St. Paul's Chapel in Iowa City

This Easter, we had many reasons to rejoice at St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel. Among them was the baptism and confirmation of one of our international students -- a lady from China. For safety reasons we are not able to share her name or picture. This student first showed up at the Chapel one Sunday morning, joined us for worship, and has been a faithfully attending the Chapel ever since. As I began visiting with her, she stated that she first learned of God from some American college students who taught an English language summer workshop, so when she came to America she decided to learn more about this God the students had talked about. Since coming to the Chapel she has worked on her English language skills and has diligently studied Luther's Small Catechism; completing her studies the week before Easter. We were very joyful to celebrate her new birth as a daughter of God.  We pray that God will guide and keep her as she returns to her home country.

College Hills Lutheran Church

Spring Break 2011

College Hill Lutheran Church

What would drive 21 college students to put on dinner and a show for 170 people in mid-February? It would be to spend a week in Southern Alabama to help people that are trying to get back on their feet and to help future campers at camp.  

As the packing of the three vehicles took place, the 50 degree weather in Iowa was only a tease of the weather we were going to have in Alabama. After an 18 hour trip, we had to burn some energy off so a group went canoeing in the bay next to the camp. Sunday brought us to the Divine Service and then a relaxing day at the beach at Gulf Shores before the week of work.   Monday was spent giving back to camp as we worked there all day building a shed, helping with mailing, paintings, gluing, putting in some new steps, chopping wood, and weeding the volleyball court. Tuesday took us to a homeless shelter and to a bargain store whose profits go to another homeless shelter. Wednesday took us to the homeless shelter that the bargain store supports and to another shelter for homeless and then off to the USS Alabama later that afternoon. Thursday we went to the beach in Pensacola, Florida for a relaxing day before making the trip back home. The trip was fun and we enjoyed a Bible study in the morning before work and at the end of each day.

Trinity Lutheran in Cedar Rapids

Mother's Day Poem by Stacie Eastman

"You remind me of your grandmother and your mother."

These words are a great source of joy and a blessing for me. I love to
be reminded of my foremothers' talents, love, spirits, of their touch
and faces. That something of their spirit lives in me is blessing and
strength for my days.

The first images of my grandmother and mom is a loving presence to
greet me, and whoever is with me, at the door. I see them always
prepared to receive guests with open arms, give kisses and great hugs,
and making wonderful meals (sauerkraut, pork, and dumplings, anyone?)
that taste of home.

Another image is that of worker. As an adult, I appreciate even more
the times my mother went without so that my sister and I did not.
Nothing was ever a problem, just a situation that required a solution.
To this day, it amazes me what my mother can fix with a bit of
creativity. Who knew bread ties had so many uses?

Throughout and around all of the images I have of my grandma and my
mom is the Spirit of God's love and an unwaivering faith. Thanks to my
mom, I now know that when God closes a door, he definitely opens a
window! Through both of them, I have learned that life doesn't always
turn out the way you want it to, and that around every corner is an
opportunity to grow, learn, laugh, and love. I don't have thoughts of
them without knowing that their lives are Christian, founded in Jesus'
love and life.

My grandma and mother handed me this life. It is something passed on
through the generations, and something I will pass on to my children.
They have handed me a Christian life. I know how to pray and worship
because they showed me. I have seen in their giving to friends and
strangers that this action is part of this faith.

I have seen faith. These women that I resemble have handed it to me.

Do people know you are a Christian? Would you be recognized as someone
that has this faith? Have you handed this faith to others?

Faith isn't something that can be handed over in one hour a week. It
isn't something that Hallmark can say for you. You must live and
breathe this faith in order to be able to hand it over to another.

Easier said than done? Are you unsure how you could do this?

Model your life by example. Take part in one of the small groups or
Bible studies offered at your church. Attend worship. Volunteer to work with those less fortunate than yourself.
Become involved with the youth - I guarantee their faith will move you.

Pray, pray, pray. Pray throughout the day. Pray-don't just ask. Count
your blessings, even the ones that don't always seem to be. Pray in
words, song, dance, movement, laughter, tears. Pray every day.

Look for ways to reach out to others. You know someone that doesn't
possess faith - we all do. Tell them what it means to you. Invite them
to worship.

Know that God calls us to care for the weak and outcast. Take every
opportunity to put your faith into action. Be a radical disciple.
Remember to always act with love.

Paul writes to his beloved Timothy, "I am grateful to God when I
remember you constantly in my prayers night and day. I am reminded of
your sincere faith, a faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois
and mother Eunice and now, I am sure, lives in you." 2 Timothy 1:3-5

"You remind me of......"

