October 2007 Newsletter

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

October 2007 Newsletter

From the Pastor’s Desk:

Do you ever find yourself overwhelmed by the demands of life and the needs of the world? Does it ever feel as though the church just adds to the problem by placing constant demands on time and resources?

We are called as a Community of Christ to join God in the work of bringing new life to all creation. It’s an impossible job for a small congregation. One of the realities of the communication and information explosion is that we are constantly made aware of just how impossible it is. So many needs and worthy causes crowd in on us that we can become:

1. Burned out from compassion fatigue.

2. Discouraged over the magnitude of the tasks

3. Immune to the needs that are out there.

I suspect we have all have struggled with this problem. The Gospels tell us that even Jesus had to face issues of compassion fatigue. What can we do about it? I recommend following the example of Jesus. When faced with the overwhelming needs of humanity, Jesus backed off for a bit and got recentered, refreshed and connected to God.

When the stress of compassion fatigue overwhelming us, we can:

1. Back off. Take some time off the recharge. It’s better than burning out.

2. Come to God for healing and refreshment. Remember that Salem was formed

in the waters of baptism to be a fountain of life to all who gather here. Let Salem

be that fountain of healing life for you as you worship here.

3. Acknowledge that we cannot do everything, that when we try to do too much we

are not as effective as we could be. The church offers many opportunities for

service and lifts up many important needs. We must determine as a congregation

and as individuals, where we can be the most effective.

4. Remember that mission is where God calls us to be, where we join God in the

work of bringing life to creation. Charge back in refreshed and eager to get back

into the river of compassion for the world that flows from God.

Salem Church Council Minutes

September 13, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Warren Woods, with the following members in attendance: Jodi Hitz, Joan Lienemann, Helen Mosman, Dennis Nardy, Sherri Nissen, Flossie Roberts, John Schlaht, Gene Smith, Chuck Taylor, Pastor Nate and Margaret Kneedler.

Flossie Roberts led devotions.

M/S/C by Flossie Roberts and Joan Lienemann to approve the August minutes as presented.

Correspondence: none at this time.

Pastor’s Report

a) Pastor informed the council of his community activities, synod responsibilities and he is going to be a regular columnist for the ELCA online website.

b) Pastor discussed stewardship and worship attendance.

c) Pastor is pleased with the direction of Christian Education, Music and Sunday School.

These are all positive and energetic happenings of the church.

Treasurer’s Report was presented by Warren Woods in the absence of Mike Linch. M/S/C by Helen Mosman and Sherri Nissen to approve the treasures report.

a) To date there is a total of $4,600.00 towards the repair project.

Old Business:

a) Warren Woods brought plans to share with the council for the Nativity. Sherri Nissen

will set up work sessions at Warren’s home for volunteers to cut out and paint a

wooden set.

b) Selander CD: M/S/C by Helen Mosman and John Schlaht to move the Selander CD

to the Replacement Fund when it matures until repairs are completed.

c) M/S/C: President Warren Woods presented a letter of understanding to Elasko

Construction regarding the repair work.

New Business:

a) M/S/C: Joan Lienemann and Sherri Nissen for purchase of one wireless microphone

system and two wireless mics to be ordered for Worship & Music totaling $ 965.00

with funds coming from the Sound System account.

b) Margaret informed the council that Kay Ritter requests the rental of Fellowship Hall

on January 5, 2008 for Bridge Marathon.

Committee reports were presented:

a) Christian Education: Rally Sunday had good attendance with Sunday School now

in full swing. Third grade will be receiving their Bibles on Sunday September 23^rd

and Fifth Graders will receive First Communion on Sunday, November 4^th. The

youth will not be doing a haunted barn this year, but will participate in the Christmas

Lighted parade on November 29^th. The Live Nativity and Soup Supper will be on

December 19^th.

Kids Squad: Raquel Linch will be working with the younger kids and Bert Henry will continue to work with the older kids.

