Newsletter 2021 Pastoral Reflections… “Fatherly Advice-Live, Laugh, Love!” 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.-John 15:5,9,11- NRSV A teenager went to his Father and asked if he could borrow the car to go out with friends. The Father sizes him up and says: "Tell you what-you get a proper haircut and I'll let you use my car. The teenager had long hair and was quite proud of it, so he thought about the offer. The teenager then gets an idea and says to his churchgoing father: "You know Dad, Jesus had long hair just like mine." The father, without skipping a beat, says: "You know what son, you're right-and Jesus walked everywhere he went." There is nothing quite like that “Fatherly Advice!” In this month of celebrating Father’s Day, we reflect on and appreciate those people in our lives who have passed on their own guiding truth and wisdom either in word, action or example. When I think about the personal truths and approach to life which my own father, “Papa Hugh” gave to me; I consider those words “Live, Laugh, and Love.”
Transcript
Newsletter 2021
Pastoral Reflections…
“Fatherly Advice-Live, Laugh, Love!” 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you; abide in my love. 11 I have said these things to you so that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be complete.-John 15:5,9,11- NRSV A teenager went to his Father and asked if he could borrow the car to go out with friends. The Father sizes him up and says: "Tell you what-you get a proper haircut and I'll let you use my car.The teenager had long hair and was quite proud of it, so he thought about the offer. The teenager then gets an idea and says to his churchgoing father: "You know Dad, Jesus had long hair just like mine." The father, without skipping a beat, says: "You know what son, you're right-and Jesus walked everywhere he went." There is nothing quite like that “Fatherly Advice!” In this month of celebrating Father’s Day, we reflect on and appreciate those people in our lives who have passed on their own guiding truth and wisdom either in word, action or example. When I think about the personal truths and approach to life which my own father, “Papa Hugh” gave to me; I consider those words “Live, Laugh, and Love.” TO LIVE - At age 95, when he was in the hospital and having trouble swallowing, my brother explained to him that his “valve” wasn’t working right. Immediately my Papa Hugh responded: “So, put in a new valve then!” Dad was always ready to do what it takes to LIVE life to its fullest. TO LAUGH - In the way that my dad loved to laugh, he had a fondness for those Saturday morning “Looney Tune” cartoons. It was always quite joyful on Saturday mornings growing up with his jolly laughter over the antics of Sylvester and Tweety Bird. Even though dad worked very hard to provide for his family, he still found time to fill our home with the gift of humor. TO LOVE- In the final years of my dad’s life, he developed a new tradition. Every night at 9:00 p.m. he would call me on the phone and we would watch the “HouseHunters” t.v. show together over the phone. At the end of the program, when we got ready to say
goodnight, my dad would always say, “I love you much, much and much.” On his gravestone is the saying which was from our son’s description of his Papa: “Out-lived many-Out-loved most.” He showed us all an abiding love. Where did my own earthly father learn this wisdom of LIVE-LAUGH-LOVE? From his strong faith, of course, in the HEAVENLY FATHER who has taught us all that we were created by Him to “LIVE-LAUGH-AND LOVE.” This is the Heavenly Father’s will for us, day by day and always. As we consider the gospel text from John 15, as taught by Jesus, who called God “Abba” or “Daddy”, we discover LIFE. Jesus, who took away sin, evil and death’s hold on all human beings for all time through the cross and Easter resurrection; is the source of life, now and forever-and God is the one who put that plan in place. Then, in John 15, we are told that by abiding in God’s love, known in Christ, we are nourished in this abundant life, which then leads to the complete JOY or ability to laugh; in any circumstance. As we are joined to Christ, the life-giver, we know that all is well, and all will be well. Father’s Day can be a difficult or even lonely day for many people who perhaps did not have a good connection with an earthly father, or they grieve the loss of their earthly fathers who have since passed on to their heavenly home. We abide with and care for those in these situations, but at the same time, we also uphold one another in true faith that there is a Heavenly Father who remains steadfast and ever present with us. After months of living our days through a challenging pandemic and all that it has entailed, the best way to move forward is to trust the Heavenly Father to direct our every step to a happy heart. When we do this, we truly will have the ability to laugh, love and enjoy life to the fullest. now and forever, Thanks be to God! Blessings and love to you all! Pastor Jean, BLC
(God our father” clip art courtesy of DSart and teacherspayteachers.com/pinterest)
Father’s Day Humor:
Another Father who is truly proud of
andloves his children!
HERE’S TO SUMMER FUN!
