March - Northeastern Iowa Synod

Star
Northeastern Iowa
March 2015 • Volume 28, Issue 3
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
Celebrating Renewal: Jan Hus — Bold Leadership
Ethical choices can create bold leaders
by Marcia Hahn
Some of history’s great ethical leaders — Jan Hus, Martin Luther,
Gandhi, Martin Luther King, Jr.,
Mother Teresa — shared a sense of
right and wrong so deep and pervasive that they were compelled to
speak out and take action, changing
people’s lives forever. Their “holy
discontent” with situations they saw
as wrong spurred them to act in
ways that individuals, organizations,
and congregations can follow today.
Dr. Bill Withers, assistant director of the Institute for Leadership
Education at Wartburg College,
says that holy discontent — a term
coined by Bill Hybels of Willow
Creek Community Church — can
inspire bolder leadership and actions. “Ethically and morally, holy
discontent is a Christian sense that
it is right to get involved and do
something about a situation,” Withers said.
An example is King’s leadership
for civil
rights,
motivated
by his
Christian
beliefs
and calls
to action.
Withers
recommends
Bill Withers
“Ethically and morally, holy
discontent is a Christian sense that
it is right to get involved and do
something about a situation.”
his students and others watch the
movie Selma to gain a better understanding of the dilemmas and challenges leaders like King faced in
their lives. The film depicts, among
other scenes, King speaking to activists and hopeful voters to rouse
their spirits, leading to a march to
the Alabama state capitol.
Closer to home, Withers cites New
Hampton native and Wartburg College graduate Coleen Rowley as
someone who acted on her holy
discontent by speaking out about
the FBI’s mishandling of information related to the Sept. 11, 2001,
terrorist attacks. Rowley risked her
career as an FBI agent to do what
she thought was right, and in 2002,
she and two other whistleblowers
shared the title of Time “Persons of
The Year.”
Situations arise when it’s not always
clear how a person should react, or
act, so Withers advises people to
develop and rely on some form of
an ethics “checklist” when facing
an ethical dilemma and decisions
that, perhaps, require some action.
He routinely asks his students to
ponder these three simple questions, grounded in the works of the
late Dr. Norman Vincent Peale and
leadership author Ken Blanchard:
• Is what I’m pondering legal?
• Does it represent balance and
fairness to all parties involved?
• How will it make me feel about
myself, and how I will be perceived by others if I act on the
dilemma before me? (In other
words, will I be able to sleep at
night?)
“There are other, more complex
criteria to inform actions for ethical leaders, but my students have
appreciated the simplicity of these
three questions,” Withers said.
>> Continued on page 2
In This Issue
1
Ethical choices can create bold
leaders
3 The Healing Power of Music
to New Assistant to
3Welcome
the Bishop
4 Synod Assembly
7Congregations
8 Prayer Calendar
Ethical choices can create bold leaders
<< Continued from page 1
He believes the answers can help
inform anyone on becoming a more
ethical and trusted leader.
Withers notes that sometimes
people decline to act when opportunities arise, due to potential risks
to their jobs or other commitments.
Regrets about the choices made
can be a heavy burden to carry, but
Christians can get past such burdens by asking for forgiveness.
“We worship a God of forgiveness,
so we can go back and acknowledge
the wrong,” Withers said. “It can be
cathartic in itself to acknowledge
it to both our Lord and Savior, and
then perhaps reconcile that earlier
decision or action with the affected
individual.”
A sense of ethics begins at home
Withers points to the family as the
first frontier in developing a sense
of ethics in children and their understanding of right and wrong,
which can also be a family’s biggest
challenge. The church can play a
vital role in helping families grow in
ethical behavior and set an example
for their children.
Congregations demonstrate ethical leadership through their service
to others — giving to food banks,
helping those living in poverty, supporting mission projects — modeled
after the teachings from 2,000 years
ago. This is at the core of the “Servant Leader” philosophy, something
Withers speaks about and leads
workshops on, both in and outside
the church.
“Christians would cite Christ as
the greatest ethical leader,” Withers said. “Christian love is at the
core of our decisions and actions,
and Christians facing ethical dilemmas can’t go wrong when they are
couched in Christian love grounded
in the Great Commission and Great
Commandment.”
Family values and ethics stay with
teens when they leave home to
Our Mission Statement
Living together in God’s amazing grace, we invite all people to know
Christ, grow in Christ, make Christ known.
attend college or seek employment,
but a new environment and peer
pressure can nudge young adults
toward unsafe boundaries, at times,
outside ethical behaviors and the
parameters of a leader-as-servant.
