St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg

St. Paul's Fredericksburg Sends Youth to Orlando

The bright green shirts of 19 youth and 3 adults were highly visible as they left from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Fredericksburg on Thursday morning, July 25 bound for the Synod's Youth Gathering in Orlando, FL. Their departure marks the end of 3 years of fund raisers to bring in the money for the group to make the trip. The group consisted of 16 youth from St. Paul's Lutheran, and 3 youth from our nearby St. Paul and St. John churches in Sumner, Pastor Ron Koch of St. Paul's in Fredericksburg, and 2 adult chaperones. Their plans for the trip include a day at Universal Studios, a day at Daytona Beach, and the 4 day youth gathering.

Pictured are:
Back Row: Pastor Ronnie Koch, Michele Anderson, Adam Attleson, Caleb Koch, Trenton Hartson, Cole Deutsch, David Nelson, Ted Heying, Kayla Wendland. Middle Row: Jessie Wendland, Sam Kleiss, Rachel Nelson, Amanda Gibson, Becca Franzen, Sally Kleiss, Mickie Lienau, Ashley Deutsch. Front Row: Cortney Jergens, Jenna Schwake, Nathan O'Neill, Jared Noska and Sheryl Hartson.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg

“Quest for Truth” was the theme this year for VBS at Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg. The program took the kids on a journey through the inerrant Word of God and into the arms of their Savior Jesus Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

On this journey, the kids dug into scripture to investigate Jesus’ life, uncovering Biblical evidence that reveals the truth of who Jesus is, what He has done, and what He continues to do every day. They investigated Bible truths that show Jesus Christ is the way to heaven. This kept the children busy for one full week with Christ centered lessons, crafts, game activities and snacks. On the following Sunday, through Scripture and song, the children shared with the congregation all that they had learned. After service everyone was invited to view the students' projects and enjoy refreshments.

Each year, those participating in VBS choose a project to help spread the Good News to others. Everyone involved realizes how blessed they are to have all their senses to enjoy not only the things in their every day life but to enjoy all the blessing and gifts our Lord gives everyone daily. That is why this year they chose to send their gifts to the Lutheran Blind Mission entitled, “Coming out of Darkness,” an outreach ministry to blind and visually impaired people and their families. The participants pray that the daily offerings of one hundred and sixty five dollars given by the seventeen students and six teachers will help all in need.

The leaders for VBS were Pastor Zimmer, Gertrude Brase, Doris Dawson, Helene Kuempel, Kari Klaes and June Zhiss, director. Carol Smith, Elaine Schroeder, Lauren and Rachel Zimmer were special helpers.

Students who participated were: Erik, Katie and Emily Zimmer, Sydney and Spencer Kuempel, Kenna Strohman, Ellie, Emilie and Ethan Christianson, Brandon Thiese, Jonathan and Matthew Klaes, Rachel, Sarah, Joshua and Joe Brase and Charles Reimer. Visitors were Kelsey Bockenstedt and Taylor Roehlk.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Guttenberg

75th Anniversary

In May of 1932, two city lots were purchased in Guttenburg, within sight of the Mississippi River, for a new Lutheran Church. A parsonage was built for worship and the Pastor. The first floor was used as the church proper and the second floor was the living quarters. The practice at the time was to observe one Gottesdienst (The Divine Service in German) each month.

On April 1, 1937, ground for the church was broken and the new building was ready in August. The building was paid for by its members and cost of $6,500.

There have been improvements to the church and parsonage throughout the years. In 1962, the church basement was remodeled and a new parsonage was constructed. A new organ was installed in 1970, a year before Trinity joined St. Paul of McGregor in a dual parish. A new addition, which included a larger narthex, an expanded basement, a ramp for persons with special needs, and new carpeting throughout, was added in 1992. In 2005 a new organ was installed and in 2006 an office addition was constructed along with an area called the “Garden of Peace”. Most recently, in 2007, a new church sign was hand crafted by member Lyle Torrey.

The Sacrament of the Altar has been celebrated each Sunday since 2005, which was the same year that a processional crucifix was donated. Many of the members are active in Bible Class as well as other activities within the church. Trinity has an active women's group called Trinity's Ladies Aid which dates back to December 1936.

