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October 2017

Monthly Newsletter

From the Pastor’s Desk

Grace and peace to you from the Triune God!

Questions. There are many questions when it comes to life. And there are just as many if not more questions that we consider when it comes to a life of faith in Jesus Christ. Many questions that we ask or that are asked of us don’t have simple, straight-forward answers. However, that does not mean that we get to ignore them or dismiss them simply because there is no clear answer. It is in the exploration of these questions that we grow. When we acknowledge and struggle with these questions, our faith is active and alive. If we deny or avoid wrestling with these questions, our faith is dead. We are not meant to live with these questions alone, but instead we are to engage them together as a community of faith.

With the past couple newsletter articles, I have begun to pose some questions that face us as followers of Jesus Christ in this time and place. By no means have I asked all the questions. Nor do I expect us to fully answer them. Actually, my encouragement is rather than trying to find suitable answers to these questions so as to check them off our list and move on, to instead continually engage these questions together so that we develop a pattern of discerning what God is up to. As we explore these questions, I would like to pose some thoughts for us to consider together. Over the next couple months, my newsletter article will focus on some different questions and putting forth some “food for thought.” These thoughts are not strict answers, but are things that might help us guide our thinking.

What does it mean to be the church? For star ters, let’s look at what the church is and is not. We can be sure that the church is not a building. The Greek word that we often translate as “church” literally means “assembly.” Therefore, the church is a group of people. Another concept that is commonly associated with church, especially in the book of Acts, is fellowship. Literally a “fellowship” is a community, a group of people who “hold things in common.” (Acts 2.44, 4.32) Therefore, the church is a group of people who live life together, sharing things in common. Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the body of Christ as a way to describe the church. (I Cor 12, Rom 12, etc) Therefore, the church is a group of people who live together in a community where every person has a unique function that is necessary for the life and vitality of the community. With those things in mind then, when we think about what it means to be the church, we need to think broader than what it means to be the group of people who gather once a week at a particular location and then go home. We need to think about what it means for us to live as a community where every person is a necessary part of our life together. And, of course, the church is not just any community, it is a community centered in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. All of our thoughts about what it means to be the church need to start with our common confession: that Jesus Christ, God the Son in human form, died for the sake of the world and rose from the dead.

How do we share the Gospel? In order for us to think about this question, we must fir st be clear on what the Gospel is. Literally “gospel” means “good news.” So what is our good news? It is that Jesus Christ, the one who was crucified, is risen from the dead. To many people, this is a ridiculous claim that goes against logic and common sense, that there is a dead guy who is living again. Yet this is the good news. This is our claim. That Jesus Christ, indeed, is risen from the dead. Now, the implications of this are vast and cannot possibly be totally outlined here so I want to focus on one. Jesus being raised from the dead is confirmation

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GLY Group

GLY Group will start up again on Oct 1st at 3:30 p.m. Students in

grades 8th through 12th are welcome to join the group. We meet on Sunday afternoons from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. in the YOT Room. Each Sunday we will have some time to simply be

together and have some fun and we will also join in bible study together. Focus of GLY group this year will include planning and prepping for the ELCA Youth Gathering.

Those who are not going on the gathering trip will still be

able to fully participate in GLY Group on Sunday.

Trunk or Treat—Sunday, October 29th

Sunday, October 29th, between the hours of 4-6 p.m.

we will do Trunk or Treating at the SOTC parking lot.

All families are welcome to join the activities. Please

mark your calendar and watch for additional

information in the near future.

that Jesus is truly “the Christ, son of the living God.” (Mt 16.16) “Christ” is not Jesus’ last name. His parents weren’t “Mary Christ” and “Joseph Christ” and so he is called “Jesus Christ.” No, “Christ” is a title that means “anointed (chosen) one of God.” God raising Jesus from the dead is confirmation that Jesus is God’s anointed one; the resurrection is confirmation that Jesus’ life and ministry were aligned with the will of God. Jesus was killed because of it, but Jesus didn’t stay dead. If we take the Gospel seriously, if we take it seriously that Jesus did indeed rise from the dead, then we need to take seriously that the life and work of Jesus Christ should be at the heart of our life and work as we share the Gospel in our words and our actions. It is not enough for us to hear the Gospel because the Gospel is for the world. So we must share it. “How are they to call on one in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone to proclaim [Jesus Christ]? And how are they to proclaim [Christ] unless they are sent? As it is written ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Rom 10.14-15) How we share the Gospel in our words and actions must be rooted in aligning ourselves to the work and ministry of Jesus Christ, and thusly the will of God.

