St. Paul's Chapel in Iowa City

I Have Three Brothers and
Five Sisters … Sort of
By: Katie

The last issue of the IDE TODAY talked about the Home Away From Home program at St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel, in Iowa City. I want to tell you about how the program is going from the point of view of a kid, age 12, whose family “adopted” some college students

At first, my family “adopted” two college students. Then we "adopted" three more, so we ended up with a family of eleven. But that's ok. We have so much fun when they come over. Dad and Mom always cook something really nice. It's either steak or chicken. Last time, Dad smoked a turkey on the grill. We always have ice cream sundaes, something we usually don't get. When dinner is done, the college students clean-up, which means I get a night off! After dinner we do something fun: if it's raining or snowing, we play a board game, but when it's really nice, we go outside to play Frisbee, football, or a game of whiffleball.

In my opinion, it's just plain fun to have everyone over. I am the oldest in my family, but it sure is fun to have five older siblings for a couple of hours. My siblings and I have become good friends with the college students, and they are fun to be around. They are funny and nice. Everyone enjoys our time together.

IDE 2008 Kickball Kickball Championship and Bragging Rights

IOWA Defeats UNI in First Ever IDE President’s Cup Challenge.

Iowa City: On a cool, crisp spring day, with winds topping fifteen miles an hour, the Panthers of College Hill Lutheran, Cedar Falls, took on the Hawkeyes of St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel, Iowa City, in a game which separates men from boys and women from girls: kickball.

Now some of you may be thinking, “Kickball? Isn’t that a game for little kids?” Well, yes it is, but that’s beside the point, especially when the prize is the IDE President’s Cup; an honest to goodness cup from which the IDE President had recently sipped tea! What college student in his or her right mind wouldn’t want a crack at winning that? The college students at our two IDE campus ministries did and so they went for it.

It was nine innings of throwing, kicking, sliding, and being plugged with the ball and let this be known: Those Panthers know how to plug someone with a kickball! For four innings the score remained close, but then the Panthers rallied. They went up on the Hawkeyes 12 to 6, but the Hawkeyes would not give up. By playing small ball, the Hawkeyes nibbled away at the lead until they beat the Panthers 18 to 16.

Highlights of the game included:

• The awesome pitching of Rev. John “Rubber Arm” Wegener, who turned in a complete game, allowing no walks.
• St. Paul’s outfield, which caught more fly balls than they dropped.
• The Panthers “College Hill Lutheran Kickball” purple T-shirts.
• The Hawkeye Huddles and cheers.
• Rescuing the ball from Willow Creek, time and time again.
• The grilled brats and dogs and of course, THE CAKE!

This was the first time in a long time that our two campus ministries have gotten together for an event. Beginning next September the two groups plan to met at least once a semester for fun, fellowship, study, and, of course, another game of kickball to decide who shall house the IDE President’s Cup.

IDE LLL

On Saturday, April 19th, the 65th IDE District Convention of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League was held at Camp Io-Dis-E Ca. The seventy participants shared the day with a selection of pastors and leaders such as Rev. Dr. Dean Rothchild, for IDE, Rev. Randolph Mc Hone, the Region 7 Governor for the Intl. LLL, Mr. Chuck Groth, and IDE LWML President, Mabel Schmidt.

The guest speaker was Rev. Terry Dittmer, Director of Youth Ministry for District and congregational services of the LCMS. A part of the Youth Ministry Staff since 1979, he is also a prolific writer and has composed more than forty songs and hymns. His purpose that day was to help the attendees understand the differences in the various generations with whom we desire to share the Gospel. If fact, there were five or six different generations in the room listening to him as he identified their individual perceptions and characteristic attitudes. Working with a music stand in front of him to hold his presentation, a felt marker in one hand, and a question or comment on the tip of his tongue, he inspired for over three hours, guiding them through his workshop without missing a beat.

The day closed with a great Banquet provided by the staff at the Camp.

