Camp IODISECA 2007 NEWS

Greetings from Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca,

Once again, Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca will send its Traveling Day Camp teams to congregations of the IDE bringing the 2007 Summer Camp program to the congregation. Working under the theme "In the Name" our trained counselors will lead your children in daily Bible studies digging in to what it means to be baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as well as a variety games, songs, and activities. Teams are available from June 10-August 3. This summer priority will be given to congregations or circuits not receiving a team last year; however, assignments will be made February 19. Applications received after that date will receive teams on a first come first served basis. Please contact Daniel Sanchez, Program Director (Daniel@campiodiseca.org) for more information or to apply.

The Lord be with you,

Rev. Terry S. Small
Interim Camp Director/Camp Pastor

Rev. Dean Rothchild's January Article

This past summer our family hosted a language exchange student from France by the name of Maxime receive. Max was with us for about five weeks and due to our
schedules we did not have as much time to show him others parts of the United States.

I did plan on taking him to Dubuque to show him the Mississippi River and the museum which is there. I also wanted to take him to Dyersville to see the movie site for "“Field of Dreams".” In order to prepare Max for that, I rented the Field of Dreams DVD and had him watch it before going to the field. That helped provide him with the story that went with the movie site.

One of the lines from that movie is: "If you build it, he will come." We spend money building church facilities to enhance the ministry which takes place there and also with the hopes that those facilities will attract new people. "If you build it, they will come," could be the battle cry of some congregations.

At theS ynodicalodical Convention, a resolution was passed which encouraged our 6,200 congregations to see themselves as "Mission Outposts." That will mean different things to different congregations. What it should entail is that each of our congregations sees itself as places where people are "gathered together" to receive forgiveness of sins.

As we know that forgiveness always comes through the Word, either the spoken, the
preached, or the Word become flesh in the Lord's Supper. When the absolution is pronounced by the Pastor, sins are forgiven. When the Pastor clearly preaches Jesus Christ crucified and risen for the forgiveness of sins, forgiveness is being extended. When we receive the body and blood of Christ in the Holy Supper, sins are forgiven. That is the function of a "Mission Outpost".

When people come to our Mission Outposts they should meet Jesus. Do Christ Jesus and the forgiveness of sins which He earned permeate everything that takes place? Are the sermons which are preached proclaiming Jesus as the Savior, the Sin-Bearer, and the Victor over sin, death, and the power of the devil?

We hear much today about proper diet. I "jog" to fight cholesterol and heart disease which has killed both my grandfather and my father. About 98% of the mornings each year, I find myself eating oatmeal. Healthy eating and exercise go hand in hand.

But what about our spiritual diet? Are we being properly fed? Is there a good balance of Law and Gospel preaching or are we becoming guilty of the "feel good theology?"

We live in a time when we dare not soft sell the message! When that happens, the Church loses its voice for Christ Jesus and becomes nothing more than a "social club"! Paul said: "Pay close attention to yourself and to your teaching; persevere in these things; for as you do this you will insure salvation both for yourself and for those who hear you" I Timothy 4:16.

I believe people will come to our Mission Outposts as we invite and bring them with us. For it is there that we are privileged to be gathered, to be forgiven and fed, and then sent back out into the world to connect with people who are without Jesus and are on the way to hell. Paul said: "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and delivered Himself up for me" Galatians 2:20.

The field in the movie was built and indeed Maxime came and saw it. He now could better relate it to the movie. Christ Jesus has built the Church and the marks of that Church are laudable and visible. The Church is the Body of Christ and that is what the attendee shall see. That is what the Church is and that is what the Church offers, the Body of Christ, the voice of Christ and comfort in Christ. He has built it, it is our honor and blessing to come.

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

The Prayer Warriors from Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt had the privilege of listening to Sandra Wohlford sing like an “earthly angel” about the birth of the Christ Child during the Prayer Service on Thursday afternoon, December 7, 2006.

Sandra is married to Kevin and is the mother of 2 high school students, Jerit and Kirsten and the caregiver of the family cat. She serves on the Worship Team at her church. She sang her first solo in church when she was 7 years old and has been selected to perform as a soloist for many important events and for various organizations in the Quad-City area.

Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

On Saturday, January 6, Bethany Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids revisits the joy of Christmas and explores the meaning of Epiphany through sacred music, word and art. This year's theme, "Go Light Your World", will focus on the candle burning in every soul. The concert will include different styles of music presented by various ensembles including organ, piano, strings, brass, bells, choir, and audience participation. New this year is a special community Epiphany Choir and a guest performance by the Alma Turechek String Trio from Coe College.

Concert times are 3 pm and 7 pm on January 6, 2007 at Bethany Lutheran Church, 2202 Forest Drive SE (across from Washington High School). Admission is free, so plan to arrive early for general seating. Free transportation is available for the elderly and homebound. Please contact Ronda Anderson by January 4 at 364-6026, ext. 205 to reserve a ride. A Christmas cookie reception will follow both programs and a complimentary soup dinner will follow the 3 pm program. For more details, visit www.bethanycr.org or call the church office at 364-6026.

