Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown

On Tuesday, July 30th, members of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown had a joyful opportunity to serve our Lord and His children at the House of Compassion. Member Karen Frohwein is the Director and was pleased to have help preparing and serving supper for around 80 people in need. Those who struggle with homelessness, poverty, family crises, addiction, and disability can come to the House of Compassion to receive hygiene products, free meals, medical assistance, and an overnight emergency shelter.
Praise God, from whom all blessings flow!

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlotte

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Charlotte Anniversary Celebration

"140 Years in the Lord's House"

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Divine Service at 10:00am

Meal and Anniversary Program following the service.

All are welcome to join us in giving thanks for the abundant blessings God has given to this congregation. There is no cost for the meal. There will be a free will donation.

We ask that all visitors please speak to Pastor Dodgers before coming to the altar for Holy Communion. Thank you.

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Charlotte

Pastor Anthony Dodgers will be celebrating his one year anniversary here at Immanuel, he was installed on August 12, 2012. He was raised in Rockford, Michigan and he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana in 2011. He was ordained into the Office of the Holy Ministry on July
15,2012 at his home congregation, St. Peter's Lutheran Church in Rockford, MI.

Immanuel in Charlotte is celebrating its 140th Anniversary this year, Pastor Dodgers is busy helping plan a special Sunday Service, a noon meal and program for September 22,2013.

Confirmation was held on Palm Sunday and Pastor is pictured with the two young people that were Confirmed, they are Jacob Madsen and Kelsey Camp.

Davenport Lutheran Home

My Feature Volunteer for Reflections

Christi Johnson has been volunteering at our Lutheran Home for over 8 years. She comes in every Friday to help with BINGO and has developed friendships with several residents over the years, by visiting with them one-to-one on a weekly basis. Christi enjoyed the work she did as a CNA years ago before becoming a stay-at-home mom. When her daughter started high school, Christi started volunteering. She says she finds working with the elderly very rewarding. Christi is also very active in her church.

Redeemer Lutheran Church in Marshalltown

The ordination and installation of Alexander Post at Redeemer Lutheran Church Marshalltown on July 14 4:00pm. Meal and refreshments followed.

Back row from left to right:
David Brandt, Sam Beltz, Nick Huelsman, Andrew Gray, Kent Peck, Max Mons, Anthony Dodgers,

Middle Row from left to right:
Mike Maddick, John Moore, Joel Picard, Andy Wright, Andy Richard,

Front Row from left to right:
John Block, Fred Berry, Alex Post, Brian Saunders, Paul Nus, Dave Klinge

Davenport Lutheran Home

Up, up and away! We kicked off National Nursing Home Week at the Lutheran Home with a celebratory balloon launch.Monday, May 13 was a beautiful sunny day for the residents and staff of Davenport Lutheran Home to gather outside and watch as 165 red, white and blue balloons drifted off into the clear, blue sky. It was the perfect way to kick off a week-long, fun-filled celebration of all those who live and work in nursing homes such as ours across the United States. And, each of those 165 balloons contained a note that said, “National Nursing Home Week, Davenport Lutheran Home, Please Call”. Late the next day we received a call from Victor Luna of Ardmore, AL who said that his son had found the balloon in their yard that morning. Residents and staff were amazed to hear that, in approximately 24 hours, one of our balloons had traveled nearly 650 miles! Special thanks to Activity Director, Liz Jansen , Activity Aide, Rhonda Felton and to Dietary Manager, Rob Brown and all his staff for planning and facilitating all the fun!

Pictures: Volunteer, Orville Stout helps distribute the balloons for the launch. Elfrieda Flath tightly grasps two balloons, waiting to let them fly!

Davenport Lutheran Home

In Sickness and in Health 

by Becky Jones

Marketing/Public Relations Coordinator

Davenport Lutheran Home

563-391-5342

World Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is September. So to acknowledge this, I interviewed the spouse of one of our residents living with Alzheimer’s disease.