Camp IO-DIS-E-CA

The skies were deep blue, the air crisp, the wind brisk,
but 20 people scattered wood chips on hiking trails,
picked up branches, and trimmed ice-damaged trees to help
beautify and prepare Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca for the summer season.
Summer camps begin in only five weeks, but some vacancies
remain. Call today to register for summer camps for
children who will be in Grades 1-12 in the fall
(319-848-4187) or register online at www.campiodiseca.org.
A few dates are also available this summer and early fall
for family reunions, church picnics and retreats. Call today.

Rev Dr. Dean Rothchild's May Article

I recently heard a true story about a young pastor in an eastern state who came to his first parish. The church council had posted a sign in the church parking lot which prohibited skateboarding. A few months into his ministry, some teenage boys showed up and began skateboarding in the church parking lot. Instead of going out and yelling at them, the pastor went and got his own skateboard and begin skating with the boys. He figured if the council was going to be mad at the kids, they were going to have to be mad at the pastor as well. A relationship began to develop between the pastor and those boys. One boy asked after a few weeks, “Can I come inside of your church; I have never been in a church before.” He invited the boy in and the young man began attending and was later catechized and baptized into Christ Jesus. Why? Because the relationship which the pastor was willing to develop with the young man was more important than the message on the sign. Signs which say what you can’t do are not welcoming. They send the wrong message. They cry out in a bold voice: NO! NO! NO! In essence, they are saying we really don’t want you here. This is our space and you are not welcome. The music group The Five Man Electric Band had a song back in 1970 which reflected that same thought:

Signs, Signs
Everywhere there’s signs.
Blocking up the scenery
Breaking up my mind.
Do this Don’t do that
Can’t you read the sign.

Instead of looking at ways of keeping people out, would it not be more Christ-like to find ways to welcome people in?

Within our churches, through the Divine Service, God brings to people His preached Word and the Holy Sacraments. This is what all people need. Too often we think that our church exists for ourselves. To begin with, it is never our church, but Christ’s Church! He is the Head of the body. The church exists for the baptized and the yet to be baptized. What messages do your church signs and the signs in your parking lots convey? Are they shutting out the very people that the church needs to be reaching out to?

John says:

If we confess our sins,
He is faithful and just
to forgive us our sins
and to cleanse us
from all unrighteousness.
I John 1:9
And the blood of Jesus His Son
cleanses us from all sin.
I John 1:7b

Our sins are forgiven and in Christ Jesus we are called to love our neighbor as our self. We too were welcomed into His church through His gracious and merciful washing of Holy Baptism. May our churches be welcoming places in Christ Jesus!

St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly

On April 20, the members of St. John Lutheran were honored to welcome to their church family 25 new members.

IDE LWML

HUGE GROUP FROM WAVERLY, IOWA COME TO MISSION CENTRAL!

It was raining like crazy on the 17th of April and you could hear the rain on the tin roof of the barn at Mission Central, but that didn't take away from the sunshine in the hearts of a special group of folks that God sent from Iowa District East at Waverly, Iowa. What a blessing to welcome this group of LWML people and what a blessing that the Honorable Mabel Schmidt, President of the Iowa District East LWML was present for all of the events of the day! She and her dear husband Rev. Lawrence Schmidt, are such special people and seemed to really enjoy all of the events. What a special day it was! A program on mission was given by Gary, and the entire group was brought up to date on the latest countries that are opening for the Lord Jesus to bring His message of goodness and Grace! The main emphasis was on Thailand, where Rev. Tom and Mary Jane Hedtke are going to work, and assist Rev. Tom's brother Rev. Robert Hedtke who is a career missionary in this country. It was a day that the entire group will long, long remember because they had the privilege of helping to pray for and send the Hedtke family half way around the world to tell people about Jesus! Rev. Lawrence Schmidt and Rev. Matthew Versemann were able to place their hands on the Hedtke family and provide special "sending words" for this dear couple, as the entire group prayed for their sending! A special meal was provided for the group by Missionaries Maxine Thies, Ruth Bruhn and JoAnn Thies, and they reported that God provided just the right amount of everything! The LWML Ladies brought a huge "INGATHERING" of items at just the right time....grocery items, cleaning items, and gift cards that will be such a blessing for our meal staff to use. Pictured here are these special people "sending" the Hedtke's to Thailand in the barn at Mission Central.

