Faith Lutheran Church in Waterloo

40 Days for Life- Cedar Falls

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10. Our God, the author and sustainer of life, creates every person uniquely for a particular purpose. Since we live in a fallen world, we do not value life in the way that God does. Thus, many tragedies occur. One of these tragedies is abortion; it is estimated that 42 million children die every year throughout the world as a result of abortion. Many faithful Christians pray for those affected by abortion on a regular basis. This fall, starting on September 26th, Christians in the Cedar Valley will participate in a forty day prayer vigil. 40 Days for Life is a nation- wide event; 15,000 churches have participated. Individuals stand in front of Planned Parenthood centers and pray for an end to abortion, for mothers, fathers and other family members affected by abortion, and for those who work at Planned Parenthood centers. The peaceful presence offered by those who participate in 40 Days for Life has encouraged some people to leave their jobs at Planned Parenthood, has provided options for women who face a crisis pregnancy, and has even led to some Planned Parenthood centers closing! Please pray that God would use the people involved in 40 Days for Life this fall to end abortion. Those interested in participating in 40 Days for Life should contact Kie Maas at 319-231-5711 .

Faith Lutheran Church in Waterloo

Faith Lutheran Church VBS- Waterloo

On Sunday, July 15th, thirty children filled the sanctuary at Faith Lutheran. They were ready to go on a ‘Ridin’ the Rapids’ adventure! Throughout the week, the children heard about gifts God gives us: life, protection, direction, salvation, and vocation. Spike, the porcupine puppet, caught the children’s attention and introduced each day’s lesson. After they heard their Bible story each day, the children got to act out what they just heard; this was the highlight for many! Daily, time was spent memorizing Ephesians 2:4-10. Even the preschool and kindergarten children were able to recite some of the verses! The children enjoyed the craft, recreation, and music components of the week as well. Since VBS was centered around water, and each Bible story involved water, it was only appropriate that water should be connected to the mission project also. Children collected funds to buy water filters for families in Haiti through Lutheran Church Charities. Along with Faith’s VBS partner congregation, Mt. Olive Lutheran in Rockford, IL, enough money was raised to purchase 15 water filters that will provide clean water for Haitian families! Praise the Lord for the opportunity to share the gospel at Vacation Bible School this summer!

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

Grace Ev. Lutheran Church, De Witt held Vacation Bible School on July 23-26th. 75 children attended the “Inside Out and Upside Down on Main Street” event. Children enjoyed songs, Bible stories, games and crafts each day while they learned about the word of God.

The Rev. Dr. Dean Rothchild's Article

Saying Thank You Once Again

A journey which began almost 10 years ago has come to completion. The journey which I am referring to is the one we first called “From the Cedar River to the Baltic Sea.” It was 10 years ago that Iowa District East was approached by LCMS Human Care to partner on a building project in Palanga, Lithuania. On Saturday July 14th the worship and diaconal center were dedicated to the glory of God in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

Representing our District at the dedication were: Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders District President and his wife Karen; former District President Rev. Dr. Gary Arp and his wife Marjorie. Also attending were Rev. Daniel Johnson, formerly Pastor at Redeemer Lutheran in Marshalltown, now called by the International Missions Board to be stationed out of Frankfurt, Germany. Dan’s wife Amy was with him on this trip. I personally want to thank God for the 662 different donor groups, consisting of congregations, congregational groups, and individual members who gave support for this project over the past nine years. The building was dedicated with no debt, the sleeping rooms furnished, and the diaconal center furnished as well. To all of you, I will echo the words of Jesus: “Well done, good and faithful servants.”

As mentioned in the May issue of IDE Today we are beginning a Capital Campaign under the title of “Proclaiming Christ Jesus.” This was approved by the District in Convention on June 29th. Each congregation will be receiving the DVD which was shown at the District Convention. We are asking that you show this in as many venues in your congregation as possible and then look at making a congregational commitment over the next 1-5 years over and above what you are already sending to the District with your mission offerings. There is a congregational intent form which is included in this mailing. These new monies will be used to support the new mission start in North Liberty now known as St. Silas Lutheran Church.

Together we have helped to build a worship and diaconal center in Lithuania and now together we will work at bringing Christ Jesus to the community of North Liberty and in other locations as Christ Jesus provides the opportunities. I look forward to visiting with many of you in your homes in the months to come as you are given the privilege to help bring the Gospel of Christ Jesus to those who are still in darkness!

