The 13th Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was held Aug. 12-17, 2013, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The assembly included 952 voting members. The theme was “Always being made new.” SUMMARY OF ACTIONS Elected the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton as ELCA presiding bishop: Voting members elected the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod, as ELCA presiding bishop. Eaton will be installed Oct. 5 at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Chicago and will begin her six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop Nov. 1. Elected Wm. Chris Boerger as ELCA secretary: Voting members elected the Rev. Wm. Chris Boerger as ELCA secretary. Boerger, who recently completed two terms as bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, was installed during the assembly’s closing worship Aug. 16. He will begin his six-year term as ELCA secretary Nov. 1. Newsletter- October
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The 13th Churchwide Assembly of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America was held Aug. 12-17, 2013, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh. The assembly included 952 voting members. The theme was “Always being made new.”
SUMMARY OF ACTIONS
Elected the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton as ELCA presiding bishop: Voting members elected the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, bishop of the ELCA Northeastern Ohio Synod, as ELCA presiding bishop. Eaton will be installed Oct. 5 at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel in Chicago and will begin her six-year term as ELCA presiding bishop Nov. 1.
Elected Wm. Chris Boerger as ELCA secretary: Voting members elected the Rev. Wm. Chris Boerger as ELCA secretary. Boerger, who recently completed two terms as bishop of the ELCA Northwest Washington Synod, was installed during the assembly’s closing worship Aug. 16. He will begin his six-year term as ELCA secretary Nov. 1.
Adopted “The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries”: The assembly adopted “The Church and Criminal Justice: Hearing the Cries,” a social statement on criminal justice. The statement affirms the fundamental principles of the U.S. criminal justice system, such as due process of law and the presumption of legal innocence, and it also recognizes serious deficiencies -- overly harsh sentencing and persistent inequalities based on race and class. It calls ELCA members to hear the
Newsletter- October 2013
cries of those affected, recommit to visiting the prisoner, correct the flawed criminal justice system and participate in God's work with hands and hearts.
Approved ELCA’s first major fundraising campaign: The five-year campaign, to begin in 2014, is designed to increase this church’s capacity to renew and start new congregations, educate and develop its leaders, bolster its global mission efforts and expand the impact of its relief and development work. Voting members approved two additional campaign initiatives -- encouraging and forming lay youth and young adult leaders and support for disability ministry. The total campaign goal is $198 million.
Moved to extend the Book of Faith initiative: Voting members affirmed the Book of Faith Initiative “as a continuing emphasis and priority in this church.” The initiative invites the 4-million-member ELCA to become fluent in the first language of our faith -- the language of Scripture -- and to be renewed for lives of witness and service.
Adopted ELCA budget proposals for 2014-2016
Fall Sunday Schedule 8:30 a.m. Prayer time in library 8:30 a.m. Confirmation in the parsonage 9:00 a.m. Adult Forum in the counting room 9:00 a.m. Sunday School in the basement
9:15 a.m. Choir rehearsal10:00 a.m. WorshipAfter Worship “Unbinding the Gospel” study through Nov. 3
October is CROP Month (see note further in newsletter for details)
WACO CROP Drive
C OMMUNITIES R ESPONDING TO O VERCOME P OVERTY
CROP (Communities Responding to Overcome Poverty), is a portion of the Church World Service organization. The 2013 WACO CROP Drive proceeds will go to help provide clean water and fight world hunger. Funds also help overcome AIDS and other diseases, assist in refugee resettlement programs, support crisis intervention for natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis, as well as human disasters such as war. The WACO CROP Drive was first place out of 79 CROP events in the state for giving in 2012! The WACO CROP Drive has existed since 1967. What a wonderful way to help those around the world with many needs! Our 2013 goal in the WACO district was set at $33,000.00. CROP SUNDAY is September 29, 2013; however, you may still give to CROP through SELC’s Sunday offerings throughout October by making checks payable to “WACO CROP Drive” or noting “CROP” on your envelope. The CROP DRIVE ends October 27. CROP operates under the Church World Service organization. Online see www.churchworldservice.org.
