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411 Third Ave. | P. O. Box 297
Slater, IA 50244
411 3rd Avenue | P.O. Box 297, Slater, Iowa 50244-0297 | 515.228.3933
[email protected] | www.slaterblc.org
Inside: Bethlehem News & Notes page:
Pastor’s Corner: ................................................................................. 1 Council Update .................................................................................. 2 Attendance & Offering ...................................................................... 3 Looking Back ..................................................................................... 4-7 Looking Ahead ................................................................................... 8-9 Volunteers ......................................................................................... 10-11 Calendars ........................................................................................... 12-13 Birthdays & Anniversaries ................................................................. 14-15
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As most of you know, we’ve been between administrators here at Bethlehem. We’ve been in that position since late July, and we’ll remain in that position a while longer. The search is over, but the “betweenness” is expected to continue through spring. This is what a seminary professor might call a “proleptic moment” — a time that is both “already” and “not yet.” A formal announcement (re: our next administrator) is coming soon as BLC hosts another annual meeting (1/26). For now, I’m just thankful. Since July, many of you have pitched in as needed, and your willingness to serve continues to be a tremendous help. We navigated December quite well (a busy month). January is busy too in its own way, and that has forced some practical choices (this January/February newsletter being one example). Still, God has accomplished quite a lot through BLC in this interim time. I’m writing to say “thanks for your patience,” but more than this — “thanks for living into what it means to be church together.” Special thanks to both Marlene and Lori for the extra care they’ve consistently shared since July. I’m looking forward to 2020 here at Bethlehem. There’s a spirit of renewal and possibility in the air “already.” I’ll be praying for God’s continued provision in the “not yet’s” that are still to come. My friends, we have good reason to be hopeful this year, and even more reason to be thankful. Peace all, Pastor Nat
WELCOMING All to Jesus Christ BELIEVING In God’s Promises | SERVING God and Neighbor
LIVING In God’s Grace through Faith
NEWS & NOTES
January / February 2020 | Issue #702
Pastor’s Corner
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
411 3rd Avenue | P.O. Box 297
Slater, Iowa 50244-0297
515.228.3933
Nat Bothwell, Pastor
Church Council
Brenda Neville, President
Bill Britton
Jim Christensen
Stacey Cleverley
Mat Emery
Mike Helland
Ben Johnson
Barb Mallon
Lori McCasland
Rita Thorson
Bill White
Follow us
on Facebook!
Listen online
at www.slaterblc.org
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From Your BLC Council
Happy New Year! A new year is now fully upon us and as we look towards the new year, we continue to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and hopeful that things are moving in a positive direction at Bethlehem Lutheran. We are very grateful for the level of engagement that has continued to prevail at BLC. We are very fortunate to have dedicated council members, active committee members, and motivated volunteers that continue to step up when called to serve. Everyone has a voice and a role to serve at BLC and we will continue to offer even more opportunities in 2020. Many wonderful ideas and suggestions have emerged as we continue our journey to serve the people of Bethlehem and this community. Getting this kind of feedback is a strong testament to the progress we have made as a congregation. People are excited about the future and more importantly, they want to be part of it and be a part of our ongoing commitment of service. Involvement and engagement are at the heart of any successful organization or endeavor. We are very pleased that members of the BLC congregation understand the value of giving back to the church and have so graciously demonstrated their support of this simple yet important concept. A heartfelt THANK YOU for everyone that stepped up over the last year and helped us in our efforts to create a loving and “open arms” environment not only to members of the congregation but the entire community. So what is next for BLC? The million-dollar question, right? The first answer is easy – we want to continue to build on the important foundation that already exists at BLC. A foundation comprised of many different and loving people who share a common interest in seeing our church continue to thrive and grow. BLC is a special home to many and we want to continue to offer open arms, open hearts, and an open door to anyone who wants to enter. All are welcome. Additionally, we want to continue to build on the momentum that was started in 2018 when a new era began
at BLC with the hiring of Pastor Nat. Every new pastor starts a new Chapter and we want to continue to
create a narrative at BLC that focuses on coming together to accomplish great things. We have some tried
and true programs that will always remain in place and we have some new programs that have been started
that are worthy of continuing in 2020 and beyond. This combination of the “new” and “old” is a great
formula for sparking engagement, involvement, and yes, even imagination.
