February 2008 Newsletter

Pastor Nathan Aaseng

602 West Townline Road

Creston, IA 50801

Ph: 641-782-2920

Fax: 641-782-2920

email salem@salemluth.net

website www.salemluth.net

February 2008

From the Pastor’s Desk:

The budget we passed at our annual meeting may cause some people to swallow hard. We budgeted close to $20,000 more in income/contributions for the coming year than we received this year. Is that realistic? Is it necessary? Is it based on sound business principles? Does it rely heavily on faith?

I believe the answer to all four questions is yes.

There are two business principles to consider here. The first is: The top line drives the bottom line.

This may not be the most suitable example to use for a church, but it is one from my experience. I worked at a research lab that did a lot of quality control for industries that used fermentation. At the time I started, Schlitz was the 2^nd largest brewery in the nation, well ahead of Miller. In the course of a few years, the company went into a tailspin that basically drove it out of business.

The reason for this was simple: they ignored the top line and became obsessed with the bottom line. In an attempt to cut costs, they shortened their fermentation process. The result was a truly horrible beer. By the time they realized their mistake, it was too late. They fell into debt from poor sales, and their reputation was so tarnished they could not win back old customers nor attract new ones. The result was spectacular failure.

Too many congregations get locked in on the bottom line. When things get tight, they cut programs, mission, payroll. What happens? Usually, they go the way of Schlitz, though not as dramatically.

The budget committee has determined the amount of money needed to sustain a healthy, growing congregation here in Creston. The fact is that trying to cut corners on that top line is a recipe for disaster. A congregation that does not do what a church is supposed to be doing, does not grow. It does not stay the same. It dies.

The second business principle is, you need the financial resources to support that top line figure.

Do we have the financial resources here at Salem to meet that budget? I think it is obvious that we do. We could easily meet that commitment without causing any real hardship among any of our members.

As with most of Christian discipleship, it is a matter of commitment. If the members of this congregation make this church a priority, the giving will come in. There is more to this than simply “trust and the Lord will provide.” The Lord already has provided us with the resources to carry out our mission as a church. What is at issue is how much of our resources we are willing to use for the work of this congregation.

This is a crucial year for Salem Lutheran Church. Like many congregations, it has tried to get by for years by focusing on the bottom line. The pattern has been to underfund the top line. This typically begins to cause serious problems by the third year of a pastor’s stay. The pastor soon leaves. The even lower top line of the interim is used to stockpile funds, which are then used to make up the shortfall when the new pastor is in place. And the cycle continues.

The result of this is as one would expect from a business model. Average attendance at Salem dropped from nearly 150 to barely 90 within eight years; confirmation classes dropped to as little as 1 and even zero. The congregation was nearing the point at which it would not recover.

Salem now has a wonderful opportunity to break out of this cycle. The signs are favorable, things are happening, key components are in place. All that is needed to put Salem on a solid path for the foreseeable future is to make the commitment to support that top line.

I do not believe I am exaggerating the consequences. Salem either supports the top line and carries out its mission as a healthy, growing congregation. Or Salem reverts to the bottom line focus and falls back into the tailspin from which congregations seldom recover.

I believe this is a Christ-filled congregation. I believe Salem’s future looks bright. I believe it will carry out its mission for many years to come. But it won’t happen by crossing our fingers and hoping the Lord will provide. The Lord has already provided. How do we use the gifts?

Salem Church Council Minutes

January 17, 2008

The meeting was called to order by President Warren Woods, with the following members in attendance: Chuck Eilers, Bert Henry, Jodi Hitz, Joan Lienemann, Helen Mosman, Dennis Nardy and Sherri Nissen. Also in attendance were Flossie Roberts, John Schlaht, LouAnn Snodgrass, Pastor Nate and Margaret Kneedler.

Pastor Nate led devotions.

M/S/C by John Schlaht and Sherri Nissen to approve the December minutes as presented.

Correspondence: none at this time.

Pastor’s Report:

Pastor presented to the council a letter pertaining to the 2008 budget. This letter will be presented at the Annual Congregational meeting January 27, 2008.

Treasurer’s Report was presented by President Warren Woods, as Mike Linch was absent. M/S/C by Chuck Eilers and Joan Liennemann to approve the Treasurer’s report.