Food Resources of Henry County, Inc.
Would you please consider donating grain or cash to the Food Resources of Henry County in 2013? We have been very successful in the past several years in generating local funds to help feed the less fortunate people of the world, but there is still a greater need at hand. FRB has supported over 62 projects in 34 countries, involving more than 410,000 families benefitting over 3 million people per year. Our goal for 2013 is $30,000 from growing grain yields and donations.
Your assistance in our humanitarian effort would be greatly appreciated. You would join other concerned Henry County, Iowa citizens in making possible Food Resources Bank’s long sustainable food security programs implemented by their members all across the United States to some of the poorest communities in the world. Your spirit of generosity and compassion for others makes the world a better place by supporting families in their efforts to feed their children. May you be blessed in the rich measure that you have been a blessing! If you would prefer to donate cash, make your check payable to Food Resources Bank, (and you may donate during the October service offerings at Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church). If you decide to donate grain, almost all elevators in Henry County will turn your grain into cash and mail a check. Thank you for your support.
–Loren Beachy, President FRB
Evangelism CommitteeThe Evangelism Committee met on September 16, 2013. Highlights of the meeting include: discussion regarding the Friendship pads; the Hayride on October 6, 2103; the picture directory scheduled to be here November 7 from 2 to 8:30, November 8 from 1:30 to 8:00, and November 9 from 10 to 2; “Unbinding the Gospel” study; and radio ads. The next Evangelism meeting is scheduled for October 15th at 7 p.m.
Technology Committee Meeting
The Technology Committee met on Tuesday, September 10 at 4 p.m. Items discussed include: the church website, the newsletter and calendar are put on the website monthly, and the online calendar is
regularly changed and needs to be current and accurate; a policy regarding pictures of children and obtaining a release form to use youth pictures; Facebook seems to be increasing in size, Mary needs to know who some people are that request to be a friend of SELC as she does not know some who have requested to be a friend, others do have the capability to add friends; Twitter account should be reactivated if possible, Pr. Mark will work on it; adding audio to our worship services on the website was discussed; archiving past worship services; and social media including Instagram and Pinterest.
Cemetery Committee Meeting
The Cemetery Committee met on September 12 with 4 members present. We toured the cemetery and discussed some individual past member requests. Addressed some questions Pastor Mark had. There are signs already made to be posted at entry points with SELC name and contact information. They are very well done. Next committee meeting to be scheduled as needed.
Social Ministry Committee Food Drive
The Social Ministry Committee is again sponsoring a Food Drive during the month of October. All donations will be given to the Fellowship Cup. The Fellowship Cup will accept all non-perishable food items, paper products and hygiene products. They will also accept cash donations. Boxes for the donated items are located in the narthex and at the back of the church. Let us join with the Fellowship Cup in attempting to meet the critical needs of Henry County residents who are in need of assistance.
If you donate food items when you have your picture taken with Lifetouch for the new directory, you will receive a $5 coupon for any pictures you purchase. Those food items will be kept at the church for local needs.
Congregation Council and Church Finance Notes
The Council met on Thursday, September 19, 2013. Meeting minutes are posted in the church narthex bulletin board when they become available. Council minutes are also available in the church office. The next regular Council meeting will be Thursday, October 17, 2013 at 7:00 p.m.
Financial Report 2013 General Fund Activity (as of August 27)
Gifts $130,720.97Ministry Expenses $125,191.40Mission Support Submitted $10,599.66Net Income ($5,070.09)
The Council expresses its gratitude to all of you for your generosity. We could use some help right now in our general fund. We have had or will have 3 sizeable bills—insurance, a sizeable elevator bill and propane. We ask you to review your pledges and prayerfully consider what you may be able to contribute in the next few weeks or so. Thank you so much.
Church Parking to the South of our Sanctuary.
