September 2006
From the Pastor’s Desk:
Most people dislike rewriting. That’s true whether we are talking about youngsters working on a school assignment or professionals working on a book. We would rather do it, get it done, and then get on with the next thing. No sense going over the same thing.
But unless you are a genius, it is virtually impossible to get things right the first time. I have come to discover rewriting is where some really good things happen.
Mistakes get corrected.
Sloppiness gets cleaned up.
Vague thoughts crystallize.
The trite and the dull get spruced up.
New ideas show up that are far better than what came before.
Rewriting is where you turn the serviceable, the adequate, and the routine into a work of art, into something that you can be proud of. Ideas are where masterpieces are born; rewriting is where they are grow to maturity.
What does this have to do with Salem? Well, there are many things happening at Salem. I am thankful for each of them and for the time and effort put into make them work. But the rewriter in me is always looking for ways to improve, refine, and polish. How can we turn our mission at Salem into works of art, into masterpieces we can be proud of?
This calls for some critical examination. When we do that, it is not to belittle the efforts of those already involved or to minimize what is already taking place. I’m just always eager to see how we can take our ministry to a higher level. I invite all of us to get into that spirit: in our worship, or music, our youth program, our education, our visitation, our circles, our social ministry, our stewardship, our outreach, our church council. How can we make it better?
One thing glaring bit of rewriting that needs doing: targeting the young men and young families of this community. There’s a work of art there waiting to be created. One way to start is get the men’s group to shake off the summer scheduling obstacles and lift off the ground. Let’s meet at 6:30 Tuesday, Sept. 19 for an informal time of discussion on: What it would take to get young men involved in church.
And in whatever we do this year, let’s keep rewriting. It may not seem like a drag but remember: it’s far more exciting to create a masterpiece than to turn in an assignment.
Salem Church Council Minutes
August 10, 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, Mike Linch, Chuck Taylor, Dave Riley, Pastor Nate, Margaret Kneedler, Joan Lienemann and Raquel Linch in attendance.
Dennis Nardy led devotions.
M/S/C by John Schlaht and Chuck Taylor to approve the June minutes with the change of each family member receiving $130.00 for camp, not $30.00
Pastor’s Report:
a) Pastor has finished the Bible Study Guide for Augsburg.
b) A list was handed out explaining worship duties and responsibilities.
c) Pastor has been here one year and is planning for the next year. A committee was assigned for future planning. The teams consists of Warren Woods, Pastor Nate, Joan Lienemann, Tim Kinkade and two youth members.
d) The Men’s Group will start in September.
e) Pastor is in the Community Play at the end of the month for community involvement.
Treasure’s Report by Mike Linch:
a) There are know new Memorial Funds at this time. AAL contributed $1,420 to special funds for a total of $3,536 now in that account.
b) A $5,075.65 CD was cashed and moved to a money market account and a second CD for $5,001.02 has been cashed and left in the general fund for cash flow.
c) M/S/C by Chuck Taylor & Tim Kinkade to approve the treasurer’s report.
Old Business:
a) Reiman’s Music has been setting up the new sound equipment and it should be finished by August 20th. The old system will be tied into the new system. Mike Ketchum will attend a church service to make sure everything is working correctly. He also wants to train three to four people from the congregation on using the equipment.
b) Chuck Taylor will talk to Troy Schroeder about a plug in for the system.
New Business:
a) Dave Riley will be writing up a Policy & Procedure manual.
b) The list of people who have church keys were reviewed. Each council member needs a key during the month of their worship team. Margaret will take care of this.
c) Church use fees were also reviewed with the following changes: Custodial fee $25.00.
Terry Van Gelder will rent the hall for a Sorority Dinner, November 13, 2006 for $25.00
Chris Fredrickson will rent the hall for Federated Women’s Club, October 10, 2006 for $25.00.