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls

Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls, will celebrate its 50th Anniversary on October 7, 2012. We will hold our regular Divine Service at 9:30 AM and then a Special Anniversary Service at 2 PM, with a reception and short program following. The Reverend Brian Saunders, IDE District President, will be our Guest Preacher at the afternoon Special Anniversary Service.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, College Hill Lutheran Church and Iowa District East decided to establish a daughter congregation in Cedar Falls. As a result, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church was founded in 1962. A Service to dedicate our present church building and to install our first pastor was held on October 7, 1962. Our Redeemer has been served by six Pastors over her fifty year history: the Reverends Erwin Meyer, George Perlich, Norbert Firnhaber, Theodore Will, Jr., Jerry Storm, and our current Pastor, the Reverend Michael Knox.

We invite all former pastors, members, and friends to join the members of Our Redeemer in this special anniversary celebration. For more information or to RSVP you may call the church office at 319-266-2509 or email at orlc@cfu.net.

St. John Lutheran Church in Keystone

July 29, Installation of Rev. Boyd Andrew Wright.

Concordia Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

Rev. Brad A. Brown was installed as pastor at Concordia Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapid during a service held on June 3rd. A reception welcoming Pastor Brown and his family to the Concordia family after the service. Pictured: From left (front) Rev. Martin Marquardt, Rev. Lawrence Schmidt, Rev. Brad Brown, President Brian Saunders, Rev. Jerry Doellinger, (back) Rev. Greg Williamson, Rev. Dean Rothchild, Rev. Sean Hansen, Rev. C. Ronald Rafferty, Rev. David Hansen.

Conference

What: The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
National Rural and Small Town Mission Conference
When: Nov. 1-3, 2012

Where: King's Pointe Resort, Storm Lake, Iowa

Who: LCMS congregational leaders in rural and small town settings

Why: The LCMS National Rural and Small Town Mission Conference will address the blessings and challenges facing rural and small town congregations today as well as encourage those congregations and their leaders in cultivating healthy churches that are eager to bear witness to Christ to those around them, show mercy to the suffering in their communities and to encourage a robust life together with their fellow members.

“The National Rural and Small Town Mission Conference will be a great opportunity for pastors and lay leaders to gather together for mutual encouragement and support as we look for ways of being active in our communities throughout our corporate witness and acts of mercy,” said LCMS President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison. “I am excited to be a part of the conference and I hope that people from across the heartland of the Synod will be blessed by attending.”


Have a question? Please contact Amy Gerdts at amy.gerdts@lcms.org or call 888-463-5127.

Park View Lutheran Church in Eldridge

The Ordination of Jason Holden at Park View Lutheran Church on June 24. Park View Lutheran is Jason's home congregation. He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis in the Spring of 2012. He is now serving as Assistant Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Carbondale, IL.

Names of those in picture...  back row: Keith Piotter, Bob Bartel, Daniel Krueger, Gib Mueller, Kurt Larson front row: Christopher Neuendorf, Jason Holden, Peter Hoft, Jack Goldberger

Scholarship Awarded

WATERLOO STUDENT AWARDED BETHESDA SCHOLASTIC SCHOLARSHIP

Watertown, Wis.— Victoria Killian, Waterloo, Iowa, has been awarded a Bethesda Lutheran Communities Scholastic and Service Scholarship for the 2012-13 academic year.

Criteria for the competitive scholarships included demonstration of academic achievement, commitment to the Lutheran faith, service hours working with people with intellectual or other developmental disabilities, and a career direction preparing them for work and advocacy in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Killian, who received a $500 scholarship, is a 2012 graduate of Valley Lutheran School, Cedar Falls, Iowa. She will be attending Concordia University-Nebraska, Seward, Neb., in the fall where she plans to pursue academic studies that prepare her to become a high school special education teacher.

The competitive scholarships are awarded annually by Bethesda. Application forms for the

2013-14 academic year are now available. Visit BethesdaLutheranCommunities.org for information and applications.

Established in 1904, Bethesda Lutheran Communities provides services and supports to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 13 states. Bethesda serves nearly 2,000 people in residential settings, as well as thousands of people with disabilities through supported-living programs, employment assistance, camps and outreach services.