Trinity Lutheran has enjoyed a number of celebrations during the past few years. In 1987, the congregation observed the 50th Anniversary of the construction of the church building. Rev. Roland Jank, Sr. delivered the sermon for that occasion. In 1997, the congregation celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Missouri Synod with a dinner followed by a special service by Rev. Gregory Eilers and games reflective of 150 years ago. For the celebration this year, Trinity is honored to have three pastors preach throughout the year: Rev. Lloyd Helland, Rev. Mark Brase and Rev. Mark Willig.

Since 1932, Trinity has had twelve pastors in all: Rev. Martin Peters (1932); Rev. Theo Frese (1942); Rev. William Reitz (1952); Rev. Wm. Thurber(1959); Rev. Otto Schultz (1962); Rev. Roland Jank, Sr.( 1971); Rev. David McKnight (1979); Rev. Mark Willig (1983); Rev. Lloyd Helland (1990); Rev. Gregory Eilers (1996); Rev. Richard von Steinman(2002); and the present pastor, Rev. David C. Zimmer (2004).

In this anniversary year, the members of Trinity rejoice in the opportunities that their gracious God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, has given to them to speak His Gospel in this community. It is their firm conviction that corporate gathering of God's people around Christ, as He ministers to sinners in Word and Sacrament, is the very foundation of the believer’s new life in Christ.

St. John Lutheran Church in Denver

On July 8, St. John Lutheran in Church Denver was pleased to host the Ordination of Christopher Gorshe. Eight pastors attend the 3:00 pm service. The officiant was Rev. Roger Sterle, Chris’ father-in-law, who is pastor at Our Savior Lutheran in Vernal, UT. Rev. Donald Illian, delivered the sermon speaking to Chris about the commitment of a pastor and St. John’s own pastor, Rev. Larry Feldt was the liturgist and lector for the worship service.

Following the worship service, Rev. Chris Gorshe and his wife Bethany welcomed all who attended during a luncheon hosted by the St. John LWML and Macho Men’s Club.

Chris graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis and received his first call on April 15, 2007 to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cohasset, Minnesota where he was installed as Associate Pastor on July 15^th.

Chris was confirmed and married at St. John Lutheran Church, Denver, Iowa. The congregation has supported Chris through out his seminary studies. St. John is a little unique in this area because it has, for the last four years, been supporting two men from the congregation while they attend seminary. Pastor Gorshe was the first to be ordained. The congregation also supports Matthew Kohl who is currently finishing his final year at the seminary in St. Louis. God has truly blest this congregation with the call of Pastor Gorshe and Matthew to the ministry.

The following is the list of pastor in the photo.

Left to Right

Rev. Jerry Markel, Concordia, Waterloo

Rev. Thomas Wegener, Emeretis, Waterloo

Rev. Larry Feldt, St. John, Denver

Rev. Donald Poock, Emeretis, Waterloo

Rev. Chris Gorshe, Ordained, Our Redeemer, Cohasset, MN.

Rev. James Travis, Emmanuel, Lake View, IA

Rev. Roger Sterle, Our Saviour, Vernal, UT

Rev. Keith Brustuen, St. Paul, Waverly

Rev. Donald Illian, Emeretis, Waterloo

Grace Lutheran Camp in DeWitt

Grace Lutheran Camp, DeWitt, is having a series of Day Camps this summer. The camps include several activities including: Fishing Day Camp, Woodworking Camp, Sewing and Baking Camp, Christmas in July Camp, Magic Day Camp, Sports Day Camp, Little Kid's Day Camp, Craft Day Camp and bus trips to Niabi Zoo and Rock Creek Marina.

July 10th we invited children from the Eastside Mission in Davenport to join us at Rock Creek Marina in Camanche. These pictures are from that day. We had a great day canoing, instruction from the Clinton County Conservation Naturalist on water life in the Mississippi River. The campers enjoyed roasting hot dogs and marshmallows at noon

College Hill Luthean Church in Cedar Falls

On Sunday evening July first, Reverend John Wegener was installed as pastor and campus minister at College Hill Lutheran Church and Brammer Student Center. Cedar Falls, Iowa.

