Mess iah Mes s enger

Messiah Lutheran Church

July, 2017

Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rev. Susanne Smith Youth Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kelly Benz Organist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hal Morton Choir Director . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Alice Kenel Administrator/Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . .Dennis Wohlers Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Toni Landon Facilities . . . . . . Jerry & Kay Claussen, & Matt Mitchell Nursery Attendant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ashley Gerst Preschool Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Margie Gerst, Director Aubrey Gerst, Deb Jensen, Krystal Klein 2017 Council Members: Joel Hanger-president, Mark Smith-vice-president, Steve Sanders-treasurer, Roger Hatteberg-secretary, Karen Cahill, Sandy Good, John Larson, Lotegeluaki Lengai, Rich Miller, Joanne Mohr, Doris Speer, Judy Stewart, Marcia Taeger

Inside this issue:

July Happenings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Preschool News &

Youth Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

2017 Synod Assembly report . . . . . . . . . . 4

Synod Assembly report cont. &

I Can Only Imagine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Scheduled to Serve,

Birthdays & Anniversaries . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Staff and Council Members at Messiah

Messiah has a new choir director, Alice Kenel.

We are very happy to have Alice join Messiah’s staff as of July 1. Alice Kenel is the music teacher at West Burlington Elementary School. She is married with two small children, and comes to us from the Roman Catholic church. Alice has two bachelor’s degrees, one in music education from Iowa Wesleyan, and another in linguistics from Central College. She says, “In understanding the music of the church, I think the message is important whether we are singing traditional hymns, choral arrangements, or solos. Yes, you want it to sound good, but you also want it to be memorable and have that message of hope, love, forgiveness, or even a more specific message tied to the gospel. Music helps us to share, understand, and feel that message.”

Choir begins on Sunday, September 10, rehearsing at 9:15am for the 10:30 service. We would love to see you in the balcony this fall, singing with the choir under Alice’s direction.

This picture is of Alice Kenel, with her daughter Helena. Greet her when you see her!

STEWARDSHIP

Are you part of God’s story?

Stewardship is not about money, how much to give, when to give, or where to give it to.

Stewardship is about being in God’s story!

It’s about being part of God’s blessing, being a part of God’s promises, and being a part of God’s generosity! Responding to that Generosity with your own generosity. What God has given you: give back to Christ what he asks of you.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19

Christ says, “Give me all. I don’t want so much of your time and so much of your money and so much of your work: I want you”.

By the grace of God . . .

Funeral - Judith Stewart 07/10/1942 - 06/17/2017

THANK YOU NOTES

To: the Messiah Lutheran Church Congregation. Our week at Messiah has been absolutely wonderful. It has been a pleasure working with every single one of the staff, helpers and more especially, our day camp-ers. We feel very blessed to have the opportunity to work with such a dedicated church. We would also like to take this opportunity to invite every one of you to our camp site at Strawberry Point. Feel free to visit, volun-teer, be a camp grandparent, undergo our famous leadership training (LT) program, be a camper...the list goes on. You’re always welcome. May God richly bless you all. Kind regards, EWALU Camp/VBS Staff Dear Friends & Pastor Susanne Smith, Thank you for recognizing the 60th anniversary of my ordination. It was very kind of you to remember this important event in my life. God Bless you, Dick Bailey

COMMUNITY AND CARE

A NOTE FROM BOB AND DORIS SPEER Our dear, precious family of fellow believers at Messiah Lutheran Church: There simply are no words to adequately express our love and appreciation for the precious souls at Messiah who made our time with you a sweet, sweet blessing. It was painful to leave without having the opportunity to embrace each one of you, but we truly will hold you in our hearts always. You were God’s angels on earth for us. May He return the bless-ings to you many times over. We definitely have left a piece of our hearts with you. Your continued prayers of support are valued beyond words. Our love and heart-felt appreciation, Doris & Bob

GREAT RIVER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL is in search of a couple of teachers this year. They are in need of 3rd and 6th grade teachers and a part-time Jr./Sr. high school English teacher. If you are interested, stop by the school at 426 Harrison to pick up an application or call the office at 319-753-2255.

service and witness

TAKE AWAY HUNGER will be packaging on Saturday, July 15th with Messiah scheduled at 10 a.m. Please sign the sheet in the narthex if you plan on helping. Many thanks to all our loyal helpers.

TEACHING AND LEARNING

ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL/ADULT FORUM Pr. Susanne presents the gospel for each Sunday.