What else can we do to serve our church family and this community? Let’s keep asking that question and
more importantly, let’s keep looking for fresh ideas, innovative solutions, and exciting answers that will
continue to remind everyone that God is always with us and up to some really cool things at BLC.
Council Update
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December, 2019
Attendance Offering December 1 85 $ 3,410.00 December 8 118 2,441.00 December 15 228 4,509.00 December 22 102 4,997.00 December 24 188 / 61 5,115.00 December 29 61 1,484.00 2019 Total Offerings $ 168,172.35 Other Income $ 6,025.78 Add: Transfers In $ 63,907.18* Total Revenue $ 238,105.31 Total Expenses $ (238,229.07)* *These numbers include transfers in/out for non-budget items such as Refresh & Renew, the golf outing, and Christmas at Bethlehem. See BLC’s annual report for final year-end financials.
Attendance & Offering
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Looking Back
“The Star” was Awesome.
Many thanks to all involved in the writing, designing,
sewing, coaching, and performing of this BLC
original! “The Star” was a hit, with more than 200
friends & family enjoying this “one time only”
performance. Bethlehem’s mission as a church
includes the work of teaching the faith. Efforts such
as “The Star” and, more broadly, BLC’s Sunday
School program, are evidence of baptismal promises
being lived out. Again, many thanks to our
volunteers, teachers, sponsors, and young people
for their faithful work.
Thank you BLC Choir
The BLC Choir performed their annual Christmas
Cantata on Sunday, December 22nd. A very special
thank you to our choir, and BLC’s own William Polzin
for his work in directing this effort. The BLC choir
will resume practice on Wednesday nights at 6:00
p.m. beginning January 8th, and you’re welcome to
join them! Later this year, expect this group to sing
during the seasons of Lent and Easter— so listen for
more to come!
Christmas at Bethlehem, an Inaugural Night
On Friday, December 20th, Bethlehem hosted
“Christmas at Bethlehem” featuring singer/
songwriter Peter Mayer. It was a full house (not to
mention, a great night), and none of it would have
been possible without the help of our event team
and sponsors. Special thanks to all who worked so
hard to make this inaugural idea happen. Though
not a fundraiser, it was a net-positive event for BLC’s
budget. More importantly, it was a exercise in
hospitality (and “neighborly love,” as Peter’s new
song goes) — the kind of thing Christ calls us to.
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Looking Back | Continued
Approved Council Minutes (November, 2019) 2019 Bethlehem Lutheran Church Council Monthly Meeting Tuesday, November 19, 2019 6:00 pm-Church Basement
1. Welcome/Roll Call-Ben Johnson, Bill Britton, Mat Emery, Bill White, Nat Bothwell, Brenda Neville, Lori McCasland, Jim Christensen Excused – Stacey Cleverly, Barb Mallon, Rita Thorson & Mike Helland
2. Devotions – Everyone shared something they were grateful for
3. October Minutes - Motion to approve the minutes as written by Bill White. Seconded by Ben Johnson. 4. Monthly Financial Review-Bill Britton/ Ben Johnson/Jim Christensen
Overall financials look good, while we are still operating in the red, there has been some improvement in giving. Expenses are up compared to last year but last year, we didn’t have some of the expenses related to the pastor so it isn’t a real accurate comparison. Attendance continues to improve at worship services, but there giving isn’t increasing based on the increase in numbers. But the good news is that more people are coming to worship and maybe in time, there will be an increase in giving. Budgeting needs to begin for the 2020 Budget and a sub-committee of Ben Johnson, Mike Helland, Brenda Neville & Barb Mallon will begin that process and share w/the council.
