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
December 2008
Advent is a time of anticipation.
Anticipating is not something many of us like to do, especially not for great lengths of time. A couple of minutes, or a day, or at most a couple of days is our optimum level for anticipation, and then we are eager to get into the thing we are anticipating.
This is probably one reason why Christmas festivities seem to get started earlier and earlier each year. We are eager to get into the Christmas spirit, to enjoy the holiday season, to get those decorations out and start celebrating.
Advent, however, is not really designed to be a time of celebration; it’s supposed to be a time where we get ready to celebrate the amazing entrance of God into our world.
Probably most of us have experienced the letdown that comes with jumping the gun on celebrations. Back when we were kids, we tried so hard to get the celebration going early. We peeked in closets and under beds to see if we could find the presents we were going to get, or we begged and wheedled and bribed someone to tell us what they were giving us.
But then we found that knowing what we are going to get spoils the fun and the magic of the Christmas Eve.
This Advent at Salem, we are intentionally holding back on the decorating and the celebrating. We don’t want to get there too soon. We want to recognize the seriousness of the situation that Jesus came to deal with. We want to focus on just how much this Christmas message is needed and what a difference it’s going to make. Rather than jump into the celebration early, we are going to build the anticipation.
That is why, on the first Sunday in Advent (Nov. 30) the sanctuary is going to be pretty bare. There won’t be much in the way of decoration or celebration. There will be anticipation.
The two Wednesday night Advent services will deal with some of the unease in our society, which this year may be compounded by economic uncertainty:
December 3: The Gospel in Times of Stress and Anxiety
December 10: The Gospel in Times of Real Suffering.
Then comes the Live Nativity presentation on December 17.
Each week in Advent we can feel the anticipation build as we bring out a little more of the trappings of Christmas. By doing so, we are pointing the anticipation in the direction of the one who arrived at Christmas, and our celebration will be all the more joyous and meaningful.
Adult Education in December
Christmas is a time of generous spirit and charity, and so this month we will looking at the ways in which charities work. Where did the idea of organizing to aid those in need come from? Who got them started? How have these organizations become a part of our world? Which have been around the longest? Which are our favorite ones? Which have directly affected our lives and how have they done so?
The children will need the space to prepare for their Christmas program on the 14th, so we will be meeting only twice in December:
Week one, Dec. 7
Week three, Dec. 21
ATTENTION PARENTS
Sunday School will not meet on December 14th, 28th and January 4th. Kid Squad will not meet on December 17th, 24th and 31st. The Sunday School Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 14th. We will have program practice during Kid Squad on December 3rd and 10th at 6:00 pm and during the Sunday school hour on December 14th. The Live Nativity and Soup Supper will be on Wednesday, December 17th.
YEARBOOK
It’s time to begin gathering material for the church yearbook. Please be thinking about your information to be submitted and turn it in to the office as soon as possible. The church council has requested the 2009 Yearbook be ready to hand out at the congregational meeting in February.
Salem Lutheran Church Council Minutes
November, 13, 2008
The meeting was called to order by President Chuck Taylor with the following members present: Rayma Frank, Bert Henry, Jodi Hitz, Gary Kessler, Mike Linch, Flossie Roberts, John Schlaht, LouAnn Snodgrass and Dennis Nardy. Pastor Nate Aaseng and Margaret Kneedler was also in attendance.
Devotions were led by Rayma Frank.
The October minutes were approved with the following corrections; spelling correction for Chuck Eilers and an addition to the approval of $675 for a new set of blue prints and a professional study of the church building’s strength to support a new roof and drawings of an option to bridge the gutters on the roof. M/S/C by Rayma Frank and John Schlaht.
Pastor’s Report:
* Pastor reported the meeting held on October 21st between the Ministerial Alliance
and Creston school board was a good meeting and communications and sharing
went very well. The schools indicted a plan to try and leave Wednesday’s open
from activities and suggested a meeting with the school’s coaches as well.
* The Health Congregation workshop held on October 31st at the Presbyterian
church provided support to many of the activities Salem is currently doing and
also provided new ideas as well.
* The 2008 CROP Walk was another success and raised $ 5906, up $1200 from
last year. Salem members participated again this year,
* Pastor and Loyal Winborn are working on creating an internet blog for high
school kids to enhance communications and connection to the church. It is hoped
this will be up and running in the next couple of weeks.
* We have received two memorial gifts received, Helen Schadde and Frances
Jungst. We have also received notification of a pending estate gift from the Helen
Shadde estate.
Old Business:
Roof repair will begin the week of November 17th.
New Business:
* By-laws; The council recommends the following changes be considered and voted
upon at the next annual meeting:
* Recommendation to eliminate the Evangelism Committee in Article 18,
Section 7, Item 3c.