How did things have to change with your daily lives when your husband first started exhibiting symptoms?

“When Jim was first diagnosed his symptoms were pretty minor, but then it was like the symptoms exploded overnight and he was a different person. As the disease progressed, for example, Jim didn’t care much about his yard or his flowers; though they had been his pride and joy. Before the onset of Alzheimer’s, Jim would cook dinner for us, until the day I came home and found a pan on fire. He didn’t even remember putting it on the stove. I started taking knobs off the stove so he wouldn’t be tempted to cook anymore. It was at that point I realized how bad the disease was getting. As time went on he started having troubles walking and was no longer able to bathe himself. I started bathing and dressing him in the morning before I went to work”.

When I asked Lori what kind of assistance she received from family, friends and the community, she recounts the frustrating experience of trying to make sure that Jim was safe and well-cared for at home, trying to manage paying for these services and trying not to lose her job through it all. She was overwhelmed with worry and feelings of guilt. Thankfully, Lori says, she was able to take some time off from work under the Family Medical Leave Act and with the help of Generations Area Agency on Aging; Jim was able to spend three days a week in a local adult day care center. But Lori works an hour away from home, so even with these programs in place; she still had to rely on friends, neighbors and family, to coordinate Jim’s days.

What did you do, to help you cope with all of this? When and how did you decide it was time to find another place for Jim to live?

“Honestly, I cried a lot and prayed a lot that God would give me the strength to see Jim through this illness and that God would guide me to know when the right time was for me to put Jim in a nursing home. That was one of the hardest things I had to do, but I had to do it for Jim’s safety and for my sanity. I was terribly stressed out and I was getting to the point where I couldn’t control my emotions.”

I toured Jim and Lori, when Pastor Larson first brought them to our Lutheran Home about 18 months ago. I see Lori nearly every night coming to have dinner with her husband. She puts fresh flowers at his place at the table. Jim has a great smile and he won’t hesitate to flash it when I greet him. But when his wife is sitting next to him, his smile is bigger, brighter. Lori visits with the other residents at the table. She asks about them when one is absent. She has become attached to several of them. I think, in a way, it’s like Lori lives here too.

Jim has been with us for just over a year now. Does having him at the Lutheran Home help to relieve some of your worry?

“Yes, it does. Having Jim here has been good for both of us. I still worry, but not as much. I worry about the progression of the disease and about the quality of his life. I have asked Jim on numerous occasions if he is happy here and if they are treating him right. His answer is yes to both. As long as he keeps smiling; I know he is happy and content. That is really all we can ask for when we have to put a loved one in a nursing home. My life revolves around visiting Jim at the Lutheran Home, especially during mealtimes; I am here almost every night for him, to make sure he eats and drink well. I guess I take my wedding vows to heart; for better or for worse, in sickness and in health.”

Getting to know Jim and Lori Lakey is the closest I have ever been to Alzheimer’s Disease. I know that it effects every individual differently and in Jim’s case, it progressed very quickly. Through Lori I have become acquainted with the person Jim used to be and I think at times, I see glimpses of the man she met thirty years ago. I have been amazed by Lori’s ability to manage this loss with such grace and perseverance. And, I am thankful that God answered her prayers by guiding them to our Lutheran Home.

Rev. Clarke Frederick

Rev. Clarke Frederick celebrated the 40th Anniversary of his Ordination at an Open House at his home in Mason City on Sunday, July 28th. Friends and parishioners from his past churches came from several states to help him celebrate. His last parish was Trinity at Vinton, where he retired last year. He has been substituting at various churches around the Mason City area. We all thank him for his service for our Lord and wish him the best.

St. Paul's Chapel in Iowa City

Although Iowa City slows down in the summer, the International Student Ministry at St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel does not. We have been busy with weekly conversation and knitting classes. Our special events have been a huge success! We had over 20 people attend our class “Learn to Make Your Own Ice Cream.” Our trip to the Johnson County Fair was a unique opportunity to see farm animals up close. The tractor pull was a first time experience for both the internationals and the natives! The rest of the summer will be busy as we plan many new events and classes for the fall.

