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

 

July 2007

 

From the Pastor’s Desk:

            The first Monday evening service this summer was a bit awkward.  Other than the worship leaders, we had only one couple show up.  It was a little strange to have a private service and a sermon aimed at those two.  We wondered if these evenings summer services were worth doing.

 

            Since then, however, attendance has climbed to the 20 range, and we’re back in the comfort zone.  We hope that it is of value to provide an alternative service in the summer for those who are away on the weekend, for those who have difficulty with the earlier summer worship time on Sunday, and for those who appreciate a more relaxed change of pace in their worship.

 

            But there is another reason for doing this service and that is outreach.  The fact is that many of those outside the church are intimidated by more formal worship services.  Some of the traditions and structure and language that provide meaning for long-time members work as barriers that scare away those unfamiliar with church ways who are seeking meaning in their lives.

 

            Our Monday evening service provides all the vital elements of worship in a more relaxed environment.  Because of this, it is an outreach opportunity.  Spread the word that our Monday evening summer service is a welcoming, informal setting where people can enter just as they are—a safe environment for an encounter with God in music and in sharing the word.  If you know someone who has questions about the whole spiritual side of life, send them or take them to this service.  It’s a good place to start.

 

            Then, when summer is over, we look forward to all getting back together in the fall, worshipping together as a community in a full and vibrant worship blends a variety of ways to meet God and proclaim the good news of Christ.

 

 

 

 

 

 

       

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

July Birthdays

 

07/01   Florence Mosman                     07/08   Michael Springer                      07/22   Jessica Riley

            Russell Wachter                        07/09   Aaron Peterson                                    Troy Schroeder

07/04   Stacy Wood                             07/10   Jean Western                            07/24   Brooke Tyler

07/05   Gabriel Stofferahn                     07/12   Jack Keuter                              07/25   Ron Johnson

            Zachary Stofferahn                   07/13   Alex Cunningham                      07/27   Janet Eilers

07/07   Nathan Aaseng             07/14   Gary Jorgensen                         Mike Henry

            Daniel Riley                                          Jaimie Stofferhan                                  Sandra Sickels

            Frances Roberg                        07/19   Eli Stuchlik                               07/29   Mary Jo Foster

            Gavin Sickels                            07/21   Bill Kunert                                07/31   Florence Roberts

            Vic Wager

 

 

August Birthdays

 

08/03   Todd Stofferahn                       08/18   Roberta Henry                          08/25   Alan Paup

08/04   Charles Taylor                          08/19   Ron Levine                               08/26   Jerica Slight

08/05   Joni Cook                                08/20   Joan Lienemann                                    Samuel Soda

08/07   JoAnn Rathe                             08/21   Marjorie Hanson                      08/28   Brenda Cook

08/09   Grant Wood                                         Joshua Henry                            08/29   David Rathe

08/18   Skylar Cook                                         Jacob Hitz                                08/31   Abbie Cook

            Kerry Grumley             08/25   Charles Henry                                      Zachary Sedlmayr

             

 

 

 

Donna Swanson, Charles Foster, Ella Groff,  Marge Hanson, Shirley Loos, Janice Peterson, Helen Schadde, Don Swanson, and Maxine Whan.  We ask God to send his Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen these individuals.

 

 

 

Pfc. Matthew Cruse, Major David Cruse, Pvt. Aaron Cunningham,  Chief Msgt. David Groff, Sgt. Luke Kinkade, Sgt. Mark Kinkade, Str. Airman Travis Mathis,  Cpl. James Paup, Airman 1^st Class Zacary Sedlmayr, Sgt. Matt Tysdal, Col. Vic Wager III---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.

