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

 

September 2007

 

 

From the Pastor’s Desk:

 

            There are so many things to get excited about here at Salem as Rally Day approaches.  A brand new Sunday school program, new possibilities in the music program, gearing up again for adult ed and confirmation, committees that are organized and accountable.  We have some challenges ahead, and I’ll address those next month, but September is a time of anticipation in the church and now I want to focus on the fun stuff in our congregation’s future.

            One of the best examples of how positive ministry is done at Salem is the puppet program.  This is not a program that I instigated or expected or even envisioned.  It has come up through the congregation, growing from small seeds into an active ministry, largely through the efforts of Bert Henry.  Duane Schmidt has recognized the possibilities of this ministry and has contributed his woodworking skills to the task of taking it to the next level.  This month we will begin using a beautiful new puppet theatre which Duane has built and dedicated to the memory of his grandchild.

            The puppet ministry is more than just a cute bit of entertainment.  The main target of the puppet stories is children.  Children need to be in worship in order to build a solid foundation of faith and relationship with the people of God.  Attending a church service is not something most people begin doing late in life.  The problem is that little of the service is understandable to kids, and if their experience with church is negative, they tend not to continue to worship later in life.

            Puppets are a way to engage children, on two levels.  First, they pay attention to the skit.  When I did the interactive puppet sermon this summer, I noticed children watching and paying attention to the whole thing.  That’s what we’re looking for.  The message is short enough and simple enough for them to understand.  The message often ties in closely with the sermon and so serves adults as a useful preview or thematic statement of what the sermon proclaims.

            Second, it has great potential as a way to get kids involved in the service.  For some strange reason, many children here are reluctant to sing, which has in the past been about the only avenue of participation for children in a service.  The puppet program

offers great potential for getting children actively involved and taking some ownership of the worship service, and that can only mean good things for the future of Salem.  Please thank Bert and Duane and support this ministry any way you can.

 

 


 

Salem Lutheran Church Council Minutes

August 9, 2007

 


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

Bert Henry led devotions.

M/S/C by Chuck Eilers and Sherri Nissen to approve the June minutes as presented.

 

Correspondence:  none at this time.

Pastor’s Report:

a)  Pastor thanked everyone who helped with services during his absence.

b)  Bible School was shared with the Presbyterian Church having 74 in attendance.  This

     was very good as other churches reported low attendance.

c)  Pastor has met with the new Pastor at the Presbyterian Church, with possibilities of

     sharing ministries.

 

Treasurer’s Report was presented by Mike Linch.

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

a)  Two campers did not go to camp this summer so they returned the camper ship money,

     which was returned to the appropriate fund.

b)  Quilters will receive $ 1,175.00 from Wanda Peterson’s memorial.

c)  M/S/C Helen Mosman & Flossie Roberts to approve cleaning of the choir robes at

     $120.37, with money coming from Dorothy Henry’s memorial fund.

 

Old Business:

a)  Warren Woods reported that ceramic/cement statues for a nativity were very

      expensive.  He will bring patterns at the September meeting for approval so a set

      can be made to display this season.       

b)  Due to the Selander and Endowment funds being combined, Selander CD records

     were checked by Margaret Kneedler and Helen Mosman.  These records date back to

     the late ‘70’s and early ‘80’s.  The following wording was taken from the previous

    Selander records and added to current combined fund to read:  After the Endowment

    Fund Committee has completed the financial documents deemed necessary for church

    and/or tax records, I/We hereby request that public references to the source be

    identified only a “anonymous.”

 

New Business:

a)  M/S/C by Helen Mosman and Flossie Roberts request from Coral Smith to purchase

     mulch for the landscape with funds coming from Harry Kinkade’s memorial.

 

 

 

Committee reports were presented:

a)  Christian Education: Bible School was attended by 74 youth between Salem and the

     Presbyterian Church.