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

“Journey to Bethlehem” a walking Luminary of the birth of Jesus from the Gospel of Luke, was presented on the lawn of Grace Lutheran, DeWitt on December 1st as part of the DeWitt Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Window Walk. The “Walking Luminary” this year replaced the drive-through event that had been held at Grace Lutheran Camp for the past 14 years. Hot Apple Cider “Wassail” was served to help warm the guest attending the Luminary.

Concordia Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

2007 - 50th Anniversary

"Concordia Lutheran Church: Built for Eternity Est. 1957" is the theme for our 50th anniversary celebration. Our congregation has come up with a number of special services and events through the year that will help us celebrate this milestone.

On Sunday, November 19th, we began our year-long celebration. Missionaries Jon and Heidi Heisterkamp were here and shared the scope of their ministry in Central America. We have formally adopted the Heisterkamps encourage our members to do this same. A free will offering was taken after each service for the Heisterkamps. We concluded the day with a potluck lunch in Fellowship Hall following the second service.

February 18, 2007, Charter Members of the church will be recognized. Pastor Gafeller, a son of the congregation, will preach the sermon. We will introduce a special, original anniversary hymn at this service. The words to the hymn were written by Pastor Paul Doellinger and the music has been composed by our own Ryan Loftsgaarden. Both gentlemen have generously donated their time and talents. Members are encouraged to wear their anniversary T-shirts at this service.

June 10, 2007 At our outdoor worship service, former pastor Rev. Marth will be our speaker. All those who have been confirmed at Concordia will be recognized. We will take a picture of the congregation as we all form the number “50” in our parking lot. Also at this service Dave and Karen Siefert will receive a special plaque for their many years of service by the Wycliffe Bible Translators. Members are encouraged to wear their anniversary T-shirts on this Sunday.

October 21, 2007 Gary Thies will speak at this service and provide an update on the HeisterkampsÂ’ work in Panama. Members are encouraged to wear their anniversary T-shirts on this Sunday.

November 18, 2007 Final Celebration/dinner Rev. Paul Scheidt to preach. Catered dinner (free will offering) to follow in Fellowship Hall. Members are encouraged to wear their anniversary T-shirt.

Please join us!

The November Issue of the IDE TODAY

The November issue of the IDE TODAY has started to arrived at the churches of the District. Thank you to everyone who contributed.

Unfortunately, at some point in the printing process, the pictures in the printed edition were obscured by white lines over the top and along the right hand side. We are in contact with the printer to find out what went wrong.

All of the pictures in this issue can be viewed in color on this site, or a PDF file of this issue can be viewed and printed from the IDE District Office site .

In Christ,

The Editor

Miss Elloise Segebarth

Miss Elloise Segebarth entered into the Church Triumphant this morning (Wed., Nov. 15) at St. Luke’s Hospital in Cedar Rapids, IA at the age of 92. Elloise taught at St. Paul’s Parochial School in Fredericksburg for five years and then for 36 years at Trinity Lutheran School in Lowden, until she retired in 1979. Her funeral will take place here at Trinity, Lowden on Saturday, November 17 at 10:30 am. She has no immediate survivors other than the community of faith.

News From The IDE Board of Directors

From now on the IDE Doard of Director Meeting Minutes will be posted at:

http://www.lcmsdistricts.org/pages/internal.asp?NavID=7560

A Link is in place on the right to access these minutes from this page.

Chaplain Herold Scheer

Another Opportunity to fund the IDE Chaplaincy Endowment Fund

I recently learned of a blessing Thrivent Financial for Lutherans wants to give the Iowa District East Chaplaincy Endowment Fund. They will give $2,400.00 if we can raise $7,200.00. Sounds like a good blessing to me and hopefully to most of you. As of this writing over $1,500.00 has been given. The Endowment fund total is now over $250,000.00 and when it’s over $500,000 it may support our half time Deaconess/Chaplain. When it reaches over $1,000,000.00 it will support a full time Chaplain at University Hospitals. Some people are including this Fund in their estate planning. Please remember that all gifts are tax deductible.

All gifts need to be received by December 15, 2006

You, your congregation or any group may send your gifts to:
Mr. Walt Prem, Financial Director
Johnson Co. Chapter Thrivent for Lutherans
227 Windsor Drive
Iowa City IA 52245

Please make the checks out to Thrivent for Lutherans and include IDE Chaplaincy Endowment Fund on the memo line of the check.

In Christ Jesus,

Chaplain Harold Scheer

IDE IN ACTION

A Piece of the Action

Your Mission Offerings at Work in Iowa District East

University of Iowa Health Care

University Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City

CHALLENGES OF OUR LORD’S MINISTRY:
To provide pastoral care to all members of The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. We also provide pastoral care to patients and families that I am referred to by pastors, families, patients and hospital staff members. We also work to provide pastoral care to members of the hospital staff (over 7,250 people provide medical care to over 50,000 in-patients and over 750,000 out-patients a year.)

