Lutherans For Life

Black Hawk Lutherans For Life, along with churches in the Waterloo Circuit, participated in many events in observation of Life Sunday, on January 20th.

Several area congregations participated in the Pennies For Life campaign to raise money to support the state chapter of Lutherans For Life. The members at Concordia, Faith, Grace, Immanuel of Waterloo, and St. John, Waverly were challenged to donate a penny for each year of their life. $269.82 was collected, equaling 26,982 years.

To help observe the day, Black Hawk Lutherans For Life provided local churches with Life Sunday bulletin inserts from the national office of LFL. They were a simple reminder of how precious God’s gift of life is, and the sacrifice He gave to redeem His people back from death.

That morning, Immanuel Lutheran Church in Waterloo held a brunch between services to raise money for Black Hawk LFL.

Life Sunday concluded with a solemn service at Faith Lutheran Church in Waterloo, officiated by Pastor Killian. It was a remembrance of all those who have lost their lives to abortion, and to remember those who still need to hear God’s forgiving message of the Gospel. A total of $246.00 was given during the service. Half of that offering will go to the Alternatives Pregnancy Center to help mothers in some very difficult circumstances to choose life for their child.

On January 30th, confirmation classes from Immanuel and Faith Lutheran Churches in Waterloo joined together for a servant event. At Faith Lutheran 60 youth and adults painted 200 crosses for the Witness of the Crosses display. The crosses will be set up at churches in the area this spring and summer. Each of the 3,000 crosses in the display represents one life that is lost each day to abortion here in the United States. Thank you to both churches for helping organize the youth and adults to get this service project closer to completion.

A thank you to all who have and continue to support the activities of Black Hawk Lutherans For Life through their donations and prayers this past year.

Black Hawk Lutherans For Life meets on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, at 5:30pm, at Valley Lutheran School in Cedar Falls. For more information call Kie at (319) 231-5711.

District President Gary Arp

January 31, 2008

Members of IDE:

Good News!

As I wrote in the January issue of the IDE Today, I was in the process of waiting for a ruling about volunteer laborers for the Palanga project. The following is an email which I received from Rev. Dr. Darius Petkunas on January 29th:

Dear President Arp, It took the Ministry of Labor over a month to ponder the question on guest workers from the USA. Now they have sent their decision. I found it to be incomprehensible, so I took it to our Lithuanian church's attorney who told me that it means that the ministry approves the coming of guest workers from America to serve as volunteers by helping us in Palanga. They ask however, that the workers should be covered by insurance so that the Lithuanian church and government would not find itself involved in legal questions concerning liability, etc. They suggest also that when workers come we should invite someone from the local agencies to advise them concerning safety regulations. The visits by workers over the past two years have proven to be a great blessing to us. It does lower to some extent the overall cost of the project, because of the donation of their labor. I have planned the program of these visits so as to make sure that they have plenty to do and will not feel that they are wasting their time. I am very gratified that the Labor Ministry has taken this very liberal and helpful position and hope that we will be having more working visits from our brothers and sisters in Christ in Iowa East District. Yours in Christ, Darius

If you are interest in making a trip, please contact Rev. Dean Rothchild at 319-373-2112 or deanrothchild@lcmside.org

In Christ,

Rev. Arp

Fifty Years Of Teaching

Fifty Years of Service

LaJune Wolter was recently recognized for fifty years of service in the teaching ministry by the Iowa District East Schools’ Committee. LaJune attended Concordia High School and College in Seward, Nebraska. She received her first call to St. John’s in Homestead, Iowa in 1954 teaching grades 1-4. Later she accepted a call to Trinity in Conroy, Iowa where she taught grades 5-8 and later grades 1-3. When Lutheran Interparish School began in 1967, she became the first grade teacher and remained so until her retirement in 2007.

LaJune loved to teach God’s children! She especially loved teaching Religion and Reading. She enjoyed using literature to teach other subjects like History. LaJune’s love for her Savior motivated her to spend 10 years teaching mid-week classes at her church, and also teaching Sunday school and VBS. She also led the K-4 choir at one of the association churches for 30 years.

In addition to her church family, God has used LaJune’s gifts in the community as well. LaJune belongs to numerous organizations such as: The Cedar Rapids Reading Council, Lutheran Education Association, Women’s Organization Delta Kappa Gamma, VFW and the Homestead Welfare Club.