“It is a natural organic thing for
students to stretch and grow and
push the envelope,” Withers said.
“If families and churches have
done their job, more often than
not, those students will come back
to their core values and rediscover
the church. It may seem that they
have fallen away from the church as
we know it, but they may not have
fallen away from their faith.”
Through his career Withers has
shared with students, church leaders, congregations, organizations,
and businesses about the qualities
of successful leadership. He has assisted human resource departments
to better understand philosophies
like servant leadership and workplace ethics among managers and
employees. Withers challenges pastors and congregations to include
an ethics expression in their missions, visions and values.
Our Values
Holy Discontent — Righting What’s Wrong
Responsiveness — Action, Not Apathy
Relationships — We Are Better Together
Leading Beyond Our Walls — Around the Corner, Around the World
“Do you have a code of conduct
that appropriately addresses ethics?
If so, make sure that people are
educated and trained to understand
it and know what is appropriate in
certain situations. I recommend not
hiring anyone who is not committed
to an organization’s mission, vision,
and core values, as harsh as that
sounds.”
Our Congregational Intention
To prepare every person to become a fully committed follower of Christ. To make the love of God real for people. To excel in our stewardship of God’s gifts and resources.
Withers was part of a team that
helped refine the mission statement, vision, values, and intentions
for Nazareth Lutheran, Cedar Falls,
Our Vision
We want to get our hands dirty for the cause of Christ.
— Nazareth Evangelical Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls
2
Northeastern Iowa Synod | www.neiasynod.org
>> Continued on page 6
Bishop
The Healing Power of Music
“I’ll play some hymns today,
instead.” Even though services had
been canceled due to the snowstorm, my mother would still be
worshipping.
“Wherever God finds you, be
there. Be renewed. Be healed.
Be with God.”
The picture that accompanies this
article was taken when my mother
returned home from my father’s
funeral. She is wearing her matching sweater that my parents had
received from my grandmother,
playing the piano that my father
had given her with the autographed
picture of their life-long friend,
Roger Williams (we knew him as
the pastor’s son, Louis Weertz), on
the piano. When the soul needs
healing, it is time to make music.
Among them is
the spirituality
of the renewing and healing
power of
music. Some
people’s spirituality requires
emotion.
Others, intellectual exercise. Still others, find
God in silence.
Wherever God finds you, be there.
Be renewed. Be healed. Be with
God.
Then, give thanks.
— Steven L. Ullestad
Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Synod
My mother has given me many gifts.
Welcome to New Assistant to the Bishop
Pastor Stephen Brackett has accepted the call to serve as an assistant to the Bishop for the Northeastern Iowa Synod. He fills the
staff position left by Pastor Darrel
Gerrietts who retired after 18 years
of service at the synod office. Brackett begins his new role on March 1.
His primary areas of responsibilities
include representing the bishop in
the call process and serving in ministries for leadership development,
support and training for rostered
leaders.
Brackett earned his Master of Divinity degree from Wartburg Theological Seminary and served as pastor
for St. Paul, Postville, from 2005 to
2015. During that time Brackett had
an active role in nurturing partner-
ships and ministries to serve the
broader community, such as the
community food pantry, Helping
Services for Northeast Iowa and
Barnabas Uplift certified nurse aide
training.
Brackett has served on the Northeastern Iowa Synod Council and
as chair of the synod’s First Call
Theological Education Committee.
In addition, he is a certified trainer
for both the Safeguarding God’s
Children and Safeguarding God’s
People safe ministry courses.
Prior to entering seminary, Brackett
served as a program director, then
as a quality improvement coordinator for Hillcrest Family Services
in Cedar Rapids and Dubuque
MARCH 2015
for 11 years.
He earned his
Bachelor of
Arts degree
in psychology
from Coe College in Cedar
Rapids and his
Master of SciSteve Brackett
ence degree in
rehabilitation
counseling from Boston University, Boston. Brackett and his wife,
Susan, are the parents of three
children.
“I am looking forward to working
more closely with the synod staff
and serving the wider church in
this new call,” Brackett said.
3
Synod Assembly focuses on Celebrating Renewal: Jan Hus –
Bold Leadership
The 2015 Synod Assembly will gather at Wartburg College, Waverly, June 12 - 14 for business surrounded by
word and sacrament. On Sunday morning, June 14, the
assembly will participate in small group study.
Keynote
The keynote address will be given by Kathryn A. Kleinhans, Ph.D., Mike and Marge McCoy Family Distinguished Chair in Lutheran Heritage and Mission and
Professor of Religion, Wartburg College.