IDE Westgae Circuit

LCMS Campus Ministry, Decorah

LCMS students from around the country who attend Luther College in Decorah, pause from their busy academic life to gather for word and sacrament. Congregations and pastors of the Westgate Circuit offer a special Divine Service on Luther College’s campus every Saturday evening that school is in session.  Westgate Circuit Pastors take turns preaching and administrating the sacrament at these services.  The participating students have organized a chapter of the Lutheran Student Fellowship.  They gather for a Monday night Bible Study in Luther’s Centennial Union. Students also plan service projects and enjoy social activities throughout the year.  Traditionally the group goes out for a Christmas banquet in December provided by an anonymous benefactor. But on the scheduled Saturday in December, 2010 a northeast Iowa blizzard spoiled their plans.  So the students and friends of the campus ministry, picture here, enjoyed a “Christmas in March” banquet at The Oaks restaurant in Decorah.  Pictured here are (front row)  Rev. Ronnie Koch, supervising pastor of the campus ministry, Rebekah Ryan, and Alicia Woock, (back row) Erik Streufert, Paul Tuskowski, Jamie Stippich, Don Stein, Peter Sandstedt, Megan Gress, Nathan Steele, Tori LaCroix, and Elizabeth and Lance Lorentzen.

LLL

What Is Our LCMS Presence Worth

Last spring our board was challenged with the question of, “Instead of supporting the Lutheran Laymen’s League State Fair booth jointly with Iowa District West League members, could be spend our funds better locally? After debating the issue for sometime we decided that we would ask the member/donors who send funds to St. Louis headquarters, who then send a small portion back for local IDE League expenses. It is after all the Ambassadors and the member/donors who are the grassroots here in Iowa.

There is a mind-set that troubles many people who support fair booths, and it is, if you don’t see a handful of names, addresses, and telephone numbers after spending several hundred dollars supporting a booth then …. Don’t do booths anymore.

We presented this question to those in attendance at our recent convention on Saturday April 2, 2011. The vote was unanimous that the booth was not about the cost, or how many slips of paper came back to local churches, but it was entirely about having a statewide LCMS Christian presence, for those seeking Christian answers. We will continue to support this booth for 2011 - 12, and perhaps beyond.

This is why I am proud to be associated with the League who also stand in the stead of the LCMS congregations in our IDE. We thank you for your continued support of our LHM Ambassadors and member/donors in your congregations.

President John T. Moeller - IDE Intl. LLL Board

IDE LWML

HELP US HELP YOU TO SHARE THE GOOD NEWS!
I lift up my eyes to the hills-- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth. Psalm 121:1-2

God is so good! He provides help in limitless ways. For generations, God has provided financial help through the Iowa East District (IED) LWML mission grants. As in the past, we are eager to witness God’s perfect plan once again, as we look ahead to new mission grant goals for the 2012-2014 biennium. To be considered for financial support using IED LWML mites, simply log onto the website at www.ide-lwml.org. Click on the http://ide-lwml.org/Missions.aspx tab, and look over the criteria for making application. If you feel your favorite mission meets the criteria to apply, then you’re ready to move forward with writing the grant in the format requested. If you have questions, do not hesitate to call Sharon Andresen, IED LWML Vice President of Gospel Outreach, for assistance. Do not delay! The application deadline is October 1, 2011.


IED LWML STUDENT AID GRANTS
The Iowa East District (IED) LWML Gospel Outreach Committee is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for Student Aid Grants for the 2011-2012 school year. Applications can be found online at www.ide-lwml.org by clicking on the ‘LWML Student Aid’ tab in the purple box on the left side of the home page. There you will find the eligibility requirements, the outline of the application procedure, and the links to the application and financial condition forms. The application deadline is May 1, 2011. Recipients will be notified by June 15th. Questions may be directed to Sharon Andresen, IED LWML Vice-President of Gospel Outreach.

Lutheran Interparish School

GOD LOVES YOU BOOKS

As part of National Lutheran School's Week, the students at Lutheran Interparish School, Williamsburg, were given a book to share. The students were challenged to give the book, "God Loves You", away. It is a short book that explains the unconditional love of God and everything that He has done for us because He loves us! The student body was told, "It isn't a gift that we really want you to keep! We want you to turn around and give this gift to someone else. Do you know someone who doesn't know about God's love or someone who would be cheered up by receiving this book as a gift?" Every student in Preschool through 8th grade was given a book to share. The mission field is huge out there, and the students could play a small part in reaching out to those who may not know the love that God has to offer!

IDE 2012 Convention

Official Notice:

38^th Convention of Iowa District East

June 29-30, 2012

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Theme:  Mercy, Witness,

Life Together

Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

On the following Fridays in May, Trinity Lutheran Church and School will be again offering special musical events to the community, and all are invited. Each performance will take place at 12:05pm in the Trinity Lutheran Church sanctuary, and a light lunch will be provided in the fellowship hall after each program.

