Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

September marks our third year together in ministry. First, a six month interim, then as your called pastor. I am still excited to do God’s work with you. This time of year finds me in the process of planning with you for Confirmation, Sunday School, Luther League activities, and so many other things. Fall programming is just around the corner.

I am “fired up.” In Luke 12:49, Jesus tells his followers that, “I came to bring fire to the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled.” If we look at the fire in this Bible lesson in terms of passion, a strong commitment to something, then we can better understand Jesus’ commitment to the salvation of all humanity as the fire that motivated his life, even to the point of death on the cross.

And if we take the image of fire as passion in our own lives, then we can ask ourselves the question, “What am I passionate about?” Author Kennon Callahan writes that as congregations we need to have a passion about something in the world for the sake of God’s kingdom. We, as followers of Jesus, cannot be apathetic about our faith. My prayer for each one of us is that we would have the fire kindled, the passion renewed, in our love for God, and for one another.

As we begin another school year we need to have the fire of the Holy Spirit filling us, leading us and guiding us. It’s an exciting time for us; a great time for renewed involvement and commitment. All of us are needed, all have God-given gifts and talents that have a place in this ministry. This passion is contagious. When you’re around someone who is excited about something, it’s easy to get excited, too. If we are excited about what is happening in

Newsletter- September 2015

our church, and the possibilities that lay ahead for us, when we are living out our faith, then our friends and neighbors will see this, visitors will sense this, and they will be drawn to the fire.

The good news is that we are not in this endeavor alone. We are reminded of this in Hebrews 12:1: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us.” It’s a vivid picture. In the grandstand of our lives there are people cheering us on: Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and other Old Testament heroes, as well. Peter, Paul, and leaders in the New Testament church. There are loved ones, family and friends, who have gone before us. We are not alone in our faith journey.

Sometime back, the magazine Runner’s World, mentioned a unique occurrence which they called the “Bislet Effect.” The Bislet Effect is named for Bislett Stadium in Oslo, Norway. More than 50 track-and–field records have been broken over the years at Bislet. The secret is the track itself. It is a narrow, six-lane track, and the stands that surround it are very steep. When 21,000 fans all scream, “Go, go!” in this close up and personal setting, you run faster. It is like being surrounded by a cloud of witnesses.

It’s a great illustration of the church. It really is the strength of a community of faith, where we support and encourage one another. Where our children are nourished and built up. Where we pray for each other. We are not alone. There is a cloud of witnesses cheering us on. And God is there lighting the fire, giving us the passion to further the kingdom of God.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Worship Schedule

Sundays in September 8:30 a.m. Confirmation in the parsonage begins Sept. 20 9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School in the Parish Hall

begins Sept. 20 9:00 a.m. Sunday School begins September 20 9:00 a.m. Choir Rehearsal September 2010:00 a.m. Worship

September 13 Rally Sunday at Parish HallCollege Fundraiser luncheon after

worship(Possibly Thrivent sponsored)

September 20 Now the Feast and Celebration

Wednesdays in September 7:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study at the Parish Hall

Congregation Council and Church Finance Notes

The Council met on Thursday, August 20, 2015. The next regular Council meeting will be Thursday, September 24, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. A copy of the meeting minutes is posted in the church narthex. Council minutes are also available in the church office.

Financial Report 2015 General Fund Activity (through August 26,

2015)Income     $127,525.30Expenses           $124,152.23Mission Support             $  8,107.08Net Loss     ($4,734.01)

Remember, any church committee meeting may be attended by anyone. You do not have to be an active member of that group to attend their meeting. We encourage you to attend the meeting(s) of your choice.

Church Office

During this time of church basement renovations, the church office has relocated to the Parish Hall, at 201 Academy Avenue in Swedesburg. The office phone number remains the same as calls will be forwarded over to the Parish Hall. An answering machine will take your message when the office is closed. During the time of the remodel, it is suggested we have minimal traffic flow through the church basement. Please visit the Parish Hall for any church business during this time.

If you are in need of an updated key for the Parish Hall, just contact Mary to receive a copy of the new key. All Parish Hall doors now conveniently use the same new key. Older keys will no longer work.