Churchwide Representative
tions Committee by a voting
member of a congregation in
the Northeastern Iowa Synod,
a congregation, or a conference.
• Visitors — Both adults and
youth are welcome and encouraged to attend.
— Linda J. Hudgins
Assistant to the Bishop
Greetings and a report from the churchwide organization will be presented by Barbara Berry-Bailey, Manager, Companion Education, Global Mission.
Forums, Seminars, Ministry Exhibits
Forums and seminars will focus on “Celebrating Renewal: Jan Hus — Bold Leadership,” the year-long
synod emphasis. Forums and seminars will be offered
on Saturday.
Assembly Facts
• Theme/Emphasis — Celebrating Renewal: Jan
Hus-Bold Leadership
• Elections — Voting members will elect a secretary, synod council and committee members, and
churchwide voting members.
• Forms — General information and registration
forms are inserted in this issue of the Star.
• Fees — Fee categories are non-commuter (meals,
housing), commuter (meals, no housing), and visitor
(no meals, no housing).
Celebrating Renewal: Jan Hus — Bold Leadership
Northeastern Iowa Synod
Bishop Rev. Dr. Steven L. Ullestad – [email protected]
Assistants to the Bishop Rev. Mark A. Anderson – [email protected]
Rev. Stephen Brackett – [email protected]
Linda J. Hudgins – [email protected]
ELCA Director for Evangelical Mission Rev. Joelle Colville-Hanson – [email protected]
Star Editor Marcia Hahn – [email protected]
• Information — Background information will be
mailed to registrants on May 12.
The Star is published 11 times a year by the Northeastern Iowa Synod,
201 20th Street SW, PO Box 804, Waverly, IA 50677-0804;
www.neiasynod.org, phone 319-352-1414, FAX 319-352-1416.
• Youth — Congregations are encouraged to elect a
youth voting member.
Send news for the April issue to Marcia Hahn by March 12. We
welcome story ideas related to the 2015 theme, “Celebrating Renewal
— Bold Leadership.”
• Voting Requirement — Voting members must be
voting members of their congregation.
Articles in this newsletter may be duplicated for
use in synod congregations and organizations,
with credit to the Star newsletter.
• Resolutions — Business is presented in resolution
form. Resolutions may be submitted to the Resolu-
Please notify the synod office with name and
address changes. To receive an electronic version
of the Star, rather than paper, send your request
to [email protected].
4
Northeastern Iowa Synod | www.neiasynod.org
www.neiasynod.org
Attend an adult orientation session for the
2015 ELCA Youth Gathering
Sunday, March 8, 2015
4 - 6 p.m., Spirituality Center at Bremwood
Waverly, Iowa
Sunday, March 15, 2015
4 - 6 p.m., Decorah Lutheran Church
Decorah, Iowa
These identical sessions will give an overview about the 2015 ELCA
Youth Gathering set for July 15 - 19 in Detroit.
Who should attend a session?
• Adults who will be leading a group to the ELCA Youth Gathering for
the first time.
• Adults who have led a group before, but should learn about this
Gathering in a whole new city.
• Parents, pastors and other adults who will not be attending the
ELCA Youth Gathering, but who still want to know more about the
Gathering.
• Youth would never be turned away, but the presentation will be
designed for adults
What topics will be discussed?
•
•
•
•
•
•
Tips for traveling with teens
Gathering program and schedule
About Detroit
Security
SAFE policies
and more!
Day of Renewal
All rostered members are invited to
a “Day of Renewal” Thursday, March
26, 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m., at Nazareth Lutheran, Cedar Falls.
The annual Day of Renewal serves
as a mini-retreat for synod rostered
leaders to step away from the hurried pace of Lenten schedules and
responsibilities to be refreshed. The
event includes a learning opportunity, time with the Bishop, and a service
of Holy Communion.
To register, call the synod office at
319-352-1414 or email hamiltonl@
neiasynod.org.
Safeguarding God’s
Children
A session of the “Safeguarding God’s
Children” workshop will be Sunday,
April 12, 2 - 5 p.m., at Zion Lutheran,
Waterloo.
This training is offered free for rostered leaders and lay leaders. To
register, contact Zion Lutheran at
319-235-7045.
There is no fee to attend. The first 25 people to register for each
workshop will receive a very nice door prize (no, really it is very nice). To
register, call Charleen Bolte at the synod office, 319-352-1414, or email
[email protected].