Again these thoughts are not strict answers to the questions that we are dealing with but hopefully serve as a way to get us started as we wrestle with these questions together.

May God’s Spirit guide us in our journey together.

Pastor Dan

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Grace Lutheran Church Presents Bach Cantata BWV79 in

Honor of 500 Years of Lutheran Reformation - Saturday, October 28, 2017

Grace Lutheran Church is preparing to present Bach’s Cantata: BWV 79 “Gott der

Herr ist Sonn und Schild.” This cantata was originally composed for the celebration

of reformation Sunday and first performed on Sunday, October 31, 1725. Bach,

being the great father of composition and the keyboard instruments was a devout

Lutheran and throughout his career held positions as choir master, composer, and

organist at various churches throughout Germany; many of these churches are still

standing today. The piece will be sung in the original German text. In honor of the

500 years of Lutheran Reformation, it seems every arts organization is performing

works by Bach, most recently to note in our area was Orchestra Iowa’s performance of the Bach B Minor

Mass. This important milestone in Lutheran history has really brought this profound composer to the front of

our minds as Bach is arguably the most important and influential composer to have ever lived and a highly

devout Lutheran.

This program will feature 3 guest solo artists, who will help bring this beautiful music to life. The first of

which is Dr. John Muriello, baritone and Professor of Voice at the University of Iowa School of Music, second

is Ashley Nuñez, soprano who is a recent graduate of the Stetson University School of Music in DeLand, FL

and winner of the prestigious HM Giffin Vocal Competition, and Nicole Rivera-Montañez, mezzo-soprano,

also a graduate of the Stetson University School of Music in DeLand, FL, a recent Carnegie Hall recitalist, and

a finalist in the prestigious HM Giffin Vocal Competition. This program is under the direction of Grace

Lutheran Church Music Director, Miles Sutton.

The program will take place on Saturday, October 28th, 2017 at Grace Lutheran Church at 7:00pm with a

reception to follow. Please come and enjoy a wonderful evening of beautiful music.

Blessing of the Quilts

Sunday, October 8th, at both the 8:15 and 10:45 a.m. service, we will be blessing the

quilts that the Women’s Quilting Group have sewn this past year. The quilts will be

displayed in the Sanctuary over the pews. Once the quilts are blessed, they will be

boxed up and sent to areas around the world who are in need of them. This past year

the group quilted over 100+ quilts. They have also quilted 7 baby quilts which were

donated to LSI. Members of the group are Sue Bengtson, Mary Chalupa, Nancy

Cromer, Janet Duncan, Deb Holliday, Mary Hovick, and Beth Lemkau. Thank you

for your beautiful work.

Grace Nite Out

Sunday October 8th, 5 p.m. if weather permits, let’s try one more night at the Lighthouse. Too cold or rainy

we will start back to the Family Restaurant. We’ve had some busy weeks at church. Time to sit down and

just enjoy the fellowship. All are welcome. Hope to see you there.

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Special Congregational Meeting Minutes

September 24, 2017

JoAnne Fisher, Vice President/Council Secretary, called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. followed by an

opening prayer from Pr. Baldwin.

JoAnne Fisher explained the intent of the meeting to the in fifty-four voting members in attendance, which was

to vote on the recommendation from Council to the Congregation to purchase two 75-inch Sony TV monitors.

Pr. Baldwin gave a brief history and explanation of the previous projection system and the steps taken to

inform the congregation.

Mike Allenbaugh spoke briefly on the financial status of the church indicating the purchase of the TV monitors

would not affect any on-going programs or projects.

JoAnne Fisher asked the attendees for any questions or comments and since none were expressed, the motion

to accept the recommendation was requested.

It was moved by Lynn Kelly and seconded by Jim Edgmond to purchase from Reference Audio-Visual

Systems, 1120 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport, IA, Two 75-inch Sony 4K HDR TV display monitors to be

hung on each side of the front of the altar on the wooden posts for a total cost with tax, labor, and wiring of

$10,636.80.

Forty-eight members voted in favor of the motion with six members opposing. The motion was passed.

Respectfully submitted,

JoAnne Fisher, Council Secretary

Meeting adjourned 10:40 a.m.

Recording Secretary: Ramona Allenbaugh

UPDATE: All the necessary paperwork has been completed and the check has been issued to Reference

Video for the two 75-inch TV monitors. The estimated installation date is the first week of October.

