Star. Strengthening Leaders Outdoor Ministries Nurture Leadership and Faith by Marcia Hahn IN THIS ISSUE. Camp Ewalu Led by the Spirit

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1 Star NORTHEASTERN IOWA Evangelical MARCH 2012 VOLUME 25, ISSUE 3 Lutheran Church in America Strengthening Leaders Outdoor Ministries Nurture Leadership and Faith by Marcia Hahn No texting, no checking Facebook, and no sitting in front of the television. Youth attending an outdoor ministry summer camp in the Northeastern Iowa Synod give up their daily routines and immerse themselves in a Christian community focused on adventure, camaraderie, and the Holy Spirit. For many, these camp experiences set the groundwork for becoming life-long leaders in the church. Camp Ewalu Led by the Spirit According to Dale Goodman, Camp Ewalu executive director, the goal of outdoor ministry is for youth to grow in their faith and their relationships with God. Camp is a safe place for youth to explore their faith and to talk about their faith, he says. Unlike Sunday school, camp is not over in an hour. They get to practice their faith with the very same people all week long. The 500-acre Ewalu main site, located near Strawberry Point, offers younger campers the opportunity to sleep in teepees, covered wagons, or cabins, with adventures that include horseback riding, nature hikes, campfires, mountain biking, and swimming. The high school programs take youth canoeing in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, river rafting and rock climbing in northern Wisconsin, navigating a houseboat on the Mississippi River, and other outdoor adventures. An overarching theme throughout the summer Led Participants in Camp Ewalu s Leadership Training lead a large group in song before the evening campfire. by the Spirit for 2012 keeps daily devotions, prayers and lessons for all the camps focused on the same message. It doesn t really matter where they are or what program they re in, we follow the same theme, Goodman explains. Every day begins with devotions and ends with devotions. In-between is Bible study with the daily theme, which is talked about over the course of the day in practically everything they do. Leading the camps as mentors and witnesses to Jesus are the IN THIS ISSUE >> Continued on page 2 Outdoor Ministries Nurture Leadership and Faith God s Soil Synod Assembly Focuses on Strengthening Leaders Synod Gifts Support Dubuque Ministries for the Homeless Not Stewardship Youth Groups Prepare to Gather in New Orleans Events, Congregations Prayer Calendar

2 Outdoor Ministries... << Continued from page 1 counselors college students who are eager to share their faith. What is so powerful and so important is that the counselors are automatically given this great status by the youth, Goodman says. The counselors are total strangers, yet they re automatically cool people who have faith and are willing to talk about it. The dynamic for the youth is simply permission. If cool college kids can have faith and feel free to talk about it, so can I. Ewalu camp counselors must be age 18 or older, preferably with one or two years of college. Basic qualifications are a Christian commitment, desire to share faith in Christ, love of serving children and young people, and enjoyment of the outdoors. Two weeks of intense training focuses on the nuts and bolts of the camp and camping safety, Bible study and theology to learn about the theme, and the Safeguarding God s Children training to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse. Nearly three-fourths of the 46 counselors who served at Ewalu last year will be returning as counselors this year. Goodman estimates that in his 15 summers at Camp Ewalu, 20 or more counselors have become pastors or attended seminary to prepare to serve in other areas of professional ministry. A study by Luther Seminary showed the influence that outdoor ministry experiences have on those who attend seminary. According to the study, more than 80 percent of those entering seminary point to camping ministry as formative in their call to professional ministry. Most of that 80 percent served as camp counselors. Summer camp counselors are my great joy in this ministry, Goodman says. It s their amazing faith, amazing dedication and good care of children that make it work. They re not crusty old camp directors. They are young, enthusiastic and energetic kids. It s a marvelous and incredibly creative ministry. Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp Alive (Like He Is) Dave McDermott, director of Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp, remembers receiving a call a few years ago from a father who had picked up his son from a week-long From Summer Camp to Seminary Seth Nelson, a Wartburg Theological Seminary student, spent 11 summers as a camper and counselor at Camp Ewalu where he says he was challenged to reflect upon his faith prayerfully in fellowship with others. Ewalu provided a genuine place apart from my normal routine where I was able to step back and see God working in my life and in the world. Nelson says he enjoyed making new friendships, experiencing new and varied forms of prayer and worship, and being continually confronted by God s presence in the natural setting at Ewalu. When I became a counselor, I was trained to not only see God working in the world but also to lead others to experience God s love in real and reflective ways, Nelson says. From worship leadership to Bible study planning, my experiences as a counselor have prepared me the most of all my experiences growing up in the Lutheran church for my current seminary studies and my future role as a pastor in the ELCA. Riverside camp a couple days earlier. In a serious tone, the father asked McDermott what he had done to his son. He s a different boy, the father said. He told me how his son didn t give a hoot about church and Sunday school, but now he was so excited he couldn t get enough of it, McDermott recalls. During his 15 years at Riverside, McDermott has seen a lot of youth come out of their shells as campers A camper maneuvers across the swinging log at Camp Ewalu as part of the low-ropes challenge course designed to build team work and self-confidence. >> Continued on page 3 2 NORTHEASTERN IOWA SYNOD

3 BISHOP God s Soil One of the finest congregational anniversary celebrations that I have attended was held at St. Peter Lutheran in Eldorado. Attention was paid to activities for all the generations. A beautiful history book was carefully compiled. Family, friends and former members attended from all over the country. One of the most moving moments was when a returning Marine from Afghanistan came forward at the beginning of the worship service to thank the congregation for all of their support, prayer and otherwise, while he was serving overseas. It was the first anniversary that I know of that also included a parade through town. There were more entrants than what the neighboring college had in its homecoming parade. I missed the actual parade but appreciated the opportunity to see the floats that were still parked along the road. My favorite float simply said, The Koester Family: 7 Generations of Farming God s Soil. I don t know the Koester family, but I know that their faith is representative of one of the great gifts of this synod. Those who serve God by caring for the land literally ground us in an essential truth about our lives. Every moment of our day, every calling we have, all that we have, and all that we do, belong to God. Sometimes I am asked about what it is like to serve a rural synod. I say with gratitude that being the bishop of this synod is about serving those who know who owns the soil. Thank you for the privilege. Steven L. Ullestad Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Synod Outdoor Ministries... << Continued from page 2 and later grow into leadership roles as counselors. Camp is a full 24-hour experience for five days and it makes a big difference in kids lives, McDermott says. It gives a renewed spirit for them going home. Located on 123 acres near Story City, Riverside Camp has 26 cabins to accommodate more than 1,800 youth who attend the 30 summer camp opportunities for youth entering third grade through 12th. Each day begins with devotional time and a counselors skit focusing on the designated theme, which for the summer 2012 season is Alive, based on 1 Thessalonians 5:10. Breakfast, announcements, mealtime prayers, chapel, movie clips, lunch, free time, and camp activities such as canoeing, skits, swimming, horseback riding, soccer, football and other Lively chapel services energize campers at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp. games fill the days. Evening chapel time brings high energy fun with meaningful songs and a message presented by the counselors. The whole day is focused on the daily theme, and through that we see barriers come down in these kids, McDermott says. We make everything an event. The day ends quietly with the youth and counselors sharing prayers in their cabins. A kid at camp here for five days is in prayer 70 times throughout the week, more than >> Continued on page 5 MARCH

4 Synod Assembly Focuses on Strengthening Leaders The 2012 Synod Assembly will gather at Wartburg College, Waverly, June 8-10, for business surrounded by word and sacrament. On Sunday morning, June 10, the assembly will participate in small group study. ELCA representative Greetings and a report from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be presented by the Rev. Mary C. Frances, assistant director for New Evangelizing Congregations, Congregational and Synodical Mission. Strengthening Leaders Presentation The Saturday morning plenary session will include presentations by four members of this synod. Seminars, Ministry Exhibits Seminars will focus on Strengthening Leaders, the year-long synod emphasis. Assembly Facts Theme/Emphasis Strengthening Leaders Elections Voting members will elect synod council members, committee members, and churchwide voting members. Strengthening Leaders Forms General information and registration forms are inserted in this issue of the Star. They can also be found at resources. Fees Fee categories are non-commuter (meals, housing), commuter (meals, no housing), and visitor (no meals, no housing). Information Background information will be mailed to registrants on May 8. 