Having plenty of cars for our parking areas is a great problem to have! As most of you recall, at one time, SELC owned the house directly to the south of our church. This is known as the Olson house. We sold this
house to Gary and Carole Lauger. Gary and Carole have been good neighbors and good friends of SELC. We want to be good neighbors as well. Even though we no longer own the property, we can still park along the edge of the yard but with the following considerations. Try not to pull into the yard any further than you have to--perhaps leaving the rear wheels on the edge of the hard surface. In particular, if we have had a lot of rain or if the frost is going out of the ground in the spring, it is best not to pull onto the grass. When the ground is soft, it would probably best to park parallel along the edge of the road or not park in this area at all. In the interest of being good neighbors, we do not want to leave any ruts in the yard. Thanks very much for your attention to this.
Swedesburg Women of the ELCA
WELCA Calendar of EventsWednesday, October 9 General MeetingWednesday, October 23 Group Meetings;
9:15 a.m. RachelHostess: Lynn Graf; Study Leader: Sally
Anderson2:00 p.m. Mary Martha
Hostess: Jean Anderson; Study Leader: Linda McGohan
Women’s Small Group
Wednesday evening small group will continue to study “What Happens When Women Say Yes to God” by Lysa Terkeurst. This is a six session DVD and workbook study. We have been studying how to embrace simple obedience and watch it transform our life into a remarkable journey. Partnering with God as we listen for His voice and discern what He is asking of us. Let God affect our lives in amazing ways. This study helps us ignite our passion for God. “There is one simple
word that when whispered to God changes everything,---Yes”. It is a wonderful book and the DVD series that will bring us all closer to God. The study began on September 4th at 7pm in the church basement, continuing for a total of 6 weeks. If you can’t be there for all the sessions come to those you can. If you would like a book and workbook contact Peggy Grothe at 319-759-8080, text messages accepted.
Tanzania Forum
On Wednesday, September 11, at 5:00 p.m., Pastor Eric Carlson, assistant to the bishop, met with SELC at the parish hall. Pastor Carlson is our synod’s staff person for Tanzanian matters. At the meeting the following actions steps were planned:
1. Set our next meeting and invite additional participants,
2. Send a team to the 2013 Companionship Synod/Diocese Summit on November 16 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids,
3. Continue monthly newsletter articles,4. Continue regular letters,5. Explore getting a banner (matching ones in each
congregation), 6. Update info on the display,7. Set up a schedule for next year, and8. Ask various church groups/committees/etc. for
volunteering to communicate with Ngaeni.
Sunday School
Regular Sunday school classes for ages 3-6th grade began on Sunday, September 15th in the church basement. We are using a
new format called “Kids Own Worship”. This fall will
focus on Old Testament lessons, with New Testament Lessons in the spring. Through Kids Own Worship, preschool and elementary children experience worship through memorable songs and impactful Bible learning. Its format for helping kids grow a personal relationship with Jesus is simple, but tried and true: (1) praise God; (2) study the Bible; (3) pray!The schedule for the next few weeks will be…
Oct. 6 Absalom RebelsOct. 13 Solomon Ask for Wisdom
Oct. 20 Solomon Writes Proverbs
Women of Faith
Twelve women associated in some way with Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church traveled to Des Moines on August 23, 2013 for the two day conference. We heard how we can control coming unglued and that we have different ways of expressing ourselves when we do. Patsy Clairmont told us we are all limited editions; others are watching how we react. She started at the beginning of Genesis and said the first word is important, as God is invites us into the creation with the words “in the beginning”. Patsy gave us the impression she may not be speaking much longer as her husband is not well. Lisa Revere spoke of women being like the lioness, serving the lion, Jesus being the lion of the tribe of Jesse. Quoting Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Christine Caine “was on fire” as one of the attendees described. She gave us a new thought on a story we have heard over and over, the feeding of the five thousand. As she described the men were the only ones counted, but the food came from an uncounted boy. We don’t know the significance of what we do everyday; his mother did not know as she packed his lunch he would help Jesus feed thousands that day. God still has a plan for our lives. Reverend Dave Stone told us we should get close to Jesus when
we are discouraged by life, he talked about the women who was to be stoned and the woman who touched Jesus cloak and was healed. Both had a life of transformation. Romans 8:1 Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Kari Jobe sang with the praise band and was wonderful. The Mercy Me also provided a concert. The event closed with the showing of episodes from the miniseries The Bible and songs to praise him. It is always worth the trip to attend a conference like this and be enriched. Next year we are thinking of going to Kansas City on August 1 and 2, 2014. We encourage you to join us.