To provide information to the members of Iowa District East about the many multifaceted needs (spiritual, physical and emotional) of our Lord’s people as they come for treatment of many different and often quite complex physical and emotional illnesses (including several organ transplant opportunities, premature babies, severe accident victims and a tree rolling on one of our members). Our great Creator has blessed the medical world with considerable resources of technology, medications and procedures. There are many ongoing opportunities for us to make life and death decisions with our Sisters and Brothers in Christ. This information is provided in Bible Classes and worship services. There are presentations at congregations for various groups regarding Advanced Medical Directives (Living Wills), lay ministry to people in hospitals and long term care facilities, death and dying; etc.

THERE ARE UNLIMITED OPPORTUNITIES to provide pastoral care to our Lord’s people 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So many people are inactive in relation to their home congregation. It is beautiful to see the Holy Spirit at work in His people as they lay on their hospital bed looking up. People recall what their basic Christian Faith beliefs are God created them with life. The Holy Spirit worked faith in their hearts, souls and minds. Now, not only do they want reassurance of eternal salvation by Christ’s suffering and death on the cross, but also a caring companion to walk with them through their medical challenges. They want to celebrate and live out Christ’s resurrection by having a resurrection of their own from their present medical, physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Most often they do!

OUR LORD OF THE CHURCH BLESSES HIS MINI-STRY here day after day, hour after hour as healing takes place physically, mentally and spiritually. We can get sicker than ever before and still live to tell about it because of the blessings of modern medicine. Once in awhile a patient will share his concern that he is dying. After briefly listening to such a conversation, I will stop them and state that I want to check with the nurse or doctor about their situation and will come back soon. Usually the message is that the person truly is getting better. However, since they had not been so sick ever before in their life, they were convinced that they were dying. What a joy to celebrate the healing of body, soul and mind! It is quite an honor and blessing to be with patients and families as our Lord calls a person home to Himself. This is a very holy time. To have the Holy Spirit working with the patients, families, hospital staff and myself as we go through all the decisions, emotions and spiritual struggles is very fulfilling as the power of God is at work in a very, very meaningful manner.

Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

The VBS Team from Trinity.
Kids in Healy, Alaska
The students of Trinity Lutheran Church

Jan Basemann, Linda Knoll, Jonathon Knoll, Aaron Nord and Irene Reinking, all members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, taught VBS in Healy, Alaska this past July.

Healy is a coal mining town located on a spur road (lumpy, bumpy and dusty) near the entrance to Denali Park. Approximately 1,000 middle class people with jobs and nice homes live there. Their problem is they have no Lutheran Church and no Pastor. We held VBS in the small Catholic Church. More than 30 children ages 3-13 attended every day. That kept “The Trinity Five” very busy.

The highlight of the week was the 47 Bibles we presented to all the VBS children and other children in the community who were unable to attend VBS. These NIV, Old and New Testament, hard cover, picture Bibles were provided by the Trinity Lutheran School Children. These Trinity children brought offerings of pennies on Monday, nickels on Tuesday, dimes on Wednesday, quarters on Thursday and dollars on Friday. The total check they presented to our VBS Team was for $875.00. This covered the cost of the 47 Bibles and most all of the craft items. What a wonderful gift these young missionaries provided for the children of Healy. The VBS students proudly carried their new Bibles back and forth from VBS to home and back again. Daily they told us how someone had read to them from their Bible or how they had read to someone else. Sharing the Gospel message of “Jesus Love and Salvation For All People” is what mission work is all about.

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

Rev. Dan Johnson of Redeemer, Marshalltown officiates at St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel's annual flag football game a.k.a. Luther Bowl VI

"Huddle up baby! It's time for Luther Bowl VI at St. Paul's Lutheran Chapel."

"University of Iowa Homecoming Picnic - St. Paul's style."

St. John's Lutheran Church in Waverly - "Trunk or Treat"

The chilly air was filled with excitement Tuesday evening, as 26 Vehicles and 50 members from St. John Lutheran Church in Waverly,dressed themselves up, and decked out their vehicles, for their First Annual “Trunk or Treat” event!

This even permitted children and families to go ‘trunk to trunk’, rather than ‘house to house’ to get their treats. All the members agreed that the event was a great success as over 175 children from the Waverly community showed up to receive their treats. The first and the last vehicles (as well as many in between) reminding all the children that “Jesus Loves You!”

And that’s no trick, it’s the greatest treat of all time! Plans are already Underway for St. John to hold our 2nd Annual “Trunk or Treat next October 31st.

St. John Lutheran Church is located at 415 4th Street SW * (Business Highway 218) in Waverly. Worship services are held on Sunday At 9:15 a.m., and Wednesday evening at 7:15 p.m.

