The Epistle of St. Paul - St. Paul Lutheran Church

The Epistle of St. Paul
July, 2013
The Power of God’s Word
“I am not ashamed of the Gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of
everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (Romans 1:16)
A theologian used language people can understand when he wrote, “The word of God is never
an idle thing in a Christian’s life, like some bowl of soggy Rice Krispies that has lost its snap,
crackle, and pop.”
The Word of God in Holy Scripture is good spiritual nourishment. It has good taste, which
Psalm 19:10 calls sweeter than honey. The prophet Jeremiah ingested the Word, and wrote,
“Your words…were my joy and my heart’s delight.” The Word is appetizing and zestful.
What is more, God’s Word is energetic, and it imparts energy. In Hebrews 4:12 we read,
“The Word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword.” The law of
God is certainly like the sword as it penetrates to the sinful, spiritually sick heart like a surgeon’s knife. God’s purpose in using this knife is to expose sin, so that healing may follow.
The Law is strong, but the Gospel is even more powerful. It is the sword of the Holy Spirit,
the means He uses to lead us to Jesus Christ, the physician and healer of souls. Balm for the
wounds of sin, sorrow, grief, and worry is the Good News that our Savior has atoned for our
wrongdoing and that, believing in Him, we have forgiveness and peace with God.
The Gospel is “the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes.” My friends,
plug in to its power! Ask the Holy Spirit to release the power of God’s Word in your life so
that you may become more and more like Jesus.
In Christ’s Service,
Pastor Baldwin
St. Paul’s Week of Service July 14th – July 20th, 2013
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we
have concluded this: that one has died for all,
therefore all have died; and he died for all, that
those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake was
raised.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14
For the past two years, St. Paul has been
involved in a very exciting week of serving our
neighbors. In the past, we have gone to help
others as they clean up after the destruction of a
tornado, we’ve gone to make beds at Hope Ministries for those who are homeless, and just last year, we were able to host a Mobile Hunger
Fight event through Meals from the Heartland.
As we go about doing all these exciting things, one question might pop into our minds: Why?
Why do we do what we do during this week? Certainly we do these things in hopes that it
will inspire the members of St. Paul to go out and serve their neighbors, but there is a much
deeper reason for doing what we do, and that reason can be found in Paul’s words from
2 Corinthians. We do the things we do because, “…the love of Christ controls us.” And his
love controls us because we know of the great and amazing thing he has done by dying for our
sins and rising from the dead.
Brothers and sisters, this great love that Christ has for us is what moves and motivates us to
serve others. And by serving others, by sacrificing our time and talents, by caring for those
who need Christ’s love the most, we can open the door to telling others about that great love
that Christ has for us.
This month you will have the opportunity to serve in different ways. You’ll be able to deliver
cookies to the families who visited our VBS this summer, or you’ll be able to come and share
time with us as we lead the residents of Sunny View Nursing home in worship. You’ll be able
to help us make some beds at Hope Ministries or even make a few meals at our Meals from
the Heartland event, meals that will go to feed hungry men, women and children, not just in
Iowa, but across the world too.
My friends, the love of Christ controls us, it compels us to go out and share his love with those
who need to hear it. Please stop by the table in the hallway to see where you can help out!
Your Brother in Christ,
Pastor James
St. Paul’s 3rd Annual Summer Week of Service
Coming up THIS month, St. Paul will be hosting our Week of Service once
again! Here is a rundown of some of the exciting events we have planned:
Sunday, July 14th
• VBS Visitor’s Cookie delivery
Monday, July 15th
• Church trip to Mission Central. Leave at 7am
Tuesday, July 16th
• Ruth Harbor Work Day
Wednesday, July 17th
• Hope Ministries Make a Bed Event—5:45pm
Thursday, July 18th
• Bingo Night at Sunny View Nursing home 7pm
Friday, July 19th
• Salvation Army Casserole Delivery (morning)
• Pick up Supplies for Meals from the Heartland (afternoon)
Saturday, July 20th
• Meals from the Heartland Mobile Event (8am – 3pm)
Throughout the week we will be accepting donations of non-perishable food
items to be donated to the Ankeny food bank at the end of the week as well as
inviting the members of St. Paul to make breakfast casseroles and freeze them
throughout the week to be delivered to the Salvation Army on Friday morning.