Confirmation Happenings
Confirmation students will be raking leaves in the community on Wednesday, October 23rd. On Sunday, October 27 at 4:30 p.m. they will be traveling to the corn maze in Donnellson for some fun and fellowship.
Choir Updates
Choir rehearsals will not occur Wednesdays during October. Sunday choir rehearsals will continue in October starting at 9:00 a.m.
Altar Flowers
If you are able to help beautify our sanctuary during the month of October, be sure to sign up to provide altar flowers. Any Sunday in October is available. Call Mary if you have any questions.
Friendship Pads
On Sunday, September 15, we introduced our Friendship Pads to the congregation. As the name implies, the Evangelism Committee sees this as an opportunity to get to know one another better, and, especially, as a way to meet our visitors. After all have signed, the pad should be sent back down the row, giving you the opportunity to see who is sitting close to you. Make special effort during the Sharing of the Peace to greet any visitors in your row. The Friendship Pads will also alleviate the need for Communion cards, as there will be a record of who was in worship each Sunday.Betty Molander’s 80th Birthday Celebration
October 20, 2013 you are invited to the early 80th
birthday celebration for Betty Molander. This will be held at the Swedesburg Parish Hall from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please no gifts. Anyone not able to attend is welcome to send cards to 306 140th Street, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa 52641.
November Newsletter Deadline
The deadline to have your group meeting times and activities or other items listed in the November newsletter is Friday, October 25, at noon. Submit any items: schedules, pictures, articles, calendars or activities to Mary McLerran in the church office at 254-2216 or email Mary in the office at [email protected].
Please note that you may now read the SELC monthly newsletter on our website at swedesburglutheran.org. It is located under “calendar”, then “newsletter”. Also, watch the SELC website’s online calendar for any changes that may occur during the month.
Because of Federal Privacy Laws (HIPPA), if you or a member of your family are hospitalized, and would like Pastor Mark to visit, you must contact the church and let us know. While the hospital may ask what church you are affiliated with and you ask the hospital to contact your pastor, they may not. Please let us know. You can reach the church office at (319) 254-2216.
Save the Date!Lifetouch will be in Swedesburg on November 7, 8, and 9 to take pictures for the new pictorial church directory. Family, friends and any community member may also set aside time to have their pictures taken as well. We receive credit for every photograph taken at Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. The more photos taken, the more benefit the church will receive. No obligation to the party being photographed.
You may register online at our website www.swedesburglutheran.org to make your appointments. Once on our website click on Lifetouch Directory 2013. Click on the link that begins with “http” and it will lead you to their webpage. Indicate the number in your party and provide the requested information. If you provide an email address, you will also receive a $10 coupon for use with your order.
You may contact Mary in the church office to make your appointment. Call her at 319-254-2216 or email Mary at [email protected] the time of your appointment, bring in a food item for the Feed the Need program (to be donated locally) and you will receive another $5 coupon for use with your photo order.
SELC ChurchmenMark your calendars for a pancake breakfast at the parish hall on Sunday, November 10, from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Come and enjoy pancakes, sausage, eggs, juice and coffee.
The Churchmen Group is hosting the breakfast as a freewill-offering fundraiser for local efforts to alleviate world hunger through the Foods Resource Bank (foodsresourcebank.org).
Augustana College Conference“Indians and Immigrants – Entangled Histories” conference will be held October 4-5, 2013 at Larson Hall in the Bergendoff Building of Augustana College. For registration or more information contact: Susan Titus at 309-794-7807 or email Susan at [email protected].
Lutheran Services in Iowa
Through our shared ministry, you help touch the lives of children, families and adults every day in Iowa. Because of you a teen in foster care goes from feeling scared and alone to having a place at a family dinner table. Because of you, a young dad learns healthy ways to respond to the stress of an infant’s crying. Because of you, refugee students are accessing education and support to pursue their dreams.
