May 2006 Newsletter

602 West Townline Road

Creston, IA 50801

641.782.2920

Pastor Nathan Aaseng 641-782-0020

email salem@salemluth.net

website www.salemluth.net

May 2006

From the Pastor’s Desk:

In our small group meetings last summer, I was told that people at Salem step up when needed, when they are asked to do something.

Over the past year, I’ve seen a great deal of evidence that not only do congregation members step up but that they usually go beyond what is asked of them:

* Last summer, all I asked were small group meetings. Council members took it upon themselves to host these meetings and to provide food on top of that.

* I suggested that we divide the congregation into worship teams to take care of worship duties. Council members took it upon themselves to be worship team leaders.

* I was not familiar with the traditions that Salem has followed in Lent and Easter. People stepped forward to take charge of the inspirational arrangements of flowers, the cross and the veil, palms, ashes, special music, and Lenten community dinner, which made the season especially meaningful.

* I suggested we start a Sunday morning adult education class. From the first Sunday. we had far more people than we had set up chairs for.

* We asked the men if they would put on the Easter breakfast. They did so enthusiastically, ably, and with waffles no less!

* A suggestion was made to make use of the quilting expertise in this church, and some folks stepped up to create something more beautiful and more meaningful than I could have imagined.

* Many individuals both on staff and outside the church staff, are frequently at church and working on what needs to be done, going beyond what is asked of them.

* The congregation has never failed to open its heart to the special needs offerings that have come before us.

There are many individuals that come to mind that I could cite, but I’m afraid if I start listing them, this article will never end.

It reminds me of the vision of the early church where it was crucial to the faithful to put their beliefs into practice in everyday living. They enjoyed being together and seeing what they could do to carry out God’s purpose for the world.

"Day by day, as they spent much time together in the temple, they broke bread at home and ate their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having the goodwill of all the people. And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved." Acts 2:46-47.

That’s what a congregation is supposed to look like. With God’s help, we can keep heading in this direction.

Your partner in ministry,

Salem Church Council Minutes
April 12, 2006

The meeting was called to order by President Chuck Taylor with the following members present: Chuck Taylor, Bert Henry, Claudia Peppers, Helen Mosman, Raquel Linch, Joan Lienemann, Dave Riley, Warren Woods, Annette Boswell, Bill Kunert and Mike Linch (Treasurer). Also in attendance was Pastor Aaseng and Margaret Kneedler.

Pastor Nate led us in devotions.

M/S/C by Helen Mosman, Joan Lienemann to approve the March council minutes .

M/S/C by Annette Boswell, Bill Kunert to approve the March Treasurer’s report.

Pastor’s Report
A men’s group will be preparing breakfast on Easter morning.
Pastor will be on vacation during July. He will be gone the last 4 Sundays in July. Mark Mattess is available to fill in the last 2 Sundays in July.
May 7 Pastor will be at the Synod Assembly. Judy Woods will fill in that day.

Old Business
a. M/S/C to accept Liz Kenyon’s offer to purchase the old piano for $600 and put the money into a special account designated for sound equipment.
b. M/S/C by Claudia Peppers, Annette Boswell to approve the Marathon Bridge changing their date to April 29.
c. Photos for the pictorial directory were taken this past week and went well. Jerry hopes to have the portraits back in a few weeks. He will work on the directory after that.

New Business
a. M/S/C by Annette Boswell, Helen Mosman to allow the Post-prom committee to borrow up to 9 old tables April 20-23.
b. M/S/C by Warren Woods, Joan Lienemann to allow a 4-H group use of the Fellowship Hall on April 18 at 6 pm.
c. The Salem sign on the West entrance of Creston is faded. Mike Linch will check into prices for updating it.
d. M/S/C by Warren Woods, Helen Mosman to start the summer worship schedule Sunday, June 4 with Sunday services at 9 am and Wednesday services at 6:30 pm. The summer schedule would run through September 3.
e. M/S/C by Helen Mosman, Bert Henry to continue with the one Sunday service for one more month with an evaluation to follow.
f. Installation of new council members will be the 1st Sunday in June. Officers will be voted on at the June meeting.

Committee Reports
Christian Ed: May 14 is the last day of Sunday School. April 30 will be confirmation Sunday. VBS will be July 16-21.

The next council meeting will be Thursday, May 11 at 6:30 pm. Warren Woods will lead devotions. Meeting adjourned. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted by

Raquel Linch, Council Secretary

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE

Avg. April Attendance

Sunday: 102

April Offerings (April 2-23)

Current & Loose $ 9,970.35

Replacement $ 74.00

World Hunger $ 45.00

Sunday School $ 28.25

FINANCIAL REPORT FOR MARCH (2-26 to 3-26)

Beginning Balance 3/24/06 $ 3,734.00

Income

(current, loose,) $ 9,970.35

Expenses $ 5,575.74

Balance 3/24/06 $ 8,156.86

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

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In Our Prayers

Sick & Shut-in:

Coral Smith, Harold Roberts, Dorothy Henry, Wanda Peterson, Marge Hanson, Helen Schadde, Maxine Whan, Ella Groff, Liz McClain, and Gwen Skaggs, Diane Nielson (sister of Jerry Nissen) - We ask God to send His Holy Spirit to comfort and strengthen these individuals.