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 Hudgins Assistant to the Bishop Register for Day of Renewal All rostered leaders are invited to the Day of Renewal set for Thursday, March 29, 9:30 a.m. 3 p.m., at Nazareth Lutheran, Cedar Falls. This Strengthening Leadership event is intended to provide inspiration, conversation, and mutual uplifting. The schedule will include a devotional, reflections, small and large group conversations, a message from the Bishop, and Holy Communion. The event is free for rostered leaders and includes lunch. To register by Monday, March 19, call the synod office at or send an to hamiltonl@neiasynod.org. 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 STAR Editors Marcia Hahn - hahnm@neiasynod.org Julie Drewes - jdrewes@mchsi.com 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 May issue to Marcia Hahn by April 2. We welcome story ideas related to the 2012 theme, Strengthening Leaders. 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. 4 NORTHEASTERN IOWA SYNOD

5 Outdoor Ministries... they re used to at home, McDermott says. Often it is the first time some kids are prayed for. Each cabin is assigned two counselors a college-age senior counselor and a junior counselor who has completed 11th grade in high school. All counselors participate in an extensive two weeks of training to learn and understand the Bible studies, develop skits and Bible presentations based on the theme, and learn about the camp, their roles, safety, and how to share their faith and socialize within a team atmosphere. Senior counselors also spend three to four weeks of the summer leading Bible school day camps at area congregations. New counselors are scared to death, but by Tuesday they realize they can do this and enjoy themselves, McDermott says. A lot of counselors come back six or seven summers. We have averaged a return rate of 50 to 65 percent in recent years. A number of Riverside counselors have moved on to seminary, including one who is currently at Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque and two who have started at Luther Seminary in St. Paul. McDermott says that many of the past counselors have joined in mission trips and some have entered other types of ministry and youth work. << Continued from page 3 From Summer Camp to Seminary Riverside recognizes the need for spiritual growth and depth for the counselors, and has developed the discipleship team, made up of five staff members, to support the counselors during the summer camps, help them grow, encourage them, listen to their concerns, and pray for them. Kids have so many opportunities to go to so many camps for music and sports, but the opportunities they have here are life changing experiences that are more eternal, McDermott says. They look up to the counselors so tremendously. To have someone who is a college student care about them, it really opens up their hearts. Tanner Howard says that the relationships he developed during his years as a counselor at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp completely changed his life. Camp taught me how to love and how God is truly at work in the lives of the people I see every day, he says. I was constantly encouraged to delve deeper into my faith, and I learned how to share it with both campers and my fellow staff members. As a youth, Howard attended Riverside summer camps for seven years and then served there as a counselor and maintenance assistant during his four years at Iowa State University. The brothers and sisters I met at camp have had a huge impact on my faith journey and have encouraged me constantly as I continue that journey at Wartburg Theological Seminary, Howard says. The people and experiences at Riverside changed how I view my faith and the faith of those around me. It was amazing to get to grow in Christ with people my own age in a place where the Spirit was moving in fantastic ways in the community. Teen campers at Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp take time out for group Bible study. MARCH 2012 Camps Support Malaria Campaign Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp and Camp Ewalu have committed to donate the offerings collected during their 2012 summer camps to the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Summer campers will have an opportunity to learn about malaria and bring the message back to their own congregations how supporting the campaign can save lives one net at a time. 5