DEAR MEMBERS OF MESSIAH: Thanks to all who are sponsoring a student from Liberia. Let me know if you still want to sponsor your student or if you want to sponsor another student. Also, let me know if you would like to learn this process and help me. Thanks. Peace, Carolyn Miller (If you are supporting the Phebe Scholarship program, please make out your check to Messiah Lutheran Church)

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MESSIAH’S PROPOSED COLUMBARIUM

Many months ago, Judy Stewart asked council’s per-mission to gather a task force to look at the feasibility of developing a columbarium at Messiah. A columbari-um is a permanent resting place for our members’ ash-es. Columbaria are a modern take on the ancient prac-tice of keeping the graves of the saints near or in the church. Perhaps you remember worshipping at a country church with its cemetery nearby. Aspen Grove has their columbarium near the front entrance to the cemetery. St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mt. Pleasant has placed theirs inside the church.

The task force, Judy Stewart, John Lundgren, Jana Hayes, and Pastor Susanne, have been meeting regu-larly. They have taken a break while Don Duke and Property Committee work out some engineering mat-ters. The task force has interviewed several columbari-um companies by phone and decided they would want to work with Eickhoff Columbaria of Crookston, Minne-sota. They have reviewed contracts that several other churches have drawn up for their columbaria, and would work with council to create a contract appropri-ate for Messiah and competitive for our area. They are recommending making a place in Messiah’s courtyard for a first phase structure.

The columbarium task force understands that many Messiah members have already made commitments for their final resting places. And, just like with other final arrangements, no one who already has cemetery plots would be expected to underwrite the cost of the Messiah columbarium. So far, at least eight people have indicated serious interest in having their ashes placed in a Messiah columbarium. If you are interested in learning more about this project, please contact any member of the task force, or ask Pastor Susanne when the group plans to meet next.

Messiah Preschool SHAPING FUTURES THROUGH FAITH BASED EDUCATION

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Children Ages - 3, 4 & 5 - Certified Teachers 5 Star Quality Rating System - Iowa Gold Seal Award for Quality

Serving the community for over 50 years.

319-754-7591 ext.2 • 2411 West Ave., Burlington, Iowa 52601

Greetings from the children’s wing… Yes we have a few openings in our 3 and 4 year-old Ses-sions. Call Ms. Margie (our Director) at 754-7591 ext. 2. If I am not available leave me a mes-sage with your phone number, name, address, and the class you are interested in. I will return your call and any questions you may have. You can also find us online at the church webpage. I would like to invite you to renew or lend your support for Messiah Preschool Students by do-nating to the Scholarship/Tuition Fund. This helps with tuition assistance to our church family members. Several families still wish to have their children to a private Christian Preschool setting rather than in the public school programs at this age. The opportunities we offer the children give them a jump start throughout their educational journey in a nurturing setting. These experiences are developmentally appropriate and balanced between structure and free choice. Other items that you could donate to the preschool would be Gift Cards from Walmart, Staples, Walgreens, Fairway or Hy-Vee. We can always use craft or art materials. We have had to discontinue the Campbells proof of purchase program as it is not provided in our part of the country any longer. Have a safe and relaxing summer!! Thank you for your con-tinued support and prayers.

Rachel Kurtz is a Minneapolis-based songwriter, performer and recording artist. Churches across the country have discovered Rachel’s powerhouse voice and joyful presence thanks to her relentless touring schedule, and her featured appearances on the main stage of recent national youth gatherings. Her song “Make A Difference” has become a wide-spread sensation sung by praise bands, youth groups, and school choirs from coast to coast.

Rachel Kurtz Concert - Sunday, July 30th at 1pm Free will offering

Weather permitting, the concert will be held outdoors. Please bring your lawn chair. For more information, please contact Kelly Benz at Kelly.messiah@gmail.com or the Messiah Church office.