5. General/Miscellaneous: Judy Whitney – Christmas Boxes – Judy gave an update on the 2019 Christmas Box Effort and reported that as of now there are 20 families signed up. The boxes will be assembled on Saturday, December 21st at 9:00 AM and the families will be able to pick up the boxes at the church at 10:00 AM. As in the past, the council was asked to provide funding for some of the food items that will be going in the boxes. Most of the food items will come from the Food Pantry and the Iowa Food Pantry will be providing the hams at a very reduced/reasonable rate. *Motion to provide money to cover the cost of the food for the Christmas Boxes by Bill White and seconded by Jim Christiansen. Jon Johnson – Investment Committee Report – John gave a report to the council on behalf of the investment committee. The investment committee continues to use the formula of 60/40 income to equity. The investment committee also always has $40,000 in a money market that could be used if needed - immediate access/liquid. *Motion to allow the investment committee to invest the parsonage money to 50/50 mix by Bill White, seconded by Ben Johnson. Motion passed. Ben Johnson will be the liaison from the council for the Investment Committee.
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Looking Back | Continued (Council Minutes)
Banqueting Table Update-Brenda Neville – NO Banqueting table on November 20th because the Alleman Church is having their annual harvest dinner. December 4th, Stephen Ministers will be serving. Final Banqueting table of 2019 will be on December 18th.
Christmas Concert Update-Brenda Neville — Have sold 107 tickets, $550 in sponsorships. Kringla will be sold for $7.00 per dozen. We hope for this to be an annual way to open our doors for fellowship and welcome to our neighbors. Pastor has help coming in to assist with light set-up. Will record concert, permission has been granted.
SS Christmas Program/SS Update-Brenda Neville— December 15th, @ 9:00 am service; family hour after
and Christmas Cards will be made by the children. Angel tree through the Sunday School program. R & R 2.0 Update-Brenda Neville/Bill White/Mat Emery—Meeting in December and regular meetings are
scheduled monthly after. Still collecting bids. Dave Helland has submitted a bid and it has been accepted for the front steps. Additional bids coming for possibly heating the steps, landscaping and lighting. The committee hopes to have everything finalized by March so the project can begin in May.
December Christmas Eve Services Schedule-Pastor Nat—5:30 pm (Jana will play) and 10:30 pm – still
looking for someone to provide music
Thank Offering-$7,990 came in Sunday. Hopeful more will still come in. New Signage for Church-Pastor gave an update on some new signs that are being made – specifically
handicap entrance information. It was suggested that he also look at the signs that are on the West and North entrances of town and get those changed to be consistent with the new signs.
Youth Gathering in Minneapolis in 2021-With the youth gathering being in Minneapolis, we are hopeful that BLC youth will be interested in participating. Information is being shared now and families of the eligible kids are being contacted in hopes that some of the parents would be willing to step up, get organized and help with get the kids organized to attend and participate.
Food Pantry-Bill Britton—Bill Britton shared an idea of approaching the City of Slater to see about having the food pantry as party of the new community center that is being built on main street. He felt this move would allow the food pantry to help more people and more fully supports the mission of outreach. After a lot of discussion regarding a number of different options, it was determined that an informal inquiry to City Officials would be of value.
* Bill White made a motion, seconded by Ben Johnson to make this inquiry. Motion was approved w/a
majority vote with 1 vote of opposition by Jim Christensen. Council asked Brenda Neville to begin the discussion by reaching out to Erica Weeks who is serving on the planning committee for the Community Center and report back to the council. The council also requested that several different options be fully reviewed and that more time be given to this topic in the future.
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Looking Back | Continued (Council Minutes)
6. Adjournment – With no further business the motion to adjourn by Jim Christensen, seconded by Brenda Neville. Next Meeting is December 17th @ 6:00 PM. Meeting will be shortened to allow for fellowship/Christmas cheer following the meeting at the Nite Hawk.
Thank You Sponsors
for your
Generous Support of
“Christmas at Bethlehem”
Luana Bank Keen Project Solutions
Lori McCasland • Joe & Brenda Neville •
Larry Larson/Slater Grocery Store Dave & Kari Middleton • Jess & Andy
Denner • Rick & Alison Peterson
FOODFACT:
Slater/Sheldahl Food Pantry Hours
Tuesdays 10 a.m.—11 a.m. Wednesdays 7 p.m.—9 p.m.
For more information, call 515-228-3076
1 in 4 More than 1 in 4 children in Story Coun-ty are eligible to receive free/reduced lunch on the basis of their family’s in-come.
2,703 meals were delivered to the homes of food insecure seniors by Heartland Senior Services in October of last year alone.