* Recommendation to change notice of meetings from “by mail” to “appropriate
means of communications, e.g. mail, email” Article 10, Section 3
M/S/C by Gary Kessler and Flossie Roberts; motion carried.
* The Christmas Offering for 2008 will be donated 2/3 to Rural Iowa Crisis Center
and 1/3 to Tanzania Well drilling unless otherwise designated by donor.
M/S/C by Bert Henry and John Schlaht, motion carried.
* Council Members terms ending in 2009 include: Chuck Taylor, Dennis Nardy,
John Schlaht and Jodi Hitz. Names will be considered for these positions at the
next meeting.
* Congregational Committee membership list reviewed. Additional committee
members are needed. Committees will need to find members to fill the
respective committees.
* A non-member family has requested use of the Fellowship Hall for Thanksgiving
dinner. In addition to the rental fee to establish a deposit fee of $25 for the church
key, which would be returned upon return of the church key. M/S/C by Rayma
Frank and Gary Kessler, motion carried.
* Mike Linch will check with the snow removal service from last year to continue
snow removal this season for the parking lot.
* The proposed budget for 2009 is in progress and anticipated to be ready for
review at the December meeting.
Committee Reports:
Christian Education met on 11/13/08. The Live Nativity will be on Wednesday, December 17th and the Sunday School Christmas program on Sunday, December 14th.
Evangelism: No Report
Church Property: Roof repair will begin the week of November 17th. Reminder that the Hansen memorial money for landscaping will need to be determined next spring.
Worship & Music met and finalized plans for December services, church decoration and two Advent services.
Stewardship: Sunday, November 16th, is Stewardship Sunday.
Finance: Next meeting December 10th at 6:00 pm. Plan to determine the amount needed for roof repair and an option for financing. Three financing options include a loan from Synod, borrow from a local bank or Edward D. Jones.
Social Ministry served Open table on November 4th. All help much appreciated. Matura will be providing three families needs for Salem to adopt for the holiday season. Next meeting will be November 25th at 6:00 pm.
Next meeting of the council will be on December 11th at 6:30 pm. Devotions will be led by Flossie Roberts. M/S/C to adjourn by Flossie Roberts and Gary Kessler. The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
LouAnn Snodgrass, Secretary pro-tem
You are invited to donate a Poinsettia to decorate the altar for the Advent/Christmas Season. If you would like to make the donation in honor or memory of a family member or friend, please contact the church office at 782-2920 so that it can be put into the church bulletin.
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
November 19, 2008
Dear members of SALEM LUTHERAN CHURCH,
This letter is your notice of proposed changes in our By-Laws that have been recommended by the church council. The changes will be discussed and voted on at our Annual Meeting in early February.
Article XVIII, Section 7, Item C: Eliminate the Committee on Evangelism. The thought behind this is we should all be reaching out to our fellow Christians and encouraging them in their faith,
Article X, Section 3, Notice of all meetings of this congregation will be notified of meetings by regular mail or E-mail. Currently we are requited to use only regular mail.
Sincerely yours,
Chuck Taylor
President-Salem Lutheran Church
12/02 Levi Hitz 12/19 Lois Olsen 12/29 Clinton McNaught
12/06 Mary Jo Schroeder 12/23 Betty Krogh Nancy Taylor
12/08 Michael Sherrod 12/25 Alyssa Cook 12/30 Barbara Riley
12/11 Bill Ott 12/28 Joyce Anderson 12/31 Marc Roberg
12/13 Regan Wolverton 12/28 Matthew Buck
Jace Wolverton
12/01 Alan & Julie Shaffer
12/12 Ken & Nancy Groth
12/19 Rodney & Linda Mahn
12/20 Pastor & Linda Aaseng
12/24 Gary & Carolyn Kessler
12/28 Jerry & Linda Huffman
12/30 Chuck & Bert Henry
Gary Kessler, Shirley Loos, Breta Kinkade, Mary Jo Foster, Ella Groff, Marge Hanson, Janice Peterson, and Willard Peterson. We ask God to send his Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen these individuals.
Pfc Emily Cruise, Pfc. Matthew Cruse, Major David Cruse, Pvt. Aaron Cunningham, Chief Msgt. David Groff, MGY Sgt. Mark Kinkade, Str. Airman Travis Mathis, SN Tony McNaught, SWCN Beth McNaught, 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.
CHRISTMAS OFFERING
Christmas offering will be donated 2/3 to Rural Iowa Crisis Center and 1/3 to Tanzania well drilling project.
CHRISTMAS CAROLING!!!
Come and join us for Christmas caroling on Sunday, December 21st at 5:00 pm. Help us spread Christ greetings and the love of Christ! We will be carpooling to visit those who are homebound and in the nursing homes. We will gather back at the church at approximately 6:15 pm for soup/dessert and fellowship. A sign-up sheet will be available in the narthex on Sunday, December 7th for those who would like to provide our soups and dessert. We encourage those of all ages AND singing abilities!!! If you have any questions, please contact Lori Paup at 782-5748. See you there!!!
