St. Paul's Chapel And University Center Students and Members in Lithuania

Pictures are arriving from Lithuania from the St. Paul Chapel, Iowa City, students and members who have traveled over there to work. There are almost 30 pictures in the initial group. They can be seen by selecting the link to the right. It may take a day or two to get them all loaded, so check back.

LCMS NEWS

May 26, 2006 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 33

CTCR OKs 'Left Behind' Bible study, respondsto civil-union query, schedules consultations
By James Heine

In addition to unanimously adopting a report on the public rebuke of public sin (see LCMSNews release No. 34), the LCMS Commission on Theology and Church Relations (CTCR) at its May 1-3 meeting in St. Louis also adopted a "Left Behind" Bible study, responded to a query from Synod President Gerald B. Kieschnick on the issue of same-sex civil unions, and announced the dates for two consultations on the scriptural relationship of man and woman.

"This was a tremendously productive meeting. We got a number of significant things done," said Dr. Samuel H. Nafzger, CTCR executive director.

The Bible study is a companion piece to the CTCR's 2004 response to the popular "Left Behind" series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins.

"This is a very timely Bible study," Nafzger said. "Many people are touched by the issues raised by the Left Behind series, and this study offers a wealth of information about the End Times."
Nafzger said the Bible study should be available by July 1 as a download on the CTCR's Web site, and possibly later as a booklet from Concordia Publishing House. He also said the commission encourages individuals and congregations to use the Bible study in conjunction with the 2004 report.

"For a more in-depth study, you could also include the CTCR's 1989 End Times report, because that is also a very relevant document when we consider the theological assumptions of the Left Behind series," Nafzger said. "In the Left Behind Bible study, we not only talk about concepts such as the Rapture but also about the Antichrist, Armageddon, and the premillennialist views regarding Israel, the Jewish people, the land of Israel."

Same-sex unions

President Kieschnick in 2004 asked the CTCR, "What can we as a confessional Lutheran church say about same-sex civil unions? Although these unions are contrary to the will of the Creator, many Christians support legislation offering the legal benefits given to married partners to people of the same sex united in a legally recognized civil union."

In posing his question to the commission, Kieschnick referred to Resolution 3-21 -- adopted by the 1998 Synod convention -- titled "To Affirm the Sanctity of Marriage and to Reject Same-Sex Unions."

The commission in its opinion emphasizes "that same-sex unions are, according to the Scriptures, contrary to the will of the Creator and sin against the commandments of God" (1998 Res. 3-21). At the same time, the commission recognizes that the issue raised by Kieschnick asks a political question about legislation regarding behavior that is contrary to the will of God. Such questions, the commission says, must be considered in light of the proper understanding of the historic Lutheran distinction "between God's rule and activity in the 'left-hand kingdom' and His rule and activity in the 'right-hand kingdom.'"

In the left-hand (secular) kingdom, the commission notes, God rules through fallen human leaders and imperfect human institutions and laws. In the right-hand kingdom, God rules by grace alone over all those -- and only those -- who trust in Christ as their Savior.

As Christians grapple with questions about specific legislation in the civil realm, they should distinguish carefully between theological judgments and legal or political judgments, the commission suggests, citing its 1995 report on the Lutheran view of church and state.
While Christians may disagree about particular legislation regarding same-sex civil unions -- unions which are "immoral and unscriptural," the commission adds -- it finds "compelling reasons against offering legal benefits to 'people of the same sex united in a legally recognized civil union.'"

Opposition to such civil legislation is founded "not solely on the basis of what the Bible says about the sinfulness of homosexual unions, but also on the basis of concerns about the social consequences of such legislation," the commission says.

The commission adds that those concerns include the undermining of the divine institution of marriage, the granting of rights solely on the basis of sexual orientation or behavior, the adoption of children, and the nature and definition of the family as the foundational unit of society.

Consultations

The CTCR will hold two-day consultations on the scriptural relationship of man and woman in December 2006 and April 2007. They will include the entire CTCR plus 12 to 15 guest presenters and participants.