Old Business: No old business to discuss/act on.

New Business:

a) Alliant Energy will install the playground light, adding an additional $ 132.00/year. M/S/C by Sherri

Nissen and John Schlaht

b) The Annual Congregational Meeting will be held on January 27, 2008. The following names will

be placed on the ballot for election of new council members in June: Rayma Frank, Gary Kessler,

Sherri Nissen, Bert Henry and LouAnn Snodgrass.

c) M/S/C by Helen Mosman and Sherri Nissen to amend the proposed budget dated 1/9/08 presented

by the Finance committee. See attached budget.

d) M/S/C by Bert Henry and Joan Liennemann for Church Treasurer, Mike Linch, to get

information for automatic deductions for church giving, as an option to members.

Committee reports:

a) Christian Education

* Seven Junior High youth attended Youth Quake in Des Moines with Randy & Joni Cook.

* Pastor is inviting Senior High Youth to Tuesday’s with Nate. This is 7:00 am. breakfast

beginning January 22^nd and allows Pastor to be involved with them.

* January 30^th, Pastor and others will be taking Salem and Presbyterian High School youth

to Des Moines to see Jesus Christ Superstar at Civic Center. They will enjoy supper at

Spaghetti Works before the show.

* Thursday, February 7^th, will be the first open High School After School Activity night.

This will be held at Salem from 3:15-5:00pm, snacks, games, study time and fellowship

will be offered.

* The next meeting is January 22^nd at 4:30 pm.

b) Evangelism – has not met

c) Social Ministry – Three families were sponsored at Christmas with eleven people receiving

six gifts each. Salem will be serving Open Table in the future. The committee will be helping

with the potluck after the Congregational meeting. Care packages for servicemen are in the planning

stage. The next meeting will be held February 5^th at 6:30 p.m.

d) Church Property: Church Sign lights/timer not working and needs attention.

e) Worship & Music: Ash Wednesday is February 6^th. A training session will be held for

use of the sound equipment. Next meeting is February 12^th at 4:30 pm.

f) Stewardship: has not met.

g) Finance: presented a proposed 2008 budget to the council.

h) Other: Kids Squad is asking for left over paint to be donated.

M/S/C by Joan Liennemann and Helen Mosman to adjourn the meeting.

The next council meeting will February 21^st, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.. Opening devotions will be led by Warren Woods. The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted:

Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary

Adult Education for February

We will be taking a walk through history (actually more of a sprint) at how the Christian church grew from a band of devastated disciples meeting together in a room in Jerusalem into the most dominant religion in the world. We will cover a lot of history in our three week survey, up to the time of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s.

LENT

Lent comes earlier this year than it will for the rest of the century, with Ash Wednesday being on Feb. 6. Our Lenten services this year will feature two themes.

First, we will be hearing some brief faith stories from members of the congregation.

Second, we will use this season of contemplation and reflection to ask the big questions of life. We will ask:

1. What is God’s Plan?

2. Why Am I Here?

3. What is Sin?

4. Why Do We Need a Church?

5. How Do We Get Close to God?

6. What Does Eternity Look Like?

We invite you and anyone you know who would be interested in those questions to join us for our Lenten services at 7:00 each Wednesday.

Birthdays

02/01 Ed Jungst 02/10 Vi Johnson 02/25 Kenton Groth

02/02 Terry Taylor 02/12 Vincent Soda Judy Pringle

02/03 Denis Roberg 02/14 Michael Buck 02/26 Barb Abildtrup

02/04 Don Butler 02/17 Mike Richardson Joan Staples

Phyllis Keuter Charles Western 02/27 Dave Riley

02/05 Kirk Levine 02/19 Roxie Peterson 02/28 Jane Johnston

Rosalie Wilson 02/20 Carol Peterson Raquel Linch

02/09 Ray Hanson Alexander Peterson Claudia Peppers

Alec Paup Andrea Slight

Gary Peterson

February Anniversaries

2/04 Charles & Jean Western

2/16 Darrell & Rosalie Wilson

2/24 Chuck & Nancy Taylor

2/26 Zach & Karisa Stuklik

2/27 Cliff & Lois Olsen

Linda Mahn & family, Dorothy Vanella, Ella Groff, Marge Hanson, Janice Peterson and Helen Schadde. We ask God to send his Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen these individuls.