STEWARDSHIP CORNER“Stewarding Our Relationships:
Rehab, Renew and Repair”
Doctors order rehabilitation – intensive exercises and therapy -- for patients to regain muscle strength and flexibility after a serious illness or injury. The time is right for us to use the same approach for our friendships and family relationships after Covid-19. The worst seems over now that the vaccines are percolating through our nation, and we are entering the summer, when it is comfortable to gather in the relative safety of the outdoors.It will take serious rehab to repair and renew the friendships and family relationships that Covid-19 forced us to neglect. Hunkered down in our homes for safety, we ceased gathering for friendship, fellowship and recreation – the very activities that keep relationships strong. Churches put worship and social gatherings on hold. The pandemic’s impact on relationships wielded a double whammy: It left us stressed and needing friends at the very time that Covid-19 prevented us from tending to our relationships. It has left us disconnected and hurting.Keeping in mind that the Covid-19 risk is diminished but not gone, as summer unfolds, you can look for safe ways to rehab, renew and repair your relationships.Reach out: Go through your list of friends and contact them by phone, email, text – whatever’s best. Tell them you missed them and want to get together.Make plans: Don’t put it off. Be creative and find safe ways to get together. Outdoors is safer. Backyard barbecues, coffee at a sidewalk café, a walk, a game of bocce, iced tea on the porch. It’s all good.Every little step you take will help your relationship “muscles” to get stronger, and in the process you’ll become healthier as the love, support and joy of friends and family flows into your heart.
Recently RJThomas (Steve Thomas) donated eight 6 ft unassembled picnic tables to Lakeside. Last week Denny Allen and I hauled the material to camp. Today, Bill Larson, Pat Hyndman and I assembled the tables. Some of the picnic tables these new ones will replace were original tables from the 1960’s. Thanks to Steve, Denny, Bill and Pat. – (Thanks to Jim Mohn for the submission of this photo and info).
Beginning Soon! All Are Welcome!
Shepherd’s Heart... BLC Prayer GroupKnow that the LORD Himself is God; It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; We are His people and the sheep of His pasture--Psalm 100:3Join us for a time of teaching, conversation and prayer.Starting Thursday, June 17-10:30 a.m.-Bethlehem
Confirmation Room-Followed by Sandwich Lunch courtesy of BLC
3 Linda Brandt, 4Jennifer Buenger, 4 Ken Nord, 5 Vicky Brodale, 5 Kaely Hummel, 13 Amy Brunsting, 13 Duane Henke, 15 Kelly Clark, 15 Mary Hahn, 16 Zona Carlson, 16 Ginny Menke, 17 Coy Reuter, 18 Shirley Hanson, 18 Alissa Rupp, 18 Madonna Tinker, 19 Alan Cave, 20 Bruce Jones, 20 Daniel Nelson, 1 Robert Mahler, 21 Christie
Peterson, 22 Linda Peterson, 22 Brianna Sleezer, 22 Lorri Winterhoff, 26 Lorna Brandt, 26 Kiley Schoen, 27 Wayne Cave, 28 Robert Allen, 28 Jane Rasmus, 29 Jay Schoen, 29 Darren Zwiefel, 30 Leah Niemeier
1 Clarence & Jane Rasmus, 2 Dennis & Pat Anderson, 2 Jim & Brenda Perrin, 4 Jamie & Karmen Hodgdon, 5 Gary & Lynde Lundquist, 5 Matt & Jodi Mongan, 5 Steve & Barb Schuck, 7 Allen & Nicole Campbell, 10 Rick & Keisha Todd, 11 Dave & Jean VanNatta,12 Clarence & Koreen Anderson, Allen & Doris DeForest, 15 Bill & Mary Larson,20 Craid & Lisa Wiese, 23 LeLand & Marilyn Anderson, 23 Bruce & Deena Jones, 23 Don & Trish Tisthammer, 25 Wall & Mary Ann Miller Jr., 27 Terry &
Kaye grew up in Stanhope, Iowa. She was the third of 4 children born to Harold and Cora Mae Evans. She always felt a bit different as she was the blonde, ugly, fat child….none of which was true except for her light hair. She played basketball despite her mother’s disapproval and took after her father with her softball skills. Stanhope High School consolidated in South Hamilton High School her senior year, from which she graduated in 1963. She forged some life long friendships that she maintained throughout her life and would always identify as a “Stanhope Girl.” Kaye attended nursing school in Mason City, Iowa. A psychiatric rotation at the Mental Health Institute brought her to Cherokee. One day she was eating lunch in the cafeteria and accidentally left her keys on her tray. A young man spotted them and returned them to her. That man was her