The presenters and participants will provide input and response to the CTCR as it completes work on its 1995 convention assignment "To Prepare a Comprehensive Study of the Scriptural Relationship of Man and Woman" (Res. 3-10).
In asking the CTCR to address the issue, the Synod in Res. 3-10 stated that "confusion exists in the Synod, as well as in our culture, regarding the relationship of male and female" and cited the diverse nature of the overtures received by the convention.

The information provided by the participants will help the commission "understand what specific concerns regarding the relationship of man and woman are directly pertinent to the study and need to be addressed," Nafzger said.

He added that more details about the consultation would be available in time for a story in the July issue of the Synod's Reporter newspaper.

James Heine is a freelance writer and member of an LCMS congregation in St. Louis.

Lutheran Family Day At Adventureland

Lutheran Family Day at Adventureland
June 28, 2006
The Iowa District East Youth Committee has
arranged for a day at Adventureland Amusement Park.
What: A day of family fun and fellowship
Where: Adventureland - Des Moines, Iowa
When: Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Gates will open at 10:00 a.m.
Cost: $17.50 person - if you buy your ticket at the Group Gate at
Adventureland.
- we can accept cash or a check made out to Iowa District
East for the exact amount. We will not be able to process
credit card payments at the Group Gate.

Who is included: Whoever you decide you want to spend the day with.
The Pavilion is available for group check in.

Questions you may have concerning this event should be directed to Leon Kroemer
at 363-3349.
See You At Adventureland
.........Bring a Friend
.......Meet fellow Youth from Iowa District East or Iowa District West.

Youth Leader Retreat

Youth Leader Retreat

Theme: “Living the Life”
Verse: Romans 6:4
August 25 & 26, 2006

This event is for anyone who serves our youth in the church or community. Plan on growing in
faith, developing skills and celebrating the Gospel connection God brings about through your
faithful service.

Registration Cost: $30.00/person overnight
$20.00/person for Saturday only
Who: Adult Youth Leaders
What: We hope to meet the needs of newer youth leaders and the more experienced youth
leaders. If you were present last year, come again and bring a friend.
Where: Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca
When: August 25 & 26, 2006
Speaker: Rev. Ryan Matthias

Time & Intent:
Friday night – 7:00-10:00 p.m. Ice breakers, games, sharing ideas and a Make and Take.
Saturday – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. How can we help those troubled youth? What are strategies to help today’s youth? How can we better use the small group strategies?
What to bring: Personal care items and Bibles. Bring a blanket, pillow, towel and washcloth. Change for the pop machine.

Contact person: Renee (Taylor) Moravec (319) 373-7008.
___ ______________(Keep top portion for your information)___________________
Youth Leader Retreat
Registration deadline: August 17th, 2006 (No refunds after August 19th)

Camp IO-DIS-E-CA Wish List

Wish List
Our Board of Directors has a goal of making your camp a “best-in-class” outdoor recreational and camping environment. We have been very well served by previous staff and volunteers but we need your help, too. Our staff is compiling a list of ways you can help. Please consider ringing a group to camp to work on a project. Contact Pr. Small for our specific needs or project ideas. Men’s groups, women’s groups, youth groups, Bible Study groups, fraternal chapters and individual volunteers can sponsor any number of the activities and projects. Matching funds are always welcome!

Some specific needs we have at this time:

High speed internet
New computer
Postage stamps ($.39 and $.24)
27” Television with DVD, television cart
Plastic storage bins (any size)
Vacuum cleaners
New maintenance utility vehicle
Portable air compressor
Gas pressure washer
Commercial Dishwasher
Breakfast cereal
Medical/First Aid supplies

Language Help Needed

LANGUAGE HELP NEEDED!!!!!!
On Saturday April 22nd, 2006 we held our first gathering of those involved in
cross-cultural/ethnic work in Iowa District East. There were 14 people in attendance
representing 5 different congregations. One need that was expressed was having
people who were fluent in different languages.

Currently, St. Paul Lutheran Church of Latimer holds a service in Spanish every
other Saturday evening. We thank God that the Gospel is being proclaimed in
Spanish. Work is also being done with Hispanic people at the Camp at
Williamsburg. Grace Lutheran in Waterloo has worked among the Bosnian people
for a number of years.