If you are interested in helping our ministry, we are currently looking for volunteers at all levels of time commitment. Teach a cooking class, converse with a partner, lead a conversation group, host an event, or simply sign up to pray for our ministry with monthly email reminders. For more information contact ISM Director Megan Starrett atismstpaul@gmail.com or (319) 337-3652 today! Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton

VBS 2013

"Put On The Full Armor of God" was the theme of this years Vacation Bible School at Trinity Lutheran Church in Clinton held in June. Pastor John Preus put together the Bible stories and verses based Ephesians 6:10-17 that formed the basis of our program. The craft ladies designed costume pieces for each day to go with the theme for each participant.
Day 1 - Belt of Truth
Day 2 - Breast Plate of Righteousness with the Luther Rose
Day 3 - Shield of Faith
Day 4 - Sandals of the Gospel of Peace
Day 5 - Helmet of Salvation

Each child received a Sword of the Spirit to complete their costumes at Thursday nights dinner and program. Pictures were taken of everyone in full costume on Friday. A wonderful week was had by all - teachers, helpers and students!

Concordia Seminary Visit

A SPECIAL INVITATION TO VISIT WITH

REV. MICHAEL REDEKER

ADMISSIONS OFFICER & DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS

CONCORDIA SEMINARY, ST. LOUIS

September 16-20, 2013

You are invited to meet with Rev. Michael Redeker, Admissions Officer at Concordia Seminary, to discuss preparation for the pastoral ministry and deaconess studies. Below you will find the itinerary for the visits to your area. Please call Rev. Redeker at 314-505-7225 or email him at redekerm@csl.edu for an appointment.*

Monday, September 16
Faith Lutheran
910 E Mapleleaf Drive
Mt. Pleasant, IA 52641
319-385-8427 10:00am-1:00pm

Our Savior Lutheran
3775 Middle Road
Bettendorf, IA 52722
563-332-5141 4:30-7:30pm

Tuesday, September 17
Zion Lutheran
201 1st Avenue
Hiawatha, IA 52233
319-393-2013 9:00-10:30am

Our Redeemer Lutheran
2145 John F. Kennedy Road
Dubuque, IA 52002
563-588-1247 12:30-2:00pm

Tuesday, September 17 (cont.)
Christ Lutheran
234 S. Hackett Road
Waterloo, IA 50701
319-233-7052 5:00-7:30pm

*While specific appointments are strongly encouraged by calling Rev. Castens he is also very happy to meet with you without a prior appointment.

IDE LLL 2013 Convention

Rev. Dr. Paul L. Maier coming to Hiawatha in September

 

Christianity is founded on real places, real times and real events.  So says Rev. Dr. Paul Maier who recently addressed nearly 500 people at Concordia University Chicago.  You too have a chance to hear this national known historian and Christian apologist.  

The Rev. Dr. Maier will be the guest speaker at the Lutheran Laymen’s League convention on Saturday, September 28, at Zion Lutheran Church, 201 First Ave., Hiawatha, IA 52233.  Dr. Maier, son of the first Lutheran Hour speaker, is professor emeritus of Western Michigan University and has authored numerous books and articles about the life and times of Jesus Christ.  He will speak on the following two topics:  Jesus – Legend or Lord? which gives fresh information about  Jesus from ancient sources beyond the Bible, and Christianity and the Competition that compares the credentials of the Christian faith with other world religions.   Everyone is invited to register and attend.

Doors open at 9:00 A.M., convention starts at 10:00 A.M.  and concludes at about 4:00 P.M.   Rev. Dr. Maier will be speaking both in the morning and the afternoon.  Registration fee includes a two-meat dinner and morning and afternoon snacks.  Please register your attendance by September 21^st so we can be sure to have enough food and seating.  Please contact Dick Hoelz for reservations by mail, phone or e-mail. 