LIVE NATIVITY
The Live Nativity will be presented from 5:15 to 6:30 p.m. The soup supper will be on from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. To help us prepare fro the soup supper we need some supplies. You can help by selecting a slip of paper from the board in the back of the church and bring the items to the church by Sunday, December 14th. Thank you! Thank you!
Kids of all ages are wanted for the Live Nativity. We’ll try to rotate children so they get a break from the cold. Be sure to dress them warm. The first presentation is at 5:15 p.m. so be sure to come early. Any questions contact Joni Cook at 782-7363
WOMEN OF THE ELCA
DECEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER
Miriam Circle will meet on Monday, December 8th, 5:30 pm at the home of Joyce Anderson for a salad supper. Carolyn Biere will lead the Bible study. This is a change of time and day,
Rebekah Circle will meet on Thursday, December 11th, 12:30 at the home of Pat Grumley for a potluck luncheon. There will be Christmas sharing of readings and thoughts.
Our circle meetings are open to all women of Salem and hope you can join us.
Early in 2008 Thank Boxes were placed in all mail boxes so everyone could participate in giving thanks for all our many blessings. These boxes have been collected with a total of $ 352.00, which will be forwarded to Global Health Missions.
A women’s meeting was held on Sunday, November 9th, after church for election of officers for 2009. Bev Butler was elected President, Helen Mosman as Treasurer and Linda Huffman as Secretary. The group voted on the monies to be donated for 2008. A complete list will be in the January newsletter.
A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to Thank Boxes, Lutheran World Relief Kits and all other projects during 2008. It takes all of us to make Salem the special place it is.
Bev Butler, Co-President
CHRISTMAS FAMILIES
Once again Salem is sponsoring three families for the holiday season. The families request will be on the tree in the Narthex. Please wrap the gifts, tape the gift info on the gift, so we know whom it is for.
SV#1
Mom, XL, in her late 30’s
Girl, age 15, size 1 in pants and small in junior size
Boy, age 9, 34x30 in pants and size medium in a man’s shirt
Boy, age 11 months, 18 month size.
This family has lost everything in a house fire, they could use sheets, towels, household items, etc.
SV#2
Girl, age 1½, size 2T
She needs clothing, likes crayons, books and dolls
SV#3
Girl, age 6, size 6T
Boy, age 5, size 5T
Girl, age 2, size 2T
Girl, age 7 months, size 18 months
They need anything
DECEMBER WORSHIP TEAM
Sunday, December 7, 2008 Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Greeters: Linda Hultquist, Greeter: Rayma Frank
Dave & Barb Abildtrup Usher: Rayma Frank
Ushers: Dave & Barb Abildtrup, Acolyte: Reagan Wolverton
John & Lois Rose
Reader: Pat Grumley Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Acolyte: Ryan Cook Greeters: Paul & Pat Grumley
Communion Assistants: LouAnn & Sean Ushers: Paul & Pat Grumley
Snodgrass Acolyte: Ryan Cook
Nursery: Emily Miller
Sunday, December 14, 2008 Wednesday, December 24th, 5:00
Greeters: Mike & Emily Miller, Greeters: Linda Hultquist,
John & Lois Rose Paul & Pat Grumley
Ushers: Mike & Emily Miller, Ushers: Paul & Pat Grumley,
John & Lois Rose Mike & Lacey Richardson
Reader: LouAnn Snodgrass Reader: Pat Grumley
Acolyte: Ryan Vaduez Acolyte: Hunter Sickels
Coffee & Cookies: Miller’s and Rose’s
Nursery: Emily Miller
Sunday, December 21, 2008 Wednesday, December 24th, 10:30
Greeters: Troy & Donna Schroeder, Greeters: Bob & LouAnn Snodgrass
Mike & Emily Miller Troy & Donna Schroeder
Ushers: Troy & Donna Schroeder, Ushers: Bob & LouAnn Snodgrass,
Bob, LouAnn, Sean Snodgrass Troy & Donna Schroeder
Reader: Mike Miller Reader: LouAnn Snodgrass
Acolyte: Emily Schroeder Acolyte: Emily Schroeder
Communion Assistants: Communion Assistants:
Mike Miller and Mary Jo Schroeder LouAnn and Sean Snodgrass
Coffee & Cookies: Schroeder’s and Snodgrass’s
Nursery: Emily Miller
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Greeters: Mike, Lacey, Donovan Richardson
Linda Hulquist
Ushers: Mike, Lacey, Donovan Richardson
Reader: Donovan Richardson
Acolyte:
Coffee & Cookies: Hultquist’s & Richardson’s