6 Synod Gifts Support Dubuque Ministries for the Homeless Two recent gifts are helping missions in Dubuque provide shelter for the homeless. A $2,500 ELCA Domestic Hunger Grant was presented to Rick Mihm, executive director of the Dubuque Rescue Mission, to help resolve and prevent a bed bug infestation at the mission. A $1,000 gift from the Northeastern Iowa Synod provided seed money to build beds and purchase mattresses for the Guesthouse Ministry that St. John Lutheran opened in December. Located just a few blocks from the Dubuque Rescue Mission, St. John opened the ministry in the church s basement to take in the overflow of people who need a place to stay after the Rescue Mission becomes full. The church saw that there was a need, says Pastor Jay Ilten of St. John. We thought there would be one or two men once or twice a week, but we re running two to eight men a night. The ministry relies on donations and volunteers who work from 3-8 p.m. each night for intake of the men, entering their names and medical background on computers. If the men can show they stay in a homeless shelter, they can receive medical care from Crescent Community Health Center in Dubuque. Ilten and the volunteers work with social agencies to help find jobs, housing and other services for the men. Four men have already found jobs, including three who now have their own apartments. Like so many good deeds, it didn t take long for the St. John Guesthouse Ministry to hit a snag. A recent fire marshal inspection determined that to house overnight guests, a smoke alarm system would need to be wired into the church, along with a sprinkler system. The cost estimates are $18,000 for the smoke alarms and a minimum of $50,000 to install sprinklers. The congregation voted at their annual meeting to proceed with the project, regardless of costs, with faithful anticipation that we would be able to recoup them, Ilten says. We re serving a need here and we re perfectly located near the mission and meal sites downtown to do this. The congregation believes in this. The church set up a website to accept donations, and Ilten says the community response has been phenomenal, with donations coming in from all over. The ministry can continue to operate as long as it can show due diligence and work toward the installation projects. Half of the $18,000 needed to wire in smoke alarms has already been raised. The shelter has sparked all kinds of people stepping forward and volunteering their time and services, Ilten says. We work very well ecumenically, and other churches are involved and supporting this. Volunteers from every trade want to help remodel. No matter what happens with the shelter in the future, Ilten says its service now is about the witness of Gospel, trying to be the light of Christ we re called to be. We hope that people get to understand and know that these men and women on the street could be anyone of us. A lot of families are living paycheck to paycheck. People realize they could be there next month, and it s comforting to know this service is out there. To learn more about St. John s Lutheran Ministries, visit Learn more about the Dubuque Rescue Mission at Certificate in Theology and Congregational Leadership Available Wartburg Theological Seminary has announced a new certificate program designed especially for the enrichment of congregation members. The Certificate in Theology and Congregational Leadership has been created to meet the needs of those who want to strengthen their ministry leadership. The program consists of 12 courses, combining foundational subjects such as Bible, theology, and church history, with two courses in the area of specialty. The program is completed through a combination of online and intensive on-campus courses, allowing students the flexibility to work at their own pace, taking one, two, or three courses at a time. The Certificate in Theology and Congregational Leadership joins two other certificate programs already offered at Wartburg Seminary: the Certificate in Town and Country Church Leadership and Certification in Youth and Family Ministry. To learn more, visit or call NORTHEASTERN IOWA SYNOD

7 Not Stewardship By Pastor Nancy Larson ELCA Director for Evangelical Mission Recently, I looked up the word stewardship in the online thesaurus and was startled by what it said. The antonyms to stewardship as listed in the online thesaurus are: destruction, neglect, spending, squandering, and waste. It has been said that it is sometimes easier to understand something by first defining what it is not. Wouldn t you agree that these not stewardship words are eye opening and thought provoking? What is it that happens (or doesn t happen) when we ignore stewardship? There seems to be clear evidence in families, churches, businesses and nations that failing to address stewardship is destructive, wasteful and neglectful just like the thesaurus says. In other words, not paying attention to stewardship is wasteful. To cease to be good stewards is not just