Camp IO-DIS-E-CA Walther League Retreat - October 6

Camp IO-DIS-E-CA Festival - October 22nd

St Peter Lutheran Church in Westgate

In 1882, a formal call was sent to Rev. Haendschke, of Spring Fountain, to lead services at a school house northwest of Westgate and form congregation. In December of 1885 the congregation was incorporated. Soon after land was purchased and the first sanctuary built. In 1886 Westgate became a town with the arrival of the railroad. Seven years later the congregation move into town, settling right on Main Street. The cemetery, however, remained behind, a mile north of town. While there were four other churches in or near Westgate, only St. Peter continues strong, in this town of 230.

Our anniversary year began with District President Gary Arp preaching on All Saints Day, 2005. This past summer, former St. Peter Pastor Rev. Matthew Harrison preached. Our year culminated with Rev. Ron Koch, of St. Paul Lutheran in Fredericksburg speaking about his recent trip to Africa for Good News Magazine.

Despite a surprise furnace failure, we voted on a mission project for the year. During Lent, we gathered gifts for Pastor Koch’s trip to Africa. During VBS, our mom’s group decided to collect shoes for Orphan Grain Train. With help from the community, 160 pairs were delivered to Norfolk, NE. We were amazed at the work accomplished through Orphan Grain Train and found out that “Underwear” was another much needed item. While the thought of having an “Undy Sunday” sounded a little strange to some, the whole circuit was invited to get involved. At the LWML Fall Rally, over 2000 pairs were gathered. A member of St. Peter flew them to Norfolk in December.

Through the 120 years, 1255 souls have been baptized at St. Peter (including 3 adults and 22 infant/children in the last five years). 1245 people have been confirmed.

One of our young men was not able to be confirmed with his class in April, because he was diagnosed with cancer and was undergoing treatment in Iowa City. Though treatments were unsuccessful, he wanted to continue on to be confirmed. Plans were set for October 29 (not only Reformation Day, but also his 15th birthday). However, the week before he broke his hip. While our plans do not always work out, what a blessing that God’s do, receiving His gifts in His time, awaiting the even greater Feast to come.

More than just numbers for a book, numbers to brag about, we are reminded behind each number is a person, behind each number is God at work. What a blessing, that through simple water – He adds children to His family, through the Word – He reveals our sin and His forgiveness, through bread and wine – He offers His true body and blood, and through simple deeds of kindness toward our neighbor, His mercy is made known. While it won’t make the evening news, what a harvest God is preparing: “On what has now been sown Your blessing Lord, bestow; The pow’r is Yours alone To make it sprout and grow. O Lord, in grace the harvest raise, And Yours alone shall be the praise!”(LW #217)

Mark J. L’Heureux

The first week of October the two LCMS districts of Iowa met in Des Moines for the annual Teachers Conference. What a joy it is to come together and “Team” in our ministries. Our theme for the conference was Teaming For Eternity based off of the scripture verse from 1 Corinthians 9:25 – Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Throughout this conference it was evident of the “Teaming” that takes place not only in our schools of IDE, but also with the schools of IDW. It is rejuvenating to see conversations and friendships develop because of the partnership that we have. This partnership goes beyond the earthly form; it extends into the eternity form.

Our ministry together focuses on developing disciples. This needs to be the mission of every Lutheran School (this was also the mission of National Lutheran Schools Week 2006). Growing is a life-long process. It takes effort from committed parents, teachers and churches to “train up the child in the way he should go.” This life also has purpose; to be a contribution to others as directed by the craft hands of the Master Builder. This is the partnership that exists between families, schools and the church. We want to help the churches’ young to grow, develop, mature, and to live meaningful, satisfying, and eternally significant lives.

The story is told of an elderly carpenter who was ready to retire after a successful career of building houses. His plans were to retire and enjoy a more leisurely life with family. However, he was asked to build one more house. To his dismay he agreed to build the house, but his heart was not in it. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. Many had said that this was an unfortunate way to end a career. After the carpenter finished his work, he was handed the keys to this house. A gift! The carpenter was shocked and ashamed. If he had known he was building his own house he would have done it all so differently.

And so it is with us and the children we raise. We grow and develop day by day often putting less than our best into ourselves. Then in shock we realize we must live in the house we have built. Someone has said, “Life is a do-it yourself project.” Our attitudes and choices that we make today affect the life and those we come in contact with tomorrow. God has blessed us with gifts and abilities to use to develop into a life-long servant. We are the instruments of Jesus. We keep growing, serving, learning, developing and maturing in all areas of faith and life. We want this for our children so that they can be the hands, feet, and voices; the agents and instruments of Jesus, people privileged to fulfill God’s purpose in daily life.

May we always put our best into who we are and what we do.

Picture: Terry Schmidt, Director of National Lutheran School Accreditation, leads a sectional at the IDE/W Teacher's Conference on Teaming With Difficult People. Terry was also the Keynote for Thursday's opening on how Lutheran Schools are Ablaze.