The IDE School’s Committee would like to thank LaJune for her many years of dedicated service.

Rev. Harold Scheer

A BIG THANK YOU to all of you who have prayed, cared, & even supported financially our Savior’s Kingdom work at University Hospitals during the 28 plus years while I served full time our Sisters & Brothers in Christ while they were patients, family members, & hospital staff.

Presently, Deaconess / Chaplain Carol Goldfish continues providing spiritual care on Monday, Wednesday, & Friday afternoons from 1:00 p.m. till 9 p.m. or later. Carol is supported by congregations, groups, individuals, families, & couples both in Iowa District East & outside our district. Carol was supported by I D E until 4 years ago. She has been serving at U Hospital for 10 years.

Retired Pastor Bill Riley from Cedar Rapids comes to the University of Iowa Health Care & Clinics on Tuesday & Thursday afternoons, is “on call” after hours & is supported by Iowa District East.
It is my hope & prayer that you will continue to pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to bless both Deaconess / Chaplain Carol Goldfish & Pastor Bill Riley as they serve our Lord’s people in various health challenges.

You may send donations for the spiritual ministry of Deaconess Goldfish to Trinity Lutheran Church, 1363 – 1^st Avenue S. W., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52405 4891.

To provide support for the ministry of Rev. Bill Riley you may send donations to the Chaplaincy Working Fund at the Iowa District Office, 1100 Blairs Ferry Road, Marion, Iowa 52302 3093.

If you would like to pray & support the Iowa District Chaplaincy Endowment Fund, please do so. Pray that the Holy Spirit would motivate those so touched by our Savior’s caring love shared at U Hospital that they be motivated to share of their material blessings. Checks should be made out to that fund & sent to the District Office at the same address listed above. This fund should be over $300,000.00. Eventually, the goal is for the fund earnings to provide for a full time chaplain at University Hospital. This was approved by the District Board of Directors in July of 1989 & by the District Convention in 1990.

Thank you, thank you for your many prayers, your care, your concerns for me & my family all of these past 28 years plus, & especially for our Savior’s full time Kingdom work at University Hospitals since 1936.

Peace & Power, Hope & Joy in our Christmas Savior, Lord & King,

Harold Scheer

Retired Iowa District East Chaplain

Concordia Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids

For weeks, members at Concordia Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids planned a surprise 30^th anniversary party for their ever-faithful church organist and music coordinator, Marlene Loftsgaarden. Top secret invitations were mailed to parishioners with the details: Surprise celebration Dec. 23 during 8:00 church service followed by cake and coffee in the Fellowship Hall.

As the date approached, the forecast was for a “major winter storm event.” But no one guessed it would be so severe that most Eastern Iowa churches would cancel services. So when the phone rang early Sunday morning, Rev. Jerry Doellinger was certain it was Marlene. It was. Concerned for the members, and also unsure that she would be able to make the 11-mile drive to church, she urged the cancellation of services. Determined to hold the celebration, Pastor Doellinger insisted that the services would go on.

Doug, Marlene’s husband, was in on the surprise. So he was up at 5 a.m. to shovel out the drifts that blocked their driveway. Two hours later, he told Marlene to wake their sons (both home for Christmas) and plan on leaving for the early service. Marlene would later comment that her sons, neither one a morning person, were “unusually cooperative.”

Nearing the interstate, Marlene had misgivings. She again called Pastor Doellinger to inform him that she was considering retreating for home. Pastor Doellinger remained resolute that the services would be held. Shortly after hanging up, Marlene’s cell phone rang. This time it was Pastor Doellinger saying he would be late. “My driveway and road are drifted shut.” Surely this would mean church would be canceled, Marlene thought. Without a choice, Pastor Doellinger had to let out some of the surprise. He explained to Marlene that he couldn’t cancel because the members were planning to honor her 30^th anniversary. This moved Marlene to tears.

Encouraged by her sons, they made it to the church minutes before the service. Having no idea what was planned for her, she hustled up to the organ loft where she began the pre-service music. Waiting for Pastor Doellinger to arrive, volunteers led a hymn sing. On any other Sunday, a house of only 60 worshipers would be reason for concern, but on this particular morning, for 60 people to brave the conditions only points out how much they appreciate Marlene.