Source: The United Way of Story County)
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Looking Ahead
Council Meeting
The next Church Council meeting will be held
Tuesday, January 21st at 6:00 p.m. in the Caleb
room next to the church kitchen. All council
meetings are open to the congregation to attend.
Circle News
The BLCW Circle meets at 2 p.m. on January 21st in
the fellowship hall! The Nite Hawk Circle also meets
on Monday, January 20th at 6:30 p.m. Join our
Quilters on Monday morning (2/3) at 9am for a little
quilting while you’re at it! Morning or evening,
these women welcome your presence and
participation!
Banqueting Table News
Join us on Wednesday,
February 5th at 5:30 p.m. as
the Banqueting Table serves
up a menu that includes a
variety of homemade soups,
crackers & cheese, relishes,
and Cinnamon rolls!
Annual Meeting is 1/26
BLC will hold its annual meeting on January 26th immediately following our 9am worship. All voting members of BLC are encouraged to attend. After the meeting, we’ll enjoy some pie together in the fellowship hall!
In Our Prayers
Fallon Anderson Kim Brakke (Ann White’s sister-in-law)
Larry (Lori Bosley’s dad) Mike Duncan & Rob Scott (friends of the
Fairchild’s) Mark Eimers
Jeff Hughes (son of Patricia Ihle-Hughes) The Ihle Family
Ralph Kalzen (Susie Schaudt’s dad) Pat Kyle
Janet Larson Ruth Ann Meyers (a friend of Nicki Drobny)
DiAnn Schroeder (a friend of Abby Wait) Maxine Severson (John Sheldahl’s mom)
Jackie Skaar (a friend of Ann White) Christian Smith (grandson of Rose Arrasmith)
Summer Compton Vespestad Becky Walker
Rob Wright (a friend of Martha Sheldahl)
Join us in remembering these friends in prayer. Cards and notes of encouragement are always
welcome too!
We Remember Also
At Ballard Creek Phillis Newman | Elaine Weeks
At the Madrid Home Millie Nelson | Florence Krause | Tony Spence
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Looking Ahead | Continued
2020 Volunteer Schedule Posted!
Remember those Time and Talent sheets from last fall? We’ve compiled those responses and drafted a number of volunteer schedules for 2020. Those schedules are now available on the BLC website by visiting slaterblc.org/serving/2020-volunteers. Alternatively, you can always stop by the church office for the latest volunteer schedule. A big thank you to all who volunteer throughout the year as ushers, cantors, communion assistants, altar guild, and a variety of other roles. Interested in being part of the team? Email us [email protected] for more details.
2020 Flower Chart Posted
The latest flower chart for 2020 is now posted outside the church office. To reserve a particular Sunday, just write you name in any available space. Be sure to tell us if your gift of flowers is in memory or any particular person or event (an anniversary, birthday, baptism, etc.). We’ll be sure to include this note in the Sunday bulletin as we’re able.
2020 Church Directory Now Available for Edits A draft copy of the 2020 Church Directory is now available at the usher’s table through the remainder of January for your review. Please confirm that your contact information and photo are correct, and if changes are necessary, please provide those to the church office as soon as possible. We’ll be printing small batches of directories in February for general use. The goal: we’ll publish a new directory each year based upon the latest information BLC has on record.
Food Pantry Needs
• Soup Crackers
• Soups (except Tomato and Chicken Noodle) • Jelly
• Cake Mixes / Cookie Mixes • Paper Towels & Kleenex
• Tuna Helper
Raising our Voice for Iowa Children and Families Lutheran Day on the Hill
Families struggling without access to mental healthcare. Human services providers overworked and underpaid. Former refugees striving to build new lives. These are all issues faced by Iowans. Join us to make sure they are heard at the Iowa State Capitol. Please consider joining Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) and the three Iowa synods of the ELCA for Lutheran Day on the Hill, an annual day of advocacy in Des Moines to uplift the needs of our neighbors. The event will be held on Tuesday, February 25. Visit www.LSIowa.org/advocacy next month for event details, online registration, and an online toolkit for your congregation. If you are new to advocacy, come learn more about the legislative process and your role as a citizen. If you’ve attended before, join us again. If you would like more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI’s director of philanthropy and church relations, at [email protected] or 563-676-2065.