We would like to gather the following info of your people/members who are
fluent in a foreign language other than English. We will then build a data base of
those who might be able to help with translation when needed. Thanks for your
response.
Name: _________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
________________________________________________
Telephone #s: ____________________________________
Email: __________________________________________
Congregation/ City member of: _____________________
Language(s) fluent in: _____________________________
Member has been contacted and is willing to share this ability?
Check one: ___ yes or ___ no

Please complete this form and return it to: deanrothchild@lcmside.org

IDE Calendar

IDE CALENDAR OF EVENTS

JUNE 2006
06/18/2006 Installation of Rev. Michael Scudder at 4pm (correction)at Faith Mount Pleasant
June 23-24, 2006 IDE District Convention at Marriott Hotel Cedar Rapids
06/25/2006 Installation of Rev. Randall Russell at 4 pm at Peace Oelwein
06/27/2006 Student Aid Committee Meeting at 9 am at District Office Marion
06/28/2006 Lutheran's Day at Adventureland Park Des Moines

JULY 2006
07/03/2006 - 07/04/2006 *INDEPENDENCE DAY Holiday* - District Office Closed Marion
07/07/2006 - 07/08/2006 IDE LWML Convention at Marriott Hotel Cedar Rapids
07/08/2006 Camp Board meeting at 9 am at Camp Solon
07/09/2006 Installation of Rev. Matt Versemann at 2 pm at St John Waverly
07/10/2006 IDE GOLF Outing at Tara Hills Country Club. Registration needed by July 6.
Keystone

07/11/2006 Board of Directors Meeting at 9 am at District Office Marion
07/13/2006 Missions Committee meeting - Location to be determined
07/14/2006 -07/16/2006 Lutherans for Life National Conference - Crowne Plaza Cedar Rapids
07/16/2006 Ordination and Installation of Rev. Edward Killian at 2pm at FaithWaterloo
07/16/2006 Ordination and Installation of Rev. Jesse Cearlock at 7:00 pm at Our Redeemer
Dubuque
07/16/2006 Installation of Rev. Stephen Henderson at Risen Christ Davenport

August 2006
08/01/2006 – 08/02/2006 Iowa East and West – Principal Conference at Gloria Dei Urbandale
08/14/2006 – 08/15/2006 Teachers’ Workshop at Trinity Cedar Rapids
08/17/2006 Worship Committee Meeting at 9 am at District Office Marion
08/25/2006 - 08/26/2006 Youth Leader Retreat at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca Solon

Pastoral Call Updates

Accepted:
Rev. Wayne Fredericksen, Zion, Wilton to Our Savior, Arlington, VA (6/18/06)
Rev. Michael Scudder, Ft. Wayne, IN to Faith, Mt Pleasant (6/18/06 4 pm)
Rev. Matt Versemann, Tryon, NC to St. John, Waverly (7/9/06 2 pm)

Pending:
Rev. Jerry Doellinger, Concordia, CR to Pilgrim, Lakewood, OH

Declined:
Rev. Michael Holm, Trinity, Clinton to St. John, Beardstown, IL
Rev. Ryan Mathias, Tr., Davenport to Gracious Savior, Edward, CO
Rev. Thomas Ogilvie, College Hill, Cedar Falls to St. John, Storm Lake, IA W
Rev. David Rempfer, Blairstown to Grace, El Dorado, KS

IDE Convention Reminders

May 2006

Click here for a link that includes a copy of the Host Congregation Letter, Convention
Registration, Credential Cards (if you need to make extra copies, please use colored stock paper
if possible - blue for the delegate, green for the pastor, white for other), Convention Checklist
and an Extra Meal Package reservation form.

Please remember the cut off dates
June 9th - Marriott Hotel reservations,
June 12th - Extra Meal Packages Order Form
June 12th - Return of the Convention Registration and Credential Cards - duly filled
out and signed.

The seating on the Convention Floor is for voting delegates only - there will be extra seating in
the back and on the side for Advisory delegates and guests.

If you have reserved a display space, you may begin your setup at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday,
June 22nd. Display table space is filled.

If you are unable to attend the Convention and have not yet emailed in your excuse to
rosanne@lcmside.org, please do so.

There will be a correction/additional information sheet(s) included in the front of the
registration folder which will be handed out the morning of the Convention. If you have noticed
any mistakes or omissions in the Convention Workbook, please let us know right away so we
can add them to the correction sheet (s).

