Higher Things

Over 2000 young people gathered together on the campuses of University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Illinois State University, Bloomington-Normal, IL, and Emory in Atlanta, GA over three weeks in July to worship, work and play with each other. Twelve Iowa District East congregations were represented between the IL and the GA conference. 

The theme this year was Coram Deo, which is Latin for Before God. Not only did we learn that Chicks Dig Latin, but we also learned that it is impossible for us to stand Coram Deo on our own. We can only do so with Christ. Pastors Bill Cwirla (Hacienda Heights, CA) and Brent Kuhlman (Murdock, NE) were the plenary speakers. They kept us entertained and catechized us during four one hour sessions. We also were able to choose between over two dozen break away sessions on various topics. Some examples were “Mormonism: Exposed,” “Dating, Relationships and THAT,” “Talking to your non-Lutheran friends about Jesus,” and “Before God in the Liturgy.” To make a good thing better, we all participated in 10 worship services over the course of the week. There was great fun to be had, too! In Las Vegas, an Elvis impersonator entertained the crowd. In IL, there was an amazing Talent Show. And in Atlanta, we saw a hilarious comedian. 

Next year’s conferences have been announced. The theme is TWELVE. There will be four conferences and they will be as follows:

June 26-29, 2012 - Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC
July 3-6, 2012 - Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO
July 10-13, 2012 - Concordia University in Irvine, CA
July 17-20, 2012 - Brock University in St. Catharine's, ON

Picture notes:

IDE congregations pictured in IL:
Our Redeemer, Dubuque, IA
Park View, Eldridge, IA
Our Savior, Muscatine, IA
Zion, Wilton, IA
Faith, Mt. Pleasant, IA
Immanuel, Iowa Falls, IA

IDE congregations not pictured in IL:
Trinity, Millersburg, IA

Trinity, Ottumwa
St. John, Melcher, IA

IDE Congregations pictured in GA:

Trinity, Hampton, IA

St. John, Denver, IA

St. Paul, Mt. Vernon, IA
Our Savior, Muscatine, IA

Trinity Luthean Church in Cedar Rapids

Rev. Dr. John Kleinig to Speak on Prayer at Trinity, Cedar Rapids August 21

Save the date!  On Sunday, August 21st from 6:00pm to 7:30pm the Rev. Dr. John Kleinig will be stopping in at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids for a special presentation on the topic of Learning to Borrow: The Privilege of Receptive Prayer.  He will speak of prayer as a gift from God and that just as Christ intercedes for us, so do we intercede for others through prayer by praying for their needs.

Dr. Kleinig, author of Concordia Publishing House titles such as Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today, Leviticus in the Concordia Commentary series, and Prayer in the Lutheran Spirituality series, istraveling all the way from the Lutheran Church of Australia to share with us some wisdom concerning the riches of prayer.  All are invited!

The presentation will take place in the fellowship hall at Trinity (1363 1st Avenue SW, Cedar Rapids) and refreshments will be served.  Grace Upon Grace: Spirituality for Today and Lutheran Spirituality: Prayerwill be available for purchase and signing at the event. 

 

Freewill offerings appreciated.  For more information, please contact Pastor Miller at (319) 366-1569 or millerd@trinitycr.org.

See you then!

Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton

Wind Storm Damages Trinity Lutheran Church at Vinton

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”      Psalm 107:1

Approximately 4:30 AM on Monday, July 11, 2011, thunder boomed and lightning flashed, then the sound of the wind’s roar woke up the north Benton County community of Vinton, even as the siren began to scream its warning. Even though, or maybe because, the storm didn’t last very long, when people began to leave their basements and went outside the devastation that they saw was a shock. The streets were impassable from trees and debris. Power lines were down. Many homes and businesses were damaged. And the trees… someone estimated that over 2,000 trees in Vinton were destroyed or severely damaged. Straight line winds were estimated at between 110-130 mph.

