Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,

A couple of years ago I had a message on my cell phone from my daughter asking me to call home A.S.A.P. She said “I don’t know what A.S.A.P. means, but I’d like you to call me right away.”

Well, we know what A.S.A.P. means, to do something “As Soon As Possible.” Words that people hear a lot in this world that is always in a hurry, always busy. It made me think of the following reading about the initials A.S.A.P. “Always Say A Prayer”. Perhaps you’ve heard it before, but it is worth repeating.

“There’s work to do, and deadlines to meet, you’ve got no time to spare,But as you hurry and scurry, always say a prayer.

“In the midst of family chaos, ‘quality time’ is rare.Do your best; let God do the rest: always say a prayer.

“It may seem like your worries are more than you can bear.Slow down and take a breather – always say a prayer.

Newsletter- May 2014

God knows how stressful life is; He wants to ease our cares,And He’ll respond a.s.a.p. – Always Say A Prayer.”

I think that this poem is especially appropriate following the season of Lent, as we take the time to continue to be deliberate in our prayer time, worship, and reading of God’s Word. Colossians 4:2 puts this in perspective as St. Paul writes, “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with thanksgiving.”

We only devote ourselves to things that are really important to us. Prayer, talking with our Father, is hopefully at the top of the list of things that we devote our time to.

There are many things that we should be lifting up to God in prayer in the coming month. On May 4 we will receive a special offering for the ELCA Malaria Campaign, and we pray for the efforts to eliminate this dreaded disease. On May 11 we pray for all of our mothers. We also lift up our Seniors, both those graduating from high school and those from college. On May 18 we pray for Allie McArtor as she publicly professes her faith in the Affirmation of Baptism service. And on May 26, Memorial Day, we pray for all those who have served our country. We especially remember those who have given their lives for

our freedom. For all of these things we always say a prayer. ASAP.

Love in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Spring Worship Schedule

Sundays in May: 8:30 a.m. Prayer time in library 8:30 a.m. Confirmation in the parsonage through May 11 9:00 a.m. Sunday School in the basement through May 18 9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School 9:15 a.m. Choir rehearsal through May 1810:00 a.m. WorshipMay 11 Senior RecognitionMay 11 Mother’s Day LuncheonMay 18 Affirmation of BaptismMay 19 George Meth Memorial at 6 p.m.May 24 Churchmen Prayer Breakfast 6:30 a.m. at Parish HallMay 30 to June 1 Synod AssemblyMay 31 Herb Hult Memorial at 2 p.m.

Congregation Council and Church Finance Notes

The Council met on Thursday, April 24, 2014. The next regular Council meeting will be Thursday, May 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Financial Report 2014 General Fund Activity (as of April 28, 2014)

Gifts $77,292.39Ministry Expenses $58,729.75Mission Support 7,235.52Net Income $11,327.12

PARSONAGE PROPOSAL

The council is continuing to work on the day care rental proposal for the parsonage. Concerns were expressed about utilities. All utilities will now be paid by the renters. Concerns have also been expressed about wear and tear especially on the walls and floors. Those concerns are being addressed in an agreement which we will be finalizing. The agreement most likely will be for one year starting June 1 unless the decision would be made that, for example, we would sell the parsonage. We will try to give SELC as much flexibility as possible and still be fair to the Hirds. The council believes, that overall, there is support for renting the parsonage and that we should try it. We know that some of SELC’s members have furniture or personal belongings in the parsonage. We would ask that those items be removed by May 15. The council full well understands that our members need to be satisfied with this arrangement for it to continue.

Propane Donations

Thanks go out to the members of the congregation for the donation of over 3,000 gallons of propane to SELC. With the winter which we have just experienced and with what happened to propane prices, this is a huge contribution to our budget.

Churchmen Meeting

The Churchmen will have a prayer breakfast for all men on May 24 at 6:30 a.m., at the Parish Hall, 201 Academy Avenue, with hosts Gary Anderson and Keith Zihlman.

Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

WELCA Calendar of EventsMay 21-22 WELCA Bible Study Seminar in DubuqueWednesday, May 28 Group Meetings

9:15 a.m. Rachel MeetingHostess: Karen WenstrandStudy Leader: Phyllis

Shadley2:00 p.m. Mary Martha Meeting

Hostess: Betty MolanderStudy Leader: Jane

Wickham

Thank you Lutheran Church family for helping WELCA complete and send 49 quilts and 61 personal care kits to Lutheran World Relief April 12th. Special thanks to Leah and Wayne Woline for hauling and delivering to Cedar Rapids the 15 boxes. We are still finishing up the 64 blankets for Henry County Headstart. We had lots of good help from our ladies that design and sew the large and small blankets and then tie them and get them all surged. Thanks also to those who helped out with money to ship the large quilts to those in need. It was a good three months of work and fellowship.

Sunday School HappeningsA date has been set for the next Christian Education / VBS planning meeting. It will be May 22, at 6:00 p.m. at the

home of Julie Ostby. It will be a potluck, and like past years, I'm sure it will be as much fun as productive. Details & directions to come as the date gets closer, but wanted everyone to get it on their calendars. I know this may not work for everyone, and if you can't attend, but are still interested in helping with VBS this year, please let Becky or I know.

Also, just a reminder that the last day of Sunday School is May 18. Confirmation ends May 11, with the Confirmation Sunday on May 18.

Emily Kann

Social Ministry

The Social Ministry hosted a food drive for the Fellowship Cup through the week of April 20. Thanks to the generous donations 15 bags were donated to the Fellowship Cup.

Blood Drive

“I am happy to report the Swedesburg, Olds & Wayland area community brought in 23 blood donations on April 14 at Swedesburg Lutheran Church’s Parish Hall. We are now able to split a whole blood donation into up to four products, so those 23 units of blood we collected at Swedesburg will help up to 92 of our area patients in need! We appreciate everyone who made time to come by to donate! That is a very generous gift of life for so many of our neighbors, friends, coworkers and families! I appreciate everyone who came by to give, even if they happened to be deferred that day. We appreciate their willingness to share,” said Chriss Heyd, Donor Relations Consultant with Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center. “We also appreciate the Swedesburg Lutheran Church for generously providing their lovely Parish Hall for the blood drives.”

“Our next northwestern Henry County area blood drive will be sponsored by the Wayland Lions Club on Thursday, June 12 at the Wayland Community Center, from 1:30 – 6:30 p.m. Donors who give on or before April 17 will be eligible to give again on June 12 at the Wayland drive. If donors would like to get signed up early, they can go to www.bloodcenterIMPACT.org to schedule themselves, or they can call 1-800-747-5401 to schedule an appointment.”

ELCA Malaria Campaign

World Malaria Day is coming up on April 25, and it’s another great opportunity to do something big for the ELCA Malaria Campaign. Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church will have a special offering for this campaign on Sunday, May 4, 2014. For the last several years, the ELCA observed World Malaria Day by dedicating an entire week to raising funds and awareness of the companions’ programs. To date, ELCA has joined hands in 12 African countries to help fight malaria, and they have seen great progress. This year, let’s help make it 13.

ELCA is taking the ELCA Malaria Campaign work into the next country – Namibia. If they raise $250,000, they’ll have enough to kick-start programming in Namibia, the last country in their rollout plan.

ELCA is already making a difference in 12 countries across Africa. Together, we can make it 13. If you would like to contribute, you may designate your check or envelope to ELCA Malaria. Remember, we will receive this special offering on Sunday, May 4.

Parish Improvement and Property

The Property Committee met on April 21, 2014. The next meeting will be May 27 at 7 p.m.

New Members Welcomed at SELC

On April 27, 2014 SELC welcomed the following new members:

Roger BeckmanChad FraiseRobert Frary Holly FrarySam FraryCharlie FraryStephanie HummelAurora HummelJoe LaBarberaMichael LaBarberaAnthony LaBarbera

Graduate Recognition

Congratulations to our high school graduates!Tylar SwansonKatelyn White

Area High School Graduation Dates

The following are our area high school graduation dates:Mt. Pleasant - May 25 at 2:30 p.m. at Mapleleaf

Community Field. WACO - May 18, at 2 p.m. in the high school gym.Washington - May 25 at 1:30 p.m. in the gym.Winfield/Mt. Union - 1 p.m. on May 18.

Worship and Music

The Worship and Music Committee met on April 30, 2014. The next meeting will be August 13 at 7 p.m.

Coffee Cart

Just a reminder that Coffee Cart will not occur on June 11 or 18 due to Evangelism hosting special events on those days.