CREDENTIAL CARDS AND REGISTRATION FORM: THESE CARDS MUST HAVE TWO SIGNATURES before they are returned to the District Office. Deadline is June 12th.

IDE Spelling Bee

District Spelling Bee Held at Valley Lutheran

On March 4, after many successful years in Latimer, the Annual Iowa District East Spelling Bee was moved this year to Valley Lutheran School in Cedar Falls. Eight schools participated, bringing a total of fifty-six students to the event.

Each contestant received seventy-five words and six oral words, with the top three contestants from each of the three age levels going on to an oral spell-down to determine who would take home the first, second, and third place trophies.

A traveling plaque, presented each year to the school with the most overall points, went to Trinity Lutheran of Cedar Rapids, with a total combined score of 548 points. Next in line was Williamsburg, Newhall, Readlyn, Clemons, Waterloo, Dubuque, and Latimer.

Thanks to all the contestants, their schools, parents, and the many volunteers for all the hard work and time to make it a fun day for all! We would also like to thank Marilyn Fahrmann of St. Paul Lutheran School for all she did to help us organize this event and to Quota Club International, Fareway Stores, and the Waverly Home Bakery for their support in sponsoring this event.

Valley Lutheran was proud to host the event and looks forward to other such events in the future. For more information contact VLS at (319) 266-4565 or visit www.valleylutheranhigh.com.

The youth with their trophies:
Front Row: (3-4 graders) 1st place-Zachary Barz, 2nd place-Isaiah Armbrecht, 3rd place-Samantha Fitzgerald
Second Row: (5-6 graders) 1st place-Mallory Martens, 2nd place-Ivey Furler, 3rd place-Zach Richardt
Third Row: (7-8 graders) 1st place-Wes Anderson, 2nd place-Devon Campbell, 3rd place-Christian Sickelka

This picture is of Liz Wuertz giving the traveling plaque to Trinity Lutheran School.

Grace Lutheran Church DeWitt - Camp

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans West Clinton County Chapter together with Grace Lutheran Camp, DeWitt joined together on Saturday, May 6th for “Join Hands Day” work day at Grace Lutheran Camp.

“Join Hands Day” was celebrated nationwide, as a day during which youth and adults joined together in work and conversation and learn from each other.

Many volunteers from the West Clinton County Chapter of Thrivent Financial and Grace Camp Board members spent the morning and afternoon, landscaping, painting and cleaning at the Welton Chapel, raking, weeding, trimming shrubs and mulching at the Camp Friendship Garden and Andrew Retreat Center and preparing for the 2006 Grace Luminary. DeWitt Central Alternative School students painted bird houses that were placed around the camp. Volunteers served coffee, juice and goodies in the morning and lunch at noon to all of the willing workers.

Da Vinci Code

May 12, 2006

Concordia Seminary Announces SemCast on Da Vinci Code

St. Louis – Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, announces the debut of SemCast, a new video resource on its Web site. SemCast resembles a television interview program, hosted by Concordia Seminary president, Dr. Dale A. Meyer. Each SemCast is approximately 20 minutes in length and features Meyer interviewing people with particular knowledge or expertise on subjects of interest to church and world.

The first SemCast, available on the Seminary’s Web site at www.csl.edu/Resources_SemCast.aspx, contains an interview of Dr. Paul L. Maier, renowned author, lecturer and professor of history at Western Michigan University, concerning The Da Vinci Code novel. Among Maier’s many books is his latest, The Da Vinci Code: Fact or Fiction? The SemCast explores some of the basic factual errors contained in Dan Brown’s novel, The Da Vinci Code, which has been adapted for a movie by the same title which will debut in theaters in the United States on May 19.

“SemCast allows Concordia Seminary to provide a rapid-response resource for church and world that deals effectively with significant issues,” commented Rev. Glen Thomas, vice president for seminary relations at Concordia Seminary. “President Meyer will be the featured interviewer for each SemCast and will bring his considerable theological and media expertise to the project.”

SemCast is available free of charge and takes advantage of the latest technological innovations. The Seminary’s plans include podcasting SemCast in the near future.

For more information, contact Seminary Relations, Concordia Seminary, 801 Seminary Place, St. Louis, MO 63105; (314) 505-7370; semrelations@csl.edu.