 

 

 

 

 

July Anniversaries

 

07/03   Dick & Jane Johnston                                       07/15   Larry & Claudia Peppers                     

07/04   Jerry & Sherri Nissen                                       07/22   Chuck & Mary Jo Foster

            Todd & Tammy Wolverton                               07/27   Ben & Helen Herzberg

            OJ & Elaine Fargo                                            07/28   Bill & Carol Ott

07/08   Warren & Judy Woods                                    07/31   Todd & Suzie Stofferahn

07/15   Bill & Barbara Bjorn

 

 

August Anniversaries

 

08/01   Thad & Sandi Sickels                                       08/12   Dennis & Becky Nardy

08/02   Tim & Barb Kenyon                                         08/15   Gary & Jannene Jorgensen

08/05   Dave & Gwen Buck                                         08/20   Ron & Jo Levine

08/10   Ray & Bev Courtney                                        08/23   Andrew & Jodi Hitz                             

08/11   Tony & Peggy Cass

 

 

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE

            Avg. June’s  Attendance

                        Sunday…88     Monday Evening…16

 

Financial Report for May

                        MAY                                            YTD

                   $ 7,898.25       Contributions         $ 46,716.73   

                      9,579.07       Bills                          52,795.05    

                   $ (1,680.82)     Net Income           $ (6,078.32)                              

                                                                       

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.”  Malach

 

 

         

 

 

50^th Anniversary

The family of Joyce and LaVerne Anderson is hosting a barbecue in honor of their parents’ 50^th anniversary. The Salem Congregation is cordially invited to attend this party at Crestmoor Golf Club on Saturday, July 14^th, from 2-5 P.M.  No gifts please.

 

 

 

We welcome the following families to Salem; Mark Saylor and Dorothy Vanella.

                        Bryce Joseph Trilk, son of Joe and Brittney Trilk was baptized on June 10, 2007.

Bryce is the grandson of Sue & Dick Bergstrom.

                   Alexander James Peterson, son of Jeremie and Heather Peterson was baptized on

June 24, 2007.  Alexander’s grandparents are Gail & Roxie Peterson.

 

 

As you may have noticed, there have been many new changes made in our church during the past six months.  But we’re not done yet, so we’re asking for your help!  To create a more polished look for the narthex and fellowship hall, we are in need of some small tables, tablecloths (especially those that will coordinate with the colors of the “church year”), seasonal centerpieces/decorations and frames/stands to display historic church pictures and documents.

          Perhaps you have a little table sitting in your basement, or silk plants, floral arrangements or Christmas decorations that are taking up space in your attic.  If you would consider “loaning” them to the church for awhile call Margaret (church office—782-2920) or Elaine (home—7825-8625).  A little coordination and creativity will go a long way!

 

 

 

Salem Family & Quilters,

          Thank you for thinking of me on my graduation.  The quilt is beautiful, and is a wonderful symbol of all of the support you continue to give me.

          I will really miss seeing everyone on a weekly basis when I’m at school in Iowa City but weekends at home will be even better knowing I have a family at Salem, too.

          Thank you again and God Bless,

          With Love, Elizabeth Kenyon

 

Salem Quilters,

          Thank you so much for the beautiful quilt and the thoughtful sentiments.  Everyone at church is like family and I know my faith will help me through any troubles I might have at college.

          Jessica Riley

 

Quilters,

 

          Thanks for the quilt.  It’s pretty special.

          Chris Cass

Coral and Gene Smith have been doing some landscaping around Salem this summer.  They have cleaned all the dead leaves from around the bushes and water falls.  Coral has made sure the lovely flowers got a much needed drink, when it turned off hot and humid during the month of June.  So next time you see them in church, give them a BIG THANK YOU for sprucing up Salem on the outside.

 

 

Women of the ELCA

July & August Newsletter

         

Summer has arrived so there will no circle meetings during July or August.  Joyce Anderson and Judy Woods will be attending The 20^th Annual Western Iowan Synodical Women’s Convention at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Humboldt June 23^rd.  Joyce will be our voting delegate.  It was voted to donate $50.00 for a Domestic Abuse Facility in Fort Dodge for the In-Gathering at the women’s convention.

          Please notice the beautiful new banner with the Dove and Flames hanging by the organ.  It is a Pentecostal and Communion banner.  This was donated by Vi Johnson and her family, for serving her 95^th birthday and WELCA.

          If anyone has news or concerns for the women during the summer please contact me

 (Bev Butler) at 782-4050,

          Have a great summer!  We will resume in the fall.

          Bev Butler

 

 

 

Bringing Help and Hope During Natural Disasters

          Summer in Iowa often brings harsh and unpredictable weather.  This year, tornadoes and flooding have left both physical and emotional scars on those that have been affected by these natural disasters.  That is why Lutheran Services in Iowa partners with Lutheran Disaster Response (LDR) to provide emotional and spiritual support as well as other needs as part of the individual and community recovery effort.

