Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

Eve Circle at Grace, DeWitt packed a total of 56 kits for Lutheran World Relief in October. Among the number of kits sent were: 17 Health Kits; 16 School Kits; 14 Baby Layettes and 9 quilts. This is an ongoing project during the year as many of the items for the layettes are sewn by circle members or are purchased at garage sales. The other kit items are purchased or donated by members of Grace congregation and Eve circle then assembles them in kits to be sent to Lutheran World Relief. These projects are lovingly done to promote spiritual fellowship and enrich the lives throughout the world by sharing God's love and showing that we care. Thrivent Financial for Lutheran, West Clinton Chapter, provided funds to help with this worthwhile project.

Valley Lutheran High School

Valley Lutheran-Celebrates Activities

The first quarter of the 2007-2008 school year at Valley Lutheran Middle and High School has been uplifting and active within the Cedar Valley.

The week of October 1-5, Valley Lutheran Middle and High School celebrated its second year of partnership by sharing in Homecoming activities with Janesville Schools. Highlights this year included a visit to Janesville High School by our Principal Bruce Johnson and Valley Lutheran Student Council Representatives; during the week VLHS students celebrated each day with dress up themes; on Friday the entire student body traveled to Janesville and walked in the parade, with Johann Focken and Melea Harriman carrying our new Crusader banner; and our two student representatives, Isaiah Nelson and Cassie Yost, rode in a red convertible in the Homecoming parade and represented Valley Lutheran at Friday night’s events. Many thanks go out to Janesville’s administration, staff, teachers, coaches, and student “Wildcats” for being such great partners and friends of Valley Lutheran School! Valley Lutheran student athletes who participate in athletics at Janesville this fall are: Kenny Malm and Ronnie Edmondson in football, Hayley Wheaton in cheerleading, and Mari By in volleyball.

Valley Lutheran Middle and High School was excited to assist Immanuel Lutheran School (Waterloo) in hosting the IDE volleyball tournament on Saturday, Oct. 27. Six JV teams participated—Immanuel, Central (Newhall), Trinity (Cedar Rapids), Trinity (Davenport), Community (Readlyn), and LIS (Williamsburg).

The volleyball was great, the sportsmanship and teamwork were great, and it was a celebration of “the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the human drama of athletic competition.”

Valley Lutheran Middle & High School served as the host facility for the Young Leaders in Action Youth Leadership Conference on Tuesday, October 30. More than 250 high school students representing 22 eastern Iowa schools attended the conference, with the theme “If you don’t STAND for something, you’ll FALL for anything.” Keynote speaker, Ann Kerian, challenged the students to make life choices based on positive values. Students participated in break-out sessions, a panel discussion with community leaders, and a service project for the Northeast Iowa Food Bank. This was the second year that Valley Lutheran hosted the conference, a joint effort of many sponsors such as the Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa, Cedar Valley’s Promise, and the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, just to name a few.

Rev. Dean rothchild, Assistant To the District President

On Saturday October 27^th, my wife and some friends of ours went on a color tour. We drove up through northeastern Iowa to the Mississippi River. It was a beautiful sunny afternoon. We went through some towns that we had never been in before. In retrospect, we maybe were a couple of weeks too late to experience the full and vibrant colors of the fall season but we had a very enjoyable day.

Fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Not only do we have the beautiful colors but it is also the season of football. The downside of fall is that it leads to winter. The positive side of winter is that it leads to spring and new things beginning to grow and come forth as part of God’s wonderful creation. The seasons of the year are comparable to the seasons of a persons’ life.

All people, whether they know it or not have experienced the result of the “fall.” Paul writes: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” Romans 3:23. The result of that is death. Paul also says: “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” Romans 6:23. But death is necessary. We were put to death and made alive in our Baptism. Paul says: “For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory” Colossians 3:3-4.

The mission of the Church deals with the clear proclamation of God’s grace and mercy through the giving of Jesus Christ into death for the sins of the whole world. People need to hear from the Church why they need the Savior, namely, that they need forgiveness for their sins. The Church brings that message of Christ Jesus through the Word and the Sacraments. Those are the only means by which Christ Jesus builds His Church. And He has promised to build it: “And upon this rock, I will build My Church” Matthew 16:18.