Dick Hoelz, 3519 Heatheridge Dr. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, phone (319) 363-1214, e-mail rahoelz@imonmail.com.

Yes, we will be attending the Saturday, September 28, 2013 LLL convention.

Registration fee is $25 per person and includes a noon meal, and morning and afternoon snacks.

Name(s) ______________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________________________

Make checks payable to: IDE LLL  

St. John Lutheran Church at Fairbank

Jordon Cowell, Rev. Roy Berquist, Delaney Mohlis Confirmed at St John Lutheran Church on May 19.

2013 IOWA DISTRICT EAST PARISH NURSING REPORT

Parish Nursing Continues to Grow

Parish Nursing, a nursing speciality, continues to grow in eastern Iowa! The Iowa District East has 15 parish nurses of the over 1,000 synod wide nurses across the country. The parish nursing district representatives (photo at top) from the synod recently met prior to the 21st Annual Conference for Parish Nursing and Congregational Health Ministries, Concordia Conference at Mequon, WI. The district reps were from New Jersey to CA, and everywhere in between. Dr. Marcia Schnorr, Coordinator, Parish Nursing, LCMS Health Ministries and Maggie Karner, Health and Life Ministries Director lead our day and a half discussions and topics. The State of Parish Nursing in the Synod was given, an overview of the LCMS International Center Structure and the excitement of international growth was shared. Parish nurses from Australia, Germany and Palestine were present. Attending the Concordia conference were four parish nurses from the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City area. Presenters varied from keynote Concordia professors to breakout sessions given by parish nurses.

Locally, Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids, has now sponsored six Basic Preparation Courses for Parish Nursing, graduating 65 nurses with a certificate in Faith Community Nursing. Five part time paid parish nurses have been placed in local congregations/parishes through this institution. Another class is being planned for the fall of 2013, which will be open to any RNs from our district congregations.

As Iowa District East Parish Nurse Representative I am available to promote, support and educate people in our district in regard to parish nursing.

Ronda Anderson RN, Parish Nurse
Bethany Lutheran Church
2202 Forest Drive SE,

IDE 2013 Golf Outing

On Monday June 24th, 13 die hard golfers braved some rainy weather to compete for the honor of having their name engraved on the Presidents Plaque. A team consisting of Jennifer Knox, Rev. Mike Knox, and Rev. Sam Beltz, shot a round of even par to win the Iowa District East Church Worker’s golf outing. This was the second time that the outing was hosted by the Fawn Creek Golf Club in Anamosa, Iowa. The event is sponsored by Iowa East and prizes and lunch are funded by Thrivent. Last year’s winners, Galen and Sherry Brendes finished second. This is played as a two team best ball format. We look forward to having more district workers play in 2014.

On June 9, Faith Lutheran Church, Waterloo, welcomed the new members from the past year with a congregational potluck. Of the 35 people that joined Faith during the last year 23 were present for this photo. New members came through transfer, adult confirmation and adult baptism.

McGregor and Guttenberg

Ascension Day Picnic(inside because of weather) St. Paul, McGregor and Trinity, Guttenberg, IA
Worship Service followed with record attendance.

Christ Academy

Pictured: Isaiah Ambrecht (St. John Lutheran Church, Homestead, IA), Zachariah Zoske (St. John Lutheran Church, Hubbard, IA) and Stephen Nus (Trinity Lutheran Church, Millersburg, IA). Attendees of Christ Academy High School at Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Ind., June 16-29, 2103. Christ Academy High School offers young men the opportunity to delve deeper into their faith, enjoy the seminary experience and make friendships that will last a lifetime. More information on Christ Academy can be found at www.ctsfw.edu/CA.

St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon

On May 19, St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mount Vernon had an end-of-the-year celebration for the Sunday School program. During the Sunday School hour the Sunday School choir sang at a local nursing home. After our Divine Service, the children enjoyed a carnival-themed series of games, face-painting and a bouncy house. The morning ended with a cookout including a smorgasbord of brats.