Lutherans For Life

May 10, 2006 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 31

LFL sets 2006 conference to attract more families

Lutherans For Life (LFL) has moved its annual national conference from fall to summer this year -- July 14-16 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa -- to make it easier for whole families to attend.

Registration is open now, by mail or online. For more information visit the Web site www.lutheransforlife.org/2006_conference_home.htm, where other details about the 2006 conference also are posted.

"We moved the conference to July in an effort to be more family-friendly," LFL Communications Director Lowell Highby told LCMSNews. Highby said future national conferences also are being planned for summer.

"Cherish the Children" is the theme for the 2006 conference at the Crowne Plaza Five Seasons Hotel in Cedar Rapids.

Individual registration for the entire conference is $100 ($90 for students) and $190 for married couples, with registrations also available for partial attendance.

Those who register online for the whole conference receive a $5 discount for each adult registering.

A rate of $79 per room per day is available for conference attendees who make reservations with the Crowne Plaza by June 15.

Offered as conference "extras" are a minor-league baseball game; a tour of the nearby Amana colonies; and a first-time day camp for children ages 5 to 12 provided by Camp IO-DIS-E-CA, a ministry of the LCMS Iowa District East.

In addition to plenary presentations that begin with a keynote address the evening of July 14, the conference will offer workshops, a banquet on Saturday, Bible study and worship on Sunday, and a closing brunch.

Among scheduled plenary speakers are:


Dr. Jeffrey A. Gibbs, conference keynoter and Bible-study leader, who is professor of exegetical theology at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis;

Chuck Asay, editorial cartoonist for The Gazette, of Colorado Springs, Colo., who will ask "Go Where?" in a presentation based on Gen. 12:2;

Roberta Bandy of Tower Lake, Ill., an author whose conference topic is "Cherish Unexpected Gifts"; and

Dr. James I. Lamb, LFL's executive director, who will deliver the sermon for the Sunday worship service.
Workshop topics include "How does daycare become dayscare?"; "Evolution: the incredible hoax"; "The truth about sex, true love, and relationships"; "Titus 2 for life"; "Cherish the children in other lands"; "Cherishing the children through adoption"; "Post-abortion recovery: you and your church can help"; and a panel on "Cherishing moms in crisis."

Lutherans For Life, whose mission is stated as "Witnessing to the sanctity of human life based on the Word of God," describes itself as "the only pan-Lutheran pro-life organization in the nation."

With national offices in Nevada, Iowa, LFL has 15 state or regional federations, 149 local chapters, and 745 life-ministry coordinators nationwide.

Help Needed

May 8, 2006

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus,

Here is an update, request for more workers and continuing prayers. We need more workers!!! There are five more teams gathering to go. Ellie Menz from Iowa District West, our partner with the relief effort, has sent the following information including dates of the five teams that are going to help in Louisiana.

Rev. Dean Rothchild

Greetings,

Thanks to the many teams from Iowa District West and East who have donated time, talents and money to help rebuild homes and lives of many in the Louisiana area!! We have been able to change the lives of many but there is soooo much to do. I understand that 850,000 homes were destroyed.

I am currently working with five more teams who will be going to help in Louisiana. Dates are June 18-23, July 13-21, July 8-15, August 7-11 and one that the date is not finalized. WE NEED MORE WORKERS!!! You can set your own dates and there is no set amount of people per team. An individual can go or teams can go.

If you can not go to help, money is needed for the building supplies. Checks can be written and sent to Iowa District West or Iowa District East. You may indicate on your check that you want it to be used for building supplies.

Please share the need and contact me at ellie.menz@idwlcms.org or 515-386-8420. I will work with you to make the arrangements. Remember, the food and lodging is provided for the volunteers.

God’s Blessings,

Ellie Menz
Iowa District West, IOWAY Director

New To The District

During Call Day services on April 25, 2006, at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, 112 pastoral calls, 158 vicarages and six deaconess assignments for students were announced. Those assigned in the Iowa East District, pictured with wives and the district president, are, from left, front row. Stephen Henderson, Rachel Henderson, Marjorie Arp, Rev. Gary Arp; back row, Merle Warnsholz, Lois Warnsholz, Rebecca Heimbuck and Joshua Heimbuck.