RALLY SUNDAY

Outdoor Worship will be held September 13 at 10:00 a.m. There will be a potluck dinner following the service. Hot dogs and drinks will be furnished. This may be a Thrivent** supported event. We will collect a free will offering. The offering, in addition to the amount contributed by Thrivent, will go to our college students who sign up to benefit from this fundraiser. Please bring a dish to share. Chairs will be set up but as in the past, you are welcome to bring your favorite lawn chair.

**Families of college students, to be on the list of fund recipients, contact the church office before noon on September 11 to let us know if the student in your family would like to benefit from the fundraising efforts. The money is to be used to help pay for college books or other educational supplies. Call Mary at the church office at 319-254-2216 or email Mary at office@swedesburglutheran.org.

God’s Work, Our Hands

The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) has a Sunday every year when they encourage church’s to do projects that live out the ELCA’s mission statement of “God’s Work, Our Hands.”

This year the youth of SELC will be available after the potluck dinner on Sunday, September 13, to interview members to help the 150th Historical Committee gather stories about Swedesburg. You can either have a one-on-one interview, or visit in a group to reflect on your memories of our church. As we do this, we will indeed see how God’s work has been done through our hands at Swedesburg for 150 years!

Nursery

Due to construction activity in the church basement, the nursery has been discontinued until further notice. Activity bags (the activity bags have been recently re worked) as well as a bin of small toys will be available in the narthex to assist parents in keeping their children engaged during the service. We are blessed to have so many little ones in our congregation and encourage attendance for all of our young people. As Christ himself said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Coffee Cart

During construction, we will continue to have coffee cart outside weather permitting. We will have coffee cart for at least one Sunday in the Parish Hall in addition to Rally Sunday.

Coffee Cart hosts, first of all, you do not need to prepare coffee unless you want to. There is drink mix and instant tea mix. If the weather appears to be

inclement, it is your call about whether to have it. If coffee cart is cancelled because of weather, please let Mary know if you want to be the coffee cart hosts the next Sunday. (The thought is that if someone has baked or purchased goods and coffee cart is cancelled that they should be able to decide if they want to use them the following Sunday.)

150th Historical Committee

The 150th Historical Committee would like assistance with writing up the history of our congregation. They are asking for volunteers to help write the history. Please contact Mary in the church office if you can contribute.

The Historical Committee meets every three weeks, on Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. The next meeting will be September 2 and September 23 at the Parish Hall.

Tanzania Companion CoordinatorsThe Tanzania Companion Coordinators met on Thursday, August 13, and looked at updates in our Tanzania ministry priorities. We are checking into where we are at with the possible Rotary grants for education.

Tom Miller joined us in our discussion on the potential pork project. He gave us a lot of good information, and questions we need to ask Pastor Mrutu about Pastor Mrutu’s ideas for this venture. Tom will write these questions down and they will be forwarded to Pastor Mrutu. Pastor Mark will contact the Western Iowa Synod to learn more about their farm projects in the Southern Diocese of Tanzania.

It was suggested that we put more pictures of Ngaeni in our monthly newsletters. Also, that we connect better with Empower Tanzania.

We discussed when our next trip to Tanzania should be. We should start making plans now. Our next meeting will be September 14 at 7:00 p.m.

Worship & Music

Chris Morgan, representative of the 150th historical committee gave a report on plans for the celebration and asked that our committee work to make a plan to add to a historical book of the last 25 years. Pastor reported that he “mic’d” the congregation to listen on the CD, and it didn’t make a difference, but when the piano was played, it made a difference and you could hear the congregation. Jennifer will contact Paul Humphrey about mic’ing the services for the radio broadcast.

The Confirmation Service went extremely well. Choir anthem was stunning and well received. Thank you Brooke! Rogate Sunday: Toy tractors were used instead of pedal tractors, but still involved the children. Jackie did a great job with the kids.

Outdoor service will be September 13th. We will bring the Clavinova over. Now the Feast will be Sept 20th. We’ll switch settings on Sept. 27th to Setting #3 of the Evangelical Lutheran Worship book. It was decided that we table the Chicago Folk Service until construction is over.

Lynn suggested that we have a dedication of the Parish Hall renovations during the outdoor service. Pastor will investigate the possibility. Lynn also suggested that we include in the newsletter that we’re moving the Thanksgiving service from Wednesday to Sunday. (November 22). Brooke stated that she would like to have the choir then, sing at the evening service instead of the Sunday service.