lazy, it is destructive! So stewardship is about how we live all of our lives in response to God s love. It s not a dirty word and it s not irrelevant. If anything, it needs a rebirth, and the church needs to lead the way. Several weeks ago, I was told about a church council member in one of the congregations of the synod who made the statement, We don t need stewardship here! I must say that I couldn t disagree more. As baptized children of God, we have all been commissioned in water and the word to live as God s own and as disciples of Jesus Christ. In order to respond to God s mercy and grace, we need to honor the role that stewardship plays in our lives. Oversight and management of all God s blessings is a crucial piece of our life of faith. Do not neglect the gift that is in you 1 Timothy 4:14 We are once again invited to work to build up the Church for the sake of Jesus Christ, to attend to all the opportunities that abound around us to make Christ known in word and deed, and to grasp hold of all God s promises that God s glory and praise may be flung into the world. To download this article or for more stewardship and mission support resources, visit resources/stewardship-missionsupport.asp. Share Ministry on Aging Ideas The Northeastern Iowa Synod s Ministry on Aging Network wants to learn about good ideas and activities for seniors from all around the synod and share them with all synod churches and communities. The Ministry on Aging Network values senior members as great assets to the Christian community, and encourages congregation members to ensure that every senior member is connected in a significant way with other church members on a regular basis. The Network is a resource for congregations that would like to be more involved in ministries with seniors, such as family caregiving, support for caregivers, creating advance directives and talking as a family about end-of-life issues, including presentations on Five Wishes. To contact the Network with your congregation s ideas or requests, Rev. Bill Straka, wrstraka@mchsi. com, or Rev. Lauryl Ivers, stocknls@ihs.org, or call or Rev. Mark Anderson, AndersonM@neiasynod.org, To learn more about the Ministry on Aging Network and available resources, visit resources/aging.htm. To learn about the educational programs offered through Wartburg College s Social Work Department, contact Lynn Peters, , or visit MARCH

8 Youth Groups Prepare to Gather in New Orleans Imagine a family taking their high school age youth to their congregation to be part of their congregation s youth group. That small group in turn joins with other groups to fill a coach bus. All those coach buses from Northeastern Iowa travel to meet at the Westin Hotel in New Orleans to form our synod group, which includes 663 participants. The Northeastern Iowa youth join with youth from the other 64 synods to be a part of the 33,000 people attending the 2012 ELCA Youth Gathering July in New Orleans. The Citizens with the Saints Gathering will focus on Ephesians 2:14-20 and will include daily worship and Bible study, as well as the opportunity to meet youth from all over the ELCA. One day of the Gathering will include a service project, another day will be spent in Tri-State Forum Thursday, April 26, 2012 The Lutheran Conversation about Vocation: Congregations, Seminaries and Daily Life an interactive area with hundreds of exhibits and activities. Youth from the Northeastern Iowa Synod will spend a third day in worship, small groups, and Bible study, all led by Bishop Ullestad and other adults from Northeastern Iowa. This event is much bigger than just the week in New Orleans. Preparation began with leadership training that has been occurring both live and on the web over the last six months. In addition, each youth group should already be engaged in the Getting Ready Bible studies and group building activities. All congregation members will have the opportunity to connect with the Gathering s events through live online streaming of the Dome Events on the ELCA website and through social media. Follow-up events after the This conversation is an opportunity to discuss how the church supports pastors and other leaders, and how pastoral leaders shape worship and congregational life. Martin Luther s understanding of Christian vocation has been a transformative insight for the church ever since. Sometimes the insight has been neglected, and sometimes it illuminates and inspires. The Rev. Dr. Stanley Olson, president of Wartburg Theological Seminary, thinks the early 21st century is primed for such illumination and inspiration. He s interested to hear what you re learning. For more information or to register, click on the Lifelong Learners link at lifelonglearners@wartburgseminary. edu or call Gathering week will help youth and congregations continue to build on their Gathering experiences. To learn more, visit org/youth/gathering%20 Information% htm. Getting Ready Training Event Saturday, April 