future husband, Jack Klingborg. They were married on October 16th, 1966. in a ceremony which was planned according to her mother’s preferences, but she was always proud they had chocolate cake decorated with red roses - her idea, which was very unconventional for the time. As she joined the Klingborg family, she became more known to some by the name Roberta. She was known by both names, depending on how you met her. Kaye was the mother of 2 daughters, Kara and Angie. She and Jack lived in Cherokee, Iowa for the remainder of their lives. She worked at Sioux Valley Hospital in Cherokee as an obstetrics nurse, but spent most of her career as a nurse supervisor at the Mental Health Institute. Jack was a diehard hawkeye and Kaye decided she better jump on the bandwagon. They were season ticket holders for over 45 years. At the age of 63, she got a tiger hawk tattoo on her right wrist and fondly displayed it as her ‘birthmark.’ She also has a claim to fame for trending on twitter for breaking her leg at Kinnick Stadium. On that day, she vowed to never go to another Iowa vs Purdue game. Roberta had an immense love of cats. She would feed and provide safe winter housing for strays and pampered any of the indoor cats she had. Crazy cat lady, yep! She loved the sound of thunderstorms and the smell of fresh cut grass. She would spontaneously sing silly songs. Her wonderment about the world around her was inspiring. Anyone who knew Kaye, was aware she could be very direct and hold people accountable. She had a knack for ‘colorful’ language,’ which was passed down to her daughter Angie. She was very generous with her time and money, donating to several charities and family/friends in need. She volunteered at the local archives and worked several elections. She was a member and former officer in the Pilot Rock Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution. She is preceded in death by her husband Jack of 54 years and will be missed dearly daughters Kara Klingborg of Cherokee and Angie and her husband Rob Paschall of Carrollton, Texas, kitties Sue, Ruby and Ivy. This is the life of Robert Klingborg. Blessed be her memory.
IN LOVING MEMORYMarlene Lucille Cave, the daughter of Henry and Erma (Griese) Schoeneman was born February
26, 1933, in Rock Rapids, IA her childhood years were spent in Rock Rapids. Her family moved
to Milford, IA, and she graduated from Milford High School.
On June 12, 1955, Marlene was united in marriage to Wayne Cave in Spencer. Following their marriage, they moved to rural Cherokee, where they farmed. She also worked for Bell Insurance, Cherokee School District, Sears, Penney’s, and Montgomery Ward.
Marlene was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Woman’s Group, had served as Superintendent of Sunday School and Director of Vocational Bible School, and was a member of the Every Other Tuesday Pinochle Club and The Town and Country Social Club.
She loved gardening, music, playing cards, had ridden in RAGBRAI several times, and enjoyed traveling. They had split their residence between their home in Cherokee where they lived for 65 years and after retirement spent winters at their home in Arizona.
On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Marlene passed away at Cherokee Regional Medical Center at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Erma (Griese) Schoeneman; her in-laws, Purl and Bernice (Stoner) Cave; and two brothers, Ronald (Marsha) Schoeneman and Gene (Anna) Schoeneman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lorence (Jeanette) Cave and Paul (Maxine) Jenness Cave; and one niece, Lorraine Cave Skow.
She will lovingly be remembered by her husband, Wayne Cave of Cherokee, IA; son, Alan (William) Shields-Cave of Danvers, MA; nieces, Paula Burch of Cherokee, IA and Peggy (Dan) Rebhuhn of Storm Lake, IA; nephews, Gene Schoeneman, Jr. of Meridian, MS and Loren Cave of Berkley, CA; and other relatives and friends.
Marlene Lucille Cave, the daughter of Henry and Erma (Griese) Schoeneman was born February 26, 1933, in Rock Rapids, IA her childhood years were spent in Rock Rapids. Her family moved to Milford, IA, and she graduated from Milford High School.
On June 12, 1955, Marlene was united in marriage to Wayne Cave in Spencer. Following their marriage, they moved to rural Cherokee, where they farmed. She also worked for Bell Insurance, Cherokee School District, Sears, Penney’s, and Montgomery Ward.
Marlene was a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church Woman’s Group, had served as Superintendent of Sunday School and Director of Vocational Bible School, and was a member of the Every Other Tuesday Pinochle Club and The Town and Country Social Club.
She loved gardening, music, playing cards, had ridden in RAGBRAI several times, and enjoyed traveling. They had split their residence between their home in Cherokee where they lived for 65 years and after retirement spent winters at their home in Arizona.