Upon arriving, Pastor Doellinger asked Marlene to please make her way, with her sons, to the front of the church. There he formally thanked Marlene for her 30 years of service and detailed the celebration. First, she was invited to sit with her family while another member accompanied the service on piano. Then, piano students of Marlene stood to honor their beloved teacher. Later, her son Ryan, who studies music composition in Chicago, performed an original piano piece as the offertory, one that he wrote especially for his mom.

Marlene began piano lessons in the first grade. In the sixth grade, she started lessons on a pipe organ that her grandfather purchased St. John’s Lutheran in Center Point. After she was confirmed, age 14, Marlene began her career as a church organist at St. John’s. At 15, she began giving piano lessons. She then went on to study music at Coe College where she saw an ad for an organist at Ascension Lutheran Church in Marion. It was there, at the organ, her husband proposed to her there one Christmas Eve in front of the whole congregation.

Marlene and Doug moved to California where she continued as an organist. Returning in 1977, she became the choir director at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha. She also worked at Armstrong’s Department Store where she made fur coats. It was her aunt and uncle, Doris and Dick Faas, who, thirty years ago, told her about the organist opening at Concordia. The rest, as they say, is (musical) history.

Marlene has continued teaching private lessons throughout the years. She currently has 40 students a week, many of whom are members of Concordia. She continues to diligently build the children’s choir (Tuned Into God) and the young adult choir (Kids For Christ). She has also worked many years for the Cedar Rapids Symphony and has recently been promoted to librarian.

On December 23, in the midst of a snow storm, grateful members of Concordia Lutheran Church presented Marlene with a ceramic angel. The inscription read, “Music is the bridge between heaven and earth.” If that is true, Marlene can certainly be counted among the many esteemed architects.

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

The Wisemen have arrived!

Grace Lutheran Church in DeWitt

Scott Kaczinski and Family Music Ministries were guests of Grace, DeWitt's, weekly Prayer Warrior Service on December 27th. This DeWitt area family, Scott and his wife Annette and their four children, Taylor, Eli, Josye and Madlin presented a wonderful selection of Christian music centered around the birth of our Savior. Scott sings and plays many of his own songs he has written about his family. Through his creativity, sense of humor, honesty and variety of musical styles the Kaczinski Family seeks to challenge and encourage us in our everyday life to draw closer to God.

On Sunday morning, December 9^th, the Grace, DeWitt, Cantata Choir presented "Celebrate the Season". With song styles ranging from traditional classical, to jazz, and everything in between, the choir told the story of the birth of Christ in a fresh and exciting way. The Choir also presented the cantata at Westwing Nursing Home and Amber Ridge Assisted Living Home. The cantata helped to warm our hearts and lift spirits during the Advent season.

Rev. Dean Rothchild, Assistant To The District President

In November, I had the privilege of traveling with a group of 18 people from St. John Lutheran Church in Hubbard to work on the new church building in Palanga, Lithuania. We left on November 12^th and returned on November 19^th.

[See the pictures below.]

The first task was to clean up some of the residual building materials throughout this massive facility. Many buckets of dirt and blocks were gathered and hauled out in a wheelbarrow. After that, several wooden floors were installed in what will be storage areas in the new facility. Some dry wall was hung. Hanging the 4 x 8 foot sheets was rather simple. Installing the metal framing which must be attached to the block walls was quite time consuming. The crew from Hubbard was hard working and dedicated to help get some of the interior work completed.

To date, over $414,000 has been gathered from throughout Iowa District East and other parts of the Synod to help with the construction of the project. Original estimates were in the range of $650,000. With the rise in cost of both labor and materials the project is going to cost closer to $950,000 to get it to the point where it can pass government approval so it can be used.

Pastor Darius Petkunas writes: “We have closed work because we are out of money. The exterior is complete except that some work still needs to be done on the tower. If we receive funds, we can resume in March and hopefully we can have the dedication in the summer time. We would need an additional $170,000 to pay for supplies and labor to meet government approval.”

When I returned I began the process of arranging work crews to donate their time and money to go to Palanga to do further work on the project. That is temporarily on hold due to Laws in Lithuania: Rev. Petkunas writes: “I have just made aware that the laws in Lithuania since the last year have been tightened up. The government now says that tourists cannot work even as volunteers except in emergency situations (natural disasters, etc.). If something was to happen at the site and the government became involved, it could be a problem. If individuals were covered by their own insurance or if there was a blanket policy to cover the group this might work.” He has since written the government officials in Vilnius to get an official ruling about this. That is a Fourth Commandment issue and we must obey the law.

