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/August 2008

 

From the Pastor’s Desk:

 

How do we pass on faith to our children and grandchildren?

 

            The traditional answer in the Lutheran church in the United States has been to rely on the Sunday school and youth programs to do the job. The question we have to ask ourselves is, “Does that work any more?”

 

            Salem has experienced problems in passing on the faith for some time. The most obvious symptom of that was in the past year, when this congregation had no one confirmed and no high school seniors to recognize on graduation Sunday.

 

            We have made a major effort to improve our programs in this year. We revamped the curriculum to provide a more fun and challenging Sunday school experience. We added structure to the large group gathering before the start of Sunday school. We updated our technology, and tweaked the Kids Squad program. Volunteers reorganized the downstairs rooms to provide an attractive game room, and rebuilt the ping pong table. We organized a high school group trip to Des Moines, and tried two experimental programs for teens: Tuesday morning breakfast and Thursday afternoon hang out.

 

            My honest assessment is that, with some exceptions, these efforts are not accomplishing what we need. So we have to ask, “Do the traditional ways of passing on the faith work?” Do they work in a society that is changing so fast? In an era where kids’ time is overbooked with nonchurch events?

           

Is Sunday school at Salem doing more harm than good by clearly demonstrating to children how low a priority item religion is and how little respect people have for what the church has to offer? Is this negating the progress we have made in providing a caring welcoming atmosphere for young people and in providing vibrant and relevant worship, and the authentic models of faith stories?

 

            Those are questions for every one of us who gather at Salem, because passing on the faith is a huge part of our mission. I urge every member of Salem to spend some time this summer thinking about ways in which we can pass on the faith. Are there ways that we can use some of the gift we have received to build up this part of our mission? How can each of us contribute to passing on the faith?

            Please do not look on this article as an exercise in hand-wringing. What we are facing is not a trend to be bemoaned but a challenge to be taken head on. We can do better—let’s figure out how and then watch the Holy Spirit at work!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THANK YOU!!

          Please let me extend my heartfelt thanks to Pastor Nate and my Salem Church family and friends for sharing in my 90^th birthday celebration with my children and their families.  Your prayers and greetings made the day a blessing I shall always remember.

                   Breta Kinkade

 

 

Thank you to Pastor Nate and everyone for prayers, cards, calls, visits and gifts while in the hospital.  God bless each of you.

                   Lois Olsen

 

 

 

The family of Flossie Mosman thanks all who joined us in the celebration of our mother’s life; for the kind words, cards, flowers, preparation of the church and preparation and serving the lunch.  Thanks, too, for the memorials—we hope these funds will provide warmth and comfort to many for several years to come through our quilters group.

 

Thank you to all who visited Flossie and gave her transportation to and from quilting for the several years she could not drive.  We have appreciated all your acts of kindness.

 

Don & Helen—Dorothy & Harv

 

 

 

Salem Church Council Minutes

June 9, 2008

 

The meeting was called to order by President Warren Woods, with the following members in attendance:  Chuck Eilers, Rayma Frank, Bert Henry, Jodi Hitz, Gary Kessler, Dennis Nardy and Sherri Nissen.  Also in attendance were: John Schlaht, Chuck Taylor, Pastor Nate and Margaret Kneedler.

 

M/S/C by Chuck Eilers and John Schlaht to approve the May minutes.

 

Correspondence:  none at this time.

 

Pastor’s Report

            a)  Synod Assembly concentrated on, Book of Faith, which is a review of bible study.

            b)  The first Wednesday service was spent in the basement due to storms.

            c)  Pastor Nate will be gone on June 22^nd and Pastor Jane Wilian will lead the service. 

                 There will be no communion until June 29^th.

 

Treasurer’s Report was not given as Mike Linch was absent and there were problems in printing the budget.  The budget will be the council’s mailboxes at a later date.  Questions may be directed to Mike.

 

Old Business:  none at this time

 

New Business:

a)  Officers:  M/S/C by John Schlaht and Gary Kessler to nominate Bert Henry as

Council President.  Bert declined due to her involvement with Kid Squad and the        various committees.  Nomination withdrawn.

b)  Officers:  M/S/C by Sherri Nissen and Chuck Eilers to nominate Chuck Taylor for

      Council President.  Nomination accepted.

c)   Officers:  M/S/C by Chuck Taylor and Chuck Eilers to nominate Dennis Nardy for

      Vice President.  Nomination accepted.

d)  Officers:  Sherri Nissen volunteered to continue as Council Secretary again.  Gary

      Kessler requested nominations cease.

e)   Roof repairs:  Warren Woods and Chuck Taylor will be contacting Asa Knora to

      find out why he has not started repairs.  They will also check on the warranty from

      Commercial Roofing of Leon.

f)    Water in basement; contact Troy Schroeder to look at the drain and south roof.

g)   Inheritance money; currently placed in money market, council would like a

      committee of six members to outline a Long Range Planning Committee.  A

      suggestion box will be placed for congregation members and each committee needs

      to make suggestions to bring before the council.  Council discussed the money as a

     charitable giving and not to be used for normal giving.

            h)  Carolyn Kessler would like to borrow four old tables on June 27^th.

            i)  M/S/C—Warren Woods and Bert Henry for Margaret to order new church mugs.