A family information night for Sunday School parents will be held September 5th at 6:30pm.  Pastor will meet with parents while the youth meet their teachers and have activities.  Rally Sunday is set for September 9th.  With Sunday School starting at 9:00, followed by church outside at 10:00.  There will be a potluck meal with short activities and presentation.  Next meeting is August 29th at 4:30pm.

b)  Evangelism—No meeting.

c)  Social Ministry: will meet in August or early September, plans to help with potluck on Rally Sunday,

d)  Church Property has met with much discussion about the leaks in the sanctuary.  Arlan Biere, Don Butler and Chuck Taylor presented a proposal from Elasko Construction from Des Moines on roof repair.  M/S/C by Chuck Taylor and Sherri Nissen to set a special congregational meeting for August 26th.  The meeting is to present the roof repair proposal to congregation.  The meeting will immediately follow the service.  M/S/C by Joan Lienemann and Helen Mosman to allow the property committee to purchase new letters for the church signs at approximately $136.00 to be paid for from interest and money from Lucille Ossain’s memorial fund.  Amount not to succeed $150.00.

e)  Worship & Music: Jane McKinney was hired as the new choir director.  September 2nd we will begin worship services at 10:00am.  The next meeting will be August 28th at 4:15pm.

f)  Stewardship has not met.

g)  Finance:  Will meet August 12th at 6:00pm.

h)  other: M/S/C by Helen Mosman and Joan Lienemann to have three front door keys made and one office key.  Mike Linch volunteered to have this done and will pay for them.

 

M/S/C Bert Henry and Joan Lienemann to adjourn the meeting.

 

The next council meeting will be September 13, 2007 at 6:30pm.  Opening devotions will be led by Flossie Roberts.  Meeting adjourned.  Closed with Lord’s Prayer.

 

Respectfully submitted;

Sherri Nissen, Council Secretary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Minutes form Special Congregational Meeting

August 26, 2007

 

The meeting was called to order by Council President, Warren Woods, with a quorum determined by Arlan Biere.  The number needed is 58 and voting 62 members were present.

 

The meeting was held to approve the proposal for roof repair.

 

Proposal 1.  Scrape off all peeling paint in gables.  Cut out all bad caulk and caulk around all windows and joints in the gables.  Prime all of the bare spots and paint.  Metal wrap the bottom sill on the south, east and west side.  Side the south with cement plank siding (50 year guarantee), add trim and paint the match the north side.  On the inside, cut out all bad plaster spots in the ceiling and re-plaster and re-texture to match existing plaster.  $18,326 plus sales tax—total $19,608

 

OR

 

Proposal 2.  Same as above except no inside work $13,726 plus sales tax—total $14,686

 

 

Proposal 3.  Authorize the council to use a combination of funds (replacement funds, undesignated memorial funds, borrows funds) in the amount of $                                   +10% tax to accomplish the designated proposal.

 

The following members had questions or comments for discussion:  Dorothy McNaught, Jack Keuter, Betty Wager, Paul Grumley, Sherry Taylor and Don Butler, Tim Kenyon, Mike Linch and Arlan Biere.  In the discussion it was decided that a fund drive will be necessary to kick off the needed fund for repair.

 

Mike Linch informed the congregation there is $ 4,700 in the replacement fund, $ 4,600 in Selander and Bev Butler indicated Thrivent could possibly match $900.00.  Dorothy McNaught gave a $500.00 donation, with thanks from the congregation.

 

M/S/C Tim Kenyon and Dorothy McNaught to approve the first proposal with all work completed.

M/S/C Mike Linch and Jack Keuter to use funds available, to raise funds and to borrow

$19,608+10% to accomplish the first proposal.

M/S/C Paul Grumley and Dorothy McNaught to authorize the council to use a combination of the funds according to the constitutional by laws of the church.

 

M/S/C Mike Linch and Sherri Nissen to adjourn the meeting.  Meeting adjourned by Council President Warren Woods.

 

 

 

 

                                               

Ray Hansen, 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,  Cpl. James Paup, Airman 1st Class Zacary Sedlmayr, Col. Vic Wager III---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

 

            Sunday adult ed class is gearing up again.  I will have all that I can handle with Sunday school and outdoor service preparation on Rally Day, and so adult ed for September will be a 2-week experience, on September 16th and 23rd on the subject of  The Congregation and Personality:

            September 16:  How Compatible Are We?