Jan Doellinger, Teacher at Central Lutheran, Newhall, was awarded the Crystal Apple Award for the 2006 IDE Teacher of the Year.





















Rick Holste, Teacher at Immanuel Lutheran, Waterloo, prepares for his big entrance in the hallway for the Math Night sectional developed by the Immanuel staff.

Trinty Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

Jan Basemann, Linda Knoll, Jonathon Knoll, Aaron Nord and Irene Reinking, all members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, taught VBS in Healy, Alaska, July 2006

Healy is a coal mining town located on a spur road (lumpy, bumpy and dusty) near the entrance to Denali Park. Approximately 1,000, middle class people with jobs and nice homes live there. Their problem is they have no Lutheran Church and no Pastor. We held VBS in the small Catholic Church. More than 30 children ages 3-13 attended every day. That kept “The Trinity Five” very busy.

The high light of the week was the 47 Bibles we presented to all the VBS children and other children in the community who were unable to attend VBS. These NIV, Old and New Testament, hard cover, picture Bibles were provided by the Trinity Lutheran School Children. These Trinity children brought offerings of pennies on Monday, nickels on Tuesday, dimes on Wednesday, quarters on Thursday and dollars on Friday. The total check they presented to our VBS Team was for $875.00. This covered the cost of the 47 Bibles and most all of the craft items. What a wonderful gift these young missionaries provided for the children of Healy. The VBS students proudly carried their new Bibles back and forth from VBS to home and back again. Daily they told us how someone had read to them from their Bible or how they had read to someone else. Sharing the Gospel message of “Jesus Love and Salvation For All People” is what mission work is all about.

Chaplain Harold Scheer's November Article

WHAT'S A CHAPLAIN DO WHEN HE GETS A HORRIBLE PAIN IN HIS ABDOMEN?

GET TO THE HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

However, I was at the Dairy Queen in Cedar Rapids at the time, with my brother, his wife, and one of their friends, and I had to take them home first. Then I went to my mother's home in Iowa City because I needed to clean two bird feeders and fill three more. Mom is 86 and has considerable pain from her osteoporosis in her back. As a result, watching the birds are a big past time for her.

After all of that, I went home, told my wife about my pain which, by then, had persisted for an hour or two. We called the emergency room. I prayed all the way to the hospital, grateful that I was not in need of an ambulance. I remember wondering, "What in the world is wrong inside my abdomen?"

The ER doctor made an exam, ordered a CAT scan, and contacted the surgeon on call. A blockage was discovered.

My wife called Pastor Timothy Zimmermann who came to my room and was there when the diagnosis was delivered. The surgeon was more serious than I expected. A surgical team was called in; it was a Sunday evening. But they did not take long and I was off to surgery.

The procedure went more quickly than expected, only an hour. Everything started working the way it should.

Thank the Lord! That horrible pain was gone! Of course, now I had some new pains, healing pains: staples to adorn my abdomen, and an incision that cried "I did not want to be cut in the first place, now I have to work to put this muscle and skin tissue back together again." I had the usual tube in my nose and down my throat. Some of you know what that is like.

I will spare you the details about the post-op recovery: Thank the Lord for nurses! I was really feeling miserable, my stomach was upset and my throat was sore from the tube. Being nauseated never has been a great feeling for anyone. On top of it all, I got a headache from all the stress! Some of you reading this might be thinking, "A chaplain under stress in a hospital?" Being sick is no fun for anyone.

Well, thanks be to our gracious God for healing power! For soon I was getting stronger and feeling grateful for all of the prayers of fellow chaplains, my circuit counselor, and my own Pastor Tim Zimmermann. I was humbled by the out-pouring of blessing of care from my sisters and brothers in Christ, and from our congregation. The Lord got my body back to working so I could go home, but not back to work right away.

During my recovery, I learned that Thrivent Financial for Lutherans wants to help the Iowa District East Chaplaincy Endowment Fund. They will give $1,000 if we raise $3,000. Sounds like a good blessing to me, and hopefully to most of you as well. The fund is now over $ 250,000 and someday, when it gets over $500,000, it may support our half time Deaconess/chaplain, or someday, when it gets over $ 1,000,000, it will support a full time chaplain at University Hospitals. As the amount in the fund gets bigger, the earnings will also be used to support our half time chaplain at Fort Madison.

And there are other chaplaincy ministries that could be funded in our district too, especially in our larger cities with many of our Lord'Â’s people in long term care facilities who never see a minister during the course of a year. Now you know why some people are including this fund in their estate planning.

You, your congregation, or any group may send your gifts to: Walt Prem, Financial Director, Johnson Co. Chapter Thrivent for Lutherans, 227 Windsor Drive, Iowa City, Iowa 52245. PLEASE MAKE out your checks to Thrivent For Lutherans. PLEASE put on the memo line of the check: IDE Chaplaincy Endowment Fund.

