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 2007

 

 

From the Pastor’s Desk:

 

            If you’ve been listening to public radio recently, you know that this has been the pledge drive time of year for them.  It takes a major fundraising effort to keep the stations on the air and allow them to continue high quality programming.

 

            November is stewardship month here at Salem, and a stewardship campaign is often confused with a  fund-raising campaign.  Certainly there are similarities.  Our church must craft a budget which is funded through volunteer contributions.  These contributions must come in at a certain level in order to keep the church functioning and to allow it to continue high quality services.

 

            The difference is that fund-raising focuses on using proven sales techniques to persuade people to part with their money.  A stewardship program is so much more than that.  Stewardship focuses on giving as a key element of our spiritual lives.

 

            Jesus spoke a great deal about money and giving.  It was a theme he returned to again and again.  And it was not because he needed to raise funds.  His stewardship programs targeted a specific need.  No great cathedral that he wanted to build, no staff,  or program.  He spoke so often about giving money because it is so important to our spiritual life.

 

            I’ve debated whether or not to do blind pledges again this year.  I know that people are more likely to exercise or stick to a diet when someone else holds them responsible, and so part of me thinks we ought to make public pledges to hold people responsible.  But then that would be saying that making a pledge to God doesn’t work because there is no one to hold us responsible.  What does that say about our relationship with God?  That God is distant or is someone we can blow off, whose presence does not matter?

 

            Stewardship is concerned not just with paying bills, but with spiritual life.  I urge you to take care of your spiritual health, because if you don’t have that, nothing else really matters.  Let us all take responsibility for spiritual health and make a pledge to God on November 18th, a pledge large enough to actually do ourselves some good.

 

            The commitment you make will be between you and the Lord.  Then let us hold each other responsible to stay in close touch with God, who will work with us to hold us responsible for carrying through on our life-giving discipline.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Salem Church Council Minutes

October 11, 2007

 

The meeting was called to order by President Warren Woods, with the following members in attendance; Mike Linch, Joan Lienemann, Helen Mosman, Dennis Nardy and Sherri Nissen.  Also in attendance were Flossie Roberts, John Schlaht, Pastor Nate and Margaret Kneedler.

Dennis Nardy led devotions.

M/S/C by Helen Mosman and Sherri Nissen to approve the September minutes as presented.

 

Correspondence:  none at this time.

Pastor’s Report:

            a) Pastor reported Crop Walk was well represented by Salem, and he was the only

                Pastor that walked.

            b) October 16th, Pastor will be attending a meeting at Creston High School with

                other members of the Ministerial Alliance, community leaders, and school

                personnel to address the drug problems in the school and community.

 

Treasurer’s Report was presented by Mike Linch.

M/S/C by John Schlaht and Flossie Roberts to approve the treasurer’s report.

            a) To date there is approximately $ 13,492.00 towards the roof/gable repair

                 project.  This includes $ 4,607.00 from the Selander account.

            b) Friends of Pastor Nate and Linda donated $ 500.00 to purchase new books for

                the church library.  A formal thank you will be sent.

            c) There is a $ 833.00 credit from Alliant Energy.  The budget looks good and the

                church is currently running in the black.  Contributions are up from this time

                last year.

 

Old Business:

            a) Warren Woods shared a letter from Jerry Hartman, of Action Photo.  He is

                planning to print the books with current address and phone listings.  He

                also offered to do picture retakes with no sitting fee charge.  The council

                voted to have the work completed as is, with no new photos submitted to

                Mr. Hartman.  Various council members offered to take pictures of new

                members and add this page ourselves.  We will possibly look into using Olan

                Mills in the spring.

            b) Mike Linch reported a new church sign will be ready and installed within the

                next few weeks at the East entrance of Creston, on Highway 34.