Council Action and Highlights

Due to the late date of the Council Meeting, September 28, 2017, the Council Actions and Highlights will be

posted on the bulletin board outside the Church Administrator’s office the first week of October. Thank you.

Taste of Heaven Cookbook Updates

Listed below are missing ingredients in three of the recipes in the Taste of Heaven church cookbook. If your

recipe is missing an ingredient, please let us know, and we will add it to the list. Thanks for supporting this

fundraiser!

Page 13: Rich & Charlie’s Salad—Change brown sugar to brown vinegar

Page 52: Chocolate Brownies—Add 4 eggs

Page 27: Baked Spaghetti—Ad 8 oz. can tomato sauce

Committee Members: Brenda Erber, JoAnne Fisher, Lynn Kelly, Tammy Stein, and Tibe Vander Linden

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Operation Christmas Child - Shoe box campaign

This year our Sunday School students and families are invited to join us with this Global outreach project to

pack shoeboxes filled with small items that will be sent to children in need, ages 2 to 14, around the world to

bless the children and give them the opportunity to enroll in a discipleship program in their area. Churches

around the world hand out shoebox gifts where they learn about Jesus Christ.

How can you help? Please shop and donate during the month of October!

Look for the donation box in the Social Hall and add the following items to help:

Comb

Hairbrush

Toothbrush

Washcloth

Bar soap - wrapped

Bandaids

Reusable cup, bowl, plate, water bottle

Hair items

Bracelets

Sunglasses

Blanket

Flip flops

Caps

Shirt/shorts/pants

Pencils/Crayons

Coloring Pads/Picture books

Stickers

Jump Rope

Small toys

Doll

Stuffed animals

Harmonica or small instrument

No liquid items or toothpaste are accepted.

No war related items such as toy guns or squirt guns.

A donation of $9 per box to cover shipping and project costs is suggested so monetary donations are welcome.

When will Grace fill the boxes?

The Sunday School students are invited to join in on Sunday October 29 at

12:00 noon for a light lunch and to wrap and fill the boxes.

The Dedication and prayers for the boxes will be during worship service on November 5.

Collection week is November 13 so we will be all ready to drop off our boxes at a local collection center.

Questions?

Contact Tibe Vander Linden (563-607-3728) or Traci Lippelgoes (563-260-7019)

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October 2017, LSI Bulletin/Newsletter Article and Story

Warming Hearts with God’s Love and a Good Pair of Mittens Far too often, there are children who arrive at LSI’s Beloit and Bremwood Residential Treatment Centers with almost nothing in their possession. And for children or youth who have been in the foster care system, it’s not uncommon for them to arrive with

everything they own in a single garbage bag. We give thanks for Iowa congregations because you faithfully respond to these needs, year after year! As winter approaches, LSI relies on your loving support to meet the demands for hats, gloves, and mittens for children and youth at Beloit and Bremwood. It’s important for us to give children the opportunity to shop for their favorite new winter coat. Because of that, we ask that you please not donate articles of clothing. With your generous financial donation, each child will have the simple joy of buying their new coat, knowing that they are loved and cherished. Your church has likely received or will soon be receiving a letter inviting you to participate in LSI’s hats and mittens appeal. If you would like more information, please contact Deb Whitford, LSI director of philanthropy and church relations, at Deborah.Whitford@LSIowa.org.

Our Mission: Lutheran Services in Iowa responds to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service. LSI is an affiliated social ministry partner of the Iowa congregations of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) and a member of LSA (Lutheran Services in America). We proudly serve people of all ages, abilities, religions, sexes, gender identities, national origins, ethnicities, races, and sexual orientations. Learn more at www.LSIowa.org and www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa. Healing through Harmony

Jaden’s life changed when he was 5 years old. His father unexpectedly passed away, and through his grief,

Jaden’s connection to his mother became strained and he struggled to manage his anger at home.

He was placed in LSI’s Beloit Residential Treatment Center in Ames when he was 10, and he remembers

being introduced to Spiritual Life. The voluntary LSI program connects youth in residential treatment with

faith-based art, music, and film. It is there to serve as a safe space for children to open up about their emotions

and get the support they need to thrive.

“I always knew I loved to sing and I liked music,” Jaden says. “Songs made me feel better, and music allowed

me to express myself.”

Jaden eventually relocated to LSI’s Bremwood Residential Treatment Center in Waverly, where he

reconnected with Pastor Dennis Bauer, the director of the Spiritual Life program.