Join us for this exciting week of serving our neighbors!
Be sure to stop by the table in the Resurrection Window
hallway to find out more event details and to see where you
can sign up and really get involved!!
MEET OUR
MUSIC MINISTRY TEAM
Beginning July 1st and on in to the fall a new music ministry team will be leading us in worship and enhancing our worship experience with special music for young and old.
Laurie Biedermann will be serving as our full-time Director of Music and
Organist. She will work with our pastors in designing the Sunday morning
worship services and lead our congregation in the liturgy and songs. She will
be the administrator of our music ministry working with the other members of
the team regarding scheduling and special music experiences. Laurie will
also be developing and directing children and youth choirs in order that our
youngest members may share their gifts of music. Laurie received her
Bachelor of Arts Degree in vocal music education from Luther College. While there she studied voice with David Judisch, organ with Bill Kuhlmann, and sang in the Nordic Choir under
Weston Noble. Since then she has worked in various music positions – church musician, private voice and piano teacher, general music teacher, Kindermusik teacher, and community
youth choir director. Her background in many musical areas is the perfect prelude for the
years ahead of her in the music ministry at St. Paul. Laurie and her husband, Jim, have three
grown children and six grandchildren who reside in Decorah and Kansas City.
Jon Jero will continue as the director of our Alleluia Ringers. Jon’s work
will also include working with our children and youth as we expand our
hand bell ministry. He grew up around music. His father was a church
organist. Jon directed the handbell and vocal choirs at Peace Lutheran
Church on the south side of Des Moines for 12 years. He has played with a
variety of community bands, church orchestras and jazz bands. Jon has had
the privilege of performing at the Val Air Ballroom, Surf Ballroom, Prairie
Meadows and Lake Robbins Ballroom. He is currently performing with
the Timberline Brass, High Society Big Band and Dixie Slicks Dixieland Jazz Band. Jon and
his wife Candy also serve as our Sunday School Superintendents.
Arkay Brown has been our Chancel Choir director for the past year. She will
continue in that capacity for the coming year. It is very exciting and uplifting
to hear the choir share their talents each month. Arkay and her husband,
David, have been members of St. Paul since 2010. They have a 2 ½ year old
son, James. Arkay grew up in Gowrie and earned a Bachelor of Music Degree
from Iowa State University. Her primary instrument is the clarinet, but she
also loves voice, flute, and piano. From 2003 to 2010, Arkay was the band
director at Dallas Center-Grimes High School. Since 2010, she has been blessed to be home
with James! She loves spending time with her family, and also enjoys baking and being outside. Arkay is looking forward to being a part of the music ministry team again this year!
Kathy Sievers directs our worship experience on Saturday evenings
in our Journey service. Kathy plans all of the music based on the
pastor’s emphasis in the message and practices with the Praise
Team prior to each service. We are planning to add drums to further enhance our music that gives God the praise and honor. Kathy
grew up in Charter Oak, Iowa, and started playing organ at St.
John’s Lutheran Church when she was in high school. She is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in vocal music and emphasis on piano. She taught vocal music for eight
years in Iowa and Nebraska. Kathy and her two sisters started a professional singing group –
The Kuhlmann Sisters. They sang in many different venues and composed much of their own
music. The Lord blessed them with opportunities to sing with the Des Moines and Waterloo
Symphonies, performing across the United States from California to North Carolina. They
have also sung for commercials such as Medicap Pharmacy, Fareway, McDonalds, Betts
Cadillac, etc. The Kuhlmann Sisters recorded 10 cds and received awards for the patriotic
song “You Are the Ones.” Eight of their Christian children’s songs are published by the
Methodist Church and are available in the book called Happylujah! Kathy has been a worship
leader at Lutheran churches for many years. In addition to leading our Journey Service each
Saturday night, Kathy also is a worship leader at Living Faith Lutheran Church in Clive, Iowa.