Parents, pastors, adult leaders and youth are also invited to follow
Pastor Mark Anderson’s “Words of Wisdoms” on the synod’s Gathering
web page to help prepare for the 2015 Gathering. Each week, Anderson
posts helpful tips and insights to help youth and adults prepare for the
Gathering. Topics include Bible Study Preparation, Getting Ready with
a Covenant, Sharing through Social Media, Gathering Workshops, and
Travel Guide for Adult Leaders.
www.neiasynod.org/youth-ministry/elca-youth-gathering.
MARCH 2015
Fall Conference Offering
Thank you to all who contributed to
the 2014 Fall Conference offering,
which totaled $1,227. The offering
money will go toward the Northeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders to
help seminary students with the high
costs of education through scholarships and to encourage new people
to enter the ministry.
To learn more about the Northeastern Iowa Synod Fund for Leaders,
visit www.neiasynod.org/ministries/
stewardship/fund-for-leaders.
5
Presiding Bishop to present March 20 at WTS
Ethical choices can create bold leaders
<< Continued from page 2
Come to the Castle
Wartburg Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa
where he has served in a variety of
lay leader roles, including Council.
Holy discontent is one of the new
core values at Nazareth. (See box
on page 2.)
A special session of “Come to the Castle” is set for Friday,
March 20, with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton presenting to both clergy and their congregational members. The event will be from 9 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. at Wartburg Theological Seminary (WTS) in Dubuque.
Come to the Castle is a continuing education program sponsored by WTS
and the Tri-State Forum for clergy and congregational members. Registration deadline is Friday, March 13. Cost to attend is $20 per person or $50
for a group of five.
To learn or more or to register, visit www.wartburgseminary.edu/template_resources.asp?id=449 or call 563-589-0200.
“All organizations, church-based or
secular, should filter their activities
and actions through their mission,
vision, and core values, and it’s
important to revisit these core statements at times,” Withers said. “It
informs the identity of the organization and brings clarity to those who
are part of the organization today,
and more importantly to those who
wish to join and belong.”
More needed to earn health contribution discount
At the end of January 2015, 25 eligible ELCA-Primary health plan members or
spouses of this synod had completed the confiduential Mayo Clinic Health Assessment. That’s approximately 12 percent of the total needed for the Northeastern Iowa Synod to earn a two percent discount on this year’s ELCA health
contributions for synod employers.
The synod can earn the two percent discount — worth an estimated $33,000
in savings — if 65 percent of eligible members take the health assessment
by April 30. Each person who takes the health assessment earns 150 wellness
dollars to help offset medical expenses. In addition, members can complete
follow-up activities to earn an additional 350 wellness dollars. This year’s
follow-up wellness activities include taking time to be still, keeping a food
journal and keeping a fitness journal.
Get started at https://myportico.porticobenefits.org.
Two New Tax Guides for Clergy, Churches
Portico Benefit Services has two new online clergy tax guides available to
help clergy and churches understand how to complete their federal income
tax returns. Both guides were written by Richard R. Hammar, an attorney, CPA,
and author specializing in legal and tax issues for churches and clergy.
The 2015 Clergy Tax Return Preparation Guide includes information about
how the IRS defines clergy for federal tax purposes and a step-by-step tax
return preparation that reviews tax forms and schedules used by clergy. It
can be downloaded at myPortico (https://myportico.porticobenefits.org) at
Retirement Center > Tax Planning Resources > Tools.
LOM offers VBS curriculum
Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, a
non-profit organization that supports
the outdoor ministries of the ELCA,
has a new Vacation Bible School
Curriculum for use by congregations.
LOM has bundled the preschool,
lower elementary/day camp Bible
studies with the crafts, games, and
graphics sections of this year’s camp
curriculum, “A Love That Never Ends.”
The theme is based on Deuteronomy
6:5 — “You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all
your soul, and with all your might.”
The curriculum is designed for
churches looking to create continuity
between the camp and VBS
experience, or those looking for a
new and creative approach to VBS.
To learn more, visit www.
lomnetwork.org/resources/
omcurriculum.
>> Continued on page 7
6
Northeastern Iowa Synod | www.neiasynod.org
Events
Congregations
March EVENTS
INSTALLING
1-3Event, Rural Ministry Conference, Wartburg
Theological Seminary, Dubuque
5 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
5 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Holy Trinity,
Dubuque, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
8 Meeting, LYON, 2-4 p.m.
8 Meeting, Youth Gathering Adult Training, Hanson
Spirituality Center at Bremwood, Waverly, 4-6 p.m.