Pastor wanted to get started on the Advent devotional early so that we can ask the congregation to participate in the devotion writing.

Altar Guild: Lynn cleaned out the cupboard and found some very old music. She would like to know what to do with music with names of past members. She

suggested we offer it to families for a monetary donation at the 150th.

Choir Director: Brooke will have the first choir practice on Sunday the 20th at 9 a.m., with donuts/rolls, and sing on the 27th.

Jennifer will talk to Paul Humphrey about buying one lanyard mic and a lanyard. We will purchase the one we’ve been using.

150th: Jennifer is close to selecting a spring date for Wartburg. She will organize housing and the meal.

The next meeting is September 23rd at 7pm.

Social Ministry

There is a continuing need for size 4 diapers.

The Social Ministry committee's next meeting will be Thursday, September 17, at 5:30 p.m.

Women’s Study

Come and join us Wednesday nights, 7 p.m. in the Parish Hall “Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.” Peggy Grothe is our leader; we spend lots of time laughing while sharing our struggles in following Jesus. It is so much better to walk in faith together! You may drop in even if you miss a week or two.

Altar Flowers

If you have garden flowers available to decorate the altar, please feel free to sign up to provide flowers. Several Sundays in September are still available, as well as some other future dates. You may call Mary in

the office at 254-2216 to see which dates are still available.

Interiors CommitteeThere will be an Interiors Committee meeting on Thursday, September 24, at 5:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall.  This meeting is specifically about looking into the possibility of renovating the Parish Hall kitchen.  If you are interested in this potential project, please attend the meeting. 

Blood Drive

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center will be in Swedesburg on Tuesday, September 22 at the Parish Hall, 201 Academy Avenue from 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. To donate blood, contact MVRBC at 800-747-5401, ext. 1281 or visit www.bloodcenterimpact.org. Please eat before donating and bring photo identification.

Weekly Worship Audio Available

Did you know that you may listen to our weekly worship service on the church website: www.swedesburglutheran.org? Click on “Online Directory and Media”, and then select “Launch Media Player”. Click on the weekly service you wish to listen to.

You may also enjoy listening to our service on Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m. on the radio at 105.5 KILJ FM.

Each monthly newsletter is available on our website: www.swedesburglutheran.org. Click on calendar, and then click any month to read it.

Federal Privacy Laws

Because of Federal Privacy Laws (HIPPA), if you or a member of your family are hospitalized and would like the Pastor to visit, please contact the church office at (319) 254-2216, or Pastor Mark at (319) 631-8564.

Hayride

Put Sunday, October 18 on your calendar as the day that the Evangelism Committee hosts a hayride for the church and Swedesburg community. Meet at the parish hall for the rides and yard games from 4:30 to

6:30 p.m., as well as enjoying roasting hot dogs over a bonfire. Bring a friend!

ChoirWanted: More adults or high school students to sing in the choir any voice parts welcomed.

When: On selected Sundays (Schedule is set & you will receive a copy at the first rehearsal, other music opportunities available if you so choose.)

Rehearsals: On Sundays that you can make it starting at 9:15 a.m (The first rehearsal being Sept. 20th, even though we will not sing during service that Sunday)

Sweet Deal: Doughnuts, Cinnamon Rolls & coffee will be available Sept. 20th at 9 a.m. before our first rehearsal.

LWR School Kits

School days are here so we need your help filling school bags for Lutheran World Relief. Through LWR we reach out to those in need. To the children who receive school kits, these supplies mean the difference between getting an education or not. Our local WELCA purchases the school bags for these supplies. All items should be new and in good condition. A box is in the narthex (entryway) for these supplies.

Please give new items only. Please do not donate items with any religious symbols, messages or your congregation’s name.

Please do not donate any items decorated with a U.S. flag, patriotic or military symbols, or references to the armed forces, including camouflage. All items should be new and in good condition. Items that are needed include:

Four 70-sheet notebooks of wide- or college-ruled paper approximately 8” X 10½”; no loose-leaf paper

One 30-centimeter ruler, or a ruler with centimeters on one side and inches on the other

One pencil sharpener

One 2½” eraser

One blunt scissors (safety scissors with embedded steel blades work well)

Five unsharpened #2 pencils with erasers; secure together with a rubber band

Five black or blue ballpoint pens (no gel ink); secure together with a rubber band

One box of 16 or 24 crayons

Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

The next Rachel Circle meeting will take place at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday September 23. Lynn Graf is the Study Leader. Mary Martha will meet at 2:00 with Johanna Crawford as the Hostess and Phyllis Shadley as the Study Leader.