Joni and Randy Cook will be leading the Jr. LYO with Bert Henry, Stacy Wood and Andy Hitz assisting the Sr. LYO.

b) Evangelism:—will hold a meeting soon.

c) Social Ministry: met on September 4^th. They will be serving the Open Table on

September 25^th. Crop Walk will be held on Sunday, October 7^th, with a fund raiser

night on October 1^st at Pizza Ranch. Discussion was held about Meals on Wheels,

Nursery, military care packages and Gulf Coast Mission. The next meeting will be on

October 6^th at 6:30 p.m.

d) Church Property: moving forward with the repair work.

e) Worship & Music discussion on the need for an improved microphone system and

wireless mics. First meeting for the new youth on the committee. Next meeting is

September 25^th.

f) Stewardship: has not met.

g) Finance: met on August 12th with discussion regarding the budget. There was a

short fall this past month and a $500 CD was used to meet budget expenses. Salem no

longer has a cushion to help with expenses and this is a concern.

h) Other: A letter of resignation from the council was received from Gene Smith as of

September 30^th. Gene and Coral will be moving to Des Moines. At the next council

meeting President Warren Woods will recommend a candidate for council nominee

to fill the remaining term until the Annual meeting in January.

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

The next council meeting will be October 11^th at 6:30pm. Opening devotions will be led by Dennis Nardy. Meeting adjourned. Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary

Breta Kinkade, Donna Schroeder, Donna Swanson, Vic Wager, 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, Terry McNaught, Cpl. James Paup, Airman 1^st 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 for October

Same Sex Relationships from a Biblical Perspective

October 7 Reviewing the Authority of the Bible

October 14 Two Views of Biblical Authority on Same Sex Relationships

October 21 Applying Biblical Understanding to Today’s Issues

OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE

August 2007 January to August 2007

Contributions $ 8,329.00 $ 72,426.23

Expenses 10,717.03 84,049.64

Differences $ 2,388.03 11,623.41

Building Repair up to 9-16-07

Goal $ 20,000.00

Contributions 5,855.00

Still need $ 14,145.00

Average Sunday Attendance (9/01-9/23/07

112

OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS

Arlan Biere 10/03 Amanda Nissen 10/10 Mike Linch 10/20

Laverne Anderson 10/05 John Schlaht 10/16 Christine Sherrod 10/24

Jack Freese 10/05 Khalil Sherrod 10/16 Eric Neeley 10/25

Becky Nardy 10/07 Willard Peterson 10/17 Darrel Wilson 10/25

Barb Bjorn 10/09 Deb Roberg 10/17 Isaac Sedlmayr 10/28

Gary Kessler 10/09 Larry Peppers 10/18 Chris Cass 10/30

OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES

Brenda & Mark Sedlmayr 10/13

Marge & Ray Hanson 10/15

Judy & Russell Wachter 10/16

Barb & Dave Abildtrup 10/23

KID SQUAD INFORMATION

Kid Squad meets every Wednesday night for Kindergarten through 6^th grade, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Raquel Linch meets with the K-3^rd graders and Bert Henry meets with the 4^th-6^thgraders. Zach Henry helps where he is needed and we hope to have more senior youth help in the future! We enjoy a snack time, some learning time and some fun time. Come join us!

Don’t forget the annual CROP Walk for World Hunger on Sunday, October 7^th, beginning at 3 p.m. at the shelter house west of the YMCA. There will be a 2, 4, or 6 mile walk available with a healthy snack at the beginning and at the end of the walk. As of newsletter deadline Salem’s walkers include Pastor Nate and Linda, Joyce Anderson, Barbara Bjorn, Donna Cunningham, Gracie Otten, Flossie Roberts, Lynne Schlaht, and Nancy Taylor. Please seek out these people at church and offer your support with a monetary pledge. We hope to have many more walkers by October 7^th!

Remember, 25% of what is raised stays in Union County to help our own residents in need. In addition, Thrivent will match up to $500 of what is raised. If it rains, the YMCA has agreed for us to use the walking track. If you are unable to walk on October 7^th, just make plans to walk at another time.

Here’s another way to participate. Plan to take your family to the Pizza Ranch on Monday, October 1^st between 5 and 7:30 p.m. The Pizza Ranch will donate 15% of their buffet receipts and all tips to CROP Walk. Many thanks to this restaurant for their generous support!!