 

New Business:

            a) The volleyball pole on the south side of the driveway will be removed.

            b) A name for new council member will be discussed at the next meeting.

            c) James Kennedy will be offered one amplifier for the purchase of $ 50.00 with

                the money going to the replacement fund.  M/S/C Helen Mosman and Joan

                Lienemann.

            d) The new wireless microphones have been purchased and will be ready soon.

 

Committee reports were presented:

a) Christian Education:  The youth will  participate in the Christmas parade on

    November 29th.  We are looking for a small trailer to use.  Warren Woods

    offered his pickup.  The Live Nativity and Soup Supper will be on

    December 19th.  Pastor has a script and co-directors ready for the Christmas

    program.  Next meeting will be on November 6th at 4:30.

b) Evangelism—has not met.

c) Social Ministry: served 130 at Open Table with nine adults and two kids

    helping serve.  A mission trip is scheduled for November 1-8th to assist

    with home repairs, etc. in New Orleans.  A craft sale will be held on

    November 15th & 25th for Eastern Ministry.  The next meeting will be on

    November 6th at 6:30pm.

d) Church Property: Roof/Gable repair will start the week of October 15th,

    pending weather.

e) Worship & Music: Wireless microphones are in and will be in use soon.

    No other information to report.

f) Stewardship will meet at 7:00pm on October 15th.

g) Finance  continues to work on the budget.  Next meeting will be

    November  7th. 

 

M/S/C John Schlaht and Sherri Nissen: Thanksgiving offering will go to Ministerial Alliance.

 

M/S/C: Dennis Nardy and John Schlaht to adjourn the meeting.

 

The next council meeting will be November 8th, at 6:30 p.m.  Opening devotions will be led by John Schlaht.  Meeting adjourned.  Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted;

Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11/02   Nicky Burg                   11/11   David Ekblad               11/22   George Faust

            Tammy Wolveton         11/13   Bonnie Johnson            11/23   Rees Tyler

11/05   Kaleb Cook                 11/15   Dorothy McNaught      11/24   Lanny Herzberg

11/07   Thad Sickels                 11/17   Tim Kinkade                            Duane Schmidt

            Zach Stuchlik                11/19   Brittany Linch               11/27   Scott Levine

11/08   Keristan Henry 11/20   Bev Courtney                           Todd Wolverton

11/09   Dorine Peterson            11/21   Elaine Fargo                 11/29   Bert Henry

 

 

 

11/08   Dr. Floyd and Janice Nesbit

11/18   Mike & Deb Springer

11/23   Roland & Janice Peterson

11/25   Jason & Nicky Burg

 

 

 

 Breta Kinkade, Donna Schroeder, Donna Swanson, Charles Foster, Ella Groff,  Marge Hanson, 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, MGY Sgt. Mark Kinkade, Str. Airman Travis Mathis, Tony McNaught,  Cpl. James Paup, Airman 1st Class 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.

 

 

 

 

ADULT EDUCATION

 

          In November, we will focus on how to protect our community and especially our children, from two of the most insidious dangers of our time; substance abuse and internet predators.

          The first and second Sundays will deal head-on with the fact that Creston has a serious alcohol and drug problem; how can we as Christians concerned for the health and safety of our community combat this problem?

          The third Sunday we will learn how modern computer and internet technology can be and are abused, and what we need to know to keep our children safe.

 

 

OUR  RESPONSE  TO  GOD’S  LOVE

 

            September 2007                                             January to September 2007

Contributions                $ 9,787.00                                           $ 82,213.23

Expenses                      10,413.46                                              94,463.10

Difference                  ($   626.46)                                          ($  12,249.87)

 

 

Building Repair up to 10-28-07

 

Goal                 $ 20,000.00

Contributions     10,715.00

Still Need              9,285.00

 

 

Salem Lutheran Church,

            Thank you very much for your donation to the Family Birthing Center at Broadlawns.  Your kindness is appreciated by patients and staff.

                        Thank you!!