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Southeastern Iowa Synod 2017 Synod Assembly

Wet and cold fifty degree weather welcomed us to the 2017 Synod Assembly in Des Moines, IA after leaving Burlington with the temperature in the upper 70s. We were happy to assemble in a venue that could accommodate the entire assembly under one roof at the “Lutheran Church of Hope”. The theme of the 2017 Spring Assembly was “God So Loved the World”. Voting members of Synod Assemblies meet, pray for wisdom and the presence of the Holy Spirit, deliberate together, and vote on issues and in elections. We are gathered by God’s Spirit around Word and Sacrament, the means of grace. This gathering in worship is central to everything we do, informing and shaping all of ministry. We are claimed in baptism, connected to Christ Jesus and through baptism into Christ, we are connected to one another. We need each other, and in Christ, we have each other. We are sent into our local communities and beyond...sent to serve the neighbor, to share the Good News, and to invite others into a relationship with Jesus, who is hope for the whole world. The group of very talented musicians known as “Dakota Road” provided stirring original music during the Assembly as well as during the worship services. We began each morning with a hot breakfast served at the Church. Plenary sessions one through three were held during the day on Friday where reports and elections were held with Bishop Michael Burk presiding. At 4:15 the Assembly broke to attend a forum of each person’s choice. We decided to package meals during this time for the hungry to be distributed over a wide variety of venues. This packaging was very similar to the packag-ing which takes place here at Messiah Lutheran. Many boxes of meals were packaged during the Assembly at different times during the two days. The evening worship service was held in the Worship Center with Bishop Michael Burk presiding. What a great feeling to join in hymns with approximately 500 people singing. After breakfast and worship on Saturday morning, with William “Bill” Horne II Vice President of the ELCA presiding, Plenary Session Four was held. Resolutions voted on and approved are as follows: Resolution #1: To direct the synod’s Commission for Church in Society to develop a strategy for building aware-ness about the proper nutritional requirements in the first 1,000 days of life, beginning with conception. Resolution #2: To encourage its bishop, pastors, and congregations to engage in a process of education, conver-sation, and prayerful discernment regarding the ongoing refugee crisis. To live out our biblical mandate to welcome the stranger by advocating to their elected officials for an increase, rather than a decrease, in refugee arrivals to our nation and communities in 2017. To reach out in welcome to newly arrived refugees and in kinship toward existing refugee communities. To learn more about and support the work of organizations such as Luther-an Services in Iowa and Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services who provide programming that benefits, supports, educates, and empowers refugees. Resolution #3: That the Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly encourage members of the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the ELCA to contact their legislators and the President of the United States to: a. take action to reform the immigrations laws of the United States, so that persons wishing to migrate permanent-

ly to the United States may do so legally, and b. halt detention and deportation of immigrants not guilty of felony until comprehensive immigration policy reform

is fully enacted by the Congress, and c. enforce a reasonable border policy that ensures both security and humanitarian concern on both sides of the

border, and d. open a pathway to legal status and citizenship to immigrants who have been residing in this country without

legal documentation and who are not felons.

I Can Only Imagine I can only imagine how excited the apostles were having Jesus back with them after His death and resurrec-tion. Just think the risen Christ, leading his church and once again teaching the apostles. Now, he was tell-ing them that he is going away to heaven to be with his father. This is not what they were expecting.

The apostles had been learning from Jesus’ teaching for about 3 and 1/2 years. They had been attending his ‘bible school’ as it were. It was time for their graduation. They are instructed to go to all the ends of the earth and preach his gospel to all people. It was time to strike out on their own, time to take the training wheels off, and time to rise and shine and go preach Christ.

But Jesus did not leave them without guidance, he introduced them to the Holy Spirit. The scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit came in the form of a rushing wind and filled the room. (Acts 2:2) The Holy Spirit brought seven gifts to aid them in spreading the gospel.

In todays language, we might call them “Apps,” or we may think of them as tools. Here are a few examples: Illness: There is an “App” for that . It’s the gift of healing. Advise: There is an “App” for that. It’s the gift of wisdom. Counsel: There is an “App” for that. It’s the gift of knowledge.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are for ALL believers, and the purpose of each gift is for the edification and common good of the community.

A gift is made up of 2 parts. Something has to be offered, and then that offering has to be received to complete the transaction. The Holy Spirit is offering His gifts and we, his believers, are to be receivers. God seeks our cooperation by us yielding to His love, truth, and power.

I challenge you this month to an experiment. When you feel a gust of wind on your face, take a moment to reflect on the Holy Spirit, then whisper to yourself “Yes, I receive.”

Would this make a difference in our lives, would it affect our community, or perhaps start to change the world? I can only imagine.

