MARCH 2010 • VoluMe 23, Issue 3

Northeastern Iowa Lutherans hit the road to serve othersThrough prayers, gifts and actions, Lutherans from the Northeastern Iowa Synod are making a difference in the lives of the poor and those in urgent need. Families in Guatemala, Mississippi and Iowa are among those who have been touched by hands-on generosity and help that came from Northeast Iowa congregations.

Retalhuleu, Guatemala — nicknamed Reu — has been the destination of mission trips sponsored by the One in Christ Lutheran Parish — located in Worth and Winnebago counties — and the University of Northern Iowa

Campus Ministry. Another mission trip sponsored by the synod’s Global Mission Work Group is set to go there later in March.

According to Pastor Bill Peters, the One in Christ Parish sponsored its first mission trip to Guatemala in January 2004 as a way for members of the parish and community to gain a more global picture of the church and the world. Some 125 teens and adults have joined the annual trips to bring medical care, supplies and hands-on labor to families in Reu.

The groups’ medical team often sees 1,000 patients over five days, while the rest of the group members help

build a new school. Over the years, volunteer workers have helped design the school, dig the footings, paint rooms, tile the floors, and build desks. They installed a septic system in January and continue to work on bringing in electricity. In March, volunteers will dig the well, with a goal for the school to open later this year.

Peters, who has been on seven trips to Reu, says that the impact the group has on the people in Reu is important — and at times exhausting — but just as great is the impact the trip has on the volunteers, and the connections and personal relationships they develop with the folks in Guatemala.

“We come back with a more global vision of things than what we ever dreamed of going down,” Peters says. “We go, knowing that God has

NORTheASTeRN IOWA

Strengthening The Church

A Call to Service By: Marcia Hahn

Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaStar

IN THIS ISSue

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Willie skellenger with two women waiting to get into the medical clinic provided by volunteers at Reu, Guatemala.

1 A Call to Service

3 Jesus, You Are My Hope

5 Synod Assembly Focuses on ‘Strengthening the Church’

7 Events, Congregations

8 Prayer Calendar

2 NortHEAStErN IowA SYNod | www.neiasynod.org

blessed us, and we sincerely want to be a blessing to others. But we come to realize that maybe we were the ones again blessed — by God and our Guatemalan friends.

“Most people, upon coming home, don’t see things the same way any more. One of my mentors once said that these trips are ‘vision trips’ more than mission or service trips. I think he might be right.”

Sixteen-year-old Micah Peters made her first mission trip to Reu in January, and she says she can’t wait to go again. She learned how to use power tools to build desks, and she taught some of the children how to write their names.

“It was amazing,” Micah says. “Going there knowing that God was in all our hearts, it changes you. It lights a fire under you and makes you want to go again and again to do something to make a difference.”

The Guatemala trips last about 10 days, and members pay their own expenses, usually around $1,300 per person. each person can bring two pieces of luggage — one for personal items and the other for supplies to give to the Guatemala families.

According to Pastor Randy Baldwin, the five parish congregations support the trips with their prayers, gifts of cash, and donations of items to take in the suitcases — vitamins, aspirins, Tylenol, school supplies, layettes, clothes, personal hygiene items,

sewing machines, tools and other supplies.

“each bag is allowed to weigh 50 pounds, so our church members take the plastic wrappings off the items and stuff those bags to the max,” Baldwin says. “People who haven’t been on the trips always really support

them, and this year 40 people were there for the packing and send off.”

The One in Christ Parish has taken the relationship with the Reu community a step further this year by hosting Carlos McDougall, an 18-year-old youth who has translated for the medical team the past few years. McDougall is staying with a local family and attending Lake Mills high School through December 2010, with some of the funds provided through the parish congregations.

“Our hope is to solidify his education and help him develop his english to a greater level, which will give him a distinct advantage at home,” Peters

says. “everyone is excited about having him with us this year.”

Mission workers hone skills that can help in unexpected waysIn the nearly six years that Pastor Arnold Flater has served at holy Trinity Lutheran in Dubuque, he has seen his church grow from a generous supporter of disaster relief and service organizations to a hands-on congregation that sponsors mission trips to families affected by hurricane Katrina.

holy Trinity already had a strong tradition of financially supporting designated projects, such as the Lutheran Services in Iowa Beloit Residential Treatment Center in Ames and eLCA Disaster Relief following the 2004 Tsunami disaster. When hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, the congregation mobilized a team to help with relief efforts. In

2006, 13 members of holy Trinity joined a Wartburg Seminary group that was heading to Biloxi, Miss., for a week of rebuilding and ministry. The following year, 34 church members and friends volunteered to help in

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A Call to Service << Continued from page 1

Micah Peters works on building a new school desk.