This article and picture are from: http://www.missioncentral.us/missioncentral/waverly_group

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

The Eve Circle at Grace, DeWitt collected and packed 21 Baby Layettes for the Lutheran World Relief Drive in April. A display was set up in the foyer at Grace complete with a baby crib and the various items that are included in the layette. Many in the Grace congregation graciously donated several of these items, diapers and blankets were sewn by members of the circle and donations of gently used baby items were also collected.

Central Lutheran School

Central Lutheran School’s “Building in Faith” groundbreaking ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 2^nd following morning chapel services in Newhall. Students, staff, area pastors, committee members, and members from the community were in attendance.

Construction will begin soon after all bids have been approved. Art Rinderknecht, of Atkins, will be the superintendent heading this project. Art has been in the construction business for over thirty years. Building Committee co-chairs, Drew Retz and Brian Wells, both of Atkins, have also been key leaders in this project.

Many volunteers and committee members have joined together to help keep the projected costs to a minimum. During National Lutheran Schools Week, students of CLS participated in a “Penny Wars” fundraiser to help earn money for the furnishing of the new media center and music room. Students were able to earn over $6,000. There have also been a number of generous donations towards this project.

This is a very exciting time at Central Lutheran School. Student enrollment is on the rise and this much-needed space is truly going to be a blessing and will encourage more families to consider Central for a quality Christian education.

Lutheran Student Fellowship In Cedar Falls

Thirteen Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) students from College Hill Lutheran Church and Brammer Student Center, along with Pastor John Wegener, “saddled up” the red van and headed West for a Spring Break Servant Event. The volunteers left on Friday, March 21st, and were away from campus until the following weekend.

The journey lead them to Montrose, Colorado where they worked at Hope Lutheran Church. Rev. Wegener’s brother-in-law, Rev. Darryl Hannenberg, serves as Hope’s Pastor. The students jumped right in on Sunday and began painting. They painted upstairs, downstairs, and even the trim before they were finished.

The work was interspersed with Bible Study and worship as it was Holy Week. The students celebrated Palm Sunday worshiping with members of Hope Lutheran. Maundy Thursday worship service was with friends in Denver, Colorado. Good Friday was observed back in Cedar Falls so that many of the students could head home to celebrate Easter with their families.

The trip also had it’s fun times. The students went skiing in Durango, hiking at Black Canyon National Park, snowmobiling and horseback riding. There was even a shopping stop in Denver.

What a wonderful time for the students to share their labors with others, enjoy faith growth opportunities, and have a great Spring Break experience.

Lutheran Student Fellowship in Cedar Falls

LSF SERVANT EVENT AT HOME

The Lutheran Student Fellowship (LSF) from Brammer Student Center, College Hill Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls participated in a servant event on April 5th right at home. The students placed the joists and decking on the Thrivent Builds Habitat for Humanity House at 824 West 3rd Street in Cedar Falls.

It was a warm, sunny day and the crew worked hard. In fact they were so efficient that they were dismissed after lunch as the labor outlined for the day was completed.

It was a great service project, one which was appreciated by the Habitat for Humanity committee as well as the woman and her daughter who plan to move into the house July 1st.

Thank you, LSF workers.