                        Family Birthing Center staff

 

 

I and my family wish to thank the Salem congregation and Pastor Aaseng for your cards, calls and visits during the past few months of dealing with health issues.  Most of all I thank you for your prayers and outreach of Christian love and concern.  It is a joy for me to be a part of such a warm and thoughtful church family.

                        Breta Kinkade

 

On Sunday, November 18th and 25th, Salem Lutheran church will be supporting African Team Ministries, Inc., by selling African crafts and jewelry.  The money collected will be used for education for Ugandan orphans.  With hundreds of thousand orphaned, this help will allow some to look to the future with hope, and will impact their culture and country as well as their own personal future.  Supporting the AIDS Education and Prevention Program prepares peer educators for weekly visits to households to encourage good personal health choices. 

                   Social Ministry Committee

 

 

 

85 quilts were dedicated on Sunday, October 21st.  Sixty-nine of them were taken to Greenfield G&H Shipping.  The other 16 were kept for delivery locally.

          Many thanks to all the quilters who are a part of this project for Lutheran World Relief.  It takes the people who piece the quilts, tie them, or bind them.  It takes those who thread the needles or work at home to make these quilts available to fly to all parts of the world.

          We also appreciate G&H Shipping of Greenfield who delivers them to St. Paul, MN (free of charge) for us.

          Besides all that, we have a good time and the snacks are always good.  Come join us on a Tuesday afternoon at 1:30 p.m.

                   Joyce Anderson

 

 

            The Social Ministry Committee is taking over Meals on Wheels for Rebekah Circle in April, August and December.  Rebekah Circle no longer has the volunteers to serve this needy cause.  Anyone who want to volunteer for this worth while service for Mondays in December may contact Barbara Bjorn at 782-5898.

          Thanks to the following for their work on making the Nativity sets: Rodney Mahn, Warren Woods, Duane Schmidt, Don Butler, Joyce and LaVerne Anderson, Gary & Carolyn Kessler and Jerry & Sherri Nissen.  A special thanks to Warren Woods for providing his shop to work in.

 

 

New Books Are Here!

           

We are in the process of adding many new books, DVDs and CDs to our Salem Church Library thanks to some generous gifts honoring the memory of Harold Roberts and from LeAnn and Craig Watson, longtime friends of Pastor Nate and Linda.  The first arrivals were on display in the Fellowship Hall last month.  As new books continue to arrive, they will be on display there first.  Feel free to check them out by using the three-ring binder system that will be located on the table with them.  Afterwards, they will be placed in our church library for check out there.  Some of the new titles include:

The Land Remembers: The Story of a Farm and Its People by Ben Logan

Finishing the Course: Strategies for the Back Nine of Your Life by Jim Sheard and Wally Armstrong

The Art of Helping:  Meditations on Scripture for a Living Faith by Jimmy Carter

Every Day Deserves a Dance by Max Lucado

Transforming Children into Spiritual Champions by George Barna

Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace…One School at a Time by Greg Mortenson and Avid Oliver Relia

Orphan Trains: The Story of Charles Loring Brace and the Children He Saved and Failed by Stephen O’Connor

Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing

Letters to My Son: A Father’s Wisdom on Manhood, Life, and Love by Kent Nerburn

Poems to Live By in Uncertain Times edited by Joan Murray

8 Minute Meditation, Quiet your mind, change your life by Victor Davich

A Cup of Comfort: Stories that warm your heart, lift your spirit, and enrich your life; edited by Colleen Sell

In the Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible and How it Changed a Nation, a

Language, and a Culture by Alister McGrath

Amazing Questions Kids Ask About Heaven and Angels by Daryl Lucas, general editor

 

I Shall See God by David Haas (music CD)

Bonhoeffer: Agent of Grace (DVD)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

          Please bring your children  on time to Sunday school.  Sunday school starts at 9 a.m. upstairs for opening.  Students then head downstairs to their classrooms.  We want to get started right at 9 a.m. so we have time to cover everything in our lessons.  Thank you.

          The Live Nativity and soup supper will be on December 19th.