Thank you for helping so many Iowans find hope, healing and wholeness. Now, thanks to a Matching Gift campaign, you and your congregation can make even more of an impact for kids, families and adults in Iowa.
In 2013, your gift will be matched $1 for every $2 above and beyond your 2012 gift amount. To be part of the Matching Gift campaign, use our secure online system at www.LSIowa.org/donate or call us at866.584.5293.
Preventing bullying
Do you ever worry about children you know being bullied? October is National Bullying Awareness Prevention Month, a time to draw awareness to this issue facing so many young people.Through our shared ministry, you help LSI (Lutheran Services in Iowa) offer many programs for children and youth that teach the kind of skills that can prevent bullying behavior, such as anger management, healthy decision-making, positive self-esteem and more. Learning these skills not only helps kids have better relationships with their peers, but they do better in school, at home and in the community. Thank you for your support of these critical programs!
For information on LSI, visit www.LSIowa.org. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa.
Growing up at age 16. What do you do when you’re a teen with no place to go? Sam, a former resident at LSI’s Bremwood Residential Treatment Center in Waverly, had graduated from treatment, but moving back to a rough home life wasn’t an option. She also didn’t want to go to a foster home. She loved the new school friends and support she had in Waverly.
Thanks to LSI’s supervised apartment living program, Sam was able to stay in the Waverly area. Funded through the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS), the program helps teens who are aging out of care. “Supervised apartment living is for youth who may have a home, but it’s not their best option,” said Ashley, an LSI caseworker. “This program allows them to live on their own with support before actually being on their
own.” Teens like Sam have to grow up fast. With help, Sam signed a lease on an apartment and then spent her senior year of high school juggling homework, multiple jobs, certified nursing assistant classes and managing her own budget and home. Ashley helped monitor Sam’s academics and employment and was there to answer the questions a parent might normally help with, such as banking or college application issues.
“Ashley’s awesome,” Sam said. “I love her. She’s always there if I need someone to talk to.” “Sam is such a great kid,” said Ashley. “She could have given up when things got hard, but she bounces back. It’s very cool to see her grow and come full circle. She’s becoming her own person.” Thank you for helping teens like Sam become successful young adults!
Sugar Creek Mennonite Church Meeting
You are invited to Sugar Creek Mennonite Church’s Fall Meetings with Brenda Matthews. Mama Brenda, as she is known to many, has spent her life attending, contributing, and providing leadership to churches in Chicago. Brenda is in her 5th year of ministry at Ellis Avenue Baptist Church. In addition to her pastoral work, Brenda is a widely published poet and spoken word artist. She has a strong passion for working with young people, especially through the arts. Brenda is a regular speaker at youth events, Mennonite Church USA Youth Conventions, and on college campuses due to her inspiring message of hope in Jesus Christ and the need for an active faith that requires us to be “Kingdom Builders and World Changers.” Brenda will speak at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Sunday, November 3, and 7 p.m. Monday, November 4, and Tuesday, November 4.
CONGREGATION REFLECTIONSBIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT
A baby boy, Declan Drew Peter, was born to Neal and Heidi (Lauer) Peter on Sunday, September 8 in Des Moines. Maternal grandparents of Declan are Jim and Janey Lauer. Congratulations!
Helaine Elizabeth Brownholland was born September 21, 2013. She is the daughter of Kari and David Brownholland and the granddaughter of Joel Brown. She shares her birthday with her aunt Kirsten Brown. Congratulations!
THANKS ARE DUE . . .to those who assist with the folding of the bulletins and those who assist with distributing the paperwork for the church services.to Mary Benson for providing music during worship while Debbie was away.to the musicians that make the Chicago Folk Service enlightening.to those that assisted by donating blood or treats at the Blood Drive on September 24.to Pastor Aanonson who worshipped with us on September 1, 2013.to the WELCA ladies who gathered the Lutheran World Relief school kits.for Rev. Eliewaha Ezekieli and people of Ngaeni Lutheran Parish, our partner congregation in Tanzania.
PRAY FOR . . .friends and loved ones experiencing health concerns.
ELCA missionaries Rev. Brian and Christine Palmer in Liberia.