Volunteers from Holy Trinity lutheran in Dubuque have made three mission trips to Biloxi, Miss., to help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina.

3MArCH 2010

“I am lonely.” “I’m with you always.” “Do you love me?” “Now and forever.” “I am worthless.” “I have died for you.” “Jesus, you are my hope.” “I am wandering.” “I am the Way.” “I am searching.” “I am the Truth.” “I’m despairing.” “I am the Life.” “Jesus, you are my hope.”

“Into the darkness...” “I light creation.” “And for the broken?” “I heal their pain.” “For the dying?” “I am your Saviour.” “Jesus, you are my hope.” “Jesus, we are your body here on earth. Sharing Good News with poor and hungry. Redeem us now! Create a new world! Jesus, you are our hope!”

− Steven L. Ullestad Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Synod

Jesus, You Are My Hope

BISHop

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Biloxi. The congregation covered the more than $25,000 cost for a bus, vans, equipment, food and other expenses, and supported a third trip in 2008.

“It was really a congregational effort,” Flater says.

The trips were planned through Lutheran Disaster Relief based in Biloxi. “It was such an amazing and positive story for Lutherans in general and a great opportunity for people to know what a Lutheran is,” Flater says. “When you’re down there, you stick out. People stop you on the street and thank you.”

Flater says that the experienced workers taught the others how to replace flooring and fencing, build structures, hang sheetrock and cupboards, install electrical and plumbing systems, and other skilled tasks. “One man drove his panel truck with electrical and plumbing tools, and he trained us at night how to do things. We became pretty efficient,” Flater says.

Those without construction skills provided some of the most important

services — taking the time to sit with the families and listen to their stories. That’s what youth and family minister Sarah McCaw did when she found herself without a job and ended up spending most of one day sitting in a lounge chair with the homeowner, a man in his 70s. “It was probably the most important work done that whole week,” Flater says. “The trips were such a learning experience.”

In the spring of 2008, Flater discovered how important the skills developed by those volunteers from his church would become for his own family. The May 25 eF-5 tornado that hit Parkersburg, Flater’s hometown, destroyed his 92-year-old mother’s home. Flater rushed to her aid and later called on members of his congregation for help.

“Little did I realize that I would tap in personally with the expertise that

came from the people who had helped with the hurricane,” Flater says. “The next day we had a dozen people in Parkersburg to help us. Our church had a good presence there.”

Those volunteers also returned to help clear debris from area farm fields so the farmers could harvest their crops in the fall. Later that summer, members of holy Trinity made many trips to Waverly where they helped clean up and restore St. Paul’s Lutheran School after it was damaged by the flooded Cedar River. “Some days we had 40 to 50 people

A Call to Service << Continued from page 2

larry Ritzert works on the septic system for the new school volunteers are building at Reu, Guatemala.

4 NortHEAStErN IowA SYNod | www.neiasynod.org

The 2010 Synod Assembly will gather at Wartburg College, Waverly, June 11-13, for business surrounded by word and sacrament. The assembly will participate in small group study on Sunday morning, June 13.

KeynoteThe Rev. Dr. Steven L. Ullestad, bishop of the Northeastern Iowa Synod, will present the keynote address on the synod’s mission statement: The Northeastern Iowa Synod makes Christ known by strengthening the witness and service of the whole church. Synod ministries support and develop leaders, focus on

mission, and network the effective ministries of our 181 congregations.

eLCA representativeGreetings and a report from the evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be presented by Rev. Dr. Rebecca S. Larson, executive Director of the Program Unit for Church in Society.

presentations and SeminarsPresentations and seminars will focus on “Strengthening the Church,” the year-long synod emphasis.

− Linda Hudgins Assistant to the Bishop

Synod Assembly Focuses on ‘Strengthening the Church’

Bishop Rev. Dr. Steven L. Ullestad - ullestads@neiasynod.org Assistants to the Bishop Rev. Mark A. Anderson - andersonm@neiasynod.org Rev. Darrel W. Gerrietts - gerriettsd@neiasynod.org Linda J. hudgins - hudginsl@neiasynod.org Rev. Nancy J. Larson - nancy_larson@elca.org STAR Editors Marcia hahn - hahnm@neiasynod.org Julie Drewes - jdrewes@mchsi.com

The STAR is published 11 times a year by the Northeastern Iowa Synod, 201 20th Street SW, PO Box 804, Waverly, IA 50677-0804; www.neiasynod.org, phone 319-352-1414, FAX 319-352-1416.