M/S/C by Raquel Linch & John Schlaht to approve fees.
d) Cultural Awareness was brought up for discussion and how we should address this. Margaret will contact Pastor Darge about a photography display. Warren Woods will also look into this.
e) August 20, 2006 is “Sundae—Sunday” celebrating Pastor Nate’s first year at Salem. Council members will help serve.
Committee Reports:
a) Christian Education—Bible School went smoothly with 55 kids attending. Bert Henry shared that the camp kids would like to share their DVD about camp, but there is a need to improve equipment to do this. Rally Sunday is September 10 with Sunday School starting at 9:00. Church will be at 10:00 with an outside service and potluck lunch to follow. There will also be volleyball, croquet, board games and other activities taking place.
b) Evangelism needs to meet—no report at this time.
c) Church property—gutters need to be checked and possibly cleaned.
d) Worship & Music—September 3 is the last 9:00 service and 10:00 services will start September 10th. The 4th Sunday of the month will be Open Choir Sing. If you would like to sing that day, join the choir before church to warm up.
e) Stewardship—none
f) Finance—none
g) Other—M/S/C by Chuck Taylor and John Schlaht to approve renewal for the church website domain be renewed for 2 years at $40.00 and to pay $21.95 for a l year subscription to a church secretary’s magazine for Margaret.
The next council meeting will be September 14th at 6:30pm. Opening devotions will be led by Joan Lienemann. Meeting adjourned, closed with Lord’s Prayer.
Respectfully submitted:
Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary
Linda and I want to thank the congregation for the ice cream celebration and the generous gifts on the occasion of our 1-year anniversary at Salem. You took us by surprise, although we should learn not to be surprised by the generosity of this congregation. We feel blessed to be in Creston and to be a part of such a warm and caring ministry.
Pastor Nate & Linda
The family of Vickie Clarke would like to thank Salem Lutheran family for the cards, prayers and phone calls. Your prayers and expressions of sympathy have been a comfort and greatly appreciated.
Judy Woods and family
I would like to thank everyone for their prayers, cards and visit from Pastor Nate during my recent operation and recovery. Your thoughtfulness was greatly appreciated.
Karen Simpson
OUR RESPONSE TO GOD’S LOVE
July Offerings (July 1-31) Avg. July Attendance
Current & Loose $ 8,770.34 Sunday……… 59
Replacement $ 85.00 Wednesday…15
World Hunger $ 15.00
Sound System $ 120.00
August Offerings (August 1-27) Avg, August Attendance
Current & Loose $ 7,544.25 Sunday…..….81
Replacement 68.80 Wednesday..17
World Hunger 30.50
Sound System 250.00
FINANCIAL REPORT FOR July & August)
Beginning Balance 7/1/06 $ 1,893.06
Income
(current, loose,) $ 16,304.59
Expenses $ 11,461.80
Balance 8/30/06 $ 6,735.85
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
Lanny Herzberg, 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, LCpl. 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.
Spec. Lucas Kinkade has been promoted to Sergeant. Luke was deployed to Iraq on August 18, 2006. Watch the bulletin board for a new address for Luke.