Linda Sweezer

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2017 Synod Assembly continued During this time our own Rev. Richard Bailey was recognized for his 60th anniversary of ordination. What an accomplishment for him and an honor for us at Messiah Lutheran. At 11:00 a.m. we once again were given a choice of forums to attend. Chalmer chose to attend “God’s Globe-Spanning Love: Startling Beginnings in Matthew and Luke” presented by Richard Webb. They investigated Matthew’s disturbing genealogy, Mary’s scandalous pregnancy, the strange journey of the Magi, and the surprising witness of the shepherds. Sandy attended “A Little Word for Faith”, presented by Dr. Ken Sundet Jones, in which we explored how writing the Catechism fit with Luther’s goal of preaching the gospel in a way that brought saving faith. We once again joined together for the Closing of the Assembly by Bishop Burk and encouraged to enjoy lunch before heading on our way home. We want to thank the members of Messiah Lutheran Church for giving us the opportunity to represent you at the 2017 Spring Assembly of the Southeastern Iowa Synod. It is an opportunity which each member of the South-eastern Iowa Synod should experience and enjoy. Chalmer and Sandy Good

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Scheduled to Serve in July

8:00 SERVICE Communion Assistant: July 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Chicken July 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cathy Borden July 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carm McBeth July 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Geren July 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marcia Taeger Lector: July 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Mary Chicken July 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Cathy Borden July 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carm McBeth July 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathy Geren July 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Marcia Taeger

10:30 SERVICE Ushers: Bob Kremer (head usher), Paula Ander-

son, Chalmer & Sandy Good, Ted Preus Greeter: July 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Kulp July 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mary Kulp Refreshments: July 9 . . . . Tom & Lorna Miller (35th anniversary) July 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .John Lundgren July 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . Potluck with Rachel Kurtz Communion Assistants: July 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Darrell Sweezer July 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roger Hatteberg July 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Richard Bailey July 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Rich Miller July 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Joanne Mohr Lector: July 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marcia Lohmann July 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Sandy Good July 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dave Wiemer July 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ruth Baker July 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Brenda Clements Acolytes: July 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narisio Lotegeluaki July 9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Wayne Carruthers July 16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Emma Tessen July 23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Narisio Lotegeluaki July 30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Matthew Dittner Altar Guild: Kay Wischmeier & Nenyo Lotegeluaki

JULY BIRTHDAYS

2 - Cathy Borden, Janice Godfrey, Alyssa Ruther 3 - Eric Benne, Richard Schoof 4 - Don Fedler, Joanne Mohr 6 - Matthew Dieterich 7 - Stephen Zager 10 - Greg Oriano 11 - Jimmy Gerst, Mary Ann Werner 14 - Ally Ruther 17 - Richard Bailey, Dan Myatt 18 - Carm McBeth, Caden Ruther, Cristy Schmidt 19 - Ella Schoof, Hunter Vargason 20 - Schuyler Brinkley, Ashley Hester, Jeremy Robinson 23 - Marcia Bruns, Roger Hatteberg 24 - Sally Dietrick 26 - Kay Claussen 27 - Anita Fleming, Dalton Plumb 28 - Crys Ruther 29 - Kent Lewis, Suvi Smith 30 - Bob Hiller 31 - Bob Schoof

JUNE ANNIVERSARIES

11 Tom and Lorna Miller - 1982 13 Ralph and Mary Jo Andersen - 1985 12 Anita and Bob Fleming - 2002 21 Kathryn and Corey Graupman - 2007 12 Jill and Allen Fuqua - 1975 25 Randall and Susan Simmons - 1975 12 Wayne and Colleen Heibner - 1969 31 Bob and Kay Kremer - 1960

*Let the office know if we have missed your birthday or anniversary. If you prefer not to have your name included in the birthday and anniversary lists, please let us know.

Mission Statement Welcoming all people to share in God’s blessings by strength-ening our commitment to God through prayer, fellowship and service.

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MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH 2411 West Avenue

BURLINGTON, IOWA 52601

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Burlington, IA

52601-1598

Permit No. 360

Return Service Requested

Sunday Mornings Worship (in the shelter house) 8:00 a.m. Adult Bible Study 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

Third Wednesdays Supper 6:00 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer 7:00 p.m.

JULY 2017

MESSIAH LUTHERAN

CHURCH

Phone: 319-754-7591

Fax: 319-754-7592 E-mail: messiah2411@gmail.com

www.messiahburlington.org

This month

Landscapers’ work crew - every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. Weekly Bible Study - every Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m. Alanon - every Tuesday at noon 3rd Wednesday - July 19 supper (6:00 p.m.) and Holden Evening Prayer (7:00 p.m.) Rachel Kurtz concert - July 30, 12:00-4:00 p.m., Messiah’s Shelter House