Trinity Lutheran Church on the outskirts of Vinton was one of the buildings attacked by the storm. A large section of roof was blown away, allowing insulation, rain and debris to drop into the Sanctuary and Sacristy. Water running through the ceiling structure poured in the hallways, our Pastor’s office, and the Sunday Superintendent’s Office. In spite of the impassable streets, lack of electricity and their own damages, by mid-morning church members began to congregate at the church to study the damage and see what could be done to control further damage. Congregational Chairman, Duane Fisher got the okay from the insurance company to have a temporary cover put on the roof. Pastor and other church members removed the paraments and other movable objects from the Sanctuary and Sacristy. Nails and other debris in the parking lot were picked up. The insurance adjuster came and arranged for a Structural Engineer to come to determine if the church’s structure was still sound. Insurance will cover most of the loss. Bids have come in for repairs.

In time, the physical church will be restored. For those members who have seen the damage, emotions are still being dealt with. There is something about having your home or church damaged by weather or other uncontrollable events. I cannot describe the feelings of seeing the altar, pews, organ, even the floors covered with debris and inches of insulation; great yawning holes where once the roof was. But when I saw that the cross in the sanctuary still hung high, I realized that God’s promise that He would always be with us still holds true. The light was shining through the stain glass windows which had also remained intact, and I realized it was not a time to ask “Why?” but to say “Thank you!”

Trinity congregation and the town of Vinton have much to be thankful for — no one from Vinton was killed or seriously injured during the storm; and despite how much damage was done to the trees, most homes were not seriously hurt. Neighbors and strangers offered help; the Red Cross quickly set up a place for those without electricity, church members came together to clean up the outside of the church. We are especially thankful for all the calls and visits from Circuit Pastors and District Administration and churches.

We are able to worship in our Parish hall. It is very healing to be able to gather with our church family in our church to worship. We are thankful that Pastor Frederick was able to go ahead with his scheduled hip surgery and is doing well. The visiting Pastors have given such heartfelt sermons and such Christian love to us. Our Chairman has kept us abreast of the work being done. Sharing this time has made it easier to handle. God has been gracious to us, standing beside us in this time. We look forward to the future here at Trinity.

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Iowa Falls

HERE I STAND
on God’s word in a changing culture

Guest Speaker: Lt. Col. John Eidsmoe

Saturday, September 10, 4:00 - 7:00

buffet meal (door offering)

Immanuel Lutheran Church
West Washington & Lee Lane, Iowa Falls

•     what happens to a culture when christians are silent?
•     how does the biblical worldview contrast all others?
•     what can christians learn from the crusades?
•     what is “shariah law” & how does it oppose god’s word?
•     why is the sanctity of human life foundational to all issues?
•     why is biblical marriage for the benefit of society??
•     what is a christian to do in the midst of moral decay?

See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world and not according to Christ (Col. 2:8).

John Eidsmoe is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel and Alabama State Defense Force Colonel, and a graduate of the Air Command & Staff College and the Air War College.  He is a Professor of Law, served as Senior Staff Attorney with the Alabama Supreme Court, and is currently Legal Counsel for the Foundation for Moral Law.  John is a constitutional attorney who has defended home schools, Christian schools, and the right of students to study the Bible.  He has authored 13 books including God and Caesar, is an ordained pastor with the Association of Free Lutheran Congregations, and serves on the board of Lutherans For Life.  John holds degrees in law, theology, history, and political science.  He tries to get 8 hours of sleep every week.  He and his wife, Marlene, have three children and live in rural Pike Road, Alabama.

Sponsored by Immanuel’s Board for Human Care & LFL of Iowa
(641) 648-3756    lindabartlett@mchsi.com  or  amybeisel@hotmail.com

Benton County IDE Congregations

Benton County Churches Join to Host Benton County Fair Booth

Members from the Evangelism boards of six LCMS churches in Benton County met to discuss the possibility of hosting a booth in the Commerce Building during the Benton County Fair – July 13-17. The churches involved in were: St. Stephens – Atkins;  Grace Lutheran – Blairstown;  Saint John – Keystone;  St. Paul’s – Luzerne,  Saint John – Newhall; and Trinity – Vinton.