She says that she is blessed to work with such a great team of singers at St. Paul but we still
need musicians for the Journey Service. “If you play guitar, acoustic, electric or bass, we
would love to have you play with us!” Please contact Kathy at 515-984-7637.
“PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW”
LWML MISSION PROJECT FOR JULY AND AUGUST
Back to school supplies …
These school supplies will go to Ioway to be given to children in Los Angeles and also
to the Neveln Center here in Ankeny. You can help the children by purchasing school
supplies and placing them in the basket by the LWML table in the Narthex. The
stores always have great specials for back to school, giving the opportunity to purchase more for less and helping more children.
Here’s a list of needed items:
Crayons—8, 16, 24 count
Spiral Notebooks
Pink pearl erasers
12 inch rulers
#2 lead pencils
Magic Markers
Construction Paper
Scissors
Colored pencils
Glue sticks
Small Calculators new or used
Backpacks—new or in very good condition
It is also a great time to have children help other children — when picking out their
school supplies, have them pick an item or two to be donated. Thank you for participating in our mission project!
Dear Lord, on Independence Day I am reminded of all those
who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of
your Son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my
freedom was purchased with a very high price. My freedom cost
others their very lives.
Lord, today, bless those who have served and continue to give
their lives for my freedom. With favor and bounty meet their
needs and watch over their families.
Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies you, Lord. Give me the strength to be a
blessing in someone else's life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into
the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ.
In your name I pray. Amen
New Member Class Beginning Sunday, July 7th, 9:30 am, Fellowship Hall
Beginning Sunday, July 7th, St. Paul will be hosting a
brand new Bible Study called “Lutheranism 101” for
all visitors to St. Paul interested in membership and
all members interested in brushing up on their Christian doctrine. This is in addition to our regular Bible
Study which will be held in the Family Life Center at
9:30 am.
This course will follow Concordia Publishing
House’s new book by the same title, Lutheranism
101, and will cover the topics of God and His Son,
Heaven and Hell, Church and Fellowship, and Sin
and Forgiveness. Students will need to have both the
course book and the course workbook for this class.
The set costs $20 and will be a useful resource for
people interested in growing in their faith and knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
If you or somebody you know would like to be a part
of this class, please contact Pastor James by email at
[email protected] or call the church
office. Join us for a great time of faith and fellowship
as we grow together in faith!
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
We will also continue our weekly study of the Scripture Readings that are shared in
our Sunday morning worship experiences in July and August. Join your friends in the
Family Life Center at 9:30 am for an in-depth look at the Old Testament, Epistle, and
Gospel. See how the readings have a central theme and message each week.
Watch for more information to come your way for our exciting all-congregation study
of “The Story” coming in September!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Praise God for an incredible week at Vacation Bible School, where 250 children got to
hear five mountaintop Bible Stories where they learned that Jesus Christ is Lord! Thank
you to everyone who was part of our “Tell It on the Mountain” VBS!
Thank you to those who donated supplies, snacks, scrip cards, and other gifts to help give
us the tools we used to share Jesus’ love. Thank you to everyone who helped get ready
for the week through decorating, preparing materials, setting up, and more. Thank you to
those who volunteered during the week and for telling it on the mountain that Jesus
Christ is Lord through your love, leadership, and care for our children. Thank you to the
parents and caregivers who encouraged children to be part of this week. Thank you to
our children for coming to VBS.
At VBS, the children worked on a mission project to collect money to buy goats through
Lutheran World Relief. In parts of the world where food supplies are scarce, a goat can
survive in harsh conditions and give milk that nourishes and sells. Together, we raised
enough to buy 10 goats!
Please pray for our VBS children and volunteers as they continue to tell it on the
mountain that Jesus Christ is Lord!
All widows and single ladies of St. Paul are invited to
attend “Lady Diners”. We meet on the first Tuesday of
each month. On Tuesday, July 2nd, the group will be dining at Texas Roadhouse at 6:00 pm. Texas Roadhouse is
located at 8744 Northpark Dr., Johnston (just off I-35 &
86th St.). If you have any questions, please call Carol Wenndt or Betty Berlau.