Salem approved approximately $ 19,600 for repair of our gables and roof at the August 26^th congregational meeting. If you would like to donate specifically for these repairs, mark your envelope in the replacement area in addition to your regular giving or simply write “replacement, gable repair” on your check.

Flu shots will be available after worship service, on Sunday October 1^st from 11 to 1. Be sure to bring your Medicare card with you. The cost is $ 25.00 for Non-Medicare participants. If you have a family member or know of anybody who is homebound, let the church office know and the secretary will forward the names to Donna.

Volunteers needed: October 20^th and 27^th we will be working on the nativity scene at Warren and Judy Wood’s home. We will meet at 1:00pm. If interested bring saws, tools, and your creativity. We have $100 donated to date for materials for the nativity scene. We could use more. Four people have shown interest. Others may contact Sherri Nissen at jnissen@dishmail.net or 641-335-2231.

Goodbye but Not “Farewell”

It has been said that “you can’t go home again”. Whoever said that certainly never experienced Salem and its people as “home”. After being members of Salem and then going away for nearly 20 years, we were welcomed back three years ago with open arms and hearts. We definitely came home again!

But now we must once again say good-bye. Due to our health issues of the last year or so we’ve decided it is time to enter into a new phase of our lives. On October 2ns we will be leaving Creston and moving to an apartment in a retirement community in Rose Glen at Luther Park in Des Moines. This will enable us to perhaps move at an easier pace and also enjoy our daughter Shelia and her family, Shelia & Bob, our granddaughter, Mindi (husband Tim) and our 2 great-grandchildren all live close by and I (Coral) can also enjoy my many cousins in Des Moines.

After getting moved in and settled a bit, we will come back for a few days in October, as we each have projects at Salem that we would like to finish. Coral, with her landscaping plans and Gene to finish painting some basement windows.

We will miss Salem and our Salem family—those we knew previously and those we’ve come to know and love during these past few years.

Please know that you are welcome to come by anytime and we would love it if you do! Luther Park is one block east of Grandview College (E. 16^th & Hull).

New Address:

2808 E.16^th St. Apt 17

Des Moines, IA 50316

Phone: 641-202-3396

Thank you all for your support and encouragement, friendship and love. And may God generously bless each of you.

Gene & Coral Smith

October Worship Team Responsibilities

Sunday, October 7^th October 21st

Greeters: Dennis & Becky Nardy Greeters: Dennis & Becky Nardy

Ushers: Rodney & Linda Mahn, Ushers: Rodney & Linda Mahn

Gail & Roxie Peterson Gail & Roxie Peterson

Reader: Becky Nardy Reader: Becky Nardy

Acolyte: Alec Paup Acolyte: Alec Paup

Communion Assistants: Alan & Alec Paup Communion Assistants: Alan & Alec Paup

Coffee & Cookies: Nardys and Petersons Coffee & Cookies: Bev Courtney, Mahns

Nursery: Dennis Nardy Nursery: Dennis Nardy

Sunday, October 14^th Sunday, October 28th

Greeters: Alan & Alec Paup Greeters: Alan & Alec Paup

Ushers: Dennis Nardy, Gail Peterson Ushers: Dennis Nardy, Rodney Mahn,

Ann Levine, Rayma Frank Rayma Frank

Reader: Becky Nardy Reader: Becky Nardy

Acolyte: Dennis Nardy Acolyte: Dennis Nardy

Coffee & Cookies: Rayma Frank, Nardys Cookies: Rayma Frank, Petersons

WOMEN OF THE ELCA

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

Miriam Circle will meet, Thursday, October 4^th at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship hall with Kriss Luddington as hostess. Judy Woods will lead the Bible study.

Rebekah Circle will meet, Thursday, October 11^th at 1:15 p.m. in the Fellowship hall with Jo Levine as hostess. Pat Grumley will lead the Bible study.

Our circle meetings are open to all women and 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 will be collected on Sunday, October 28^th. All proceeds will be forwarded to Global Health Missions.

Cluster 13 meeting will be held on Saturday, October 6^th at Bethesda in Clarinda. We will car pool rides from Salem. Coffee is at 9:00 a.m., with the meeting adjourning after lunch.

Bev Butler