21 St. John, Cedar Falls Pastor Mark Anderson Assistant to the Bishop The success of a congregation s experience at the ELCA Youth Gathering is largely dependent on how well the local group is prepared. A free Getting Ready event is planned for Saturday, April 21, 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at St. John Lutheran, Cedar Falls, to help groups prepare for the Gathering. Adults involved in youth ministry, adult leaders attending the Youth Gathering, and anyone else interested is invited to attend. Adrian Walter, director of Youth and Family Ministry, First Lutheran, Decorah, will offer adult leadership training on topics such as how to lead a small group. For those attending the Gathering, Pastor Mark Anderson will offer specific information about the Youth Gathering and New Orleans. A light lunch will be offered, so pre-registration is requested by ing boltec@neiasynod.org or calling the synod office, NORTHEASTERN IOWA SYNOD

9 EVENTS CONGREGATIONS MARCH EVENTS 1 Network, Youth and Family, First, Cresco, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 4 Webinar, Your Role as a Leader 4-6 Event, Rural Ministry Conference, Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque 8 Meeting, Interim Ministry Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 10 Meeting, Ventures Workshop 1, Redeemer, Waverly, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 17 Meeting, Synod Council, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 18 Webinar, Strategic Planning Event, Safeguarding God s Children, Zion, West Union, 2-5 p.m. 24 Meeting, Synodical Women s Organization, 9 a.m.-noon Committee, Resolution, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 29 Event, Day of Renewal, Nazareth, Cedar Falls, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Meeting, Fall Conference Planning, Nazareth, Cedar Falls, 3 p.m. 31 Event, Lutheran Youth Organization Sr. High, TBA Snow Date, (3/24) Synodical Women s Organization APRIL EVENTS 1 Webinar, Leading a Small Group 6 Office Closed, Good Friday Observance 10 Committee, Assembly Planning, Wartburg College, Waverly, 4-6 p.m. 12 Meeting, Interim Ministry Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Network, Youth and Family, Holy Trinity, Dubuque, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 15 Webinar, Faith Conversation Retreat, First Call Theological Education, American Martyrs, Cedar Falls 21 Meeting, Lutheran Youth Organization Team, 10a.m.-1 p.m. 24 Meeting, SAFE, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. 26 Event, Tri-State Forum: Stanley Olson, President of Wartburg Seminary, Wartburg Theo. Seminary, Dubuque, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. MAY EVENTS 3 Network, Youth and Family, St. John, Cedar Falls, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. 4 Committee, Candidacy, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. 6 Webinar, Planning for the Unexpected 10 Meeting, Interim Ministry Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 28 Office Closed, Memorial Day Observance JUNE EVENTS 5 Event, Safeguarding God s Children, Ewalu, Strawberry Point, 9 a.m.-noon 7 Network, Youth and Family, Salem, Lake Mills, 10 a.m.-1 p.m Event, Synod Assembly, Wartburg College, Waverly Office Closed 14 Meeting, Interim Ministry Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 16 Event, Synodical Women s Organization Convention, Wartburg College, Waverly MARCH

10 PRAYER CALENDAR OBITUARIES Pastor Enoch Hall died Jan. 26, He was ordained on May 17, 1953, and served as pastor of Washington Springs Parish, Washington Springs, S.D.; North Preston and Lake Whitewood Parish, Lake Preston, S.D.; Our Savior and St. Paul, Stanhope, Iowa; and as chaplain of Bethany Manor, Story City. He retired Sept. 1, The funeral took place Jan. 31 in Story City. Pastor Hall is survived by two sons, Nathan and Dan. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to his grandson, Jeremiah Ubben, 817 Ashwood Dr., Huxley IA Pastor Orville Running died Feb. 6, He was ordained on July 8, He served as pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran and taught part-time at Pacific Lutheran College in Tacoma, Wash. He later served as pastor of Christ Lutheran in Chicago, Ill. In 1946 he was hired as head of the Art Department at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and later became professor of Art and Religious Education. He retired in August of The funeral took place Feb. 11 in Decorah. Pastor Running is survived by four children, Marit Pudas, George Running, Marjorie Wharton and Kristi Carlson. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Marjorie Wharton, 502 W. Broadway, Decorah IA Safeguarding God s Children A session of the Safeguarding God s Children workshop will be offered Sunday, March 18, 2-5 p.m., at Zion, West Union. This training is offered free for rostered leaders and lay leaders. To register, contact Zion Lutheran at or zion@zionwestunion.org.