Candidate Received:
Davenport, Risen Christ - Stephen Henderson (St. Louis)
Dubuque, Our Redeemer - Jesse Cearlock (Ft. Wayne)
Oelwein/Independence - Randall Russell (Ft. Wayne)
Waterloo, Faith - Edward Killian (Ft. Wayne)

Vicar Received:
Cedar Rapids, Bethany - Joshua Heimbuck (St. Louis)
Davenport, Trinity - Merle Warnsholz (St. Louis)
Hampton, Trinity - Matthew Dent (Ft. Wayne)
Vinton, Trinity - David Klinge (Ft. Wayne)

PASTORAL CALLS

Accepted:
Rev. Wayne Fredericksen to Our Savior, Arlington, VA
Rev. Michael Scudder to Faith, Mt. Pleasant (6/18/06)

Pending:
Rev. Ryan Mathias to Gracious Savior, Edward, CO
Rev. Matt Versemann to St. John, Waverly

Declined:
Rev. Michael Holm to St. John, Beardstown, IL
Rev. Thomas Ogilvie to St. John, Storm Lake, IA W
Rev. Keith Piotter to Peace, Antigo, WI
Rev. David Rempfer to Grace ElDorado, KS
Rev. Steve Rempfer to Immanuel, Rock Island, IL

2000 IDE Convention

Pictures from the 2000 IDE Convention are linked to the right. Take a look. Pictures from the 2003 Convention will be coming in the future.

Camp IO-DIS-E-CA Press Release

The Boards of Directors of Iowa District East and Camp IoDisECa are pleased to announce the appointment of Rev. Terry Small as Interim Camp Director.Rev. Small will fill the position recently vacated by Paul Golke, who accepted a similar position at Camp Concordia, Gowen, Michigan. The interim appointment is for a period of 12 months, during which time the Boards will move to fill the position on a permanent basis.Rev. Small, who with his wife, Debby and their two children, currently resides in Baxter, Minnesota, brings to the District a variety of experience and competencies that will serve him well at Camp IoDisECa:

He has six years of Camp Board experience, including Chairman and was intimately involved in the recent restructuring and revival of Lutheran Island Camp at Henning, Minnesota.

He has diverse employment experience, including fundraising, financial planning, promotion, organization, staff supervision and management.

He will also be able to fill, on an interim basis, the position of Pastoral Advisor, which the Camp's Pastoral Staff Committee was in the process of trying to fill.

His theological perspective is in harmony with the stated Goals of the Camp's Strategic Plan. He will support the Camp Board in creating and promoting its vision for a Camp that is distinctively Lutheran and whose facilities and programs are "best in class".

Last, but not least, he has an outgoing personality, relates well to people of all ages and looks forward to working with the Camp staff to make 2006 a wonderful camping year.

The appointment of Rev. Small comes at a time of significant growth and opportunity for the Camp, whose Board of Directors has recently completed the Camp's first formal Strategic Plan, has hired a full time Facilities Director and has approved exciting new specialty programs for the 2006 Summer camping season.Please join us in warmly welcoming Rev. Small and his family to Iowa District East and pray that his tenure is richly blessed by God and will thus be a blessing to all in our beloved District.

Paul Zoske
Camp Board Chairman

Rev. Gary Arp's May Article

Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Congregation and Their Pastor

I was recently visiting with a pastor. He was frustrated. He was doubting himself. He was questioning whether it might be time for him to consider a call to another congregation. As he talked, I could not help but to think about the parallels between the husband/wife relationship and the pastor/congregation relationship and something I had learned from a family counselor about thirty years ago. I related to the pastor a theory this family counselor had about marriage. He immediately made the application to the pastor/congregation relationship without any prompting from me. He said, “I think this ought to be your next IDE TODAY article!” So here it is. If I knew the family counselor’s name, I would give him credit. All I remember is that he was from Escanaba, Michigan.