District President the Reverend Gary Arp preached the sermon. Special highlights were the blessing of Reverend Wegener by his father, Reverend Thomas Wegener and the organist for the service was Ruby Wegener, Reverend John Wegener’s mother.

It is a blessing for the congregation and the students at the University of Northern Iowa that Pastor Wegener has arrived prior to the opening of the fall semester of the school year and will be here to welcome back returning students as well as freshmen and transfer students.

In addition to Reverend John Wegener the congregation and students welcome his wife, Heidi and their three children: A.J., Aleah and Javan. Both Pastor and Heidi are graduates of the University of Northern Iowa and were active students at College Hill Lutheran Church and Student Center during their college years.

Welcome back to College Hill and campus ministry, Pastor Wegener.

Convention News

July 16, 2007 .................... LCMSNews -- No. 46

Convention declares fellowship with AALC

HOUSTON -- Delegates to the 63rd Regular Convention declared July 16 that The Lutheran Church--Missouri Synod is in church fellowship with the American Association of Lutheran Churches (AALC).

With headquarters in Minnesota and 78 U.S. congregations, the AALC becomes the 30th partner church of the LCMS and the only one based in the United States. Delegates approved the declaration of church fellowship by a vote of 846 to 345.

The declaration recognizes agreement in doctrine and practice between the two church bodies and permits the members of each to commune at the other's altars and for their pastors to exchange pulpits.

Mission Oppertunity

Lutheran Church Charities is looking for doctors and RNs to staff a medical clinic in Biloxi, MS. Full-time and part-time medical people and a medical director are needed. If you are interested, please contact: Dianna Bonfield at Lutheran Church Charities: 630-688-4422 or John Coyle: 228-383-1010 or 228-594-0008.

If you have any additional questions, please contact Lutherans in Medical Missions at limm@limm.org.

St. John's Lutheran Church in Homestead

St. John's 4th of July Parade Float. The float's theme: "Plant the Seed of Christ, cultivate with God's Word, and extend His Kingdom."

College Hill Luthean Church in Cedar Falls

Installation of Rev. John Wegener at College Hill Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, IA July 1, 2007
Front row: Rev. Jerry Markel, Rev. Randolph McHone, Rev. John Wegener, Rev. Thomas Wegener, Rev. Donald Poock and Rev. Dr. Gary Arp
Back row: Rev. Dean Rothchild, Rev. Bruce Boyce, Rev. Max Mons and Rev. Jesse Cearlock

How to get Synod convention news

News from the 63rd Regular LCMS Convention, July 14-19 in Houston, will be available through Reporter Online and the Synod's Web site and distributed via LCMSNews.

The August printed issues of Reporter and The Lutheran Witness -- the Synod's two official periodicals -- also will have coverage from the convention.

For the first time, gavel-to-gavel coverage of the proceedings will be available via Internet streaming on the Synod's Web site, http://www.blogger.com/, beginning with the opening service at 4 p.m. (CDT), Saturday, July 14. Select session highlights of streamed video also will be available on demand.

Also, printable copies of the convention worship folder and Bible-study material will be available for download at the Web site, for those who would like to follow along or for later use.
For the most timely and complete convention news as the convention is in progress, go to Reporter Online at http://www.blogger.com/ and click on "Convention News," then on the listing by floor committee, "Elections," or "Other."

For the status of elections and resolutions, as well as for a daily photo gallery, go to the convention Web site at www.lcms.org/convention.

Subscribers to LCMSNews will receive major stories (such as the election of president) as they break. After each convention session, a summary will be sent to those subscribers with links to the full news stories from that session.

To subscribe to LCMSNews, go to the Synod's LCMS e-News Web site at http://www.blogger.com/. At that site, register for an e-News account by entering required contact information, then click on "View or Modify my Newsletters," and finally on "LCMSNews" in the "News" folder. Those who already have an e-News account should enter their e-mail address and password at http://www.blogger.com/, click on "View or Modify my Newsletters," and then choose "LCMSNews" in the "News" folder.