On Wednesday, October 7, 2020, Marlene passed away at Cherokee Regional Medical Center at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Erma (Griese) Schoeneman; her in-laws, Purl and Bernice (Stoner) Cave; and two brothers, Ronald (Marsha) Schoeneman and Gene (Anna) Schoeneman; brothers and sisters-in-law, Lorence (Jeanette) Cave and Paul (Maxine) Jenness Cave; and one niece, Lorraine Cave Skow.
She will lovingly be remembered by her husband, Wayne Cave of Cherokee, IA; son, Alan (William) Shields-Cave of Danvers, MA; nieces, Paula Burch of Cherokee, IA and Peggy (Dan) Rebhuhn of Storm Lake, IA; nephews, Gene Schoeneman, Jr. of Meridian, MS and Loren Cave of Berkley, CA; and other relatives and friends.
ALL ARE WELCOME!
Summer Day Camp
VBS
Monday, June 14-Thursday, June 17
8:30-11:30 a.m.
Pre-K to just completed 5th Grades
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
300 East Bow Drive, Cherokee
“PROMISES > PROBLEMS”
God’s promises are greater than our problems.
At each child’s level, we will explore the stories of familiar Bible characters and their responses to God's promises in
tough and confusing times. The promises of God, first made to Abraham and Sarah, carry on to all future generations.
"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever." - Hebrews 13:8
Sponsored by
Lutheran Lakeside Camp and Bethlehem Lutheran Church
Call to Register at 712-225-4969
HELP AND ITEMS NEEDED OR VBS
VBS this year will be held on Jun14th-17th from 8:30- 11:30. The Lutheran Lakeside camp staff will be doing the VBS this year. We are in need of kitchen staff to get snacks and drinks ready. We also need people to furnish cookies, bars. and koolaid. Also this year, the camp staff will be traveling back and forth each day so we will need to feed them breakfast and lunch each day. If anyone is interested in helping with any of these items please contact Karen Ferris 712 221 7580 or the church office.
Thanks in advance
The Music Minute(an occasional column about Bethlehem's Music Ministry)
Next to the Word of God, music deserves the highest praise.--Martin Luther
PentecostOriginally a Jewish harvest festival and thanksgiving day that occurred 50 days after Passover, the word pentecost literally means “50”. Christians celebrate that day as the birth of the Church because that is the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples and that is the day Peter gave his first sermon.
Pastor Jean often talks about the season of Pentecost as the growing season of the church, after celebrating four Sundays of Advent, Christmas (about two weeks), several Sundays of Epiphany, 40 days of Lent, and seven Sundays of Easter. We have spent about six months of the year in celebrations, we now spend the next six months growing.
One of my favorite “growing hymns” is For the Fruit of All Creation, written by Fred Pratt Green (1903-2000). It is set to a traditional Welch tune named AR HYD Y NOS, and in one of three hymns to that tune in Evangelical Lutheran Worship.
One of the things I like about this hymn is that I can play all four parts on the organ (or perhaps I can play all four parts because I like the hymn ). But besides that, the first verse thanks God for the fruit and other physical gifts we receive from creation and succeeding verses praise God for the just reward of labor, give thanks to God for allowing us to care for others, for the gifts of the Spirit, and finally that love has found us.
This hymn summarizes the Gospel in three verses!
Please continue to keep the Music Ministry at Bethlehem in your prayers.
Yours in Christ Jesus, our risen Lord and Savior,Dave Hickman, Music Director
NewsletterJune 2021
Help Wanted- Please consider leading the WELCA group at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. An WELCAExecutive Bd. Sunday, June 6, after churchLydia Circle- Tuesday, June 8, 7:00 P.M.Anna Circle- Wednesday, June 9, 9:00 A.M.Vashti Circle- Wednesday, June 9, 1:30 P.M.Esther Circle- Wednesday, June 9, 1:30 P.M.
Executive Bd. Sunday, July 11, after churchLydia Circle- Tuesday, July 13, 7:00 P.M.Anna Circle- No meeting in July Vashti Circle- Wednesday, July 14, 1:30 P.M.Esther Circle- Wednesday, July 14, 1:30 P.M.
Executive Bd. Sunday, August 1, after churchNo group meetings in August.We may have a field trip or gathering. TBA
HELP WANTED
NEED PEOPLE TO SIGN UP FOR SERVING COFFEE STARTING IN JUNE
Please call the office if you would like to be a server for coffee on a Sunday Morning after chur
Mission Intent 2021 Follow-Up!Thank you to all the congregations that have turned in their 2021 Mission Intent Form! As of this writing, the Synod has received 58 Congregations’ intent for a total of $482,898.00. For the congregations that have not sent in their intent form, PLEASE do so as soon as possible. Find the intent form at the link below. Print, fill out and send to the synod office at:Western Iowa Synod318 E 5th St.Storm Lake, IA 50588https://www.wisynod.org/tools-resources/mission-support If you have any questions, or if your congregation still needs to turn this in, please call Kay at 712-732-4968.