Send news for the April issue to Marcia Hahn by March 2. We welcome story ideas related to the 2010 theme, Strengthening the Church.

Articles in this newsletter may be duplicated for use in synod congregations and organizations, with credit to the Star newsletter.

Please notify the synod office with name and address changes.

NorTHeASTerN IowA SYNod

Book of FaithStrengthening the Church

ASSeMBLY FACTStheme/Emphasis – strengthening the Church

Elections – Voting members will elect a synod vice president; synod council, board, and committee members; and 2011 churchwide voting members.

Forms – General information, registration, and resolution forms are inserted in this issue of the star.

Fees – Fee categories are non-commuter (meals, housing), commuter (meals, no housing), and visitor (no meals, no housing).

Information – Background information will be mailed to registrants on May 4.

Youth – Congregations are encouraged to elect a youth voting member.

Voting requirement – Voting members must be voting members of their congregation.

resolutions – Business is presented in resolution form. Resolutions may be submitted to the Resolution Committee by a voting member of a congregation in the Northeastern Iowa synod, a congregation, or a conference.

Visitors – Both adults and youth are welcome and encouraged to attend.

SYNod ASSeMBLY

5MArCH 2010

A special guest from the lutheran World Federation (lWF) joined the February gathering of the Northeastern Iowa synod’s Youth Ministry Network. The Rev. Roger schmidt, secretary for the lWF Youth, joined the monthly gathering of youth and family ministry professionals via skype from Geneva, switzerland. skype is computer software that allows for real time video conferencing around the world.

During the exchange, secretary schmidt answered questions about the lWF, the Department for Youth Ministry, and the newest activities in youth/young adult ministry in lutheran churches around the world. He also asked questions about ministry issues in Northeastern Iowa and how to create a greater connectedness between youth in the Northeastern Iowa synod and youth from around the world. He noted that developing one-on-one relationships through travel and video conferences is a good way to build those connections.

To learn more about the synod’s Youth Ministry Network, visit www.neiasynod.org/youth/synodyouthministrynetwork.asp. To learn more about the lutheran World Federation visit www.lutheranworld.org.

Youth Ministry Leaders Meet with LwF Youth Secretary

the rev. roger Schmidt

The Rev. Roger schmidt, secretary for the lutheran World Federation Youth, talks live from Geneva, switzerland, to those attending the February gathering of the Northeastern Iowa synod’s Youth Ministry Network.

region 5 Men’s Gathering is April 16-17

lutheran men are invited to attend the Region 5 Men’s Gathering set for Friday evening, April 16, through saturday, April 17, at st. John’s lutheran in Brookfield, Wis. This elCA lutheran Men in Mission event is designed to be an educational, motivational, spirit-filled event for men and men’s groups.

Friday night will feature Ralph Mierow of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Bob Colquhoun, a speaker, song writer and Christian music performer. saturday’s keynote speaker will be Pastor lawrence J. Clark, known as a dynamic preacher, teacher and revivalist. Also speaking on saturday is Doug Haugen, executive director of lutheran Men in Mission.

saturday’s schedule will also include break-out sessions designed to help men gain a closer relationship with Jesus Christ through an effective men’s ministry. Discussion topics for inspiration and idea sharing include “Building Men for Christ,” “Habitat for Humanity/Thrivent Build” and “Water for Your soul.”

Take the Mayo Health Assessment by April 30

How does $150 for a 15-minute task sound? Fifteen minutes is all it takes to complete the 2010 Mayo Clinic Health Assessment and earn a $150 personal wellness account credit.

As of the end of January, 41 eligible members of the Northeastern Iowa synod have completed the 2010 health assessment. If 125 members covered by the elCA primary health plan – including spouses – complete the assessment by April 30, 2010, the synod will earn a two percent discount on health contributions.

To take the Mayo health assessment, visit www.elcaforwellness.org. Those who do not have Internet access or who would like assistance may call the synod office for an appointment.

Registration for the event is due Friday, April 2. Fees are $10 for Friday only, $29 for saturday only, and $39 for both days. To learn more or to download a poster or registration brochure, visit www.neiasynod.org/mens_ministry.