            This will use the Meyers-Briggs test to give us some insights in the personality of the congregation and of the pastor.

            September 23:  What Do Personality Profiles Mean for Salem? 

            We will take the information from the first week to explore how we work with our personality differences to make ministry work in our congregation.

            October we will return to the format of three-week, running the first three weeks of the month.  The topic will be Dealing with Homosexuality Issues in the Church.

 

 

 

 

 

Choir practice starts on Wednesday, September

          5th at 7:30pm.  On September 12th we will meet

          at the regular time of 7:00pm.  If you haven’t

heard we have a new Choir Director, Jane

                                          McKinney. 

 

 

           

 

 

 

 

We would like to thank Gail & Roxie Peterson for painting the strips in the church’s parking lot.  Thank you for taking time from your busy schedule to do it.  They look really nice.

 

“A Walk through the Catechism” will meet on September 17th and 24th and then on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month, with a change to-be-decided in December.  We will begin with the Apostles Creed.  Bring your Luther’s Small Catechism with Explanation (if you have one), your Bible and join us in the fellowship hall at 1:15pm.  We have a short visit and review time, and then study from 1:30 to 3:00. 

 

Please mark Sunday, October 7th on your calendar with a big red X.  The annual CROP Walk will be held that day beginning at 3:00pm at the shelter house west of the YMCA.  We need walkers and those willing to pledge money to help the hungry in every corner of the world.

            An as extra fundraiser, Creston’s Pizza Ranch will donate 15% of all bullet sales and 100% of tips on Monday, October 1st from 5 p.m—7:30 p.m. to CROP.  this will be a great night to take the family out to eat.  You’ll get a great meal and help out a great cause.  Take note:  25% of what is raised stays in Union County to help our own residents who are in need.

            Lynne Schlaht is Salem’s chairperson for CROP again this year.  Walking is the perfect exercise so let’s have a great turnout this year.  If it rains, the YMCA has agreed for us to the use the walking track.  An remember, if you are unable to walk on October 7th, just make plans to walk at another time.  Let’s have Salem top all churches with number of walkers and the largest amount of money raised.  If we all pitch in, we can do it!!

                                   

September Birthdays

 

 

 

09/05   Alan Shaffer                 09/19   Gwen Buck                  09/24   Bev Butler

09/13   Rayma Frank                            Emily Schroeder           09/26   Jacob Cook

09/13   Linda Hultquist 09/21   Pat Grumley                             Jacob Riley

            Don Mosman                           Jannene Jorgenson                    Khy Sherrod

            Lacey Richardson         9/22     Lola Strauser                09/27   Charles Eilers

09/16   Carolyn Kessler            09/24   Carolyn Biere               09/28   Annette Boswell

            Rodney Mahn               09/24   Bill Bjorn                      09/29   Payton Burg

09/17   Travis Henry

 

 

September Anniversaries

 

09/05   Rayma & Tim Frank                             09/26   Sherry & Terry Taylor

            Pat & Paul Grumley                              09/27   Ann & Kirk Levine

09/16   Joni & Randy Cook                              09/29   Roxie & Gail Peterson

09/26   Emily & Mike Miller

 

 

 

Joshua & Brianne Peppers are the parents of a son, Landon James born of July 31, 2007.    The very proud grandparents are Larry and Claudia Peppers.

 

 

 

Thank you to our friends at Salem for the wonderful sentiments          and the gifts on the occasion of our second anniversary at this          congregation.  Wow, that’s two years that went by in a hurry!                 What a blessing it is to gather and work and worship and play

                with such a welcoming and carrying group of people.

                                      Pastor Nate and Linda

 

A big Thank You to Flossie Roberts and Barb Bjorn for caring for the flowers and plants outside and also to Gary Kessler who kept our fountain

running and sparking while we were on vacation for 3 weeks in August.  You all did a great job!

                                      Coral Smith

 

 

Rally Sunday

September 9

 

This day kicks off the new Sunday school year with an exciting day of activities.  The day’s schedule begins with Sunday school at 9:00am, an outdoor Worship Service at 10:00am, and a potluck meal at 11:00am.  Entertainment and Activities begin at Noon (all ages).  Homemade ice cream and toppings will follow at 1:00pm.  Dress casual for church and bring your lawn chairs for service.  