Our Country and its leaders and military – We ask God to lead our young men and women who are protecting our country and serving in the Middle East, and those who are helping in the areas affected by natural disasters. Guide those who are leading our country in a way that is pleasing to Him. Please keep the servicepersons and their families of our military in your prayers. We especially remember:

Chief MSgt. David Groff, Sr. Airman Travis Mathis, Spec. Luke Kinkade, Col. Vic Wager III, Spec. Matt Tysdal, LCpl. James Paup, Pfc Matthew Cruse, Major David Cruse, M. Sgt. Mark Kinkade, Pvt. Aaron Cunningham, Spec. Luke Kinkade, Airman 1^st class Zacary Sedlmayr.

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May 2006

Happy Birthday

01 Francis Jungst 15 Betty Wager

02 Donna Swanson 23 Coral Smith

04 Jason Peppers 24 Janice Peterson

05 Abagail Wuebker 27 Helen Herzberg

06 Michael Miller 29 Ian Youngdahl

07 Elizabeth Kenyon 30 Brenda Sedlmayr

Happy Anniversary

01 Don & Eleanor Toycen

03 Skip & Brooke Tyler

04 Troy & Donna Schroeder

06 Don & Helen Mosman

12 Gary & Carol Peterson

12 Richard & Brenda Slight

18 Bill & Sarah Bolinger

19 Arlan & Carolyn Biere

25 Gene & Coral Smith

27 Mike & Lacy Richardson

30 Dick & Sue Bergstrom

31 Marc & Deb Roberg

MAY RESPONSIBILITIES

May 7^th

Greeters: Dennis & Becky Nardy Usher Ben & Helen Herzberg

Sue Bergstrom Dave Ekblad, Gene Smith

Reader: Dennis Nardy Counters: Warren Woods

Coffee & Cookies: Nardy"s, Frances Roberg, Vi Johnson, Helen Herzberg

May 14th

Greeters: Dennis & Becky Nardy Ushers: Ben & Helen Herzberg

Sue Bergstrom Dave Ekblad, Gene Smith

Reader: Judy Woods Counters: Warren Woods

Coffee Cookies: Sue Bergstrom

May 21^st

Greeters: Gene & Coral Smith Ushers: Ben & Helen Herzberg

Dave Ekblad, Gene Smith

Reader: Judy Woods Communion Assistant: Warren Woods

Coffee & Cookies: TBA Counters: Warren Woods

May 28^th

Greeters: Dennis & Becky Nardy Ushers: Ben & Helen Herzberg

Sue Bergstrom Dave Ekblad, Gene Smith

Reader: Judy Woods Counters: Warren Woods

Coffee & Cookies: TBA

Altar Guild: Barb Bjorn Flowers, Shut-ins, Kitchen: Rebekah Circle

Thanks to all who helped and furnished food at the lunch for Anna Swanson’s memorial service.

Carolyn & Arlan Biere

Don & Bev Butler

Barbara Bjorn

Betty & Vic Wager

Donna Swanson

Carol Peterson

Breta Kinkade

Flossie Roberts

Claudia Peppers

Pat Grumley

Jane Johnston

Special thanks to Pastor Nate for a great memorial service. Thanks to everyone who remembered us with cards and memorials to Ann.

The family of Anna Swanson

Don & Alice Swanson & family

Carolyn & Gary Kessler & family

Thank you to our Salem family for your cards, phone calls & concern for myself and Coral following my heart attack April 6^th. Thank you most of all for the many prayers sent up on behalf of myself and my family, and for your support and encouragement since returning home. A special "thanks" to Pastor Nate and Linda for their most welcome visit at Methodist Hospital.

May God richly bless each of you.

Gene Smith

"Thanks to everyone for your calls, cards, and prayers. The implant surgery went very well and I am so pleased with the results. This magic little box is now my "security blanket" has set me free to resume many activities. A special thank you also, to the person (or persons) who left the pretty potted carnations at my front door Wednesday morning. What a nice surprise!"

Coral Smith

May Adult Education

May 7^th—Pastor Nate will be at the Western Iowa Synod Assembly and so there will be no class.

May 14^th—A report and discussion on what happened at the synod assembly and what it means for the future of Salem.

May 21^st—A discussion of what is happening in the ELCA and what it means for the future of Salem.