9 Event, Lutheran Day on the Hill, Des Moines
10 Conference Call, Fall Conference Planning
Committee, 2-3 p.m.
14 Meeting, Synod Council, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
15 Meeting, Youth Gathering Adult Training, Decorah
Lutheran, Decorah, 4-6 p.m.
20 Meeting, Fall Conference Planning Committee,
Synod Office, 2-4 p.m.
21 Conference Call, Nominating Committee, 10-11 a.m.
26 Event, Day of Renewal, Nazareth, Cedar Falls,
9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
28 Meeting, Synodical Women’s Organization Board,
8:30 a.m.-12 noon
28 Meeting, Resolutions Committee, 9-11:30 a.m.
APRIL EVENTS
2 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
3 Office Closed, Good Friday
9 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Zion St. John,
Sheffield, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
12 Meeting, LYON, 2-4 p.m.
12 Event, Safeguarding God’s Children, Zion, Waterloo,
2-5 p.m.
13-14Event, Youth Worker Retreat, Ewalu Camp &
Retreat Center, Strawberry Point
14 Meeting, Assembly Planning, Wartburg College,
4-6 p.m.
19-21Event, First Call Theological Education Retreat,
American Martyrs, Cedar Falls
MAY EVENTS
1 Meeting, Candidacy Committee
7 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
7 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Decorah area,
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
16 Meeting, Synodical Women’s Organization Board,
8:30 a.m.-12 noon
25 Office Closed, Memorial Day
Rev. Grant Woodley, co-pastor, First, Dows, pending
Rev. Nicole Woodley, co-pastor, First, Dows, pending
Rev. Jennifer Bohls, senior pastor, St. James, Mason City,
pending
INTERVIEWING
Arlington, St. John; Elkader, Hope (Littleport); Strawberry Point, St. Sebald; Volga, St. Paul (One in
Faith Lutheran Parish)
Belmond, Trinity, Rev. Alan Schulz, interim
Cedar Falls, St. John (staff), Rev. Duane Miller, interim
associate
Coulter, Nazareth and Hampton, St. John
Decorah, Good Shepherd, Rev. April Ulring Larson, interim
Garnavillo, St. Paul
Hawkeye, Trinity, Rev. David R. Nelson, interim
Waterloo, Trinity, Rev. Paul Nelson, interim
West Union, Zion, Rev. Nancy Larson, interim
SELF-STUDY
Alta Vista, Zion and Lawler, Immanuel (Crane Creek),
Rev. Vincent Fricke, interim
Belmond, St. Olaf and Renwick, St. Paul (All Saints
Parish)
Calmar, Calmar and Decorah, Springfield, Rev. Phillip Olson, interim
Charles City, St. John
Clermont, West Clermont
Decorah, St. John’s and Hauge
Elgin, Elgin & Elkader, Highland
Elkader, Bethany
Farmersburg, St. John and McGregor, First
Garner, Faith (Miller), Rev. Joel Dahlen, interim
Lake Mills, Salem, Rev. Peter Soli, interim
Leland, Our Savior
Postville, St. Paul
Waterloo, St. Ansgar
ROSTER CHANGES
Rev. J. David Vasquez Levy, president, Pacific School of
Religion, Berkeley, Calif., transferred to Sierra Pacific
Synod
Two New Tax Guides for Clergy, Churches
<< Continued from page 6
JUNE EVENTS
4 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
4 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, Synod Office,
10 a.m.-1 p.m.
12-14Event, Synod Assembly, Wartburg College,
Waverly
15-16Office Closed
19-20Event, Tri-Synodical Women’s Organization, Iowa
Central Community College, Fort Dodge
The Federal Reporting Requirements for Churches helps
churches understand their federal tax reporting
requirements, such as withholding and reporting of
employee income taxes and Social Security taxes. The
guide can be downloaded at EmployerLink (https://
employerlink.porticobenefits.org) at Resources >
Additional Tax Information > Tools.
MARCH 2015
7
Prayer CALENDAR
MARCH 2015
SUN
MON
TUE
WED
THU
FRI
SAT
Julie Nordstrom,
Cedar Falls
Aase Haugen
Homes, Decorah
Messiah, Charles City
Ruth E. Groth,
Chassell, MI
Rev. David L. Lenth,
Ossian
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Good Neighbor
Home, Manchester
United, Chester
Rev. H. George
Anderson, Decorah
Good Shepherd, Inc.,
Mason City
Rev. Virginia A.
Olson, Eldorado
Rev. Robert F.