May 6 - Carol Montag, local singer/songwriter, Folk/Gospel music
May 13 - Tempered Brass
May 20 - Trio: Chris Faltis (viola), Franceen Hansen (clarinet), Helenka Claypool (piano)
May 27 - Three for All Jazz Trio featuring special guests Miss Katharine Benya (piano) and Mr. Jacob Sprengeler (trumpet)

For more information, please contact Cantor Brad Hall at hallb@trinitycr.org or (319) 366-1569

Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

“The Meaning of Prayer” with Guest Speaker, Prof. John Pless - May 8, 4:00-5:30pm

Prof. John T. Pless, Assistant Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary, will be leading a seminar at Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids on the meaning of prayer. Using the Scriptures, he will answer questions as to what prayer really means, why we do it, and what significance it has in the life of the Lutheran Christian.

Prof. Pless is the author of Handling the Word of Truth: Law and Gospel in the Church Today, A Small Catechism on Human Life, Word: God Speaks to Us, Confession: God Gives Us Truth, Luther on the Care for the Sick and the Dying and two chapters in Lutheran Worship History and Practice, to name just a few. A regular lecturer at various conferences both in the United States and overseas, Prof. Pless coordinates the seminary’s annual “Mercy Mission Expedition to Madagascar” in partnership with the LCMS Board for World Relief and Human Care. He serves as co-president of the International Loehe Society and is a member of the LCMS Committee on the Sanctity of Human Life. You can find his writings in his most recent contributions to the April-June 2011 issue of Portals of Prayer.

Refreshments will be served at the event. For more information, contact Rev. David Miller at millerd@trinitycr.org or (319) 366-1569. All are welcome!

Rev. Dr. Dean Rothchild - Assistant To the District President

Coming to Receive!

   Why don’t you come over to our home and have dinner with us?  Those are the sorts of invitations we all enjoy receiving and participating in.  Jesus used similar words in the parable of the wedding feast: “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king, who gave a wedding feast for his son.  And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come.  Again he sent out other slaves saying, “Tell those who have been invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fattened livestock are all butchered and everything is ready; come to the wedding feast.”’  Matthew 22:2-4.

   This is what the “Divine Service” offers.  Jesus invites us to come to His feast, to receive that which we need, namely the forgiveness of our sins.  The Divine Service is leading us to the altar from which Christ Jesus gives us His body and blood, in, with, and under the bread and wine for the “forgiveness of our sins.”  Therefore, the Divine Service is primarily about what God is doing for us and not about what we are doing for God.

   The Divine Service has a definite rhythm to it.  We read in the introduction of Lutheran Worship:

   “Our Lord speaks and we listen.  His Word bestows what it says.  Faith that is   born from what is heard acknowledges the gifts received with eager thankfulness  and praise.  Music is drawn into this thankfulness and praise, enlarging and elevating the adoration of our gracious giver God.

   Saying back to him what he has said to us, we repeat what is most true and sure.   Most true and sure is his name, which he put upon us with the water of our   Baptism.  We are his.  This we acknowledge at the beginning of the Divine Service.   Where his name is, there is he.  Before him we acknowledge that we are sinners,  and we plead for forgiveness.  His forgiveness is given us, and we, freed and  forgiven, acclaim him as our great and gracious God as we apply to ourselves the words he has used to make himself known to us.

The rhythm of our worship is from him to us, and then from us back to him.   He gives his gifts, and together we receive and extol them.  We build one another   up as we speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.  Our Lord gives us his body to eat and his blood to drink. Finally his blessing moves us out  into our calling, where his gifts have their fruition.  How best to do this we may learn from his Word and from the way his Word has prompted his worship through the centuries.  We are heirs of an astonishingly rich tradition.”  p. 6.

   The language of the Divine Service is the language of the Church and it transcends both time and culture.  The Divine Service is centered in Christ Jesus and it focuses upon bringing Christ Jesus to us through His Word and the Sacraments.  As we are sent back out into the world, God places us in contact with people who have not yet heard about Jesus.  It is our joy and privilege to tell them what Jesus has done for them and to invite and bring them to the Divine Service with us.   As Jesus said in the parable: “Everything is ready, come to the wedding feast.”

Faith Lutheran Church in Mt. Pleasant

The children at Son Shine academy in Mt. Pleasant collected canned food for their chapel offering for the month of March.  A total of 153 cans were collected.  These cans were given to a local food bank.  Son Shine academy is a ministry of Faith Lutheran Church.