Men’s Group

Fresh off the success of the Easter breakfast, the men’s group (as yet unnamed) will meet on Tuesday, May 7 p.m. to get organized on an ongoing basis. All men are invited.

Library Facelift

Our library is undergoing a facelift to bring it into the 21^st century. Most of the books are outdated and so we are cleaning house. All books are being weeded from the collection are available for any member to take if they wish. Those that are not taken will be offered at the church rummage sale next week. See Linda Aaseng, Raquel or Lynn Schlaht with questions.

PICTORIAL DIRECTORY UPDATE

Thank you, to everyone who took the time to come to church to have to have their picture taken for the new pictorial directory. You had some great smiles! We hope to have the pictures back within the next few weeks. He will deliver them to church and you can pick them up here. There is still time to submit a photo for the directory but you need to bring it in as soon as possible. Also, if anyone has any pictures from events at church that might work for the directory, if you could bring those in that would be great. You can call Raquel at 782-5482 with any questions about being included in the directory.

Because we went with a local photographer, Action Photo, there is a charge for the directory. Jerry wanted to keep costs closer to the costs he has rather than charging elevated portrait prices to cover the cost of the directories. The cost of the directory is just $5.35. ‘If you came in for pictures you have already paid for the directory. There will be one for you when they are completed. If you would like the new pictorial directory you can make a check payable to Action Photo and bring it to the church and we will mark you off as paid. He is hoping to have the directory completed by the end of May or early June. Remember, it will be several years before we do another directory so don’t miss out on getting your copy today!

Youth/Christian Ed News

SUNDAY SCHOOL

The Jr. LYO will meet on Sunday, May 7^th following the worship service. We would like to invite all students in the 5^th – 8^th grades to join us. Pizza and dessert will be provided. We ask that the youth bring their own drink and some fresh fruit or vegetables to share. We will be making plans for the Relay for Life and possibly playing some games. Come and join us for an afternoon of fun and fellowship!

The last day of Sunday School will be on May 14^th. Thank you to all the parents and friends who have made sure that our youth (and adults) continue to grow in their faith. A special thank you to the teachers, who have faithfully taught our youth each Sunday. If you would like to be a co-teacher next year, please contact Lori Paup at 782-5748 or leave your name in the office.

Please watch the bulletin and newsletter for future announcements about Vacation Bible School. Another exciting week is being planned. If you would like to help in any way, please contact Raquel Linch at 782-5482.

RELAY FOR LIFE

Salem will again have a group at the Relay For Life. The relay will be held on June 9^th and 10^th, from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. The Confirmation students and Jr. and Sr. LYO are strongly encouraged to participate. Relay for Life is sponsored by the American Cancer Society. If you have not observed or attended one of these relays, we strongly encourage you to do so this year. It is a wonderful time for members of the community to come together and remember those we have lost to cancer and to celebrate with those who have survived this life threatening disease. If you would like to make a donation or purchase a luminary in memory of or in honor of a friend or loved-one, or be a participant of the relay with our group, please contact Lori Paup (782-5748) or Bert Henry (782-9713).

SUMMER BIBLE CAMP

We are excited to have nine youth registered for Bible camp for this summer. It is not too late to register. Please pick up a brochure from the table by the front doors if you have a student who would like to attend. Early registration is past due, but it is never too late to attend. If you have any questions, please contact Lori Paup (782-5748) or Bert Henry (782-9713).

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA

May 2006

Circle Meetings

Rebekah circle will meet @ 1:15 in the Fellowship Hall On Thursday, May 11th. Donna Swanson will be hostess & Pat Grumley will have the lesson. Flowers, shut-ins & kitchen are Rebekah’s responsibilities this month.

Miriam Circle will meet Wednesday, May 24^th @ 5:30 @ Carolyn Biere’s for the annual cook-out. Meat & drink will be furnished. (Note the time & date change) Linda Aaseng will be in charge of the lesson. Rural Iowa Crisis Center received the donations given at last month’s meeting. Items for the In-kind offering should be brought to this meeting.

Lesson for the month is "Act Boldly with Self-Control" found on p. 28 of the May "Lutheran Woman Today".

Western Iowa Synodical Women’s meeting will be June 22-23 @ Wartburg College in Waverly. This convention will be held in conjunction with the Tri-Synodical Gathering which includes all 3 synods in Iowa. Make plans to attend this! We’ll be putting together kits for Breemwood for the In-kind offering.

Hats off to the men who served a wonderful brunch on Easter morning. We knew they could do it!

Thank you to our Meals on Wheels drivers this past month.

150 quilts were dedicated on the 23^rd. Ten of those will be going to Bremwood Children’s Home in Waverly. The others were taken to G&H Shipping in Greenfield. They will take them for us to Lutheran World Relief in St. Paul. We thank them very much for this service! To all the people who helped pack the quilts in boxes-thank you so very much.

