602 West Townline Road

Creston, IA 50801

641.782.2920

                                                                                                                                    Pastor Nathan Aaseng 641-782-0020      email   salem@salemluth.net

                                                                                                                                                              website  www.salemluth.net

 

October 2006

 

From the Pastor’s Desk:

            Several of the Gospel readings for this month have to do with children.  Jesus is welcoming children, holding them, having fun with them, and making them feel a part of things.

 

            That’s a good example for us as a church.  It so often seems as though church is an adult enterprise.  Most of what we do in worship is geared for more mature audiences.  The service is over their heads and not at their pace, and so it often seems best to segregate the activity of the church into age-specific categories.  One result of this is the idea that church is for adults; Sunday school is for children.

 

            Worship, however, is not something that people suddenly develop a taste for once they have reached the legal age.  And, of course, we do not suddenly outgrow the need for learning at that same age.  Both worship and learning are a part of life of a Christian regardless of age.

 

            Sunday school is a valuable experience and we are blessed in this church with dedicated teachers.  But Sunday school is not the same as worship.  In worship, we come together as a community—a community that knows no boundaries of age or sex or income or prestige.  The only boundaries that exist in this community are a few behavioral ones that children can easily learn.

 

            I cannot begin to tell you how valuable it is for children to experience that community in Christ that happens in worship.  They may not understand it at first (which of us fully understands?)  and they may not appreciate it right away or even for years down the road.  But the experience of community in the body of Christ is one that has been shown to have lasting effects on lives.  The fact is that children who attend Sunday school and not worship seldom develop a mature spiritual faith.  Those who attend worship where they feel unwelcome or ignored have similar problems.

 

            One of the great privileges that has been given is to pass on the faith to the younger generation.  That is a privilege and responsibility given to entire congregation.  When parents bring children into the community of worship, when music people work to include all people in the worship of the community, and when everyone in the congregation welcomes and takes an interest in those who are new in faith, then faith has a good chance of taking root.

 

 

 

Salem Church Council Minutes

September 14, 2006

 

 


The meeting was called to order by President—Warren Woods with the following members in attendance: John Schlaht, Tim Kinkade, Bert Henry, Dennis Nardy, Chuck Taylor, Dave Riley, Pastor Nate, Margaret Kneedler, Joan Lienemann, Sherri Nissen, Annette Boswell and Raquel Linch in attendance.

 

Joan Lienemann led devotions.

 

M/S/C by Tim Kinkade & Joan Lienemann to approve the August minutes as presented.

 

Pastor’s Report:

a).  Pastor has been asked to be the facilitator of Lay School, which meets once a month in Atlantic.  There will be held on Saturdays.

b).  Pastor will be gone to Fall Convocation September 24-26.

c).  November 2-6 Pastor is requesting a leave so he and Linda may attend a play that their daughter is in.  A Pulpit replacement will be needed for Sunday, November 5th.

d).  Mark Holmer will be at Salem Oct. 23r, at 7:00pm to do a presentation on, Mission and More, through the Synod.  This is open to council and church leaders.  Notice will be given once we find out about it being open to the congregation.

e).  We have memorials from the Taylor and Robert’s Families for education.  Pastor would like to have the upstairs TV updated with a TV/DVD combination.  Also the Sunday school rooms are in need of CD players for use with the curriculum.  Christian Ed. committee will need to meet to discuss this.  M/S/C—Annettee Boswell and Warren Woods to look into to the cost of these items.

f).  Discussion was also led about the possibility of using some of the money for Laptop/LCD projection equipment for the Sanctuary.

 

Treasurer’s Report was furnished by Mike Linch with M/S.C by Tim Kinkade and Bert Henry to approve as presented.

 

Old Business:

a).  Dave Riley is continuing to work on the policy and procedure updates to bring back for council approval.

b).  Council approved the monthly worship teams will be in charge of flowers each week.  Margaret has posted sign up sheets for anyone wishing to provide fresh garden flowers.  Be sure to sign up if you would like to share your flowers.  Also Tim Kinkade will check with Hy-Vee and Kelly’s about possible discounts.

M/S/C by Joan Lienemann and Sherri Nissen.

 

New Business:

a).  Chuck Taylor will contact the committee members to review the Endowment Fund.

b).  Dennis Nardy will be the Council Member in charge of the November Worship Team.

c).  School of Evangelism will be October 13-15 in Carroll.  This is a new program.  Chuck Taylor will look for interested people to attend.  The cost is $150.00 per person.

d).  There is a new ELW training November 19th in Atlantic about new worship and music materials.  Worship and Music committee will discuss this at there next meeting.

e).  The Executive committee news to meet to discuss the budget.

 

 

 

Committee Reports:

a).  Christian Education—Rally Sunday went well, many kids attended.  Kid Squad and Confirmation has started.  The youth are planning the Haunted Barn at Tim Kinkade’s for Halloween.  Plans are to have it open three nights.  Stacy Woods will be asking Galen Zumbach about one of the AG classes in assisting.

b).  Evangelism is planning a Car Wash Saturday, September 16th from 12-2:30.  Free coupons were given to new teachers from Creston, East Union, St. Malachy, Mayflower Christian School and SWCC.

c).  Church Property—The mower is in for repairs.