Now, the good Lord willing, by the time you read this, I will be back to visiting patients at University Hospitals in Iowa City. Thank you for your prayers for our Savior’s Kingdom work in our District. Thank you for supporting our Pastors, chaplains, teachers, principals, and all of our lay leaders. Thank you for supporting all of the volunteers who make up out Lord's Kingdom come right where you are, as well as around the world. We thank our gracious God for loving us and for His only Son who suffered and died for our sins so that we might live and serve Him with the gifts He has given us. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

Rev. Dean Rothchild's November IDE TODAY Article

Dealing With Disappointments

When was the last time that you were disappointed with someone or something? Often in life, things do not always go as we had hoped or planned. My daughter was a football cheerleader this fall on a team that went 0-9. Disappointing? Certainly. How about when we have health concerns which send us off to the Doctor and we don'’t get the report that we had hoped for? Disappointing? Certainly! It can also be frightening.

I recently ran the Chicago Marathon (26.2 miles) as a fundraiser for our District'’s project in Palanga, Lithuania. I finished the race having to walk on and off from mile 17 or so to the finish. Disappointing? Certainly! But when the IT band on the left knee begins to hurt, you have no other option but to walk. However, many people supported my efforts and a few thousand dollars were raised for this project.

My youngest daughter recently had her cell phone stolen. Disappointing? Certainly! It is more of a hassle than anything else. In our disappointments we learn different lessons. Some of them teach us perseverance and others test our character in how we react to the situation.

Are we always tuned into the disappointments of those around us? Do we see the pains and hurts which our neighbor may be undergoing? Do we understand the struggles that our co-workers may be dealing with in their lives? We are called to "love our neighbor as ourselves" Matt. 22:39. We can be so focused in our own little worlds that we never see what is going on around us, sometimes even in our own families.

Disappointment can bring about a sense of grief and sorrow, pain and loss. How we deal with those things says a great deal about who we are "in Christ Jesus." God's call to us is always one of repentance. Many are the times when we have not loved our neighbor as ourselves. John said: "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.

Jesus has already undertaken all of our disappointment and has come out victorious on our behalf. We read in Isaiah 53: "Surely our griefs He Himself bore, And our sorrows He carried. But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him, And by His scourging we are healed. But the LORD was pleased to crush Him, putting Him to grief; If He would render Himself as a guilt offering."

What must have looked like defeat and disappointment to the disciples was shown to be the ultimate victory. We read in Acts 5:30-31, "The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you had put to death by hanging Him on a cross. He is the one whom God exalted to His right hand as a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins."

Disappointments are often some of the crosses which we bear in life as the "“baptized in Christ Jesus."” But Jesus has already borne and conquered all things on our behalf through His suffering, death and resurrection. Peter states: 1 Peter 2:6 "For it stands in Scripture:'Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone,a cornerstone chosen and precious,and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.'"

District President Gary Arp's November Article

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

In August I attended a Lutheran Free Conference in Riga, Latvia. The topic of the conference was the liturgy and featured speakers from several countries, including Dr. Petkunas, pastor of the Palanga Lithuania Parish. I will not bore you with a travel log, but I do want to mention a few things that might be of interest.

Unlike Lithuania, which is predominantly Roman Catholic, Latvia is predominantly Lutheran. LCMS is in "pulpit and altar fellowship" with the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia.
We arrived in Riga on Saturday afternoon. We had not slept for nearly 24 hours so we “slept in” Sunday morning. We arrived at “Dom Cathedral” a few minutes before noon and, to our delight, we got there just in time for the Divine Service! Although we could not understand the words, we could follow the service since it was much the same as our liturgy and we recognized the tunes to all of the hymns!

I marveled that we could travel so many miles to a little known country, with a language so strange to our ears, and feel so at home in the Divine Service! I must say I was a bit saddened to think that there are children who are growing up in congregations that no longer use our traditional Lutheran hymns and liturgy and may never know that joy.

In front of us sat a mother with her son, who was about three years old. The mother was a remarkable example of Christian piety. She knelt on the bare wooden floor for the confession of sins, the Lord's Prayer and the words of institution. Most, but not all, of the congregation did the same. We also knelt for the confessions of sins, but that was about all my old knees could handle! The son was a typical, but well behaved, three year old and she did not insist that her son do the same. I thought to myself what a wonderful example this loving mother is for her son!

After the conference, we traveled to Palanga Lithuania to tour the building project we have been supporting the past three years. The work is progressing, but much slower than expected. Pastor Petkunas is working very hard to keep the cost as low as possible. By next spring the construction should be to the point where we could have some crews from IDE go over to do interior work. We need to continue receiving financial support for the project. Make your checks to “LCMS World Relief & Human Care – Palanga Project.” You may send your offerings here to the District office and we will make sure it gets credited to the Palanga account. Every penny will go to the project!