Quilters also sent in April, 4 quilts to the Russell family of Corning who had everything destroyed in a home fire.

Special thanks to all of you who find blankets & materials for us to continue making the quilts for LWR. We are always in need of those items. Remember us when you do your spring-cleaning.

Holy Spirit Catholic Church Women have invited us to Guest Day, on Tuesday, May 2^nd, at 107 W. Howard Street here in Creston. Brunch will be served starting at 10:30 a.m. Their guest speaker is Midge Scurlock, she will be speaking about the Appalachia Service Project. You may call Pat Pokorony at 782-4291 or the church office at 782-5278 to make a reservation.

Our spring sale will be held on Friday, May 5th. If you have any large items you want advertised in the paid ad in the paper, please contact Bev Butler @ 782-4050. We welcome all usable items you no longer need or want. Please get your things marked & you may bring them to the church starting May 3^rd. Left over men & children’s items goes to LWR. We’ll also be serving lunch & having a bake sale, so keep that in mind, too. Pie baking people be thinking about what kind you want to make. We rely heavily on you to make our luncheon a success.

Linda Aaseng, Joyce Anderson, Barbara Bjorn & Judy Woods attended the spring cluster meeting @ Fontanelle. They served coffee & refreshments. In addition to the regular business meeting a great program was given by Janet Menner on the Christian Crusaders. This is a radio program heard nationally. We can listen to it @ 6:30 A,M. on WHO each Sunday morning. This fall Salem Women of the ELCA will be hosting the fall cluster meeting.

Let us remember "Even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and give his life as a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)

Joyce I. Anderson

Co chair of Women of ELCA

To The Quilters:

Please extend our thanks to the members of the Salem Lutheran Quilters for their generous donation to the Rural Iowa Crisis Center. We are very appreciative of your continued support.

As you know, this is a critical time for our organization. The safe shelter for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault remains open, and there is still most definitely a need for donations of all kinds. You may be sure that your donation will be put to good use, and is much appreciated. The baby quilts are especially appreciated by young mothers—they are always so pretty and soft.

Thank you again for thinking of us. It is only through support of people like you that we can continue and expand our work of providing safety for victims in this area.

Sincerely,

Raidene Sticken

Assistant Director

Salem Quilters: Dedicated to the cause of tying quilts for those less fortunate than us means meeting nearly every Tuesday, September through May, at 1:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Wanda & Willard Peterson, Frances Roberg, & Flossie Mosman piece the tops at home. The quilts are put together at church & tied. They’re then taken home to be bound. After many years of delivering quilts G & H Shipping has been sold and is no longer available. LaVerne & Joyce Anderson delivered them to Omaha, NE and St. Paul MN. Russ Wachter has also agreed to truck them. The quilts are distributed to Lutheran World Relief, Bremwood, Broadlawns Birthing Center, Lutheran Lakeside, and many local families and other missions. They have done a total of 150 quilts.

Coffee & snacks are served after the work session. We welcome all those interested in joining us. Quilters this past year were:

Linda Aaseng Joyce Anderson Carolyn Biere, Barbara Bjorn Annette Boswell, Bev Butler, Janet Eilers Ella Groff, Nancy Groth, Pat Grumley,

Helen Herzberg, Linda Huffman, Vi Johnson, Phyllis Keuter, Kris Luddington , Dorothy McNaught, Flossie Mosman, Lois Olsen ,Claudia Peppers, Larry Peppers,

Wanda Peterson, Willard Peterson, Mary Richards, Frances Roberg, Flossie Roberts, Coral Smith, Lola Strauser, Alice Swanson, Eleanor Toycen, Betty Wager,

Helen Mosman.

May 2006
Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday

	1	2 1:30 pm Quilters	3 6:00 pm Kid Squad 7:00 pm Choir	4	5 Spring Sale	6 Synod Assembly, Council Bluffs
7 9:00 am SS/Adult Ed 10:00 am Worship	8	9 1:30 pm Quilters 7:00 pm Men’s Group	10 6:00 pm Kid Squad 7:00 pm Choir	11 1:15 pm Rebekah Circle	12	13
14 9:00 am SS/Adult Ed 10:00 am Worship w/communion Choir Last Day of Sunday School	15	16 1:30 pm Quilters	17 6:00 pm Kid Squad 7:00 pm Choir	18 1:30 pm Yesterday’s Teens	19	20
21 9:00 am Adult Ed 10:00 am Worship w/communion Choir Grad Recognition	22	23 1:30 pm Quilters	24 5:30 p.m. Miriam Circle 6:00 pm Kid Squad	25	26 Cromwell set up for Banquet	27 Soda/Peterson Wedding Cromwell Alumni Banquet
28 10:00 am Worship	29	30 1:30 pm Quilters	31