & Retreat Center, Strawberry Point Retreat, First Call Theological Education, American Martyrs, Cedar Falls 30 Event, Safeguarding God s Children, Zion St. John, Sheffield, 2-5 p.m. APRIL EVENTS 3 Event, Day of Renewal, Nazareth, Cedar Falls, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 3 Meeting, Interim Ministry Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 3 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Holy Trinity, Dubuque, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 6 Event, LYO Leadership Games, Zion, Waterloo, 1-6:30 p.m. 8 Meeting, Assembly Planning, Wartburg College, Waverly, 4-6 p.m. 12 Meeting, LYO Leadership Team, Synod Office, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 18 Office Closed, Good Friday Observance 24 Event, Tri-State Forum, Wartburg Theological Seminary Event, Youth Worker Retreat, Ewalu Camp & Retreat Center, Strawberry Point MAY EVENTS 1 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Bethlehem, Cedar Falls, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 8 Meeting, S.A.F.E. Team, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 9 Meeting, Candidacy Committee 10 Conference Call, Compensation Committee, 10 a.m.-12 noon 26 Office Closed, Memorial Day Observance June EVENTS 4 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 4 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Zion, Waterloo, 10 a.m.-1 p.m Event, Synod Assembly, Wartburg College, Waverly Office Closed 21 Event, Synodical Women s Organization Convention, Wartburg College, Waverly Congregations INSTALLING Rev. Timothy Maybee, Bethany, Iowa Falls, March 23 INTERVIEWING Castalia, Zion Hawkeye, Trinity, Rev. David R. Nelson, interim Mason City, Our Saviour s, Rev. James Magelssen, interim Maynard, St. Paul, Rev. Jim Adix, interim Ossian, Stavanger Radcliffe, Our Savior, Rev. Tom Jones, interim SELF-STUDY Alta Vista, Zion and Lawler, Immanuel (Crane Creek), Rev. Vincent Fricke, interim Belmond, Trinity, Rev. Alan Schulz, interim Belmond, St. Olaf and Renwick, St. Paul (All Saints Parish) Calmar, Calmar and Decorah, Springfield, Rev. Phillip Olson, interim Cedar Falls, St. John (staff), Rev. Duane Miller, interim associate Coulter, Nazareth Cresco, Immanuel Decorah, Big Canoe and Highland, Rev. Kathy Wicks, interim Dubuque, Luther Manor Garner, Faith (Miller) Hampton, St. John Lake Mills, Salem Mason City, St. James, Rev. Joel Dahlen, interim Mason City, Trinity (associate), Rev. Tom Dettmer, interim associate Ryan and Dundee, Unity of the Cross Sumner, St. Peter (Richfield) & Waucoma, St. John (Stapleton) Tripoli, Grace & St. John (Crane Creek), Rev. Paul Nelson, interim West Union, Zion, Rev. Nancy Larson, interim ROSTERED CHANGES Rev. Harold L. Peterson, transferred to Minneapolis Area Synod Rev. David Lerseth, transferred to Minneapolis Area Synod Rev. Timothy Miller, retired Rev. David Bernhardt, transferred to Western Iowa Synod Safeguarding God s Children The following Safeguarding God s Children training programs are scheduled: Sunday, March 16, 2014 Trinity, New Hampton, Iowa, 2-5 p.m. Call to register. Sunday, March 30, 2014 Zion St. John, Sheffield, Iowa, 2-5 p.m. Call to register. March

8 Prayer CALENDAR march 2014 SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT Messiah, Charles City 2 Good Shepherd, Inc., Mason City 9 Rev. Roger L. Buhr, Decorah 16 Good Samaritan Center, Postville 23 Rev. H. Allen Vik, Decorah 30 Luther Manor, Dubuque 3 Rev. H. George Anderson, Decorah 10 Middle East Rev. Dr. Stanley N. Olson, Dubuque 17 West Clermont, Clermont 24 Rev. Karen R. Grandall, Spring Valley, MN Rev. Homer Larsen, Cedar Falls Nancy L. Olson, Dubuque 31 Ruth E. Groth, Chassell, MI Rev. David L. Lenth, Ossian Rev. Darwin G. Reiter, Cedar Falls 4 St. John, Clarksville 11 Rev. David H. Andreae, Waukon 18 Good Samaritan Center, St. Ansgar 25 St. John, Charles City 5 Rev. Virginia A. Olson, Eldorado 12 Galilean, Clear Lake 19 Nazareth, Coulter 26 Rev. Kent Mechler, Mason City 6 Rev. Robert F. Lehmann, Dubuque 13 Faith Lutheran Home, Osage 20 Rev. Gary K. Lee, Decorah Mary E. Seavey, Waterloo 27 Good Neighbor Home, Manchester 7 Lutheran Retirement Home, Northwood 14 East Clermont, Clermont 21 Rev. Harold R. McMillin Jr., Garnavillo 28 Julie Nordstrom, Cedar Falls 1 United, Chester 8 Rev. Paul M. Hasvold, Decorah 15 Rev. William F. Nielsen, Nashua Rev. Ronald L. Roberts, Postville 22 Rev. Dennis E. Bauer, Waverly Rev. Dave A. Nerdig, Jewell 29 LYO Leadership Games Sunday, April 6, 2014 Zion Lutheran, Waterloo, 1-6:30 p.m. The LYO Leadership Games have been rescheduled for Sunday, April 6, 1 to 6:30 p.m., at Zion Lutheran, Waterloo. Pastors and youth leaders are invited to bring two high school students for an opportunity to develop their leadership skills and help inspire them to become better leaders in their congregations. The agenda will include opening devotions, a catered supper, short workshops led by the LYO Leadership Team, a separate time for adults with Pastor Mark Anderson and Deb Bachman, and a wrap-up time for adults and youth to talk about what they have learned. Registration is due Sunday, March 30. The fee is $25 for the event, with $20 refunded upon arrival. The other $5 will be given to the Young Adults in Global Mission program. Download the registration for at www. neiasynod.org/youth. Lutheran Day on the Hill Monday, March 10, 2014 Join Lutheran Services in Iowa and the three Iowa Synods of the ELCA to talk to legislators about the importance of critical human services for children, families and individuals. A chartered bus will take us from Waverly to Des Moines. Sign up by Thursday, March 6 at Earn Wellness Dollars Take the online Mayo Clinic Health Assessment and earn $150 for wellness. Take it by April 30 and help this synod save two percent on 2014 health contributions. Follow up with suggested wellness activities by Sept. 30 and earn an additional $350 in your personal wellness account. Learn more at