We did attend Sarka’s wedding, as I wrote in the last edition of IDE TODAY. Her husband’s name is Pavel. In the Czech Republic a civil officer conducts all weddings. The clergy are not authorized to conduct marriages, as they are here in the U.S. After we arrived Sarka asked me to do a “Christian blessing of their marriage.” Thankfully the order of service for “Blessing of A Civil Marriage” was available on the LCMS website. So all I had to do was modify it to fit the situation. Not very many of the wedding guests could understand English, but one lady who did understand English was so moved by the service she asked for a copy of it. I am going to send her a copy of the Luther’s Small Catechism and Augsburg Confession in Czech, also a copy of the CPH book For All Eternity, which is a devotion book centered around Luther’s Small Catechism.

The Czech translation of these confessional writings is done by The Lutheran Heritage Foundation. If you know someone who does not speak English and you would like to share the Faith with him/her, I suggest you check with The Lutheran Heritage Foundation to see if they have anything in that language. The Foundation will send the copies to you free of charge. They would, of course, appreciate a donation to their work. Lutheran Heritage Foundation phone number is (800) 554-0723. If you would like to learn more about the organization, go to www.lhfmissions.org.

St John's Lutheran Church in Reinbeck

St. John’s, Reinbeck celebrated Rev. Bruce A. Boyce and 25 years in the ministry.

On October 1, over 200 friends and family celebrated 25 years of God’s divine call into the ministry with an Open House honoring Rev. Bruce A. Boyce. St. Johns hosted the event and had great fun, food, and fellowship with all who attended.

We at St. Johns felt that this was a perfect opportunity to show Pastor Boyce our appreciation for his commitment to the congregations, the districts, and to the community of believers for his loyalty and service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A brief program was created by Laura Woebbeking and performed by the youth group called “The Rest of the Story”. It depicted the years of Pastors life with a humorous twist. Only God can use a child cookie thief for HIS glory!

We are so fortunate to have Pastor Boyce serving St. Johns. We greatly appreciate all he and his wife Brenda do for us within the congregation and as friends within the community. We pray that God will continue to pour out HIS blessings on them and their family and that Pastor continues to serve Christ and HIS ministry for many years to come. Congratulations once again to Rev. Bruce A. Boyce!

Concerts

IOWA EAST DISTRICT HOSTS CONCORDIA SEMINARY CHORUS

ST. LOUIS—The Concordia Seminary Chorus announces its 2006 Advent Tour. All of the presentations will include an expanded choral version of Evening Prayer that encourages the participation of the congregation in hymns and psalms. The Seminary Chorus will present choral music for the season of Advent in the Iowa East District on the following dates:

Saturday, December 9, at 7:00 p.m.—Grace Lutheran Church, Waterloo, Iowa
Sunday, December 10, at 8:00 and 10:30 a.m.—Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Sunday, December 10, at 3:30 p.m.—Faith Lutheran Church, Mount Pleasant, Iowa

The touring choir of the Concordia Seminary Chorus consists of students who are preparing to become pastors in The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod. They represent a portion of the full Concordia Seminary Chorus. Rev. Henry V. Gerike is the director of the choir.

Camp Io-DIS-E-CA

Fall Festival at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca is today, Sunday, October 22 beginning at 2:00.

Because of the cool weather many festival activities have been moved indoors. We'll have plenty of hot chocolate, coffee and good things to eat. So, come join us for an afternoon filled with fun and friends at your camp! The auction featuring quilts, redwood bird feeders and other crafts, and gift certificates from area businesses, restaurants and hotels will begin at 3:00.

Thrivent has graciously pledged matching funds to multiply the festival's proceeds."

Rev. Terry S. Small
Interim Director/Camp Pastor

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

St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel Welcomes Deaconess Intern Leonarda Decker.

On Sunday, October 29, St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel will induct Deaconess Intern Leonarda Decker Intern Leonarad will serve as the chapel’s Director of International student Ministry and Parish Worker. She will begin her duties on November 1.

Intern Leonarda was born and raised in Kedainiai, Lithuania. She attended The School of Economics in Kaunas, Lithuania, and earned a diploma in Law. During her time in school and after graduation she worked as a consultant at a Notary Office in Kedainiai, Lithuania, and later in Kretinga, Lithuania.

In 1996 Intern Leondara entered Klaipeda University (in Klaipeda, Lithuania) and earned a Bachelor Degree in Theology in 2000. In the fall of the same year she began her studies at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, IN. Intern Leonarda graduated with a Master of Arts in church history in May of 2003. In the fall of 2003 she entered the colloquy program to receive Deaconess Certification. While waiting on her certification she worked as substitute teacher in Lutheran Schools, and was a family advocate at YWCA Woman’s Shelter in Fort Wayne. From 2005-2006 she lived in Lithuania and worked for the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Lithuania as an Intern/Co-worker of the Consistory.