PLAY GROUP
Parents of Newborns to Preschoolers
Please join us in the Family Life Center at 9:00 am on the 2nd Monday
of each month for fun and fellowship. Coffee and light snacks will be
provided. This group is open to anyone in the area, so tell a friend!
Our next play date is Monday, July 8th. Hope to see you there!!!
Every third Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm, St. Paul leads a
worship service for the residents at Sunny View Nursing
home. Please join us on Sunday, July 21st and help hand
out song books, help the residents turn pages, and sing the
praises of our God for all he has done for us! If you are comfortable playing the piano for the service, that would be a great help also! Hope to
see you there as we share the love of Jesus with the residents at Sunny View!
Here’s a few updates for the directory:
Anderson, James & Carol:
Gebauer, Gerald & Vivienne:
Hall, Trudy:
Stratmann, Don & Mary:
Webster, Dan & Iris:
[email protected]
Gerald passed away May 26, 2013 (please remove)
515-207-1048
[email protected]
Dan* (just confirmed)
ANKENY SUMMERFEST is fast approaching and
St. Paul’s Evangelism team is going to need a lot of help
putting together our float for the parade which will be held
on Saturday, July 13th! The theme for this year’s Summerfest parade is “Get Loud!” which fits almost perfectly with
our VBS theme this summer “Tell it on the Mountain”.
Let’s all get together on Thursday, July 11th and Friday, July 12th at 6:00 pm in the
Fellowship Hall and put together an amazing float so we can “loudly” proclaim that Jesus
Christ is Lord!!
All members of St. Paul and VBS guests are invited
to our annual Family Pool Party at the Ankeny
Aquatic Center (the old pool) on Sunday, July 21,
7:15-9:15 pm. This evening is
totally free and refreshments will
be provided. All ages are
welcome. We do ask that at least
one parent from each family
attend with their children.
Did You Know??
Did you know that Stephen Ministers give distinctively caring ministry to those
they are called to serve. In all they do, their foundation is founded on the rock
who is Jesus Christ.
Did You Know??
Did you know the Stephen Ministers here at St. Paul have established a mission
statement and vision of Christian Caring for our congregation.
“Our Stephen Ministers share the love of Jesus Christ by provid-
ing one to one distinctively Christian care to individuals who are
experiencing life’s joys, challenges, and difficulties.”
Our mission statement was built using the core values of St Paul:
Christ Centered — Always sharing the love of Jesus. He is the cure giver.
Hope Sharing — Always sharing the hope of Jesus in all of life’s situations.
Bible Based — Always giving distinctively Christian care.
Life Long Learning — Training for our Stephen Ministers and growing in our
prayer life, devotional time, and Bible study
Mission Minded — Being available to all members of St Paul and also reaching
out into the community for those in need so that they may know the hope of
Jesus Christ.
Family Oriented — Reaching out to the family of Christ, the church, in all
situations from birth to death.
Follow us next month as we share with you our vision of how we will put our
mission statement into action as we minister to each other and to our community.
As the body of Christ on earth, we, God’s people, have been called to love and
care for one another.
A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved
you, so you must love one another. John 13:34
St. Paul Lutheran Church, Council Meeting, May 19, 2013
Present: Jim Anderson, Pastor Fernandez, Dale Musfeldt, Anisa Fornoff, Pastor Baldwin, Bob Peters,
Charlie Daugherty, Amy Schmidt, Dan Larson
Absent: Cindy Twedt, David Reddell, Jon Gerths, Jennifer Hunt, Dan Larson
Opening: Pastor Baldwin
Approval of Minutes: Lynn Gorney made a motion to accept minutes, Charlie Daugherty seconded.
Carried
Pastor Baldwin’s report: Official Acts since last Voters Assembly February 24, 2013: 7 infant baptisms, 1 public recognition of Holy Baptism, 8 junior confirmations, 1 wedding, 5 transfers-in, 2 profession of faith and 2 transfers-out. There was one request for release and 3 peaceful releases. Average
worship attendance through April 2013: 411 compared to 536 in 2012. Average worship attendance
year to date through April 2013: 415 compared to 440 in 2012. Total baptized and confirmed members
YTD through May 6, 2013: Baptized 1031, confirmed 766 and family units 402.