Lehmann, Dubuque
St. John, Clarksville
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Lutheran Retirement
Home, Northwood
Rev. Roger L. Buhr,
Decorah
Middle East
Rev. Dr. Stanley N.
Olson, Dubuque
Rev. David H.
Andreae, Waukon
Galilean, Clear Lake
Good Samaritan
Center, Postville
East Clermont,
Clermont
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
Rev. Harold R.
McMillin Jr.,
Garnavillo
28
Rev. William F.
Nielsen, Nashua
Rev. Ronald L.
Roberts, Postville
Good Samaritan
Center, St. Ansgar
22
Luther Manor,
Dubuque
Rev. Kent Mechler,
Mason City
St. John, Charles City
West Clermont,
Clermont
Bethany Manor,
Story City
Nazareth, Coulter
Rev. Gary K. Lee,
Decorah
Mary E. Seavey,
Waterloo
23
24
25
26
27
Rev. Dennis E. Bauer,
Waverly
Rev. Dave A. Nerdig,
Jewell
Sarah Andersen,
Decorah
Rev. H. Allen Vik,
Decorah
Rev. Karen R.
Grandall, Spring
Valley, MN
Rev. Homer Larsen,
Cedar Falls
Nancy L. Olson,
Dubuque
29
30
31
10 Things You Might Not Know about Augsburg Fortress
1. Augsburg Fortress, the ministry of publishing of the ELCA,
receives no financial support
except through the sale of resources to partners in ministry.
2. AF publishes a number of faith
formation resources for children
in print and animated videos.
http://wearesparkhouse.org
3. Congregations can subscribe
to resources for children’s faith
formation through the Sparkhouse Online Sunday School.
http://wearesparkhouse.org/
kids/SHOSS
4. The new Colaborate Lutheran
confirmation resource invites
students to ask tough questions and work together to find
answers. http://wearesparkhouse.org/teens/colaborate
5. AF has partnered with Liturgical
Press, the Roman Catholic publishing house, in the co-publication of One Hope: Re-Membering
the Body of Christ, a resource
to help Lutheran and Catholic
communities walk together.
http://www.augsburgfortress.
org/onehope
6. For higher education, Fortress
Press imprint publishes in three
categories: education (textbooks), academic (specialized
monographs), and reference.
http://fortresspress.com
7. Later this year, Fortress Press
will launch a new initiative, The-
ology for the People, offering
adult readers books that are culturally engaged and grounded
in theological reflection. http://
fortresspress.com
8. Coming in 2015 are major
enhancements to sundaysandseasons.com, which has served
the ELCA as an online worship
planner since 2005.
9. Free webinars are offered every
week on a variety of topics
related to congregational life.
http://gatherlearnlead.org
10. Sign up for emails and free
eNewsletters. http://augsburgfortress.org/eNewsSignup.jsp;
http://wearesparkhouse.org;
http://fortresspress.com
Good News
March 2015
Volume 28
Number 3
As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and
empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one
another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the
church, the society, and the world.
Where does my offering go?
At a recent board meeting, one of your cluster
leaders remarked, “If we knew how our offerings
were used, we might want to increase our giving
when we have the opportunity. Stewardship is not
dues, but rather giving back to God what was first
given to us.”
So, when I put my $5 in the offering basket,
how is it used to serve? 50%, or $2.50, stays in your
unit/congregation funds. You know all the ways
you help your church with it. It might be for
Lutheran World Relief supplies for kits and quilts,
special events or updating your church kitchen,
community needs.
Most units send on the other 50% (or $2.50) to
our synod treasurer. But that is your unit’s decision.
To be considered an active unit with voting
privileges at our convention, your unit must have
contributed either to our synod Women of the
ELCA or sent a Thankoffering to our churchwide
office. Our synod budget keeps $1.00 of my
offering (or 20%), using it for
● Board travel, postage, printing this
newsletter and convention costs
● Scholarships, women theological students,
Lutheran campus ministries
● Riverside and EWALU Bible camps,
Lutheran Services in Iowa, Lutheran World
Relief
And the remaining $1.50 (30%) is sent on to our
churchwide office where it is used to support
programs, communications, operations and
governance
● Programs—program resources, Bible
studies, scholarships, grants, Raising Up
Healthy Women and Girls, Racial Justice,
Global Education, Bread for the World,
1,000 Days, etc.
● Communications—Interchange, Gather
Bible study, Daily Grace, Café, Bold
Connections, social media and our website.
● Operations—Staff and benefits, offices,
computers, telephones, office supplies, annual
audit, etc.