 

Sunday School Fun Night

Wednesday, September 5th at 6:30pm

 

 Students come and meet your teachers and see your SS classrooms.  Have fun checking out our fun stations upstairs:  Quilt Tying, Puppet Theater, Photo Ops, Face Painting and Snacks.   Learn about our new exciting new Sunday School program AKALOO!!  The parents will have a brief meeting with pastor in the narthex.

 

                                     

YOUTH NEWS

 

Confirmation

Regular Confirmation classes will begin on Wednesday, September 19th at 6:30pm.  September 12th pastor will meet with the parents and students at 6:30pm. 

 

Sunday School

A special thank you to all of the Sunday school teachers.  The following people will be co-teachers:

          Preschool:  Sandi Sickels

          1st and 2nd grade:  Raquel Linch and Joni Cook

          3rd and 4th grade:  Linda Aaseng

          5th and 6th grade:  Jodi Hitz and Roxie Peterson

          Junior High:  Andy Hitz

          High School:  Bert Henry

 

NOTE:  If you would like to be a substitute teacher, please contact Raquel Linch.

 

Kid Squad

Kid squad will resume on Wednesday, September 19th 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.

 

Attention 3rd graders!!!  You will be presented with a Bible at the worship service on Rally Sunday.

 

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WOMEN OF THE ELCA

SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER

 

            Summer has disappeared so it’s time to start our fall activities.  Miriam Circle will meet on Thursday, September 6th at 7:00pm at Salem.  Nancy Taylor will be hostess and Joyce Anderson will lead the Bible study.  Rebekah Circle will meet on Thursday, September 13th at 1:15pm at Salem.  Breta Kinkade will be hostess and Flossie Roberts will lead the Bible study.  All women, and any friends are welcome and invited to attend either of these meetings.

            Cluster 13 fall meeting will be held on October 6that Bethesda in Clarinda.  Coffee is at 9am with the meeting adjourning after lunch.  There will be sign-up sheet on the bulletin board so we can pool rides.  Mark this on your calendar, ladies, so we can have a good group attending.

            Quilting begins September 4th at 1:30pm.  We have a closet full of material and Willard has many tops of us to tie.  All ladies of the congregation are invited to join us. 

            There is a retreat planned for the weekend of September 21st at Manson, IA.  It is called “Raising Up Healthy Women and Girls”.  More details on the bulletin in the narthex.

 

        

September Worship Team Responsibilities

 

Sunday, September 2nd                                              Sunday, September 9th

Greeters:  Jo Levine, Kris Luddington               Greeters:  Jo Levine

Ushers:    Ron Levine, Chuck Eilers                              Ushers:    Ron Levine, Mike Linch

                Don & Eleanor Toycen                                                 Chuck & Janet Eilers

Reader:    Raquel Linch                                     Reader:    Raquel Linch

Communion Assistants: 

                Chuck Eilers and Donovan Richardson

Coffee & Cookies:  Eilers

 

Sunday, September 16th                                             Sunday, September 23rd

Greeters:  Ray Hanson, Russ Wachter               Greeters:  Larry & Gracie Otten

Ushers:    Bob & LouAnn Snodgrass                            Ushers:    Ron Levine, Mike Linch

                Don & Eleanor Toycen                                                 Ray Hanson, Chuck Eilers

Reader:   Stacy Wood                                                  Reader:    LouAnn Snodgrass

Acolyte:  Sean Snodgrass                                             Acolyte:   Sean Snodgrass

Communion Assistants:                                                 Coffee & Cookies:  Linch& Otten

                Raquel Linch and Grant Wood

Coffee & Cookies:  Stacy Wood and Toycen

 

Sunday, September 30th

Greeters:  Gracie Otten, Kris Luddington                      Ushers:   Tony & Peggy Cass

                Ray Hanson                                                                 Chuck & Janet Eilers

Reader:    Stacy Wood                                     Acolyte:  Sean Snodgrass

Coffee & Cookies:  Snodgrass and Cass