St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly

"Various Hymnals & Acolyte Robes Available For FREE!"St. John Lutheran, Waverly, has various old hymnals, including: Lutheran Worship, The Children's Hymnal, Joyful Sounds - The New Children's Hymnal (by CPH), and Lift Up Our Hearts (by CPH), as well as 10 used acolyte robes, for any congregation in the district that would like them.They're free for pick up at St. John Lutheran, Waverly. If interested, please call the church office at (319)352-2314 or

email me at: PastorVersemann@msn.com

St. Stephen's Lutheran Church in Atkins

St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Atkins confirmed six young people on March 16. Left to Right: Zachary Koehn, Jonathon Heins, Danielle Busta, Rev. Douglas Woltemath, Connor Schroder, Brian Voss and Kelsey Gerhold.

DeadLine

The next deadline for the IDE TODAY is May 1st. This is the last issue until September.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lacona

On Sunday, March 30, the members of St. Paul welcomed five new members into the congregation by Baptism. Instructed by Vacancy pastor Arno Melz on Wednesday nights, two of the news members were also confirmed.

St. Paul Lutheran Church began in 1854 as St. Luke Lutheran Church. the congregation changed its name in 1876 when it joined the Missouri Synod. This makes St. Paul Lutheran the oldest congregation in IDE, but not the oldest District congregation.

The District President's May Article

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

Christ the Lord is Risen! He is risen indeed! How wonderful it was again to hear this Good News during the Easter season.

In the January issue of IDE TODAY, I recommended a new book entitled CHRIST HAVE MERCY. The book is now available from CPH.[1]

My Pastor, Rev. Daniel Krueger, has given me permission to lead a Bible class discussion of the book at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. Actually I am team teaching it with retired Rev. Daniel Q. Johnson. I travel so much on District business that I am not able to attend services at Zion every Sunday. Sometimes I miss so many Sunday services my Pastor calls me a delinquent! I should point out that when we travel we do attend services elsewhere.

Anyway, back to the subject of the book, I highly recommend it. The author, Rev. Harrison, tells some great stories from his ministry in order to direct the reader to God’s mercy and what it means for our lives. In chapter two, for example, Rev. Harrison reminds us of Jesus’ words, Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful (Luke 6:36), and points out, Mercy is about who God is and who we are in Christ. The book is very easy and enjoyable reading as well as educational. It will lift your spirits and energize you for Christ’s mission! It would be an excellent addition to your church library.

As I write this, I am preparing to leave for the LCMS Council of Presidents’ meeting.[2] This is by far the BEST meeting we have each year. Well, I should say there is one part of this meeting that is really great! In April each year the Council of Presidents has the privilege of approving the Calls and placement of the pastoral candidates, vicars, teachers, DCEs and deaconess. At both of our seminaries we District Presidents will participate in the Call services.[3] The seminary students will be receiving Calls and vicarage assignments to congregations all over Synod, and a few may receive Calls to foreign mission fields. The tradition has been to keep the location of the Calls secret until they are announced in the service. There are a few exceptions. Those who are entering some kind of specialized ministry do know ahead of time. (Probably not a good idea to surprise a student and his wife on call night with the news of a call to Africa!) It is wonderful to see the excitement of the students, wives and families. Here in IDE, we have applied for five vicars and two pastoral candidates, one sole pastor and one associate pastor.

In June, my wife and I will be traveling to Lithuania. I will be attending a five-day conference and we will be spending some time with Pastor Petkunas in Palanga to inspect the progress on the building project IDE has been supporting. We will also travel to Wittenberg, Germany to visit the site of the new mission start which is being supported by LCMS World Relief and Human Care, LCMS World Missions and Concordia Publishing House.

I hope that you have a safe and enjoyable summer.
__________________________________________
1 CPH can be reached at 1-800-325-3040 or cph.org.
2 The Council of Presidents is comprised of the President of the LCMS, Rev. Kieschnick, the 5 Vice Presidents, and the 35 District Presidents.
3 The LCMS has two seminaries for the training of Pastors: Concordia Seminary, in St, Louis, and Concordia Theological Seminary, in Ft. Wayne, Indiana.