Pfc. Matthew Cruse, Major David Cruse, Pvt. Aaron Cunningham, Chief Msgt. David Groff, Sgt. Luke Kinkade, MGY Sgt. Mark Kinkade, Str. Airman Travis Mathis, SR Tony McNaught, Cpl. James Paup, SRA Zacary Sedlmayr, Col. Vic Wager III, Joseph Woodcock---We ask God to lead our young men and women who are protecting our country and serving in the Middle East. Please keep our servicepersons and the families of our military in your prayers.

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE

December 2007 January through December 2007

Contributions $ 13,261.96 $ 113,533.69

Expenses 11,699.53 127,015.87

Net Income $ 1,562.43 ( 13,482.18)

Because God said, “Bring the whole tithe. Test me in this and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10

AVERAGE SUNDAY ATTENANCE

107

New name badges are in your mailboxes. They are clip on instead of pin. Badges were not made for college students, so if anybody else was overlooked, please let the church office know.

Salem Social Ministries Committee invites you to bring nonperishable food or paper products to fill the large blue box in the Narthex. Traditionally, the first Sunday of the month has been designated as a collection day for donating items that will be delivered to the MATURA food pantry. Thank you!

Please keep us updated and informed as to the status of those who are serving in the military, so that our prayers for those people stay current.

Salem Lutheran Church welcomes you to attend a special Valentine’s Day event. “VoicesIowa” from SWCC, the award-winning vocal jazz group directed by Phil Mattson, will perform “An Evening of Love Songs’ on Thursday, February 14^th at 7:00 PM, is offered at no charge. Dessert will be served afterwards at 8:15 PM.

2008 ECUMENICAL SERVICES

DATE LOCATION MINISTER

February 10^th Jerusalem Father Leonard Kenkel

February 17^th St. John’s Rev. Scott Vandenheuvel

February 24^th Platte Center Rev. Jim Morris

March 2^nd Salem Rev. Jane Willan

March 9^th UCC Rev. Diana Leaf

March 16^th 1^st Christian Rev. DanMoore

March 21^st Holy Spirit Church Rev. Nate Aaseng

NOTES FROM JR. LYO

The kids in Jr. LYO have been busy with activities in the past month or so and have several events to look forward to in the coming months. We’ve walked through uptown Creston on a beautiful evening during the annual Christmas Parade and helped fill the cast of characters in our Sunday School program. They also helped with our Live Nativity and Soup Supper. We with to thank everyone again who helped in any way, because it really does take the congregation pulling together to help make it such a great event! (Money collected from donations from the Soup Supper will go toward Camperships.)

On January 4-6 the following attended Youth Quake in Des Moines: Ryan Cook, Travis Henry, Hunter Sickels, Skylar Cook, Jesse Rathe, Regan Wolverton and Ryan Vasquez with sponsors Randy and Joni Cook. The week-end was packed with many activities and centered around two Christian bands, Fuller Still and Captive Free, and Pastor Mark from Texas. They really kept the kids involved in the theme of the week-end and kept them moving. They also got to attend three break-out sessions (or Treks) on different topics. We were blessed with a beautiful Saturday afternoon so we ventured across the street to try our skills at ice skating. Needless to say, you won’t see any of us at the next Winter Olympics but we did have a great time!!!

Just a reminder to all kids & parents about our next fundraising. We are signed up to work three concession stands as follows: (at the football field).

Monday, April 7^th

Tuesday, April 15^th

Friday, May 2^nd

This is a great way to earn extra money, without going door to door, for events such as Youth Quake, Riverside summer camp or any other activity we do. The early bird deadline for Riverside is Friday, February 15^th. and offers a savings of $15. Each camper is responsible for paying his/her own non-refundable deposit and we to raise enough money to help pay a good portion of the remaining balance for each camper. Total cost fro the First Timers (2 nights, 3 days) is $185. Total cost for Juniors and Junior High (5 nights, 6 days) is $345. If you have any questions please call Joni Cook.

Calling all high school students. Salem will be opening the church to Creston High School students for a High School After School Hangout once a week.