BLC’s regular giving to the SE Iowa Synod & the
ELCA supports the mission of LSI and other non-
profit missions throughout Iowa and the world.
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Looking Ahead | Continued
January Volunteers
Serving 1/5 Cantor: Erica Weeks-Burger Scripture Reader: Tami Staples Communion Assistants:
Sarah Seigfried Bill White Mary White
Serving 1/12 Cantor: Erica Weeks-Burger Scripture Reader: Sharon Mackey Children’s Message: Sharon Mackey Serving 1/19 Cantor: Sarah Seigfried Scripture Reader: Rose Lund Communion Assistants:
Cindi Zimmerman Lori McCasland Barb Mallon
Serving 1/26 Cantor: Sarah Seigfried Scripture Reader: Ken Lund Ushers: Jo Hokel Dennis Hokel Myrna Harmon Lori McCasland
Flower, Candle, & Sanctuary Prep: Lori McCasland Brenda Neville Altar & Chancel: Julie Britton Patricia Ihle-Hughes CD Delivery: 1/5 & 1/12 Ronna Hoppenworth & Barb Kahler 1/19 & 1/26 Mike Helland & Julie Britton Children’s Worship Bags: Patricia Ihle-Hughes
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Looking Ahead | Continued
February Volunteers
Serving 2/2 Cantor: Anders Dovre Scripture Reader: Ann Johnson Communion Assistants: Tami Staples Brenda Neville Jana Mitchell Serving 2/9 Cantor: Anders Dovre Scripture Reader: Doug Mackey Children’s Message: Sarah Seigfried Serving 2/16 Cantor: Rose Arrasmith Scripture Reader: Myrna Harmon Communion Assistants: Cindi Zimmerman Juli Helland Lori McCasland Serving 2/23 Cantor: Rose Arrasmith Scripture Reader: Anders Dovre Ushers: Jon Johnson Ben Johnson Mike Coomes Stacey Coomes
Flower, Candle. & Sanctuary Prep: Juli Helland Darla Weeks Altar & Chancel: Jana Mitchell Cindi Zimmerman CD Delivery: Mike Helland & Juli Britton (2/2 & 2/9) Barb Kahler & Jana Mitchell (2/16 & 2/23) Children’s Worship Bags: Barb Kahler
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January 2020
Looking Ahead | Continued
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
29 9am Worship 10:15am Fellowship Lessons & Carols Service
30 31 1 New Year's Day
2 5pm Worship Team
3 4
5 9am Worship/Communion 10:15am Fellowship 2pm Venturing Crew 3pm Venturing Crew 10:15pm Sunday School 10:30pm Undeck the Halls Event
6 9am BLC Quilters Meet
7 8 6pm Choir Practice 6pm Confirmation Class
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10 11
12 9am Worship 10:15am Fellowship 10:15am Sunday School 5pm Troop 163 Meeting
13 14
15 5:30pm Banqueting Table 6pm Confirmation Class 6:15pm Choir Practice
16 3pm Worship at Ballard Creek 6:30pm Refresh & Renew 2.2
17 18
19 9am Worship/Communion 10:15am Fellowship 10:15am Sunday School
20 9am BLC Quilters Meet 6:30pm Nite Hawk Women's Circle Meets
21 2pm BLCW Circle Meets 6pm Council Meeting
22 6pm Choir Practice 6pm Confirmation Class
23
24 25
26 9am Kids Sing 9am Worship 10am Annual Meeting 10:15am Sunday School 5pm Troop 163 Meeting
27 28 7pm Troop 163 Committee Meeting
29 6pm Choir Practice 6pm Confirmation Class
30
31 1
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February 2020
Looking Ahead | Continued
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
26 9am Kids Sing 9am Worship 10am Annual Meeting 10:15am Sunday School 5pm Troop 163 Meeting
27 28 7pm Troop 163 Committee Meeting
29 6pm Choir Practice 6pm Confirmation Class
30
31 1
2 9am Worship/Communion 10:15am Fellowship 10:15am Sunday School 2pm Venturing Crew 3pm Venturing Crew
3 9am BLC Quilters Meet
4 5 5:30pm Banqueting Table 6pm Confirmation Class 6:15pm Choir Practice
6 5pm Worship Committee Meeting 5pm Worship Committee Meeting 6:30pm Refresh & Renew 2.2
7 8
9 9am Worship 10:15am Fellowship 10:15am Sunday School 5pm Troop 163 Meeting
10 11
12 6pm Choir Practice 6pm Confirmation Class
13
14 15
16 9am Worship/Communion 10:15am Fellowship 10:15am Sunday School
17 9am BLC Quilters Meet 6:30pm Nite Hawk Women's Circle Meets
18 2pm BLCW Circle Meets 6pm Council Meeting
19 5:30pm Banqueting Table 6pm Choir Practice 6pm Confirmation Class
20
21 22
23 9am Kids Sing 9am Worship 10:15am Fellowship 10:15am Sunday School 5pm Troop 163 Meeting
24 25 7pm Troop 163 Committee Meeting
26 6pm Confirmation Class 7pm Ash Wednesday (Lent begins) 7pm Choir Sings
27
28 29
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Big News!