Pastor Fernandez Report: Our Evangelism team will be hosting our third annual Week of Service the
third week of July. This week will include our Meals from the Heartland Mobile event on July 20. I
have volunteered to be the Des Moines East/West circuit representative for Operation Barnabas. I have
been asked by Pastor Dan Vogel to be on a committee to call a Hispanic pastor to the district, specifically to Our Savior in Des Moines. I will be performing a wedding at the end of the month. Since I will
not be able to make it to the Saturday Journey service and Pastor Baldwin is on vacation, we have
asked Pastor Bob Riggert to share God’s word with us that weekend. I also will be working closely
with the Evangelism team to help better contact our visitors. I will be making a presentation to the
Board of Elders at our next meeting regarding St. Paul’s wedding and marriage policies. Pastor Baldwin, Amy and I are getting ready for The Story to begin the first part of September.
DCE Report: The graduating seniors recognition will be Sunday, May 12, between services. As a mission project, GEMS and other volunteers have been sewing towels for hygiene kids. Children have
been gathering supplies and giving Sunday School offering for this project. Summer Sunday School
begins June 9. Lutheran Day at Adventureland is June 26. “Tell it on the Mountain” is the theme for
VBS June 10-14. Registration is currently open. Plans continue for the National Gathering which will
be June 29-July 6. Rally Day is August 25.
Treasurer’s Report: In Jason Buls’ absence, Charlie Daugherty reported unrestricted income is at
$38,068 with restricted income of $16,079 for a total of $54,148. Year to date total income is
$297,442. Financial position as of April 30, 2013: US bank balance $102,854, less payable of $48,982,
leaving net cash position of $53,871. Long term debt is at $1,151,531. Jason is looking into a pay off
amount for the van.
Property: The Property Board has selected Heartland Finishers to install the FLC acoustical improvements for a variable quote of $21,750 based actual sq ft of ceiling covered. Ladies and mens restrooms
in the Fellowship Hall have been painted. All toys were cleaned and bleached in Nursery. A new
cleaning service has been contracted to clean the facility. No activities in the FLC this week. Ceiling
first will be done and then decide whether to install side panels. Plans for May are replant bushes, fertilize and crab grass control to be applied, moving Altar Cloths to Sacristy, and complete acoustic
panel installation. June work will be improve outside vegetation, clean all outside glass and paint outside doors. In July repair garage or build new garage.
Christian Education: No one present to give report.
Stewardship: Anisa Fornoff reported Church picnic will be June 9, same set-up as last year. Continue
to serve coffee and donuts between services. Looking for more volunteers to help with this project.
Evangelism: Dave Reddel not present but Pastor Fernandez pretty much covered everything in his
report. As many of you know, the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are an active part of our church and of
our ministry. It has been decided to create more of an accountability structure and/or transparency to
the activities of the scouts by providing a frequent report and update through the Evangelism Board.
We anxiously await the decision of the national scouting leadership as it pertains to accepting homosexual life style in scouts and leaders. This decision can and will reshape scouting as we know it.
Finance: Jon Gerths not present to give report.
Youth: Jennifer Hunt not present to give report. Upcoming event besides the national youth gathering
is a Boundary Water trip August 4-10. Omelet Breakfast scheduled for June 23.
Elders: Touched a little bit on the Boys Scouts situation and will continue to monitor. If they do not
change their stand on this, then it is likely that we will not renew their charter. St. Paul was seeking a
person to fill the Director of Music position and a qualified candidate applied, was interviewed, and
offered the position. However, that person accepted another position and declined St. Paul’s offer.
Other possibilities have materialized and the Elders discussed and made recommendations regarding
responsibilities and compensation of multiple persons dividing the duties of Director of Music.