As each Christian congregation continues to proclaim Christ Jesus in the fields of opportunities which are white unto His harvest, Christ Jesus will add to His Kingdom. Could God use your congregation to be the mother in planting a daughter congregation? Our District Mission Committee has been discussing this and some of our Pastor’s have been approached with the idea.

The Church and her Pastor’s always find themselves in the season of having to make the good confession. Paul says: “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom; preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths. But you, be sober in all things, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” May God keep our Pastor’s and Churches faithfully confessing what Christ Jesus has given and entrusted to them.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in McGregor

St. Paul Lutheran Church Hosts VBS

'Quest For the Truth,' was the theme for St. Paul Lutheran Church, LCMS, McGregor during its week long Vacation Bible School held late summer. Lessons were presented by Jennifer Pazour as leader, and Pastor David Zimmer presided over the opening. Sunday School Superintendent, Barb Rieck, also assisted in the games and classes with other helpers. Those attending were, front, left to right; Jerica Rush; Jon Coleman, Kira Rieck, Keely Ayers, Shelby Martin. Second row: Jaxon Coleman, Justin Coleman, Joshua Rush, Kaye Skime, Bryce Matthew, Brandon Martin, Pete Pazour. Third row; Tom Coleman, Johanna Coleman, Carly Matthew, Briana Pazour. Fourth row: Pastor David Zimmer, Jennifer Pazour, Christy Matthew, Barb Rieck. Missing was Lorraine Ayers, who in charge of the snacks that reflected the lesson of the day. (photo by Lucy Dodge)

St. Paul Lutheran Church 'kicks off' Sunday School

St. Paul Lutheran Church, LCMS, McGregor, IA, held its annual kick-off to start the beginning of its new year of Sunday School.

Worship, led by Pastor David Zimmer and a pot-luck were part of the event followed by games for the kids. Taking crushed ice from a wading pool with their feet and placing it in a dish; blowing a ping-pong ball across the wading pool filled with water to see which team could get their ball across the finish line first; and teams racing to put clothes on from a bag then racing to a spot to remove them before giving the bag to the next in line plus other fun activities. Enjoyment was had by both congregational members and the kids playing the games. Following are those that participated in the games; Jaxon Coleman, Joshua Rush, Jon-Jon Coleman, Kaitlyn and Elizabeth Grady, Kira Rieck, Jerica Rush, Katie Zimmer, Kay Skime, Emily and Luauren Zimmer: Justin Colman, Johnna Coleman, Keely Ayers, Janelle Rush, Barbara Rieck, both Sunday teachers, Julie Zimmer with Jehna, Tom and Janet Coleman, organizers, Morgan Temor , Trent Hatke, and Tory and Colby Ferguson.

College Hills Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls

It’s October 13th and Homecoming at the University of Northern Iowa! Of course, that calls for a parade. The Lutheran Student Fellowship from Brammer Student Center, College Hill Lutheran Church decided to participate by carrying the banner and marching in the parade. What a surprise when one of the parade onlookers called out “Lutherans. This is most certainly true”. What a great witness to the crowd standing round.

College Hills Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls

The first Annual Block Party was hosted by the Lutheran Student Fellowship of Brammer Student Center and College Hill Lutheran Church congregation. The event was held for students and residents near the campus of University of Northern Iowa on Saturday, October 7th. A cookout and games were provided and enjoyed by those attending.

Chairman of the congregation, Kevin DeVries, did the grilling honors and congregation members furnished desserts. Although only a few guests came to enjoy the event, over seventy invitations were delivered, making the presence of College Hill and Brammer Student Center known among the neighbors. All those in attendance were certain that the second Annual Block Party in 2008 will be an even bigger draw for the neighborhood.

TLH

Grace Lutheran, DeWitt, IA has over 300 used hymnals--The Lutheran Hymnal, C1941--available for cost of shipping, or for someone to arrange to pick up.