Sunday School- Back in Session!

We will be kicking off the new Sunday School year on Rally Sunday, September 13th, at 9:00 a.m. at the parish hall. As part of the God’s Work; Our Hands initiative, the Sunday School kids (preschool-6th grade) will be making care packages for Pastor Mark to use during hospital visitations. Breakfast will be provided!

Regular preschool/elementary Sunday School classes will resume the following Sunday, September 20th, at the parish hall. Classes will run from 9:00-9:50 a.m., at which point the kids will walk (weather permitting) a teacher to the church for worship or parent pick-up. While the church basement is under construction, we are going to have a one-room schoolhouse Sunday School setting for all age groups, which should be lots of fun! The general format will include music, bible lesson and a craft or game. We are looking forward to growing closer to God with our young members and ask for your prayers for a fruitful and meaningful Sunday School year.

High School Christian Education classes will also be offered on a regular basis this year, starting October 4th. These classes will be held after worship (and a quick stop at coffee cart). The first four-weeks will bring back the God’s Not Dead study. These will be held at the parish hall until the basement remodel is complete.

Please contact Emily Kann if you are interested in helping support the Sunday School programs. Extra hands are always welcome, as are donations of certain supplies throughout the year!

Companion tree in Ngaeni

THANK YOU’SThank you for the many ways you have remembered us during Doug’s hospitalization and death. We appreciate your prayers, cards, memorials, and food. All memorials will be given to the Swedesburg Lutheran Church. It was Doug’s request to have his body donated to the University of Iowa for medical research. He also requested no funeral or memorial service.

Although Doug’s strokes were a shock, he was not a healthy man. Doug had been diagnosed with a treatable, but not curable, form of lymphoma five years ago. His neck and spine were in poor shape that caused him constant, significant pain even after several operations. The neck and spine problems were also affecting the use of his arms and legs. When he suffered the multiple strokes, there was significant brain damage in many areas. Although we were hopeful that Doug could regain some of what was lost, the rehabilitation program would have been very difficult for him given his other health issues. There is comfort knowing that Doug is free of pain and is finally at peace. Thank you for the continued prayers as we moved forward without him.

Elizabeth GraberAdam, Cindy, and Brayden GraberAnne, Kyle, and Lincoln Burnham

On Behalf of the Lutheran Chaplaincy Outreach (LCO) Board of Directors, thank you for your help in financially supporting the ELCA chaplaincy ministry at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC). Ongoing support from Lutheran congregations and their members are vital components in sustaining this ministry and we appreciate your gift supporting the ELCA chaplain at UIHC. Your partnership in retaining this important ministry is crucial. Lutheran patients,

families, pastors, and staff at UIHC already understand the importance of this ministry. Thank you again for supporting the Lutheran / UIHC chaplain position with your gift.

Yours in Christ,Rev. Lynn T. Thiede, PresidentLutheran Chaplaincy Outreach

September 13 – 19 is Direct Support Professionals Week

This month Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) celebrates Direct Support Professionals Week during Sept. 13 – 19. This national awareness week recognizes the dedication of direct support professionals and their important role in caring for people in our communities.

At LSI, direct support professionals partner with children and adults with intellectual disabilities to help them pursue meaningful, personal lives through their personal goals. They also provide care for children and youth at our Beloit and Bremwood Residential Treatment Centers. This could mean helping an adult with autism live on her own or helping a child who was abused begin to heal. We thank you for your faithful support of LSI – you create so many new possibilities for children, families and adults!

LSI is proud to be an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Learn more at www.LSIowa.org and www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa.

Celebrating Life with Jamalia

Jamalia is excited for the weekend. She’s been saving her money for a special event: a Friday night at the

movies, complete with popcorn. Her LSI staff is excited, too—because that’s who they are. They cheer people on in all parts of their lives, celebrating every accomplishment and every opportunity for joy.

Jamalia is 29, and she has autism. She and her roommate, with help from LSI’s services for people with disabilities, have lived together for more than ten years. Their apartment is a cozy place with a bright yellow kitchen table, an exercise bike, puzzles and favorite movies. LSI’s 24-7 supported community living services help Jamalia with her goals, make sure she is safe and ensure she never has to be alone. Over the years, Jamalia has built a great daily routine. Her calendar is packed with activities ranging from Special Olympics to horseback riding to exercising on her bike.