The first meeting in May was electric with many enthusiastic ideas and comments for the booth. It was decided to have a sign with a map of Benton county with pictures of each church placed on each side of it with strings going from the church to the appropriate city. On the side was a list of the churches by name and city. Also, a stand alone of the LCMS cross was put up.

The purpose being to let people in the county know where they could find LCMS churches and handing out information about those churches plus TLC Preschool (Vinton) and Central Lutheran School (Newhall). Information of our beliefs and other pamphlets were also available.

In addition to the brochures, it was decided to have free copies of older Portals of Prayer for those who wanted them. Dan Hahn of Grace Lutheran suggested a Bible Trivia Quiz – one for children and one for adults. Those that tried to answer the questions received a Tootsie Roll Pop for their efforts. Several congregations suggested that we get silicone bracelets as another give-away. The bracelets were a real hit with young and old. Colored in red, black and white and with the inscription “By Grace Alone… Eph. 2:8-9”, they were packaged with a card explaining what the colors meant and the full scripture verse. Dan Newton of Thrivent supplied pencils and tablets as additional give-aways.

The booth was manned by members of each church in two hour shifts. It was one of the most visited booths in the building, largely because of the warm and friendly welcome of the people who were in the booth. Plans are to continue the booth in future years.

St. John Lutheran Church in Denver

The blessing of children!

On Sunday, July 17th, St. John Lutheran Church of Denver welcomed three little ones into the church family in Holy Baptism. Following the service, the LWML hosted a "Baby Blessings" shower reception. Coffee, lemonade and cake were served during this time of fellowship. The three families were: Lee and Nicole Akerson family, Ryan and Meagan Reiter family and Eli and Traci Bahrenfuse family.

Our Savior Lutheran Church in Muscatine 50th Anniversary

 

Service 40 years ago.

Our Savior Lutheran Church, Muscatine, Iowa will celebrate its 50th anniversary with the theme of "Our Year of Jubilee in Christ" on Oct. 29-30 with a Saturday evening banquet and a Sunday Service and Festival. All former members and friends of the church are invited. For more information contact: oslcs@machlink.com.
 
The first service was held at the Hotel Muscatine on Oct. 29, 1961, under the direction of the Rev. John B Nieman of Zion Lutheran Church, Wilton. The local congregation was founded through the efforts of Zion Lutheran Church in Wilton and the Iowa District East of the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod. In July 1962, the Rev. Leo Bruns was called to be the first pastor. He died Dec.25, 1962. He was followed by the Rev. James Kalthoff 1963 - 1966, the Rev David Cloeter 1967-1971, the Rev. Merlin Petersen 1971- 1974, the Rev. Harold Roschke 1976 - 1982, the Rev. Marlin Rempfer 1983 - 1991, the Rev Brian Saunders 1992 - 2009, and the present Pastor, the Rev. Jeffery Paut,z who was installed in 2009.

King of Kings Lutheran Church in Robins

REV. ROLAND NORMAN HISCHKE

(LCMS), 74, of Marion, died Friday, July 22, 2011 at his home. Roland was born October 1, 1936, in Suring, Wisconsin, the son of Fred and Martha (Struck) Hischke. He graduated from Suring High School and Concordia Seminary in Springfield, Illinois. Rev. Hischke was ordained July 14, 1963. and served The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod until his retirement in 2004. On August 11, 1956, he was united in marriage to Helen Anne Wenger at Kellner, Wisconsin. Helen died November 29, 2008. Rev, Hischke was a member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.

Survivors include his children. Kevin R. (Martha) Hischke of orthglenn. CO. Darrell L. (Karen) Hischke of Wauwatosa, WI, Brian K. ancy) Hischke of Burlington, WI, and Pamela Sue (John) Krog of Central City; 7 grandchildren, Laura, Jacob, Jessica, Zachary. Joshua. Kevin, and Adam; 2 great-grandchildren, Molly Rae and Michael Andrew; and siblings, Margaret Golding, Ruth (Orlyn) Wik, Irm Becher, Martin (Elenore) Hischke, Rev. Waldemar (Anita) Hischke, Mona Pfefferkorn, and Paul (Lynn) Hischke.