Sherri Nissen is looking into the cost of Bulletin Boards to place in the south hallway.

d).  Social Ministry—Salem is signed up to serve the Open Table, December 5th.  Also they will be planning for a Christmas family again this year.

e).  Worship & Music—Mike Ketchum will be doing a training session once the speakers and monitors are in place in the Hearing Impaired section.

f).  Stewardship—Worship teams:  Some members have spread sheets to share for duties/responsibilities.

A letter will be going out in October/November about Stewardship Drive.

g).  Finance—None

h).  Other—A request was made by Bert Henry to clean and organize the kitchen cupboards, possibly boxing up some of the snack trays to allow space for things that are used regularly.   This will also help to eliminate the clutter on the counters.  Bert will talk to the Circle members.

 

The next council meeting will be on October 12th at 6:30pm.  Vice President, Bert Henry will lead the meeting.  President Warren Woods will be out of town.  Opening devotions will be led by Annette Boswell.  Meeting adjourned.  Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

To Members of Salem Lutheran Church,

          This is long over due, embarrassingly, late, yet not without sincere thanks and gratitude.  Our family sincerely appreciates all of the food, support and assistance that was provided due to Tammy’s father’s accident.  With the hectic life we lead toward the end of the school year when the accident happened as well as the need to be in Sioux City to support Bruce and other family members, we would have been lost without the outpouring of love and support we received.  After three months, most of it in intensive care, Bruce is in his second week without the halo and starting more intensive physical therapy.  We truly believe that the faith and prayers of so many contributed to his miraculous recovery.  Thank you so very much.

                                      Todd, Tammy, Regan and Jace Wolverton

 

I want to express my thanks and appreciation for all the prayers and good wishes during the last three months.

                                      Frances Roberg

 

 

 

 

                                             OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE

 

 

September Offerings (September 1-30)                    FINANCIAL REPORT FOR SEPTEMBER

    Current & Loose      $  9,917.50                              Beginning Balance 9/1/06          $  3,818.79     

    World Hunger                  25.00                               Income

    Replacement                  139.00                                (Current & lose)                           9,917.50       

    Sunday School                 41.85                               Expenses                                      5,158.46

                                                                                    Balance                                    $   8,577.83

 

                                                                                    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

 

 

Average Sunday Attendance

                        100

 

 

 

 

Paul Grumley, Chuck Foster, Dorothy Henry, Wanda Peterson, Marge Hanson, Helen Schadde, Maxine Whan, Ella Groff, Liz McClain and Gwen Skaggs, Tammy Wolverton’s father,   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 1st Class

Zacary Sedlmayr, Spec. Matt Tysdal, Col. Vic Wager III---

We ask God to lead and protect our young men and women who are

protecting our country and serving in the Middle East.  Please keep our   

servicepersons and their families of our military in your prayers.

 

 

 

Here is Sgt. Lucas Kinkade new address:                                  Email address:

            SGT. Kinkade, Lucas E.                                               Lucas Kinkade@Yahoo.com

            2/10th/Mtn.

            A-Co. Base 431 Inf.

            APO AE-09322

 

 

 

 

 

 

October Birthday’s

 10/03  Arlan Biere                   10/10   Amanda Nissen            10/25   Eric Neeley

 10/05  LaVerne Anderson       10/16   John Schlaht                             Darrel Wilson

            Jack Freese                  10/17   Willard Peterson           10/28   Isaac Sedlmayr

 10/07  Becky Nardy                            Debra Roberg              10/30   Christopher Cass

 10/09  Barbara Bjorn              10/18   Larry Peppers

            Gary Kessler                10/20   Michael Linch

 

 

October Anniversaries

 

10/13   Brenda and Mark Sedlmayr                  10/15   Marjorie and Ray Hanson

10/16   Judy and Russell Wachter                     10/23   Barb and Dave Abildtrup

 

 

October Worship Team Responsibilities

 

October 1, 2006                                                          October 8, 2006

Greeters:   Jo Levine                                                     Greeters:   Jo Levine

                  Mike & Raquel Linch                                 Ushers:      Ron Levine, Ann Levine

Ushers:      Ron Levine, Ann Levine                              Reader:      Raquel Linch

                  Mike & Raquel Linch                                 Cookies:    Larry & Gracie Otten

Communion Assistants:  Stacy & Grant Wood

Reader:      Stacy Wood

 

October 15. 2006                                                        October 22, 2006

Greeters:   Stacy & Grant Wood                                   Greeters:   Don & Eleanor Toycen

Ushers:      Stacy & Grant Wood                                  Ushers:      

Communion Assistants:  Stacy & Grant Wood  Reader:

Reader:      Stacy Wood                                               Cookies:   Don & Eleanor Toycen

Cookies:    Stacy Wood, Gracie Otten             

 

October 29, 2006

Ushers:   Don & Eleanor Toycen

Greeters:

Reader:

Cookies:   Don & Eleanor Toycen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 September has been a month of beginnings!  Rally day was a bit rainy, but we still had a wonderful beginning in our Sunday school classes.  We have some wonderful volunteer teachers this year!  Be sure to say “thanks” when you see them.  We also had some great fellowship and awesome food to enjoy following the worship service.  The homemade ice cream was also a hit!  Thank you to everyone who brought food, helped set-up and clean-up.