● Governance—Churchwide board meetings,
conference of presidents, treasurers’ training, staff
and board travel to meetings and conventions.
WOW! My $5 offering goes a long way—and more is
needed to support the ministries that God has entrusted to
us as Women of the ELCA. Gloria Tollefson, your synod
president
IT WILL BE SPECIAL—I PROMISE!
Women of the ELCA convention will be BIGGER and
BETTER than usual as plans are underway for a TRISYNODICAL CONVENTION this JUNE 19th (from
1:00 pm) and 20th in Fort Dodge at Iowa Central
Community College there. Western, Southeast and
Northeast Iowa synods will come together for worship,
taking care of business and lots of fun and fellowship.
You can register for just one day or both days. Plan to fill
a car/church van and head to Fort Dodge! Gloria
Tollefson, Planning Committee
Prayers for Syd
Syd Brinkman is a member of St. James Lutheran
W-ELCA, Allison. Syd has served as Synod Women’s
President for two terms and then on Churchwide Board,
along with many other positions. Currently, she serves as
Vice President of the Synod Council. A few weeks ago,
Syd was given the news no one wants to hear, “You have
breast cancer.” The word soon spread and action was
taken to help her. St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Chula
Vista, California got busy and made a “Prayer Quilt.”
Each person involved in the quilt in any way tied a knot in
the quilt, all in the same color thread, and while tying the
knot said a prayer for Syd for her recovery. The quilt was
then sent to Syd.
The quilt was then given to St. James W-ELCA. At
our monthly meeting, we each tied a knot, with a different
CALENDAR
Mar. 28
Apr. 11
SWO Board Meeting, Synod Office
Spring LWR In-Gathering for Clusters C
(Jubilee), E (Tree of Life) and H (Three
Rivers) at Nazareth Lutheran Church,
Cedar Falls
Apr. 11
Riverside Cluster Spring Retreat, St. Olaf
LC, Belmond
Apr 19
Awareness Day, Bethesda LC, Jewell,
3 pm
Apr 25
Little Flock Cluster B Spring Gathering,
First LC, McGregor
Apr. 25
Upper Iowa River Cluster D Spring
Gathering, Hauge & St. John, Decorah
May 2
LWR Pickup, Olson’s Explosives, Decorah
Jun 19-20 Iowa Tri-Synodical W-ELCA Convention,
Iowa Central Community College, Ft.
Dodge
Oct. 24
Little Flock Cluster B Fall Gathering, St.
Paul LC, Monona
Nov. 7
Fall LWR In-Gathering for Clusters C
(Jubilee), E (Tree of Life) and H (Three
Rivers) at Nazareth Lutheran Church,
Cedar Falls
color thread, and said a prayer for Syd as we tied. The
different colors showed Syd which group was praying
for her. The quilt will keep her warm and also remind
her of the prayers sent to God for her.
Syd has had her surgery and is proceeding with
chemo and radiation therapies. We at St. James, and I
am sure many, many others, continue to pray for her
complete recovery. If you care to send a card to Syd
her address is: Box 282, Allison, IA 50602. Submitted
by Bonnie Dralle
Joy Fopma, associated with ‘Wings of Refuge.’ She
requests that children under the age of 12 be
accompanied by an adult. Barb Johnston, Bethesda
WELCA Chairperson
Jane Godson from Elgin, IA adds the
following books to our human trafficking
reference list:
A Crime So Monstrous by E. Benjamin Skinner
Disposable People by Kevin Bols
Human Trafficking, Human Misery: The Global Trade
In Human Beings by A. A. Aronowitz
The Johns: Sex For Sale And The Men Who Buy It by
Victor Malarek
Not For Sale by David Batstone
The Natashas: Inside The Global Sex Trade by Victor
Malarek
Prostitution, Trafficking And Traumatic Stress by
Melissa Farley
The Slave Across The Street by Theresa Flores and
Peggy Sue Wells
Terrify No More by Gary Haugen
Thank you, Jane, we appreciate your help.
You Might Want to Order
Placemats (11” by 17”) that show where God is working
through ELCA ministries around the world are available
again this year. Pre-printed pads of 100 or 200
placemats are available at no charge to you. There are
no shipping or handling fees for the first 200. This free
resource is perfect for our cluster spring events or
Lenten suppers. Call 800-638-3522 or e-mail
[email protected]. to request your order.