“On days when I’m not here, I’m always thinking about what Jamalia and her roommate are doing,” said Haley, an LSI staff who has known Jamalia for a long time. “I enjoy being here. It’s rewarding to see someone grow and learn and succeed.” Jamalia speaks with few words, and those who know her well say she uses something else instead to express herself: her wonderful smile. And for LSI, celebrating life with Jamalia is definitely something to smile about!

Bishop Mjema and Pastor Mrutu at Kirore (part of the Ngaeni Parish.)

From Quinn Scarff

Throughout the year we pray for all our church members. Each week we will pray for about five church families. Please pray this month for:

September 6: Seth & Kamrai OrrBrittan OstbyPaul & Julie Ostby, Zachary, Anna, KolbeinMarilyn ParcelAudrey Peterson

September 13:Alex PetersonDan PetersonJaci PetersonLeon & Jean PetersonTed Proctor

September 20:Tim & Linda ProctorChad & Jamie Fraise, Landan, Dalton, and NoahDave & Becky Rauenbuehler, Ben, Nathan, and AndrewRon & Deb ReidTim Reid

September 27: Tony Renken, Robby, Parker, and JessicaAlfonso & Angela Ribeiro, Alfonso Jr. and AndersJames & Gwen Richardson, Daniel Johnson and Mark JohnsonBrandon & Kate RidingerCurt & Renee Ridinger

September BirthdaysWe wish the following people a very happy birthday on their special day: 1 Carole Kaufman 3 Isabel Kann 4 Nicole Payne 5 Nikki Chacon

Mark Kaufman Patti McClure 6 R. L. Chrisinger 7 Emily Moody 9 Kathy Swanson10 Glenda Alvine12 Jan Alvine Steve Wickham13 Chet Daniel Jason Mullin14 Joseph LaBarbera15 Lilly Heckethorn16 Monte Kann Maribelle Lund

Jordan Sharp

17 Laura Hult Patty Krueger Devin Rodgers19 Jan Anderson Glenn Graf21 Kirsten Brown Kelly Hultquist22 Sally Anderson Kenny McArtor Nick Sandeen23 Virginia Ebb Esther Hult24 Becky Rauenbuehler25 Valerie Daniel26 Donna Deardorff27 Hayley Anderson29 Cassie Molander

September Anniversaries

We wish to offer these couples a happy anniversary: 7 Leon and Jean Ann Peterson10 Karl and Patty Krueger13 Chris and Cyndthia Schrader16 Robert and Holly Frary22 Marc and Carmen Benson23 Nikki and Kaci Chacon24 Richard and Jean Anderson26 Carl and Jan Alvine29 Steve and Shelly Wickham30 Troy and Lisa Kempf

Please help the church office update their records by submitting any birthday, anniversary or any other corrections. Thank you.

CONGREGATION REFLECTIONS

PRAY FOR:The family of Doug Graber upon his recent passing.ELCA missionary Rev. Brian Palmer in Liberia, supported by this congregation. Pastor Brian has returned to Liberia.for Bishop Mjema of the Pare Diocese, Rev. Elisa Mrutu and people of Ngaeni Lutheran Parish, our partner congregation in Tanzania. friends and loved ones experiencing health concerns.

THANKS ARE DUE . . .to everyone who made the Churchmen Ice Cream Social and Meal a success.to each custodian, they continue to keep our facilities clean and vibrant.to the 150th committees that continue to put in many hours making decisions for our 150th

celebration.

CONGRATULATIONS . . .to Jamie Provino and Chad Fraise whose marriage began at Swedesburg ELC on Saturday, August 8. to all who had entries or performed talent at the state fair; Swedesburg is blessed with many talented members.

Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church1897 140th Street, P. O. Box 88, Swedesburg, Iowa 52652-0088 Telephone 319-254-2216 Web:www.swedesburglutheran.org

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1897 140th StreetP. O. Box 88Swedesburg, IA 52652

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Rally Sunday and fundraiserpotluck on September 13 to benefit college students.

Worship begins at 10 a.m. Join us!

website: www.swedesburglutheran.org