Prayers for Pastor Tim Squier and people of Riverside Lutheran Church in Sioux City.
Pastor Tim begins a three month sabbatical on June 1 -
may the time away be both relaxing and renewing, filled with safe travels and
Site & Auction Task ForceRev. Jim McColley Rev. Craig Miller
Rev. Dan Kahl
Grow Giving Through the ELCA’s Congregational Financial Assessment
Sunday June 27, 2021 7-8pmFor Congregation Presidents and Treasurers
Learn about the free Resourceful Servants Congregational Financial Assessment.
Through this tool and website (resourcefulservants.org/congregations), yourcongregation can help grow the confidence of your members by proactively engaging in a review of your financial systems. By using best practices, your
congregation signals to members that your congregation is worthy of donations and
conveys that accountability, transparency, professionalism, and impact are serious considerations. Steve Oelschlager from the ELCA will facilitate. Please contact Rev.
July 23-25 at Ewalu Bible Camp Open to high school students
WIYLDE is a peer youth leadership training event. Imagine a teen in your congregation equipped and inspired to start a youth bible study or to help with
leadership of worship or another aspect of ministry in your community. Participants will develop relationships with Lutheran youth from across Iowa and with adult
teachers and mentors.
The Western Iowa Synod is committing funds to cover half of registration for 10 teens (no more than 2 per congregation) to attend WIYLDE this year. Please
help identify these young leaders.
Schedule:Arrive at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, July 23 (dinner not provided)
Closing worship at 11 a.m. (parents encouraged to attend) on
Sunday, July 25
Everyone leave at 11:45 a.m. (lunch not provided)
Cost: $60 per student (includes a shirt)
We encourage families to pay $30 and congregations to pay $30
You still have time to send in an assembly offering. So far, we've raised over $7,000! Deadline Extended. Please submit ASAP!
Checks can be mailed to the synod office. Include on the memo line that it is for assembly offering.
You can also give online:https://www.wisynod.org/give Thank you for your generosity!
June 2021, LSI Bulletin/Newsletter Article and Story
Happy Father’s Day!
At Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI), we strive to build up and empower Iowa kids and families. For us, Father’s Day is a time to celebrate all the fathers and male role models we see every day.
Through our Early Childhood Services, young men are learning to become dads. They’re becoming confident and active in their child’s life, and they are creating loving, bright futures for their families.
Many Iowa children entering foster care need a positive male role model in their lives. And through LSI Foster Care and Adoption, our licensed foster dads are there to help guide them.
This is only possible through your support of LSI! If you would like to make a gift, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI director of philanthropy and church relations, at [email protected] or 563-676-2065.
Thank you for responding to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service!
Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at LSIowa.org and Facebook.com/LSI.iowa.
Perseverance is a familiar quality for Mon, who after spending decades living as a refugee from an early age was recently able to place roots in Iowa and succeed in building a life for his family.
After living in a Nepali refugee camp for almost 24 years, Mon’s family was able to resettle in the U.S. When they arrived in Iowa, they moved directly into a tiny apartment. But the single room was not sufficient for their family – especially once their youngest daughter was born. They stayed in the apartment for four years, but Mon was determined to create a better home for his family.
Mon secured housing for his family through the Habitat for Humanity program, and through LSI Refugee and Immigrant Services, he was able to get on track and save and earn money towards his goal of homeownership. With guidance from staff in LSI’s Match and Save financial program, he was able to open a savings account and develop a monthly savings plan.
Mon and his family moved into their new home last year, and he said LSI and Habitat for Humanity were critical steps in helping him learn about U.S. finances and savings – lessons that will pay off during his journey as a homeowner.
“I felt very sad when I left my country,” Mon says. “I felt as if I lost my paradise. But when I got the key and when I entered my house, I felt that I regained my lost paradise. So that was the happiest moment in my life and right now, I, my family, and kids are super happy to live in this new house.”
“We always explain fostering as ‘good’ and ‘hard.’ You never want to take one away from the other, because it’s both. It’s the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but it’s the best thing we’ve done,” Martha says. “We’ve had the privilege of having the kids in our home and you have the responsibility and the privilege to take care of them in their time of need