His theory went like this: Marriage relationships go through stages. The first stage he called the dream world stage; the couple acknowledges that some couples do have serious problems in their relationships, but, they say, ours will be different. Our love will see us through every difficulty. Almost without exception each spouse has certain fantasies about what the relationship will be like. I remember one young wife who told me one of her fantasies was that every evening she would have a nice dinner ready for her husband when he came home from work. They would then have a quite dinner together and talk over the events of the day and spend a romantic evening together. You know where this going... As it turned out, her husband usually came home from work dirty, tired and grumpy. He would wolf down his dinner, hardly saying word, then plop down in front of the TV and fall asleep! I suspect every pastor and every congregation has certain fantasies about how a new pastor/congregation relationship will be. Surely the seminary students who will have received their Calls by the time you read this will have some fantasies about what it will be like to the “PASTOR!”

Stage Two he called “Time of Disillusion!” This is when you began to think, I’ve made a mistake! By the time I talked with her, the wife mentioned above had moved into the “Time of Disillusion!”

Stage Three he named “Time of Misery!” This is when you move from THINKING you made a mistake to KNOWING you made a mistake. During this time, things are bad in the relationship. There is a lot of conflict, arguing and fussing at one another. Every little thing irritates. Worst of all, it is characterized by hopelessness--things are never going to get better. The marriage counselor said this is the time when 100% of the divorces take place. Some couples stay together but spend the rest of their lives in this stage! I suspect in the pastor/congregation relationship this is the time when many pastors seek a call, or at least want one, and the congregation is hoping he will get one.

Stage Four is a time of awakening. This is the time when one of the partners decides, Whatever it takes, I am going to make this marriage work. Whatever changes I have to make in my attitude and behavior, I am going to do it. Divorce is not an option nor is continuing the way we are an option. The marriage counselor says that usually the partner will catch on and realize, Hey, this guy is really trying! At this point the partner will get with the program and things begin to improve and the couple moves into the next stage.

Stage Five is the time of love. The couple that moves to this stage will be married to each other as long as they both shall live. In this stage things are good most of the time. Some times they are terrific, and once-in-a-while there are some difficult days. In stage five we learn to put up with one another’s quirks and idiosyncracies. Arguments are of short duration and both know This too shall pass! In the pastor/congregation relationship these are the pastorates that last 25, 30, 40 or more years.

When a congregation votes to extend a Call, the congregation is God’s instrument. Thus, when a call is extended to a pastor, it is God Himself that is calling that man to serve His people in that place. Because of our old sinful human nature, there are bound to be conflicts. A statement I make repeatedly is: The measure of our sanctification is not the lack of conflict in a relationship, but the way in which we deal with the conflict. Our Savior has laid down some very clear guidelines for His people beginning with the eighth commandment, “You shall not bear false witness...” What does this mean? “We should fear and love God that we may not deceitfully belie, betray, slander, nor defame our neighbor, but defend him, speak well of him, and put the best construction on everything.”

Considering our old sinful human nature it is only by God’s grace that any marriage or pastor/congregation relationship survives!

May 2006 Cover Photo

The May issue of the IDE TODAY should arrive about the fourth week of May. On the cover will be DCE Kaja Heinecke from Our Redeemer in Iowa City. Kaja is pictured collecting hurricane garbage from up in a tree in Boloxi. So far, Our Redeemer has sent two groups down south to help with the recovery.

Trinty Lutheran In Clinton's Float

Trinity Lutheran entered a float in Clinton's Sesquicentennial Parade last June. The float depicts our old church building connected by a bridge to our current church. The float won the grand prize and was entered into other parades throughout the summer of 2005.

Elemetry Band Festival

On April 7th, more than 114 students, teachers, and parents/chaperones converged on Clemons Lutheran School for the First Annual Iowa Lutheran Elementary Band Festival. The students represented 11 Lutheran elementary schools in IDE and ID-West. They were divided into two bands directed by Ms. Christa Miller of Mt. Olive Lutheran School in Des Moines and Ms. Sherry Moentmann of Trinity Lutheran School in Davenport. Following several hours of rehearsal, the bands performed a concert of diverse musical pieces. In addition, six of the schools provided individual or ensemble entertainment. The event was the inspiration of Ms. Miller and Ms. Sara Wacker, the band director at Clemons. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans® provided a generous grant to help make the event a success.

Book Club At Trinity, Clinton

Last summer, conversations among some Trinity members searching for new ideas for church activities became a reality when a Christian Book Club was formed in the fall 2005. An organizational meeting was held and the ten members decided to meet the last Monday of each month in the most logical place--our Church Library.