 

Our Sr. LYO has been busy preparing ideas for the Haunted Barn.  After taking off one year, they have gotten their creative juices flowing and are again preparing for a fund filled weekend.  Their first “work-day” will be on Sunday, October 1st.  They have asked the Jr. LYO to join them for pizza and an afternoon of clean-up.

 

The Jr. LYO will be preparing to make plans for the 2007 YouthQuake, which will be held in Des Moines on January 5-7, 2007.  We have had youth attend for two years, and are excited about attending again.  The Jr. LYO will also participating in the annual CROP Walk which will be held on Sunday, October8th.  We are looking for sponsors.  If you would to sponsor our group, please contact one of your youth or leaders.  The leaders this year are Lori Paup, Claudia Peppers and Joan Lienemann.

 

Sunday school is available for all members of the congregation.  Pastor will be leading an Adult Education class the first three Sundays of each month in the fellowship hall.  Youth, ages three thru high school, will meet downstairs.  Guests are always welcome.  If you need a ride, be sure to contact the church and arrangements will be made.

 

 

 

 

 

 

     October 8th is the annual CROP Walk for World Hunger sponsored by the Union County Ministerial Alliance.  Registration begins at 2:30pm at the YMCA Shelter House and the walk—choose from a 2 or 4 or 6 mile walk—begins at 3:00pm.  Healthy snacks will be provided before and after the walk.  In case of rain the walk will be held at the YMCA on the walking track.

          Thrivent Financial will match up to $500 of what is raised.  Our local Pizza Hut will donate 20% of sales between 5:00pm and 8:00pm on Thursday, October 5th.  Plan to take your family out for pizza that day.  Be sure to pick up your Pizza Hut coupon at the church office or from Lynne at the CROP Walk table on Sunday, October 1st.  Sign up there to pledge or walk as well.

          Twenty-five percent of what is raised will stay in Union County to help needy families and individuals.  Last year our county received $980 to help the poor in our area and this amount was depleted in 6 months.  Alliance members meet with each person who comes requesting money, make an evaluation of their need and then uses the money from CROP to put the food on the table of that family.  The money you raise for CROP goes directly to Union County families in need.

          Please help in one of 3ways: be a walker and gather as many pledges as you can, sponsor a walker with your pledge or plan to eat at Pizza Hut on October 5th.

          To quote President Franklin D. Roosevelt:  “The test of our progress is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide enough to those who have too little.”

 

Thanks for your help!!

 

 

THRIVENT FINANCIAL NEWS

 

Every Union County Chapter member is invited to a free catered dinner Sunday, October 8, 2006, 12:00 noon at Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall.  Besides the dinner there will be election for chapter board members for 2007 and a summary given on projects helped financially by Chapter during 2206.  Please RSVP to Becky Hagen (782-2442) or Bev Butler (782-4050) by Wednesday,

October 4th.  Hope to see you there!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALEM WOMEN NEWS

 

Miriam Circle will meet @ 7:00P.M. Oct 5th @ the church with Nancy Taylor as hostess.  Bev Butler will have the lesson.  Rebekah Circle will meet @ 1:15 P.M. Oct. 12th at the church with Barb Bjorn as hostess and Flossie giving the lesson.

 

Both groups will be studying lesson 2: “A God of Relationship” found on pg. 26 of the Lutheran Woman Today.

 

Thank you to those of you who shared your garden flowers with us this summer.  They were truly beautiful and were enjoyed by all.

 

Mark you calendars for our Fall cluster meeting on Oct. 7th.  It’s Salem turn to host it.  There’s a sign-up sheet on the bulletin board.  Marilyn & Lawrence Zech of Estherville will give the program on well-drilling in Tanzania.  They are an inspiration on reaching out to fellow Christians across the ocean.  We’ll have some wonderful special music from our own members and of course a delicious lunch.  All of this for only $3.50 for a morning of praise, worship, fellowship and food!!

 

Another thank you is in order for all of you who donate so many materials or make quilt tops or sew the entire quilt.  All of you are a big part of making it possible for so many quilts to be shared.  We will be displaying some of them during our cluster meeting,

 

We will be doing our in-gathering for the kits for Lutheran World Relief this month again.  There will be tables in the narthex as far as what items are needed for the kits.

 

Joyce L. Anderson

Co-Coordinator of Salem Women of ELCA