The Synod's Radio Station KFUO-AM plans several broadcasts from Houston during the convention. They include the Saturday, July 14, opening worship service; Chuck Rathert's "The Bible Study Show" at 10:05 a.m. (CDT) on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from the KFUO booth in the convention exhibit hall; and the Sunday-night edition of "Issues, Etc." at 9 p.m.
For Web-streaming of those KFUO-AM broadcasts, go to http://www.kfuo.org/.

Those who are in the Houston area July 14-19 may observe the Synod convention first-hand from the visitor-seating section in Halls C and D of the George R. Brown Convention Center -- starting with the opening worship service at 4 p.m. Saturday up to the scheduled convention adjournment at 1:15 p.m. on Thursday. They also can browse the exhibits in Hall E.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Coralville

Coralville has one of the largest parades in the state on the Fourth of July. It passes right in front of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church. Each year , the members of the congregation are encouraged to bring their friends and family to set up their chairs and blankets on the curb in front of the church. As soon as the parade is over, the Fellowship Committee hosts a picnic for our guests. the event gets bigger and bigger each year.

Somehow, before the parade, a water fight broke out pitting the Pastor against every kid with a squirt gun. Everyone got soaked and loved it. Pictured above, everyone reloads from a pool meant to cool off warm children. It worked!

In Christ,
Rev. Mitchell Otto
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Coralville

VBS was held on Saturday, June 30 this year. Thirty-two children, and about as many adult volunteers, gathered around the theme Fishing. When the day was over, each child went home with a stringer of wooden fish (one from each Bible lesson they learned), crafts, music, and a lot of fun memories. Thank you to Rev. W. Max Mons who joined us again this year as one of our teachers.

Next year we are building sand castles!

In Christ,

Rev. Mitchell Otto
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church

October 9th Secretary's Conference Blog Site Created.

IDE Church and School Secretaries, Congregational Chairmen, Principals, and congregational Elders:

Take a look at the Conference blog under the Links to the right.

Hope to see you at the Conference!

In Christ,

Rev. Mitchell Otto, Editor and Conference Presenter

Feedback time!

If you are a member of IDE, please let me know that you have looked at this blog.

1. Tell me when you looked at it.
2. How often do you look at it?
3. Do you like it?
4. What would make it better?

In Christ,

Rev. Mitchell Otto, Editor
idetoday@juno.com

About the 63^rd Regular LCMS Convention

Meeting under the theme “One Message—Christ! His Love Is Here for You!,” the 63^rd Regular Convention of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will take place July 14-19 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. The triennial convention serves as the principal legislative assembly for the church body and includes opportunities for worship, inspiration, and fellowship. Attendance is expected to reach 7,500. Business will include the election of officers, boards, and commissions and the consideration of resolutions, 97 of which already have been drafted.

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS



In 1907, Theodore Roosevelt was serving as President of the United States of America. On July 10, 1907, a precious child of God was born. She was baptized, confirmed and married at Trinity Lutheran, Lowden and following her marriage to Edwin Soenksen she became a member of Grace Lutheran, DeWitt. Her married name is Esther Soenksen.


During the first part of July, 2007, the Grace Lutheran Prayer Warriors honored Esther on her 100th birthday during a Thursday afternoon Prayer Service. A book was compiled and presented to her during the service containing a picture of each individual Prayer Warrior accompanied with a loving note from each of them.


May God continue to richly bless such a faithful Prayer Warrior who is a beautiful witness for Jesus in so many ways.

The Luthean Service Book Receives An Award

Lutheran Service Book—Pew Edition Wins the FiberMark Specifier Award

ST. LOUIS, MO—Concordia Publishing House’s Lutheran Service Book—Pew Edition is honored to win the prestigious, 2007 FiberMark Specifier Award. This award is judged on overall appearance, decoration, design, use of color, construction quality, and the relationship of the material to the product.

Concordia Publishing House won the award in the religious publishing category, competing with publishing companies from around the world. Representatives from FiberMark said the Lutheran Service Book design is “subtle, yet beautiful,” and the “stamping and debossing took extremely well to the material.”

Lutheran Service Book builds on the riches of the liturgical and hymnic heritage that Lutherans have received from past generations. To honor that tradition, Lutheran Service Book not only preserves significant portions of the Lutheran heritage but also makes its own contribution for the 21st century. Lutheran Service Book introduces a significant body of new resources that faithfully celebrate Christ and His Gospel of forgiveness and life.