 

Committee reports were presented:

 

            a)  Christian Education:

                        * Will meet July 1^st at 4:30 pm for final planning of Vacation Bible School to be

                        held July 13-18.

                        *Sunday School Curriculum—second year rotation for Akaloo

                        * June 23rd—Youth will be serving at the Farmer’s Market

                        * July 18^th—Youth Encounter Group from Des Moines will be here.  They will

                           have an information session with the youth and will need overnight

                           arrangements for six college students.

            b)  Evangelism:  no meeting

            c)  Social Ministry—Next meeting is August 5^th at 6:30 pm

            d)  Church Property—all energy efficient lights have been installed.  Discussion of roof

                  and water in the basement.

            e)  Worship and Music—met July 27^th.  Advertise the piano on trading post. They are

                 needing sound technicians, one response so far.  Next Meeting is July 10^th.

            f)  Stewardship—seasonal meetings/meets as necessary.

            g)  Finance—no meeting

 

M/S/C:  Chuck Eilers and Rayma Frank to adjourn the meeting.

 

The next Council meeting will be August 14, 2008 at 6:30 pm.  Opening devotions will be led by

Warren Woods.  The meeting adjourned and closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary             

 

 

 

The Church Council is asking the congregation for project ideas for the inheritance money we received earlier this year.  There is a suggestion box in the Narthex for your ideas.

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JULY BIRTHDAYS

 

07/01  Russell Wachter             07/08  Michael Springer           07/22  Jessica Riley

07/04  Stacy Wood                              07/09  Aaron Peterson                         Troy Schroeder

07/05  Gabriel Stofferahn                      07/10  Jean Western                 07/24  Brooke Tyler

            Zach Stofferahn                        07/12  Jack Keuter                   07/25  Ron Johnson

07/07  Nathan Aaseng                          07/13  Alex Cunningham           07/27  Janet Eilers

            Daniel Riley                              07/14  Gary Jorgensen              Mike Henry

            Frances Roberg                        07/14  Jamie Stofferahn                        Sandra Sickels

            Gavin Sickels                            07/21  Bill Kunert                     07/29  Mary Jo Foster

            Vic Wager                                                                               07/31  Flossie Roberts

 

 

 

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

07/03  Dick & Jane Johnston

07/04  OJ & Elaine Fargo

07/04  Jerry & Sherri Nissen

07/04  Todd & Tammy Wolverton

07/08  Warren & Judy Woods

07/15  Bill & Barbara Bjorn

07/15  Larry & Claudia Peppers

07/27  Ben & Helen Herzberg

07/28  Bill & Carol Ott

07/31  Todd & Suzie Stofferahn

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

 

08/03  Todd Stofferahn                        08/19  Ron Levine                    08/26  Jerica Slight

08/04  Charles Taylor                           08/20  Joan Lienemann             Samuel Soda

08/05  Joni Cook                                 08/21  Marjorie Hanson           08/28  Brenda Cook

08/07  JoAnn Rathe                                          Joshua Henry                08/29  David Rathe

08/09  Grant Wood                                          Jacob Hitz                    08/31  Abbie Cook

08/13  Dylan Linch                               08/25  Chuck Henry                             Zach Sedlmayr

08/18  Skylar Cook                                          Alan Paup

            Kerry Grumley            

            Roberta Henry

 

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

 

08/01  Thad & Sandy Sickels              08/11  Tony & Peggy Cass

08/02  Tim & Barb Kenyon                 08/12  Dennis & Becky Nardy

08/05  Dave & Gwen Buck                 0815  Gary & Jannene Jorgensen

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

 

 

 

THE EARLY LIFE OF ELEANOR NELSON

Recollection by Breta Kinkade

 

            The “Shoemaker” Nelson family lived across from the old church location on Vine Street and was an active and devoted family toward Salem Lutheran Church. Mr. Nelson had a shoe repair business located in the basement under what was then the York Drugstore at Montgomery and Maple Street.

            The Nelson’s had four children, Eleanor, Carl, Yngve, and Eva.  Carl and Yngve both became Lutheran Pastors.  Eleanor, unusual for young women in the day, went on to college and became an English teacher.  Education was a priority for the Nelson children.

            Although “shoemaker” was an outspoken individual in the business life of the church, they demonstrated their dedication to Salem through years of unpaid janitorial duties.  They kept the church altar cloths, table cloths and facility sparkling clean.