St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon

St. Paul Lutheran Church of Mt. Vernon held a church picnic at the Lisbon city park on Sunday, June 24. Many members from young to old participated in the potluck and activities that included games, swimming, and a pie eating contest.

Davenport Lutheran Home

(June 27, 2012) As a part of Davenport’s annual Salute to Seniors, two extraordinary people were added to the Senior Hall of Fame. Bob and Lu Wiese of Eldridge IA were chosen for their lifelong dedication to serving their community. Davenport Mayor, Bill Gluba addressed a full-house at the reception held at the Davenport Library. Eldridge Mayor, Marty O’Boyle presented the award to the Wiese’s and outlined the many reasons why Bob & Lu were this year’s honorees.

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Grinnell

Immanuel Lutheran Church dedicated a new playground on Sunday, July 22nd at 10:15 following 9:00 a.m. morning Vacation Bible School closing worship. The new playground consists of four Miraco swings and a playset for younger children complete with slide, rope ladder, rock wall, fort and more. The play area has been designed with safety in mind.

Pastor David Brandt comments, “The Lord has recently sent several families with younger children to Immanuel so this was an excellent time to complete this project. Additionally, the children from the apartments across the parking lot now have a good place to expend some energy and enjoy themselves."

A special thanks to the Claude W. Ahrens Charitable Trust and to the Poweshiek County Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Care in Congregations for generous donations.

Immanuel Lutheran is located at 229 - Eleventh Avenue West (North of the Senior High School). Call 641-236-6691 for more information. The public is cordially invited.

St. Peter Lutheran Church in Elma

Church Organist Workshop

Saturday, 18 August – 9am-Noon
St. Peter Lutheran Church
107 Wood Street – Elma
Presenter: Dr. Jonathan Wessler, DMA
Assistant Organist, St. Paul's Church – Cambridge, MA

Dr. Wessler will be speaking about and demonstrating techniques for creative and inspirational playings of hymns and service music for all skill levels and instruments. He will be addressing such topics as registration/stop selection, creative introductions, and effective hymn and liturgy playing methods.

Please feel free to bring your questions, as well as a hymn or short piece if you would like to demonstrate for the group.

Dr. Wessler holds a Bachelor of Arts in Organ Performance from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, a Master of Sacred Music from the University of Notre Dame, and a Doctor of Musical Arts in Organ Performance and Literature from the Eastman School of Music. He has many years experience accompanying performing artists and congregations of many sizes and descriptions.

A freewill offering will be taken to defray the costs of the workshop.

Please promote this event to all interested parties.

For more information, please call 641-393-2558

--
Rev. Ryan McDermott
St Peter Lutheran Church
Elma, IA
mcdermor@gmail.com
cell: 641-583-1071

Mayo Clinic

Will you or someone in your congregation be receiving care at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota? Trinity Lutheran Church of Rochester offers their TLCare ministry to out of town medical guests. We strive to serve people in many ways such as prayer support, a homemade meal, a visit from one of our caring members, free parking in our lot, a comfortable place to go between appointments, and more. An apartment (no cost) within walking distance of the Mayo Clinic is also available on a first-come, first-served basis for LCMS congregation members. For further information or to let us know how we can serve you, please contact tlcare@trinitylutheranchurch.org or call (507) 218-1531. Please note the change in contact information if you have contacted Trinity previously. Calls and emails will be answered within a day or two.

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

The Rite of Confirmation was held on April 29 at Grace Ev. Lutheran Church in De Witt, IA. Nine young people were confirmed. (Front Row) Tim Watts, Victoria Gaston, Brittany Paasch, Brett Henningsen, (Middle) Tanner Brundage, Alex Zeimet, Tyler Gaston, Tyler Lawrence, Raymond Ackerman (Back) Pastor Brad A. Brown, Pastor C. Ronald Rafferty.

LFL of Iowa Conference

LFL of IOWA STATE CONFERENCE

 
Rev. John Pless, Associate Professor of Pastoral Ministry and Missions at Concordia Theological Seminary in Fort Wayne, is the featured speaker at the LFL of Iowa Conference this September.