Photography Notice: Church activities are often photographed for archival or communication purposes. Bethlehem Lutheran Church may use those photos in newsletters, online, or for other church communications from time to time. In any case, individual names and other identifying information will remain confidential unless expressly authorized by you. If you wish to have a picture of yourself or a dependent retracted at any time, simply contact the church office for assistance.
“So teach us to count our days
that we may gain
a wise heart.”
Psalm 90:12
January Birthdays January Anniversaries
1 - Cindy Johnson
3 - Blair Jack,
Zach Upah
4 - Joseph Pearce
5 - Hailey Terrone, Megan Kyh
6 - Barb Mallon
7 - Dave Holland
8 - Blake Bauer,
Steph Emery
9 - Charlene Michael, Daniel Gross
Dusty Sheehan, Ellie Albertsen
Nolan Staples
10 - Austin Seibert,
Jack Lund
11 - Billy Wheeler
12 - Ardy Hinds
13 - Brenden Kaldenberg,
Gabe Emery
16 - Trevor Smith
17 - Don Sievers
22 - Austin Thompson, Cole Smith
Wyatt Weeks
23 - Jo Hokel,
Mitchell Broer
Zachery Thompson
24 - Rose Arrasmith,
Steve Boyd
25 - Tammy Johnson
27 - Anna Greenwood, Jamie Holland
Mark Eimers
28 - Jamie Albertsen
29 - Amy Holmes,
Lori Morrissey
Stetson Meyer
11 - Rollie and Pat McCubbin 20 - Scott and Rita Thorson 23 - Dave and Brenda Hokel 28 - Joe and Tammy Johnson 31 - Randy and Monica Bowers
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“So teach us to count our days
that we may gain
a wise heart.”
Psalm 90:12
Big News!
Photography Notice: Church activities are often photographed for archival or communication purposes. Bethlehem Lutheran Church may use those photos in newsletters, online, or for other church communications from time to time. In any case, individual names and other identifying information will remain confidential unless expressly authorized by you. If you wish to have a picture of yourself or a dependent retracted at any time, simply contact the church office for assistance.
February Birthdays February Anniversaries
1 - Tyler Eatock
4 - Kory Conrad
5 - Calli Upah
Stacey Cleverley
6 - Alli White
7 - Gianna Goins
Rylie Price
Wade Stocksleger
8 - Jason Krause
9 - Maggie Zimmermann
Mike Helland
11 - Tony Murray
15 - Bonnie Dingman
Cael Eatock
Rosalie Eimers
16 - Gary Ihle
Tracy Beardmore
17 - Alisha Smith
18 - Chase Lucas
21 - Jill Wheeler
Stacie Coomes
23 - William Cleverley 24 - Emily Connell
Jerry Weeks
Mandy Hogrefe
25 - Ben Stocksleger
Carver Wheeler
Lucy Cline
27 - Dave Hokel
28 - Mark Estrem
29 - Journey Eatock
Marilyn McCauley
15 - Darrell and Chris Herrin 18 - Orin and Norma Erickson