Hopefully this is only a challenge and roadblock which God will help us overcome. As mentioned earlier this is a massive facility which will not only serve the needs of the congregation at Palanga but will be a blessing to the entire Lithuanian Lutheran Church body. I hope that it works out to send other groups on servant events to Palanga. LCMS Human Care and Iowa District East continue to partner in this project and both are committed to seeing it successfully completed.

On a personal note, I was humbled and honored to preach three times on November 18^th. The first two were in unheated churches where you could see your breath. The Lord’s Supper was celebrated at the parish in Priekula. What a privilege it was to kneel beside brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus who have endured much persecution for the Lutheran faith which they confess. Please remember your brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus in Lithuania in your prayers and consider giving a special gift to help bring this project to a God-glorifying completion. You can contact the District Office at 319-373-2112 or email me at deanrothchild@lcmside.org

St. John Lutheran Church in Hubbard

Rev. Dean Rothchild, the Assistant to the IDE District president, preaching in a house church in Lithuania.

Rev. Matthew Rugger and his son working in Lithuania.


In Lithuania, the workers from St. John Lutheran Church.

Rev. Rothchild installing a floor.

The Vinton Lutheran Home

VETERANS OF THE CROSS HONORED

As a culmination to Pastor Appreciation Month (October), the Vinton Lutheran Home sponsored a breakfast for area pastors on November 1. Including several wives, about 24 people were present.

Recognized during the breakfast were two pastors who are residents of the Lutheran Home, and have served God's church for many years.

Rev. Ewald Stuempfig was ordained in July of 1935 and was recognized for 72 years of service. His last calling was as a part-time Chaplain at the Lutheran Home. He held this position until the autumn of 2005.

Rev. Dr. John Zimmermann was ordained October 31, 1937 and was recognized for 70 years of service. He was President of Iowa District East from 1970 to 1982. He then assisted at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Eldora for a number of years.

Also thanked for their faithful love and support through the years were their wives, Ruth Stuempfig and MaeEtta Zimmermann.

God be praised for the many years of ministry these men and their wives gave to His church! May He continue to bless these veterans of the cross as they yet serve Him.

Blackhawk Lutherans For Life

Pastor Appreciation

Black Hawk Lutherans For Life appreciates the pastors of Waterloo and Westgate Circuits. They just have trouble finding a time to show them. Last year they hosted a Pastor Appreciation Dinner in October and invited the pastors and their families. Only four pastors could attend. This year another attempt was made to find a Sunday afternoon or evening in October, Pastor Appreciation Month, but again most pastors were busy with other responsibilities.

On November 13 both circuits were meeting for a joint winkle at Faith Lutheran Church in Waterloo. It was decided to meet them where they were already gathered and take dinner to them. With most chapter members working during the day and the president of the chapter in Europe, it was a challenge to coordinate, but the members rose to the occasion.

President, Marcene Niehaus, provided the recipe and a donation to purchase ingredients before leaving on her long-awaited vacation. Vice-president, Nathan Schutt, printed thank you cards and collected gifts from the National LFL to present to the pastors. Treasurer, Kie Maas prepared the hot dish and rolls and gave to Secretary, Karen Freudenberg, who works at Faith and got the job of baking the casserole and preparing things for the Pastors. Anne Dawson made healthy salads and delivered them to Faith. Susan Dawson made delicious fresh apple pies and a cake and delivered them to Immanuel for Kie to take over on her lunch hour.

After the 15 pastors enjoyed their meal and table fellowship, they were presented with the thank you gifts and given the opportunity to order bulletin inserts for Life Sunday. The chapter will purchase 1650 inserts to distribute to the churches. Two of the pastors had already ordered directly from the National office for which we are very grateful. Watch for the inserts, “In the Hand of God” to be in your bulletin on January 20. See how God’s hands are involved in our lives and connect the Trinitarian theology to the life issues.

On the evening of Life Sunday, January 20, Black Hawk LFL will host the Memorial Service for the Pre-born Killed since 1973 at Faith Lutheran Church in Waterloo. Pastor Ed Killian will be the worship leader and all are welcome to attend. If you would like more information on the Memorial Service, contact Black Hawk LFL at 319-231-5711.