6 NortHEAStErN IowA SYNod | www.neiasynod.org

Hunger Grants AnnouncedFour organizations from the Northeastern Iowa synod have been selected to receive Domestic Hunger Grants for 2010 from the evangelical lutheran Church in America.

• The Northeast Iowa Food Bank of Waterloo received $3,000 for its operation Family Pack program, which sends nutritional food home in the backpacks of children in need.

• operation Threshold, based in Waterloo, received $2,000 for the Grundy County Food Pantry, which provides food assistance for the community.

• The Waterloo Neighborhood economic Development Corporation received $5,000 to support coordination of its Micro-enterprise Program for small business training.

• The Dubuque-based Project Concern received $1,500 for its Help and Hope Program, which helps individuals find the resources they need to maintain their independence.

Tri-State ForumForgiveness & Healing

Dr. Janet L. Ramsey April 15, 2010

Participants will be introduced to the psychology and theology of forgiveness. Dr. Janet Ramsey of luther seminary, st. Paul, will explore the difficult theological intersection — the demand of justice for victims of oppression on the one hand, and the gospel story of grace and second chances for the guilty on the other. using narrative theory, a variety of case studies will be presented to raise questions surrounding situations of both “ordinary” and “extraordinary” forgiveness.

to register or for more information, call 563-589-0327,

e-mail lifelonglearners@wartburgseminary.edu or visit www.wartburgseminary.edu.

Where can you find a proven leadership camp for the youth of your church that is affordable, lutheran-centered and fun? At the Wholly Iowa Youth leadership Discipling event (WIYlDe) at luther College in Decorah, July 27-Aug. 11.

entering its 10th year, WIYlDe trains Iowa youth in grades nine through 12 how to become the future of the church as pastors, lay leaders and active members of a congregation. Its gospel-based curriculum emphasizes each person’s gifts and how youth can use those gifts to serve their local churches and the world around them. WIYlDe participants return to their churches to become mentors, start Bible studies, organize youth activities, or serve on the Church Council.

Congregations can encourage their youth to consider WIYlDe as an opportunity that can change their lives and strengthen the church. underwritten by the grant-funded sense of Vocation Program at luther College, WIYlDe is offered for $295 for the week, which includes lodging, meals and materials. “Camperships” from local churches, clusters and synods are encouraged. Funding from luther College, with the exception of in-kind funding, will not be available beyond 2010, so it is important that congregations assist students with camperships in order to keep it affordable for families.

where the wIYLde Things Are

To learn more or to download registration forms, click the WIYlDe link at www.neiasynod.org/youth. or contact Vocation Program Administrative Assistant and WIYlDe Coordinator Connie Barclay at barcco01@luther.edu or 563-387-1327.

signed up to help there, and I visited the school on the first day of classes to see it all cleaned up and ready to go,” Flater says.

even though 2008 was a disaster year in Iowa, Flater says it was a good service year for his congregation with members logging more than 2,000 hours of volunteer service.

“Those trips to Biloxi did so much for our congregation,” Flater says. “There was a sense of connection. Dubuque did not suffer, so it was our chance to recognize that we only had to drive a few hours to help others in Iowa.”

After such a banner year of mission, Flater says that the volunteers took a

breather in 2009 to plan what’s next. “With so many gifted people in our congregation, I have no doubt that we will have a group going to haiti when the eLCA is ready,” he says.

holy Trinity already has a connection with a former Wartburg Seminary student, Pastor Joseph Livenson Lauvanus, in haiti. “We’re eager for that relationship to continue and to grow,” Flater says.

For churches considering their first mission trip, Peters emphasizes the importance of working with an experienced group or organization and to have a connection in place. “If you don’t have a connection to where you are going or an organization, you’ll be spinning your wheels and won’t be able to get things done,” he says. “It’s

overwhelming from ground zero, but not when you have someone walking beside you.”

People who go on mission trips are changed forever, sometimes in ways they don’t necessarily want, Peters cautions. “Some things in life would be a lot easier not to have to think about, like our brothers and sisters in Guatemala who don’t have running water or electricity,” he says. “After a mission trip, you come away with a different sense of understanding and compassion for what’s going on.”

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Text a donation for Haiti An easy way to support response efforts in Haiti is by texting a $10 donation to lutheran World Relief on your mobile phone. use the short code 40579 in place of a phone number in the “to” field. Then enter lWR in the body of the text and hit “send.” Be sure to reply with the word “yes” to the confirmation message. A $10 donation will automatically show up on your next phone bill.