LWR Spring In-Gathering
'Awareness Day'
to educate about human trafficking will be held at
Bethesda Lutheran Church in Jewell, IA, April 19th at
3:00 PM. This will be an informative afternoon to
learn about this very serious issue. The program is
open to all: men, women and children. Our speaker is
If you are a member of Cluster C, E or H and have not
received the information about the LWR Spring InGathering on April 11 at Nazareth Lutheran Church in
Cedar Falls, please check with your church office or call
me at 319-483-1994 or email: [email protected]
Donna Kirschenmann, Jubilee Cluster C chair
NEIA Women of the ELCA website:
neiasynod.org/womenoftheELCA
Good News
Editor Jan Harbaugh
P. O. Box 68
Renwick, IA 50577
515-825-8068
[email protected]
Articles are due the 1st of the month for the next month's
newsletter. Please put WELCA in your subject line. (You can
also send paper copies by “snail” mail.)
NEIA Women of the ELCA Treasurer
Nancy Poppe
2656 Gilmore Ave
Ionia, IA 50645
641-435-2231
[email protected]
Contact Women of the ELCA at:
773.380.2730 or 800.638.3522, ext. 2730
http://www.womenoftheelca.org/
8765 W. Higgins Road
Chicago, IL 60631-4189
Living Faith
Dear Faith Shapers,
Lent is a time that gets me
thinking about my own faith
practices and how I am living
my faith out with my family.
Studies show that parents are
the biggest faith shapers in
their kids lives. So the best
thing we can do for our kids is
live out our faith in our daily
lives. Attend worship together,
pray together, talk about our
faith. Let our kids see us
serving, worshipping, reading
our Bible, praying, maintaining Christian friendships, and
using our talents and gifts to
serve the world. The good news
is that it is never to late to
develop a spiritual practice or
make a change for you or your
family. Faith is caught more
than taught, so let us live so
that our kids catch what we are
living and grow to know and
love our awesome God.
May you live out your
baptismal promises and shape
the faith of the next generation.
Lisa Kammerer
Associate in Ministry
Walking through Lent with Kids
Lent calls us to pray, fast, and give. We can help our children
understand Lent by using these pillars of Lent in our family time.
Here are a few ideas that have worked wonderfully for our family.
1. Learn a new prayer or table grace during Lent. Or set up
a prayer wall for Lent. Have kids add prayers each day.
2. Use a visual countdown or calendar. There are some
available on our Facebook page:
Northeastern Iowa Synod-Home Life Network.
3. Give away unused/extra toys or clothes. Take your
children with you when you donate them. It is a simple way
to show almsgiving to small kids.
4. Make pretzels. Early Christians used to pray with their
arms crossed and touching their shoulders. Pretzels are a
symbol of that prayer.
5. Cover a cross with a purple cloth or light a purple candle
each week for Lent.
6. Fast as a family. Give something up together during
Lent. Here are some ideas of things to give up: movies, TV,
video games, meat, desserts, candy, gossip, soda pop,
complaining, or snacks.
7. Keep children connected to what the Church is doing during
Lent by participating fully as a family. Go to Lent services
and Lenten suppers, join in a Lenten Bible study or
devotion, and attend Sunday worship together.
This information is prepared for you by the
Northeastern Iowa Synod-Home Life Network
for use by families and local congregations.
Like our page on Facebook and our posted resources will appear in your
newsfeed. Our page is Northeastern Iowa Synod Home Life Network ELCA
5 Activities to Celebrate Easter Joy with Kids
Plan a Trip to a Farm
or Zoo!
In the spring, new life
abounds. Arrange a
trip to see some baby
animals and talk
about new life.
Bring Back the Alleluia!
During the season of Easter
put up a decorative Alleluia
banner or picture.
Be a Good Steward of the Planet
God Created for Us!
Explore ways to help the environment through your actions at
home. Pick one project or lifestyle change to do as a family.
Plant a Backyard Garden!
Now is the perfect time to plan a summer
garden or plant cool weather crops. Even a
small garden can help kids feel close to God
through His creation. Don’t have space?
Plant a container garden!
Egg Your Neighbor’s House!
Not what you are thinking… Hide 10 Easter Eggs (9 filled eggs and one empty egg) in
your neighbors yard. Put a note on their door that says they have been egged and 10
eggs are hiding. Enjoy the hunt but don’t be discouraged when you find an empty egg.
It is a simple reminder of Jesus’ empty tomb– for He is Risen!
Technology Corner
Join Lutherans from around the country in a Lent
Photo a Day Challenge.
https://www.facebook.com/LENTPHOTOADAY
Celebrate St. Patrick’s
Day on March 17th!