St. Paul's Chaple in Iowa City

Feeding the Flock – Literally!

“Lucky Charms.” “Gummy bears.” “Nacho cheese dip right out of the jar.” When the permanent congregation at St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel learned what they college students were calling dinner during finals week, they knew help was needed – and quickly. A plan was put in place to deliver a homemade meal and special treats to any student who signed up during the Sunday night just before finals week.

At 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, December 16, members of the permanent congregation gathered in the basement of St. Paul’s to assemble the care packages. Each bag contained a homemade main course, salad, a bag of freshly baked Christmas cookies, a bag of candies (including “Smarties,” of course) and silly toys and games for stress relievers. By 5:00 P.M. the volunteers split into groups and spread out over campus, delivering the bags to hungry students. They were greeted with smiles, thanks, and hugs from all the study-weary recipients.

It’s difficult to say who enjoyed the evening more: the students who received the meals or the congregation members who had the fun of making and delivering the care packages. Everyone agreed this was a excellent idea, and plans are in place to make this a regular end of semester event at St. Paul’s.

Grace Lutheran Chirch In DeWitt

The Human Care/Wellness Committee at Grace, DeWitt prepared over 50 Christmas plates to share with elderly, shut-ins, ill members of Grace congregation, and the DeWitt community during the Christmas season. Donations of cookies, sweet breads, candy, fruit and a Christmas devotion were included with the plates. Committee members and volunteers from the congregation filled and wrapped these the special Christmas gifts and delivered them.

St. Paul's Chaple in Iowa City

Reformation 2007

There are many ways to celebrate the Reformation, but at St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel, we go all out.

Since this is a campus ministry we begin with something which challenges the mind – Reformation Jeopardy! Categories included The Reformation, The Small Catechism, and the Book of Concord to name a few.

After exercising the mind it was time to exercise the body with a few rounds of musical chairs. Around and around we went to hymns of Martin Luther.

Refreshments abounded and what could be more appropriate than a root beer keg?

St. Paul's Chaple in Iowa City

St. Paul’s Lutheran Chapel: College Football Lives Here.

On a crisp November day, flag clad Hawkeye warriors crossed the Willow Creek, to face one another in the college gridiron classic known as Luther Bowl.

This year marked the seventh annual game, which has from its modest beginnings of a back yard football game to the greatest of all college football contests, complete with two officials and no commercial interruptions.

This year’s game was a real slobber-knocker. On both sides of the ball the Big-Uglies made it their business to bring the wood. Each team exploited the other’s defense via trick plays including the Statue of Liberty, the Fumblerooski, and the old “run-two-steps-beyond-the-next-cone-and-I’ll-throw-you-the-ball-play.

At the final gun the score was 35 to 28 and the food was ready. The players, officials and spectators, both of them, hit the training table in preparation for Luther Bowl VIII.

Brammer Student Center in Cedar Falls

LUTHERAN STUDENT FELLOWSHIP

BRAMMER STUDENT CENTER

COLLEGE HILL LUTHERAN CHURCH

What is Lutheran Student Fellowship without service to others and to the congregation?

It is nothing.

The LSF at UNI held its annual decorating afternoon/evening, spending much time and effort to create a worshipful, inviting atmosphere for the holidays. The students decorated Christmas trees for the sanctuary, fellowship hall and their own student lounge. The nativities were placed in the fellowship hall and on the mantel in the greeting area of the church. Tables and window sills were decorated in the fellowship hall and garland was woven on the banisters. What an attractive sight for all of the congregation and students to enjoy.

Service to the congregation also comes from students who graciously agree to teach Sunday School classes and be supportive workers on the Board of Education.

While some are teaching others are driving the van around to the dormitories providing transportation for fellow students from dorms to church and back.

Serving at regular worship services as members of the choir, greeters and ushers are additional activities of service from LSF members to College Hill Lutheran Church.

God provides opportunities for service and LSF members oblige.

Lutheran Student Fellowship at Brammer Student Center in Cedar Falls

LUTHERAN STUDENT FELLOWSHIP

BRAMMER STUDENT CENTER

COLLEGE HILL LUTHERAN CHURCH

What’s Lutheran Student Fellowship without some fun? It’s nothing.

Well, the students at UNI have many ways to make LSF a synonym for fun.