The first hangout is Thursday, February 7^th from 3:15 to 5:00 pm. It will not be structured but we will encourage games, listening to music, doing homework or just hanging out. Salem will provide snacks. This will be an opportunity for Salem to provide an outreach to our community.

“Tuesdays with Nate”, (for all high school students). As an alternative to Sunday School, let’s meet for breakfast once a week, beginning January 22^nd. Let Pastor Nate know that you are coming. We’ll meet at church at 7:00 a.m.

FEBRUARY WORSHIP TEAM SCHEDULE

Sunday, February 3^rdSunday, February 10^th

Greeters: Dillard & Lois Paxton Greeters: Randy & Shelia McIlravy

Ushers: Don Butler, Flossie Roberts Ushers: Don Butler, Flossie Roberts

Mike & Donovan Richardson Mike & Donovan Richardson

Reader: Bev Butler Reader: Chris Sherrod

Acolyte: Jacob Cook Acolyte:

Communion Assistants: Flossie Roberts Coffee & Cookies: Bev Butler, Flossie Roberts

Isaac Sedlmayr

Coffee & Cookies: Lacey Richardson Sunday, February 24th

Chris Sherrod Greeters: Randy & Sheila McIllravy

Ushers: Don Butler, Flossie Roberts

Mike & Donovan Richardson

Sunday, February 17^th Reader Chris Sherrod

Greeters: Dillard & Lois Paxton Acolyte: Jacob Cook

Ushers: Don Butler, Brenda Sedlmayer Coffee & Cookies: Lacey Richardson, Bev Butler

Mike & Donovan Richardson

Reader: Donovan Richardson

Acolyte: Jacob Cook

Communion Assistants: Flossie Roberts

Isaac Sedlmayr

Coffee & Cookies: Bev Butler

Shirley Loos

LENTEN SERVICES

Ash Wednesday

Ushers: Don Butler, Mike Richardson

Acolyte: Ryan Cook

Communion Assistants: Flossie Roberts & Ryan Cook

Wednesday, February 13^th

Ushers: Bev & Don Butler

Wednesday, February 20^th

Ushers: Mike & Donovan Richardson

Wednesday, February 27^th

Ushers: Flossie Roberts, Chris Sherrod

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

FEBRUARY 2008 NEWSLETTER

Miriam Circle will meet Thursday, February 7^th, 6:00 p.m. in the home of Linda Aaseng for a dinner meeting. Pastor Nate will lead the Bible study. Bev Butler will be circle leader in February.

Rebekah Circle will meet Thursday, February 14^th at 1:15 p.m. in the fellowship hall. Pastor Nate will lead the bible study and Carolyn Kessler will be the hostess.

Our circle meetings are open to all women and hope you will join us.

Early in 2007, Thank Boxes were placed in all mailboxes so everyone could participate in Giving Thanks for all our many blessings. These boxes will be placed in all mailboxes again this year with the proceeds donated to Global Health Missions.

The spring sale will be on Friday, April 4^th, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. There will also be a bake sale and food for coffee and lunch served. Save any good items you may find when cleaning your closets.

Bev Butler, Co-President

2007 THRIVENT FINANCIAL ACTIVITY

Union County Chapter of Thrivent Financial Supplemented the following funds in 2007:

$ 500.00 – McKenna Brown, Fund Raiser—Child Cancer Patient

500.00 – Michelle Hartman, Fund Raiser—Cancer Patient

500.00 – Afton After School Program Fund Raiser

500.00 – Relay for Life, Cancer Fund Raiser

800.00 – Friends of Library Fund Raiser

500.00 – Crop Walk Fund Raiser

1070.00 – Christmas Basket Fund Raiser

1000.00 – Rural Iowa Crisis Center Fund Raiser

$5370.00 – Subtotal

At this point we had $ 1400.00 not used and for the first time we were advised we could further supplement programs of 2007.

$ 600.00 – Rural Life Crisis Center

400.00 – Afton After School Program

400.00 – Christmas Basket Fund

$6770.00 Total for 2007

In addition Salem and Trinity Churches were each given $ 1300.00 for church projects. Salem used $ 400.00 for the new stand for the sound system and $ 900.00 for the roof and window repairs.