September Birthday’s
09/05 Alan Shaffer 09/19 Gwen Buck 09/24 Carolyn Biere
09/13 Linda Hulquist Wanda Peterson Bill Bjorn
Don Mosman Emily Schroeder Bev Butler
Lacey Richardson 09/21 Patricia Grumley 09/26 Jacob Cook
09/16 Carolyn Keesler Jannene Jorgensen Jacob Riley
Rodney Mahn 09/22 Lola Strauser 09/27 Chuck Eilers
09/17 Travis Henry 09/28 Annette Boswell
09/29 Payton Burg
09/05 Pat & Paul Grumley 09/26 Emily & Joe Miller 09/27 Ann & Kirk Levine
09/16 Joni & Randy Cook Sherry & Terry Taylor 09/29 Roxie & Gail Peterson
September Worship Team Responsibilities
Sunday, September 3rd Sunday, September 10th
Greeters: Dennis & Becky Nardy Greeters: Jack& Phyllis Keuter
Ushers: Jerry & Sherri Nissen Ushers: Jerry & Sherri Nissen
Troy & Donna Schroeder Randy & Joni Cook
Acolyte: Amanda Nissen Reader: Sherri Nissen
Reader: Annette Boswell
Communion Assistant: Sherri & Amanda Nissen
Cookies: Sherri Nissen, Donna Schroeder
Sunday, September 17th Sunday, September 24th
Greeters: Shirley Loos & Bev Courtney Greeters: Terry & Sherry Taylor
Ushers: Don & Bev Butler, Sandy & Thad Sickels Ushers: Jerry & Sherri Nissen
Communion Assistant: Sherry Taylor & Daniel Riley Greg & Brenda Cook
Reader: Bev Butler Reader: Jerry Nissen
Acolyte: Hunter Sickels Acolyte: Cody Cook
Cookies: Bev Butler & Bev Courtney Cookies: Sherri Nissen & Brenda Cook
Return to regular Worship Times starts on Rally Sunday, September 10th. Sunday School begins at 9:00 am followed by Worship Service at 10:00 am
Mark September 10 on your calendar for an
exciting Rally Sunday!!
We are kicking off the new Sunday school year with an
exciting day of activities.
The day’s schedule begins with Sunday school at 9:00 am, an outdoor Worship Service at 10:00 am, and a potluck meal with drink provided at 11:00 am, followed by an afternoon of games at church. Board games will be available in the fellowship hall and volleyball, croquet and the playground outside. Homemade ice cream and toppings will be served in the afternoon.
Dress casual for church and bring your lawn chairs for lunch and enjoying the afternoon of games. And be sure to bring a dish to share and table service for your family.
We want Rally Sunday to be a great success & a lot of fun
for kids and adults. Make it a point to come on
September 10th & bring a friend!!
Choir practice starts Wednesday, September 6 at 7:00pm at
church. All are welcome!!
The First Presbyterian church in Creston had adopted a sister church in Pascagoula, Mississippi, one of the hardest hit areas by Hurricane Katrina. As a mission to help the community of Pascagoula they are sending two work teams to Pascogoula. The first team will arrive on October 14th and depart on October 21st. The second team will arrive on October 21st and remain until October 28th. They would like us to join them, in possible. For more information on how to donate or if you would to be on a team, call Marion Hargin at 641-782-7265 or e-mail bphargin@iowatelcome.net.
YOUTH NEWS
Welcome back! Yes, it is that time of year again. Summer is winding down and fall is fast approaching. With that comes a new season for Sunday School, Confirmation, Kid Squad and youth groups.
CONFIRMATION
Regular Confirmation class will begin on Wednesday, Sept. 13th at 6:30 pm. The campout at Green Valley State Park that had been scheduled for September 8 & 9, has been rescheduled to Sunday, October 15th and Monday, October 16th. More details later.
SUNDAY SCHOOL
A special thank you to all of the Sunday school volunteers. The following people will be co-teachers:
Preschool: Sherri Nissen and Brenda Cook
Kindergarten—2nd grade: Joni Cook and Raquel Linch
3rd—5th grade: Roxie Peterson & Jodi Hitz
6th—8th grade: Lori Paup and ?
High School: Bert Henry and Stacy Wood
NOTE: If you would like to be a substitute teacher, please contact Lori Paup (782-5748) or leave a message in the office. Thank You!
KID SQUAD
Kid Squad will resume on Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00pm until 7:00pm. Kid Squad is open to any student aged Kindergarten thru 6th grade. Come and join us for games, activities and a snack.
JR LYO AND SR LYO
The youth organizations will also resume. Meeting times have not been scheduled at this time. Please watch the bulletin for more details.
Attention 3rd graders!! You will be presented with a Bible at the worship service on Rally Sunday,
NOTE: High school students will meet at Bert Henry’s home (920 N. Spruce) on Sunday, September 10th at 9:00am.