FiberMark’s specialty fiber-based materials support industries and consumers worldwide. They provide value-added solutions to customers’ needs with advances in fiber technology. The primary markets they serve include office products, publishing, luxury packaging, technical/industrial, graphic design, and more.

St. John Luthean Church in Waverly

ST JOHN WAVERLY DEDICATES ROSCHKE ARBOR ON JUNE 24.

On June 24, the congregation at St John Waverly dedicated an Arbor to a former long time Pastor Harold Roschke and his wife Alvera. The Roschke Arbor, an aesthetically appealing tribute to a beloved Pastor who led the congregation from 1940 to 1976.

The Arbor grew out of an idea at a St John garden club meeting when church member Steve Schoepske suggested building an Arbor to beautify the church grounds. One of the Roschke daughters, Kathryn Roschke Schaefer immediately connected with the idea and suggested that it be dedicated to her parents who had gone to their Glory in 2005. Kathryn still lives in Waverly and is a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

Steve ran a business building garden arbors in Waterloo several years ago. He had planned to build one to honor his parents but his wife Sheri suggested he build one for St John.

Using his skills with woodwork and 3D design and the machines at his workplace, Progressive Tool company in Waterloo, Steve carefully crafted the over 400 piece latticed wood arch. Each side of the arched structure features three crosses, the face of Jesus and the phrase, "I am with you always."

With the help of 10 members of the St. John garden club, the pieces were stained and on Monday June 18 the arbor was assembled. On June 24 following the worship service the congregation proceeded outdoors where a short dedication ceremony was held led by Pastor Versemann. Steve Schoepske the designer of the arbor spoke briefly explaining that he hopes the arbor will hold a special meaning for everyone. "It all pertains to Jesus and I just think it's a fixture to honor Christ and to honor people who taught his word".

Reverend Harold Roschke and his wife Alvera were well known throughout Iowa District East as Pastor Roschke served in many capacities within the district including 1st vice president. He graduated from the St Louis seminary in 1936 and because of the depression many graduates did not have a call. However, he was determined to be a Pastor and after serving as. an assistant in Jackson Missouri where he had vicared and at Clinton, Iowa he received a call to St. John Waverly in November of 1939. He arrived in Waverly in January 1940 and served faithfully until January 1976. Under his leadership and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the church grew from about 70 members to over 700. Because of the rapid growth a new building was built in 1957. He truly understood servant hood and served not only his congregation but the entire community as well. He ministered to non members that were sick and hospitalized and earned a reputation for his generosity, giving food and money to strangers who stopped by the church. He remembered what the Bible taught, “If you have done it to the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me.”

In 1976 he accepted a call to Our Savior Lutheran church in Muscatine. He served there for six years and then served Peace Lutheran Church in Shell Rock, Iowa until his "official" retirement in 1992.

He was without a secretary for many years and his dear wife would fold all the bulletins, prepared the communion, wash the linens and many other things that needed to be done to carry out the work of the Lord. Pastor and Alvera Roschke were blessed with 5 children. Kathryn, Paul, John, Joyce and one son who died in infancy. Kathryn lives in Waverly, Paul is deceased, John lives in Minneapolis and Joyce lives in Ames.

At the time of his departure from Waverly, the local paper in a tribute to Pastor Roschke wrote, "His vigor and enthusiasm for his work, his unfailing good nature and his friendliness with everyone he meets marks him as an exceptional man-Waverly will miss a good friend".

If Pastor and Alvera Roschke were here today they would say, “TO GOD ALONE THE GLORY!”

Christ Luthean Chuch in Davenport

Friends in Christ,

Christ Lutheran High School is currently taking applications for part-time and full-time teaching positions. Send your resume to P.O. Box 1535, Davenport, Ia 52809-1535, to the attention of Rev. Steven L. Anderson, or reply to this message.


Christ Lutheran High School
"A Different Kind of School" Rev. Steven L. Anderson, Administrator, 1020 W. Central Park Ave. Davenport, IA 52804

http://www.clhsqc.org/

563-391-2190