          The Lighted Christmas parade is on Thursday, November 28th.  We would like to have a float in the parade,  If you would like to help set up or walk in the parade let Raquel Linch know.

          The Sunday School Christmas program will be on Sunday, December 16th.  There will be know Sunday school on December 23rd or December 30th.

 

 

November Worship Team Responsibilities

 

Sunday, November 4th                                               November 25th

Greeters: Brenda & Greg Cook                                    Greeters:  Sandi & Thad Sickels

               Sandi & Thad Sickels                                    Ushers:    Kerry Grumley

Ushers:   Skylar Cook, Hunter Sickels,             Acolyte:  Hunter Sickels

               Kerry Grumley, Chuck Taylor                        Coffee & Cookies:  Jean & Chuck

Reader:  Elaine Fargo                                                     Western and Sandi & Thad Sickels

Acolyte: Skylar Cook

Communion Assistant:  Elaine Fargo

Coffee & Cookies:  Sandi & Thad Sickels, Jean & Chuck Western

 

Sunday, November 11th

Greeters: Brenda & Greg Cook

Ushers:   Kerry Grumley

Reader:   Elaine Fargo

Acolyte:  Hunter Sickels

Coffee & Cookies:  Jean & Chuck Western and Top Peterson

 

Sunday, November 18th

Greeters & Ushers:

   Gary & Carol Peterson

   Chuck & Nancy Taylor

Reader:  Brenda Cook

Acolyte:  Skylar Cook

Communion Assistant:   Chuck Taylor

Coffee & Cookies:  Jean & Chuck Western and Top Peterson

 

Women of the ELCA

           

Miriam Circle will meet Thursday, November 1st, 7:00 p.m. at the home of Joyce Anderson and Bev Butler will lead the Bible study.  Rebekah Circle will meet Thursday, November 8th, 1:15 p.m. at Salem with Flossie Roberts hostess and Dorothy McNaught will lead Bible study.

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

            Early in 2007 Thank Boxes were placed in all mail boxes so everyone could participate in; “Giving Thanks for all our many blessings.”  These boxes were collected on Sunday, October 28th.  But if you were not in church, the Thank Boxes can still be collected at the circle meetings in November.  All proceeds will be forwarded to Global Health Missions.

            November of each year we have the church In-Gathering of Kits for Lutheran World Relief.  These include sewing kits, sewing fabric, baby layettes, school kits, health kits and soap.  There is a list below of what is needed in each kit.  There will be an example of each kit on a table in the narthex.  All articles will be collected through Sunday, November 25th

                        Bev Butler

 

           

HEALTH KITS                                                          FABRIC KIT            

1 hand towel                                                                 Fabric should be cotton blend with

1 washcloth                                                                  no holes or stains.

1 bath size bar of soap                                                  3 yds of 44 inch wide cotton/cotton

1 toothbrush                                                                 blend or 4 yds of 36 inch wide

1 comb—wide toothed

1 metal nail file or nail clippers                           SCHOOL KITS

6 band aids (1/2 to ¾ inch)                                           8 ½”x11” notebook or notepad (ruled

                                                                                    paper w/150-200 sheets)

LAYETTES                                                                6 new pencils w/eraser

2 shirts                                                                         12 sheets construction paper

2 gowns/sleepers                                                          12” ruler w/inches & centimeters

2 receiving blankets                                                      1 eraser (2 ½” long)

4 cloth diapers                                                              one box of 8, 16 or 24 crayons

1 sweater

2 washcloths                                                                 SOAP

2 diaper pins                                                                 A brand new bar of soap contributes

1 bath size bar of soap                                                  to dignity and cleanliness.  Any

                                                                                    brand. in its original wrapping,

SEWING KITS                                                          4-5 oz. size

1 pkg of needles for hand sewing (10-15 needles)

1 spool of matching thread

1 card of buttons

3 yds of 44 inch wide cotton/cotton blend or 4 yds of 36 inch wide