Intern Leonarda has been married to Robert Decker since 2001. God has blessed them with a son, Sebastian, who was born in 2003. Her hobbies include working out, especially jogging, crocheting, and reading/writing poetry.

Job Opening at Camp IO-DIS-E-CA

Need a part time job with flexible hours?
We are seeking a housekeeper for our two main lodges.
Work an average of 20 hours per week.
Need more details? Call Luke at Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca (319) 848-4187.'

Camp Io-Dis-E-Ca
3271 Sandy Beach Road NE
Solon, IA 52333
(319) 848-4187

St. John Luthean Church in Waverly

Rev. Matthew Versemann was installed on July 6 at St. John Lutheran church in Waverly. Pastor Versemann was installed by the Westgate Circuit Pastors and by his Father in law, Pastor Ronald Hoehne of Sedalia, Missouri who also gave the installation sermon. Pictured: Front row: Rev. Jerry Markel, Rev. Keith Brustuen, Rev. Versemann, Rev. Ronald Hoehne, Rev. Larry Feldt, and Rev.Tom Wegener. Back row: Rev. George Volkert, Rev. Ed Parker, Rev. Tim Parker, Rev. Randy Russell and Rev. Ron Koch

Deaconess Carol Goldfish of Trinity Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

Congratulations to Deaconess Carol Goldfish on her recognition at the 2006 Waypoint Tribute to Women of Achievement on October 3 in Cedar Rapids. Carol was the Outstanding Award Winner in the Growth/Accomplishments in Personal Life category. This category recognized women who had demonstrated accomplishments and/or overcame obstacles that had significantly enhanced the honoree’s personal life and ability to help others.

Carol Goldfish was a wife and mother to three children, ages 14, 16, and 19, when her husband, a pastor, died suddenly of a massive heart attack in 1983. Faced with the responsibility of single parenthood, Carol was determined to put her three children through college and fulfill her own dream of finishing college to become a teacher. She completed her degree and became a teacher. During her first year of teaching, she was diagnosed with breast cancer.

Carol continued to teach and in 1992 began work on a Master's degree. By the time she graduated in May 1994, all three of her children had received their college degrees. Her son, Tim, is a Major in the US Army and both of her daughters, Stephanie and Paula, are teachers.

Carol continued to take classes in Clinical Pastoral Education. Carol is now Deaconess/Director of Human Care at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids and a part time Chaplain at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics. Through these positions she has been able to touch many people's lives: patients and family at UIHC, grieving individuals and families, and individuals experiencing domestic violence.

She also leads support groups for unwed mothers and spouses of Alzheimer's patients, parenting and marriage classes and workshops on domestic violence.

Carol is a role model for women of all ages and a resource to schools, individuals and families.

Deadline For The Next Issue

The deadline for the next issue of the IDE TODAY, the newsletter of the Iowa District East of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, will be November 1st.

All IDE congregations, missions, and committees are encouraged to provide news, pictures, updates, and information concerning their activities and work so the rest of the District can rejoice with them.

Contributions can be emailed to IDETODAY@Juno.com or mailed to Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, The IDE TODAY, 1701 8th Street, Coralville, Iowa 52241.

The November issue will arrive about Thanksgiving time.

St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel Bids Farewell and Godspeed to ISM Director Rebekah Thompson.

On Sunday, October 1, the American and international students of St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel, as well as the permanent congregation, gathered to bid farewell and Godspeed to outgoing Director of International Student Ministry and Parish Worker Rebekah Thompson.

Rebekah began working at St. Paul’s Chapel in August of 2002. Under Rebekah’s leadership the International Student Ministry program grew from a once a week get together to a program that involves numerous volunteers speaking the good news of Jesus Christ to students from all over the world in the context of one on one English conversation classes and social events. During her time at the chapel Rebekah taught countless English and TOFEL class, lead numerous social gatherings, and introduced many international students to Jesus.

Rebekah leaves St. Paul’s for a good reason. She is getting married to Dr. Vijay Golla on Saturday, October 14. Dr. and Mrs. Golla will make their home in Bowling Green Kentucky, where Dr. Golla works as an assistant professor in the school of public health at Western Kentucky University.

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt - Concordia River Forest

Concordia University-Chicago (River Forest. Illinois) students have been coming to Grace Lutheran Camp, DeWitt for a weekend in the spring and the fall the past several years. The group spends part of their time at the Camp doing "Servent Event Work" around the camp under the direction of the Grace Camp Board. Many worthwhile camp projects have received extra help during their visits. The balance of the weekend is spent in group study with visiting professors from both the Fort Wayne and St Louis Seminaries. The weekend of September 7th, 8th, and 9th this fall was no exception with fourteen students traveling to eastern Iowa with their advisor, Pastor Harry Therwanger. Pastor Therwanger remarks that this is an excellent experience for the students. Fellowship time is also enjoyed during meals prepared by ladies of Grace Church and Camp. The group always enjoyed the opportunities at Grace Camp for games of football, basketball and volleyball.