Ann Bell, author of nine Christian novels, is a Trinity member, so there was a great interest in reading her books. So far, we have read Montana and Montana Skies which contain four novels each. The book we are currently reading is Mended Wheels. Much of what Ann writes about is how Christian faith and love can overcome earthly problems which all of us face. She touches on current social concerns including school violence, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, divorce, single parenting, birth defects, aging, and Alzheimer's Disease to name a few. Ann also writes of the power of prayer, a relationship with Jesus Christ and the church family as vital in one’s life. Ann’s favorite topic is intergenerational support, the senior citizen helping the teenager. For example, looking around our Library during book club night, we mirror what Ann writes of; our group consists of women from teenager to senior citizen, and all have an input on how the current story touched her life or spoke to her in a special way.

When we are finished with Ann’s books, we plan to start reading a series called Wisconsin. Ann knows the author, Andrea Boeshaar, so we will feel we are meeting a new friend as we read.

The book selection for each month is listed in the Sunday bulletin and monthly newsletter. It is our hope that even those not involved in the Club will read the books or explore our church library.

Do you have a love of reading? Are you tired of all the secular literature on the market? Consider starting a book club at your church. Not only will you read uplifting Christian novels, but you will form special relationships with others in your congregation that otherwise you might not have known very well.

Our Redeemer in Iowa City

Biloxi Trip by Louise Gebel


[Jesus said] In this world you will have trouble. But take heart, I have overcome the world John 16:33.

As Jesus told His disciples they would have trouble in this world, so our group of 22 saw much trouble down in Biloxi, Miss. The destruction wrought by Hurricane Katrina is almost incomprehensible. For miles and miles shells of buildings sit abandoned, the foundation all that remains of many. Enormous piles of debris were on the roadsides. It would be easy to succumb to despair, but we have God's assurance He is still in control. He has overcome the world.

God is working through people at The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd (LCMS) and Bethel Lutheran Church (ELCA) to overcome the hurricane damage. These two churches have built a tent city (Camp Biloxi) that houses and feeds over 200 volunteers a day. They have also set up a free medical clinic and a distribution center. They have an empowering vision to use hurricane recovery efforts to spread the gospel message of hope and salvation in Jesus Christ.

For five days, we clean up volunteers from Our Redeemer called Camp Biloxi home. We joined 300 other people eager to serve and rebuild. The men in our group put up dry wall in a house, as well as doing electrical and plumbing work. The majority of us picked up debris and painted a house. A few hardy souls even signed up for morning kitchen duty in the camp. We met many local residents and were touched by their incredible stories and gratitude.

Our trip to Biloxi was definitively life changing; it gave each of us a whole new perspective. Now that we are back, we want to share our experiences so you may see how God is overcoming the world through our brothers and sisters in the Gulf Coast region. Our Redeemer Lutheran Church is planning return trips to Biloxi; contact DCE Kaja Heinecke at (319) 338-5626 if you would like to take part.

Trinity Lutheran School In Davenport

Fun Night at Trinity Lutheran School centered on a 3-A-Day of Dairy Nutrition Education Grant the school received last Fall. All year the students have been learning how dairy calcium and physical activity build strong bones.

For the event, students created over 25 interactive dairy-themed games, including Cheeseball, the Moovin' Maze, and Bovine Bowling. Each stressed the importance of dairy products and physical activity. A milk dunk tank allowed students to drench teachers and staff in liquid which only resembled milk. Three different breeds of dairy calves were on hand for petting.

Trinity also hosted the first annual 5K Dairy Dash and 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk. Some walkers sported costumes to emphasize the bone strengthening benefits of dairy calcium and physical activity. Runners came from as far away as Michigan.

To wrap up Trinity's Dairy Calcium & Fitness Challenge, students toured Cinnamon Ridge Dairy in May.

Paul Golke Farewell

On Sunday, April 30th, around 300 people attended a farewell reception for Paul and Kristi Golke at Camp IO-DIS-E-CA.

Some pictures are posted under the LINKS section of this web site. If you have pictures of the event that you would like to add to this selection, send them to IDETODAY@juno.com.