          Together with LDR, LSI responds to the unmet needs of communities in the wake of a natural disaster.  Out disaster response coordinator works with local churches and organizations to develop a plan to address the unmet needs, including spiritual and emotional care, to those whose lives have devastated.  LSI and LDR also help strengthen the capacity of congregations to respond to their own needs and the needs of others during these times of disaster by creating preparedness and response plans.

          Through this amazing partnership, LSI and LDR can help those in need when disaster strikes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Avalanche Ranch Vacation Bible School

July 15-20, 2007

6:00—8:30pm

First Presbyterian Church

 

          Salem Lutheran Church and First Presbyterian Church are planning an exciting adventure that will provide fun, memorable Bible-learning activities for kids age four through 5^th grade.  Each day kids will sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, nibble tasty treats, experience Bible adventures, and create fun Bible crafts.

          Avalanche Ranch is July 15-20^th.  Kids will meet at First Presbyterian Church each day from 6:00pm until 8:30pm.  On the final night we invite everyone to an ice cream social while the kids show off what they learned and created throughout the week.

          To help us plan accurately for supplies, we would ask you to pre-register your child if possible.  You can call VBS Director Raquel Linch at 782-5482.  You can leave a message if no one is at home.

          If you have taken a slip from the VBS bulletin board requesting supplies, we ask that you bring them to the church before July 5^th for nonperishable supplies.  And if you have any Western/Cowboy type decorations that we could borrow we would really appreciate it.

          Volunteers would still be appreciated!  Nursery care will be available for children under the age of four.  We will have a meeting in early July to go over responsibilities and finalize decorations.  Call Raquel with any questions or to volunteer.  Thanks!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To the Women of the ELCA:

 

Thank you, thank, you, and thank you, for sending me as your delegate to the 20^th convention in Humboldt on June 23^rd @ Our Savior’s Church.  There were 172 women attending with 64 of those being voting delegates.  The general offering was $ 6,382.05.  The in-kind offering (monetary & otherwise) was $ 1,575 which went to the local domestic abuse shelter.  Three thousand individuals (nearly all women) were served this past year.

 

Kite kits for quilts were available last year and 140 of these were made for the Prison Ministries.  Margaret Kneedler and I each completed one of these, which was on display there.  These quilts are given to the family members of the inmates at the Ft. Dodge prison.

 

We had our usual coffee & goodies upon arrival and following that went to the sanctuary for a hymn sing.   (We sang all day long.)  Our meeting opened with a full worship service and communion with Pastor Kay Wold bringing the message.

 

Our first half of the business meeting lasted until lunch time.  Included in the business was the awarding of 3 scholarships by Pastor Dannette Johns.  Laura Boysen, Ann Klavano and Janelle Siffring were the recipients.  Election of officers and new board members were held during this time, too.  A budget of $ 56,000 was presented and then later passed.  Chaplin Mary Paulk closed the morning session with a short Bible study, sharing many neat insights with here clientele @ the Lutheran Home in Springfield, MN.

 

After a delicious lunch we were back to another hymn sing and the second half of our business meeting.  This included reports of all the committees.  The message “Living As A New Creation in Christ” was made clear by Pastor Kathy Graves of Mason City.  She delivered a very poignant message through dressing herself as a clown!  I was laughing my head off, but still it was clear all of us could be projecting our faith in many new and different ways.

 

The installation of new officers and board members was held at the conclusion.  I was elected to become part of the WISWO board.  I pray I can represent our cluster and be empowered by the Holy Spirit to encourage others to continue to grow in faith and do His work.

 

Judy Woods accompanied me to this great convention, also.  Ask here how worthwhile she thought the day was!

 

The Cluster Officer Training will be @ Storm Lake on August 18^th.  A retreat for women will be @ Twin Lakes Christian Center September 21-22.  This is near Manson, IA.

 

Next year’s convention will be @ Bethlehem Lutheran in Cherokee, on June 28^th.  Let’s have a full car going north next year!

 

Joyce I. Anderson