            Mrs. Nelson conducted the “Willing Hands” program at Salem, where every Saturday morning the young ladies in the congregation were taught sewing and embroidery.  Later, Mrs. Nelson, leading a Women’s Group called “The Missionary Band”, converted old sheets into clean bandages which were sent to the African Mission Field.  Eleanor and the other Nelson children participated in all the endeavors.

            The Nelson family was very evangelistic and one family, The Axel Nelson family, was invited to come to Salem and Flossie Roberts (nee Nelson) is still a member.  Eleanor was confirmed in 1929 under Pastor Brodeen.  Nancy Taylor’s mother, Reva Miner, later Roeder was also in the Confirmation class. 

            Eleanor taught English in Illinois and after retiring moved to Arizona to be near her sister, Eva.  As demonstrated by her gift, Salem remained dear to her, her entire life.

Power Lab Vacation Bible School

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 5th grade. Each day kids will sing catchy songs, play teamwork-building games, nibble tasty treats, experience Bible adventures, and create fun Bible crafts.

 

Power Lab is July 13 -18. Kids will meet at First Presbyterian Church each day from 6:00 pm until 8:30 pm. 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.

 

If you would take one or more of the sheets from the board in the narthex; please

have them to the church by July 1^st. (Perishable food items can wait until the day or two before VBS but please call if you are planning on bringing them.) If you have any science type decorations (lab coats, goggles, Periodic Table of Elements, etc) that we could borrow we would really appreciate it.

 

We could also use some leaders and helpers for VBS, July 13-18. (VBS gets crazy but it's very fun to help!) We will have a nursery available for helpers with children under four years old. We will be having a short meeting for all leaders and helpers sometime in the next month at the Presbyterian church to go over everyone's role and start planning our decorations. Contact Raquel Linch at 782-5482 with any questions, to volunteer or to sign your kids for VBS. Thanks!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JULY WORSHIP TEAMS

 

Sunday, July 6, 2008                                                              Wednesday, July 2, 2008

Greeters:  Sherry Taylor, Amanda Nissen                                              Jack & Phyllis Keuter

Ushers:    Jerry & Sherrie Nissen

Reader:   Sherri Nissen                                                 Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Acolyte:  Amanda Nissen                                                                      Jack & Phyllis Keuter

Communion Assistants:  Sherry Taylor & Amanda Nissen

Coffee & Cookies:  Sherry Taylor & Donna Swanson   Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Nursery:  Amanda Nissen                                                                     LaVerne & Joyce Anderson

 

Sunday, July 13, 2008                                                            Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Greeters:  Mike & Raquel Linch                                                            Todd & Tammy Wolverton

Ushers:     Jerry & Sherri Nissen

                 Mike & Raquel Linch                                              Wednesday, July 30, 2008

Reader:    Raquel Linch                                                             Jerry & Sherri Nissen

Acolyte:  Dylan Linch

Coffee & Cookies: Mike & Raquel & Jerry & Sherri Nissen

Nursery:  Amanda Nissen

 

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Greeters:  Sherry Taylor & Amanda Nissen

Ushers:     Jerry & Sherri Nissen

Reader:    Sherri Nissen

Acolyte:   Amanda Nissen

Communion Assistants:  Sherry Taylor & Amanda Nissen

Coffee & Cookies:  Donna Swanson & Sherry Taylor

Nursery:  Amanda Nissen

 

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Greeters:  Mike & Raquel Linch

Ushers:     LaVerne & Joyce Anderson

Reader:     Joyce Anderson

Acolyte:    Dylan Linch

Coffee & Cookies:  LaVerne & Joyce Anderson & Mike & Raquel Linch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          WOMEN OF THE ELCA

 

We recently received this thank you from an organization to which we had made a contribution.

          Thank you for your gift to the Project Comfort Fund!  Your donation helps Lutheran World Relief deliver material resources such as quilts and kits to people in need around the world.

          Since 1985 more than 500 children have received shelter, education and medical care from the VOSA Children’s Home outside of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.  In the dormitory-style housing of the center, each child’s bed is carefully covered with a colorful Lutheran World Relief quilt, handcrafted with compassion and care, to offer comfort and warmth through the night.  Hanging from the bedposts are LWR school kits, providing the necessary supplies for the children’s education.  You can learn more about Project Comfort and the life-changing ministry of LWR by visiting our website at www.lwr.org.

         

Carolyn Biere and Joyce Anderson attended the Western Iowa Women’s Synodical Convention in Cherokee on June 28th.  Joyce also had a WISWO board meeting on the 27^th.  Twenty quilts were to taken with them to be delivered to Bremwood.  Also 8 kite quilts (Made by Margaret Kneedler) were taken to be delivered to prisons in Iowa.  $ 25.00 for Mid-Sioux Opportunities was given as an in-kind offering.  Earlier 30 quilts were sent to Parkersburg for the tornado victims.