He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and brother, Karl Hischke.

MEMORIAL SERVICES: 5:00 p.m, Monday, July 25, 2011, King of Kings Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids. Conducted by: Rev. Mark Halvorson. Musician: Kari Sicard.

Private family burial: Oak Shade Cemetery, Marion.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon

Sean D. Hansen was ordained and installed as Pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon, Iowa on Sunday, June 26, 2011. The Rev. Brian Saunders officiated. The Rev. Randolph Nord, who had served as the vacancy pastor at St. Paul for ten months, conducted the liturgy. The Rev. David Kahle, pastor of Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial, Nebraska, preached. Pastor Kahle served as Pastor Hansen’s vicarage supervisor. Among the pastors attending was Pastor Hansen’s father, the Rev. Glenn Hansen. He is the pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church in Odebolt, Iowa.

After the service, the Priscilla Guild served a delightful reception for all the guests.

Pastor Hansen and the members of St. Paul are delighted that God has brought them together as pastor and congregation and are eager to receive His gifts of Word and Sacrament and share the Gospel in the coming years.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton

Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton

Pastor John Preus was ordained at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton on July 17.

Life Chapter in Blackhawk County

The Lutherans for Life Chapter in Blackhawk County is hosting a "40 Days for Life" campaign starting on September 28th.  This will involve a kick off rally, a 40 day prayer and fasting vigil, and a conclusion rally.  The purpose of this campaign is to help bring awareness to the community of what is happening at the Planned Parenthood Clinic in Cedar Falls and hopefully in a peaceful manner bring a reduction if not end to abortion.  We are looking for people to get involved with this project.  The goal is to have people praying in front of the clinic 12 hours a day for 40 days.  For more information please contact the campaign coordinator: Nathan Richter at nrichter@valleylutheranhigh.com.  Please keep this campaign in your prayers already.

Faith Lutheran Church in Waterloo

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE VICTIMS OF ABORTION

(babies, moms, dads, grandparents)

Sunday, October 9, 2011

5:00 p.m.

At Faith Lutheran Church

1555 W Ridgeway Ave, Waterloo IA

Dr. James Lamb, Executive Director of Lutherans For Life, will be the guest speaker.  Join us as we pray for our nation, a nation richly blessed by God, but a nation that tragically sanctions the murder of millions of human children.   We will also pray for the Church, for women and men struggling with a crisis pregnancy, for mothers and fathers who are suffering the aftermath of an abortion, for children, born and unborn.

AN INVITATION

A Memorial Service for the Victims of Abortion on October 9, 5:00 p.m. @

Faith Lutheran Church

1555 West Ridgeway Ave

Waterloo  IA  50703

(at the Big Rock with 1000 white crosses)

    Millions of babies have been murdered through abortion. This is so incomprehensible. Perhaps that is why we do not mourn for them as a nation the way we mourn for children killed in tragic accidents or natural disasters. But let us try, as best we can, to remember them. Let us try to remember them as the individuals they were. Let us try to remember them as gifts from God whose lives were cut short before they could serve Him according to the purpose for which they were created. Let us remember the sons and daughters that were never born.

     Our grief over abortion is compounded because abortion deprives children of the opportunity for holy baptism and, therefore, raises painful questions we cannot answer with certainty. We entrust such questions and the hurting hearts which ask them to the infinite compassion and wisdom of our God.

     Join us as we pray for our nation, a nation richly blessed by God, but a nation that tragically sanctions the murder of so many human children.

     We will also pray for the Church, for women and men struggling with a crisis pregnancy, for mothers and fathers who are suffering the aftermath of an abortion, for children, born and unborn.

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Mound

Forty children participated in Big Jungle Adventure at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grand Mound’s VBS.  $515 was collected in offering and sent to Immanuel Lutheran in Joplin, MO.  The 6th and 7th grade girls created 2 tie blankets that were sent to Joplin.  The children also brought in over 80 non-perishable food items that were taken to the local Referral Center.  It was a great week of sharing God's love and learning that He is always there and will never leave us.