“Jaden is one of the few kids who would actively set up lunch appointments with me,” Pastor Dennis says.

“He’s really benefitted from being able to talk during the day.”

Having access to a support network and a trusting relationship with Pastor Dennis has helped Jaden feel

empowered to make a positive change during his time at Bremwood. Now 14, Jaden’s finding his faith through

music, and he’s learning how to talk about his trauma and become a role model for other Iowa children in

residential treatment.

Jaden has now been adopted into a loving family. As he finishes up his treatment at Bremwood, his family is

there to visit and worship with him, and Jaden is enjoying being a new big brother in his family.

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GLC Ministry of Literacy

Our new term of the reading program is well under way. We are excited to have a full group of children. With

12 students, we need 7 volunteers a session. If you have a free afternoon we certainly would appreciate your

time to help work with us. If you can volunteer please contact Debbie Holiday. There is always a need for

snacks and the kids are certainly hungry when they come from school. If you can help with snacks please

contact Karen Hessel or fill in the signup sheet across from the literacy office.

Watch for additional information concerning our fund raiser at Boonies on October 23rd from 5—9 p.m. The

Literacy Program receives 20% of all proceeds during that time period. We do need volunteers to help bus the

tables. Bring friends or meet some of our Church family there. Enjoy some tasty food, fellowship, and help

support the literacy program.

FUNDRAISER AT BOONIES ON MONDAY, OCTOBER 23RD, 5 pm - 9 pm

Grace Women News by Mary Hovick & Karen Hessel

An Invitation: All women of Grace are invited to join us on Tuesday October 10th at 9:30. We will meet

at Grace in the lounge. For Session two our Bible study on the Apostles Creed will focus on “We believe

in Jesus Christ…Suffered. Crucified. Died. Rose again”. What can we learn about Jesus from the words of the

Apostles’ Creed? When people are trying to work together for a common cause our personal credos become

enfolded into our community of faith. For our life of faith together, creeds are more than just words. They

help carry one another through doubt, joy and sorry. Join us as we take this journey and explore the history

behind the Apostles’ Creed. You are invited to be a part of the group to join in the discussion or just listen,

everyone is welcome.

October Dates to Remember

October 8th—Blessing of the Quilts , 8:15 & 10:45 a.m. services

October 8th—Grace Nite Out—5:00 p.m., Lighthouse Restaurant

October 28th—Bach Cantata BWV79 in Honor of 500 Years of Lutheran

Reformation, 7:00 p.m., Sanctuary

October 29th—Reformation Sunday, one service only, 9:00 a.m., no Christian

Education

October 29th—Sunday School Children fill boxes for Operation Christmas Child Shoe

Box Campaign, 12:00 noon

October 29th—Trunk or Treat, SOTC at 4:00 p.m.

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Anniversaries & Birthdays

Please save this page to use for your prayer list. Pray for each person on their birthday and anniversary. By the end of the year, you would have prayed for everyone in the congregation. If we have missed a birthday or anniversary or if corrections need to be made, please call the church office at 263-5680. Thank you.

October Anniversaries

Cory & Molly Bachman 10-06 Tim & Calyssa Foster 10-15 Don & Janet Duncan 10-07 Roger & Brenda Erber 10-16 Jim & Cindy Edgmond 10-10 Vinton & Nancy Cromer 10-30 Charles & Shannon Lewis 10-12 Wendell & Kim Thompson 10-31

October Birthdays Betty Hoffman 10-01 Jack Zorich 10-07 Matthew Morgan 10-20

Rod Lippelgoes 10-01 Tony Woods 10-08 Catherine Clemens 10-24

Laura Edgmond 10-04 Maggie Goddard 10-12 Ron Hage 10-25

Darrell Olderog 10-04 Joseph Manriquez 10-13 Abby Rusch 10-26

Lindsay Moeller 10-05 Greyson Jones 10-15 Karen Hessel 10-27

Dorothy Schmoldt 10-05 Jeffrey Jones 10-15 Almeda Rich 10-27

Wade Bruns 10-06 Bill Nus 10-16 Tjode Nus 10-30

Don Kelly 10-07 Anna Sparks 10-19 Cliff Scherrer Sr. 10-30

Natalie Maxwell-McDonald 10-07 Julia Moravec 10-20

REMINDER Please remember to provide the office with any name, address, email changes, or other pertinent information, so that we have correct information in our Shepherds Staff member file system and email system. Call the office at 263-5680 or email us at glc@machlink.com with changes. Thank you.