Sunday, September 16
1:30 registration
2:00 - 6:00 Two sessions
Concludes with light buffet
Immanuel Lutheran Church
W. Washington & Lee Lane
Iowa Falls, Iowa

Rev. Pless is the author of several books including Handling the Word of Truth: Law & Gospel in the Church Today; A Small Catechism on Human Life; and Luther on the Care for the Sick & the Dying. During the weekend, Rev. Pless will help us answer important questions, such as:

• How do we live out our faith during the week? In the classroom? At work? In the neighborhood?
• How do we properly distinguish between Law and Gospel so that we can resist evil, correct wrong behavior, and welcome repentant sinners?
• What does God's Word of Law and Gospel have to say about life? Caring for our neighbors? Affecting the culture?

St Paul's Chapel in Iowa City and St. Silas Lutheran Church in North liberty

On Sunday, July 1, Andrew P. Richard was ordained and installed as Assistant Pastor of St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel,Iowa City, for the planting of St. Silas Lutheran Church,North Liberty.

Rev. Richard grew up in Sterling Heights, MI, a suburb of Detroit. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theater Production from Oakland Universityin Rochester, MI and a Master of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, IN. Rev. Richard, his wife Renae, and daughter Alexi make their home in North Liberty.

Top Row: Terry Small, Tim Zimmermann, Brent Hartwig, W. Max Mons, Ronnie Koch, Andrew Gray
Front Row: John Bumgardner, Dean Rothchild, Andrew Richard, Vic Young, Nick Huelsman, Sean Hansen

President Saunder's August Article

President's Piece for Peace

With this early Fall edition of the IDE Today we bring to a close the four part series from C.F.W. Walther on The Exercise of a Congregation's Duty to do it's Share that the Church in General may be Established and Promoted. I do hope that the first three points Walther made (the topic of the previous three IDE Today articles) would be used as discussion material by the congregation and it's leadership. The fourth and final point Walther makes is "Finally if I claimed to be a sincere Christian, I would invoke from God abundant success upon my endeavors by means of my most ardent prayers."

Walther began and ended each day with fervent prayer. He believed he could do nothing well without invoking from the Lord of the Church His blessing and grace. He bids us to do the same when it comes to the outreach of the congregation with the Gospel. Before plans are made, before efforts are expended, before resources are used; Walther urges us to pray. He does so especially with regard to promoting the Church in your community. 

Walther is re-calling us to Luther's Small Catechism in the third chief part on the Lord's Prayer. The second petition is "Thy Kingdom Come." When asked what we mean when we pray this petition Luther responded "we ask that God would extend His Kingdom of Grace on earth." He then directs us to Holy Scripture in Matthew 9:38 Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest. Again in II Thessalonians 3:1 Brethren, pray for us that the Word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified.

Edward Koehler explains what Luther meant by this when he wrote "In the same manner the kingdom of God comes to others, the heathen. The first thing necessary, then, is that the Gospel be preached to them. Hence we pray that God would send missionaries into His harvest, that we support the work of these men with our prayers and with our gifts, and that we ourselves do mission work by speaking to others about the salvation in Christ and by bringing them to our churches and schools." The latter sentence is a simple yet powerful word from Koehler. Invite them to our churches and schools.

Walther would agree whole heartedly with the point Koehler makes. It is one thing to pray for our missionaries and our pastors who preach the Word, it is yet very important that we pray that we are also in the work of promoting the church. Pray, pray and pray yet more "Thy Kingdom Come." As we do, recognize we are also praying that each one of us becomes a mouth piece for the sake of promoting the Church. It is the biblical way, it is the way of Luther, of Walther and of the Lord's church on earth.

Rev. Dr. Brian Saunders

President of Iowa District East.

A photo from Jordan Mckinleys ordination/installation at St. Paul in Stanwood.
 
Back Row:         Josh Reimche,     Vic Young,        John Pless,     Brian Saunders
Front Row:  Sean Hanson,  Darren Kohrt,  Jordan McKinley, Dennis Amdt,    Dean Rothchild

Peace Lutheran Church in Oelwein

Peace Lutheran, Oelwein, will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary Sunday, September 23 at a 10:30 worship service with a catered meal following the service and a 1:30 Program of Thanks and Praise. For more information contact the church office at 319-283-5778 or peaceoelwein@q.com.

IDE 2012 Convention Pictures

The Convention pictures are at: http://2012ideconvention.blogspot.com/