For more information, contact Nancy Haney, Secretary, or Grace Gotoski, M.S., R.N.,
Parish Nurse at 563-659-9153 or by email:

gracebulletin@iowatelecom.net or parishnurse@iowatelecom.net

St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone

This Christmas, St. John's Lutheran Church in Keystone will again present "Christmas at the Manger." The date is December 15, from 3-6pm, with church service following at 6pm.

Outside the church there will be a live Nativity with sheep, llamas, a donkey, pigeons, and more. Shepherds will gather around a fire pit, the Inn keeper will declare there is no room at the Inn, and Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus will rest in the only room available, the manger with the animals.

Inside the church will be more of the city of Bethlehem. The Inn will serve hot drinks, hot chocolate, coffee, and apple cider. Homemade cookies and candies are will be available to enjoy while listening to local vocal and instrumental talent performances.

There will be homes open for a "house walk." Maps will be made available.

Last year, the event was a fund raiser for the church. This year, the event will be the congregation's "gift" to the community, and they hope that everyone in IDE will make the trip to Keystone this December and join in the celebration.

Matching funds will be made available from Thrivent Financial For Lutherans.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dubuque

On Sunday afternoon, August 5th, Reverend Parker A. Knoll was installed as Pastor at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Dubuque, Iowa.

District President the Reverend Gary Arp Installed Pastor Knoll; Rev. Dr. Randy Nord preached the sermon; the Liturgist was the Rev. Jesse Cearlock, Assistant Pastor at Our Redeemer, Dubuque, the Lectors were Rev. Dr. Kristian Kincaid, Senior Pastor at Our Redeemer, Dubuque and Rev. David Weber, Pastor at Our Savior, Manchester.

Pastor Knoll has served (during the last 30 years) as Associate Pastor at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Indianapolis, Indiana (11 years); Pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church, Louisville, Kentucky (7 years), and as Associate Pastor at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa (12 years). He and his wife Linda are parents of one son Jonathan, a recent graduate from Valparaiso University and now a first year Law Student at Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana.

The congregation hosted a reception honoring Pastor Knoll and his family following the Installation.

St. Paul's Chapel and University Center in Iowa City

On October 14th, students from St. Paul's Chapel shared with the members of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Coralville their plans to travel to Kenya, Africa in the new year. Asking for support for this trip, the students explained their hopes to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ, teach about Baptism, and deliver school supplies they collect. Why travel to Kenya? Because one of the students served by the Chapel is from there. It is to his home village, and to the school where his mother teaches, the students will travel.
In response, the congregation at Prince of Peace gave financial gifts, will collect more, and pledged to accumulated a stack of school notebooks at least two feet high for the students in Kenya. Other items needed are pens, pencils, and shoes.
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans has a big hand in making this trip possible.
If you would like more information, contact St. Paul's Chapel www.stpaulic.com or 319-337-3652.

The 2007 IDE Secretaries' Conference

The 2007 IDE Secretaries' Conference was help on October 9th at Camp IO-DIS-E-CA. Thirty-one participants travelled from all over eastern Iowa to participate in the event. Hosted by the District's Board for Congregational Services, Rev.W. Max Mons, chairperson, and Rev. Dean Rothchild, Assistant to the District President, organized and planned the event. Camp staff hosted the Secretaries and Rev. Mitchell Otto spoke to the gathered professionals on Parish Written Communication. Thank you also to Mrs. Pam Krog for her contributions, Mrs. Carol White, LCEF, for her gift bags, and Bruce Maurer, Frivent Finacial for Lutherans, for his display.

Along with tips and concepts concerning bulletins, newsletters, and web sites, the Secretaries heard some ideas concerning photographs. The Secretaries' Conference Blog site, linked to the right, has 15 pictures from the Conference, shown before and after cropping.

2010 Youth Gathering

ST.LOUIS, October 2, 2007—The 2010 National LCMS Youth Gathering will be held in New Orleans, La., July 17-21, 2010.

Fall IDE Pastor's Conference