Dan Larson made a motion to accept all reports, Anisa Fornoff seconded. Carried
New Business: Dale Musfeldt reported on church loan financing. See report for highlights. Report on
figures from Carol White with LCEF and Veridian. Commitment letter from Iowa State Bank at 3.5%.
Suggestion may be made to Voters on May 20 with that information.
Option 1 moveable partitions, and Option 3 addition to the church by the facility planning committee.
Dale presented a plan to put a wall down the middle of the FCH to make two large classrooms and it
would solve the problem temporarily for $5000.00. Bob Peters suggested we need to look at a long
range plan for paying down the debt and Christian Education. We discussed what we should present to
the Voters as to what direction we are going with refinancing our loan and debt reduction. A special
council meeting and a special Voters meeting was discussed that we need to address the option 1 and 3
with the facility planning committee. Special voters meeting is June 24 Monday for facility planning
committee and refinancing loan info.
Old Business: Report on music staff positions. Resume received from Laurie Biedermann. Jon Jero
would like to continue with children’s music and bells. Laurie to work 30 hours a week playing the
organ and working with children’s music. Elders supportive of hiring Laurie. Dan made a motion to
approve the position of Laurie, Lynn Gorney seconded. Carried. Bob Peters wanted the minutes to
reflect that he felt this should have been presented to the voters for approval. This will be presented to
the voters tomorrow night.
Next meeting: Council will meet June 17 Monday evening 7:00
Motion to adjourn made by Bob Peters, Anisa seconded. Carried Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted, Lynn Gorney, Church Council Secretary
Board of Elders Meeting, May 6, 2013
St. Paul
Lutheran
Church
Board of
Elders
Report
The Elders report the following Official Acts (Baptism, Confirmation,
Wedding, Funeral) for April, 2013
Baptism:
Blake Matthew Kruger — April 7, 2013 (non-member)
Ian Gilbert Griffith — April 21, 2013
Katelynn Christine Robinson — April 28, 2013
Public Recognition of Holy Baptism: Gracia Jane Speltz — April 7, 2013
Junior Confirmation: April 28, 2013
Jarrett Michael Beall
Brayden Cole Jacobs
Katelynn Christine Robinson
Zachary Warren Christiansen
Justin Cade Jacobs
Bryce Jordan Smith
Tyler Thomas Dozler
Trevor Joseph Lynch
Wedding: Carrie Cavanaugh and Joe Klosterman — April 27, 2013
To be received, transferred or released on May 6, 2013
Transfer-in: Heidi Dilocker Webber from Trinity Lutheran Church, Cherokee, IA
Transfer-out:
Lynn and Diane Luepke to Immanuel Lutheran Church, St. Ansgar, IA
Justin and Larissa Scammey and children, Willard and Malerie, to Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church,
Louisburg, KS
Release: Dean Culp to Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines, IA
Average Worship Attendance April: 2013: 411 2012: 536
Average Worship Attendance Year to date through April: 2013: 415
2012: 440
Total Baptized & Confirmed members (including April, 2013 Official Acts & those received, transferred
or released on May 6, 2013: Baptized — 1031
Confirmed — 766
Family Units — 402
THE 10TH ANNUAL
ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH
GOLF OUTING FOR
“WALKING IN THE LIGHT”
Saturday -- JULY 27th
8:00 A.M. SHOTGUN START
Otter Creek Golf Course
4100 NE Otter Creek Drive
Ankeny, Iowa
COST:
$60.00/person -- $220.00/4COST:
$220.00/4-some
Includes 18 holes of golf, 44-person best shot, cart,
lunch, sleeve of golf balls, prizes, fellowship
REGISTRATION ENDS:
ENDS:
July 17, 2013
Sign up as 44-somes or individually. Shotgun start time is 8:00 a.m.
Please arrive earlier to sign in. Send the registration fee and
names of participants to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1100 SE
Sharon Drive, Ankeny, IA, 50021.
50021.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
“Walking in the Light” is a radio outreach ministry of St. Paul
Lutheran Church reaching South Central Iowa with the Gospel of
Jesus Christ. It is heard every Sunday on KPSZ 940AM at 10:00 a.m.