To acknowledge the traditions of Halloween, the students had a costume party and enjoyed carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns. As you can see by the photos the results were very creative. There is even a portrait of Luther and another is Luther’s Rose. Games and good food rounded out the evening.

A second time for fun happened on Dec.7^th as the students got together for the annual Christmas party. They baked and frosted Christmas cookies which were enjoyed at the moment and, yet, enough were made to share at the congregation potluck on Sunday and to share a plate with each of the shut-ins of the congregation. A gift exchange, games, and more good food finished the final social event of the semester.

After a well earned holiday away from books, classes and campus the students will return with more plans for a fun fellowship with LSF friends.

College Hills Lutheran Church in Cedar Falls

FIRST TIME QUILTERS

COLLEGE HILL LUTHERAN CHURCH

CEDAR FALLS

Hurray! The ladies of College Hill have followed the tradition of many women of LCMS churches, tying quilts for persons in time of disaster or economic need in the US and abroad.

The photo shows the fifty-plus quilts the ladies prepared under the direction of Ruby Wegener, who did all the piecing of the tops and bottoms of the quilts.

We wonder how many quilts the ladies will tie in 2008. Yes, that’s a challenge, Ladies!

Grace Lutheran Church In DeWitt

Advent and Christmas Luminary at Grace Lutheran, DeWitt.

The annual Grace Lutheran Church, DeWitt, Luminary display is presented on the church lawn during the month of December and through Epiphany. Several lighted displays including the Nativity Scene depicted the story of Jesusbirth. The Wise men appeared on Epiphany, January 6th, bring gifts to the Christ child. This mission project is our witness of the Good News of OurSaviors birth to our church and community.

The IDE Archivist

Archives and Archivists.

What's that?

Why, we all have a bit of it in us. Check your attic, basement, or wherever you keep things from by-gone days. No doubt, you are hanging on to things that served a useful purpose in the past and you're not ready to throw them away. Why, it might even be useful again sometime. It has memories for you. Hopefully, your kids or grandkids will cherish it also because it will remind them of what things were like before they were around.

IDE is one of 35 districts in the LCMS and has used its archives to gather things of historical value about the church in Iowa. IDE has an "attic" [literally] in the headquarters in Cedar Rapids where things of the past are kept. Things which have to do with the life and activity of its congregations down through the years. Things like pictures of IDE churches, congregation histories, and church bulletins of special occasions. Things like IDE Board of Directors minutes, official church seals, Walther League documents, microfilmed church records, and more. Each LCMS district has an appointed archivist to work their archives. IDE is the only district that has an Archives Committee.

I was appointed to the committee three years ago after returning from missionary work in Africa. The IDE Archivist is a volunteer position. IDE pays for supplies, mileage and attending some conferences. In my work, I try to spend every Wednesday at the office in Cedar Rapids sorting through piles of old documents, newly submitted material, and to be around if anyone in IDE wants to make personal contact with the archives. My goal is to make the archives a place where people want to come and do research on things of the past.

The IDE Archives has been around for a very long time. To add to what already exists, I have worked on creating a folder for each of the LCMS congregations that have ever existed in IDE. I am in the process of creating a list of all clergy that have served these congregations. A future project could be to do the same with IDE teachers. I am also working on indexing the obituaries of all the pastors that have served in IDE since day one.

To do that kind of work, it helps to have access to the old records of the LCMS. So I gave myself the task of collecting all of the issues of LCMS periodicals where this information has been recorded. This means that the IDE Archives needs certain back issues of Der Lutheraner, The Lutheran Witness, and The Reporter to complete its collection. If your "attic" has some of resources, would you be willing to donate it to our "attic"? If so, give me a call at (319) 938-2946, or send an e-mail [onamission@lbt.org] to find out just what your IDE Archives needs.

Allen E. Konrad, IDE Archivist

Immanuel Lutheran Church In Grand Mound

The Women of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Grand Mound, held their annual Christmas dinner for members and friends on Wed. Dec. 5th. Dinner was served by the Ladies Aid. Entertainment was provided by the Chamber Singers of Central Comm. High School in De Witt, which has 4 members of Immanuel as members: Danielle Paulsen, Brian Zinda, Karin McCulloh, and Stuart McCulloh. This was the third year for the Christmas dinner, which also included singing and devotions. Two men from the congregation, Ron Fletcher and Mike Selby, assisted in the serving and clean-up.