Change in office hours:

Hours for the office will be changed the last week in April. Mary will be out of the office on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2; and Mary WILL be in the office on Monday, April 28.

May 17, 2014Sheraton Inn, West Des Moines

Visit www.LSIowa.org/150/rejoice150 to learn more and make your table or individual reservations for Rejoice! 150 today!

Swedish Pancake Breakfast

The Swedish Heritage Society will serve two Swedish breakfasts this summer at the Parish Hall, 201 Academy Avenue, Swedesburg, Iowa: June 7 and July 5. From 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Swedish pancakes with

lingonberries, potatis korv, homemade rolls, juice and coffee will be served at the parish hall! The cost is $6 per person. Please join the Swedish Heritage Society for food and fellowship.

Reminder about Federal Privacy Laws

Because of Federal Privacy Laws (HIPPA), if you or a member of your family are hospitalized, and would like Pastor Mark to visit, you must contact the church and let us know. While the hospital may ask what church you are affiliated with and you ask the hospital to contact your pastor, the hospitals usually do not contact the church. Please let the church office know. You can reach the church office at (319) 254-2216.

Library Expansion

The Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church’s library has expanded with the following donations by Virginia Olson:

A Diary of Readings, by Charles Scribner’s Sons Of The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas a Kempis The Power of Positive Living, by Douglas Lurton Creation and Fall Temptation, Two Biblical Studies

by Dietrich Bonhoeffer Ethics, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer From Faith to Faith, A Daily Guide to Victory, by

Kenneth and Gloria Copeland Women and Their Quilts, A Washington State

Centennial Tribute, by Nancyann Johanson Twelker Letters to Young Churches, by J.B. Phillips Key Bible Words, by Wesley J. Fuerst Christ and Culture, by H. Richard Niebuhr No Wonder They Call Him The Savior, by Max

Lucado Chicken Soup for the Soul, 101 Stories to Open The

Heart And Rekindle The Spirit, by Jack Canfield & Mark Victor Hansen

The Gospels, translated into modern English, by J. B. Phillips

The Cost of Discipleship, by R. H. Fuller Celebration of Discipline, by Richard J. Foster boundless Love, Devotions to Celebrate God’s Love

for You, by Women of Faith God’s Song in My Heart, by Ruth Youngdahl

Nelson Practicing Our Faith, A Guide for Conversation,

Learning, and Growth A Firm Faith for Today, By Harold A. Bosley Time’s Borderland, by Victor E. Beck The Bible has the answer!, by Dale Crowley On Our Way Rejoicing! By Ingrid Hult Trobisch

Healthy Henry County Communities Event June 7, 2014

Join Healthy Henry County Communities in planning an event on June 7th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. The plan right now is to have a walk and activities in Olds from 9-10:30 and a walk and activities in Swedesburg from 10:30-12, while encouraging everyone to walk/run/bike between the two communities. A scavenger hunt will include clues from both communities. If you have questions or can volunteer to help organize the event in Swedesburg, please contact Kelly Carr, Healthy Henry County Communities Coordinator, at telephone 319-385-6523 or carrk@hchc.org. To learn more about Healthy Henry County Communities visit www.healthyhenrycounty.org.

Offering Counters

Just a reminder that the yearbook has the incorrect offering counters listed. Below are the counters for the remainder of 2014:

May Doug Deardorff & Glenn GrafJune Julie Ostby & Linda McGohanJuly Jan Towne & Karl KruegerAugust Tom Wenstrand & Monte KannSeptember Lennis Beichter & Glenn GrafOctober Lisa Kempf & Linda McGohanNovember Keith Zihlman & Karl KruegerDecember Peggy Grothe & Monte KannJanuary ’15 Sherry Honts & Glenn GrafFebruary ’15 Maribelle Lund & Linda McGohan

Youth roller skating trip.

Lutheran Services in IowaMay is National Foster Care Month

May is National Foster Care Month, a time to raise awareness about the over 6,300 Iowa children who are in foster care or other out-of-home placements. Every child deserves a safe and permanent connection to a caring adult, and Iowa has an ongoing need for more people willing to be that person for a child in foster care.

The need is especially urgent for teenagers. Every year teens turn 18 and age out of the foster care system without permanent connections. Who helps them apply for college or move into their first apartment? Who do they visit on holidays, call for life advice or celebrate their graduation with? It only takes one person to make an extraordinary difference.

Thank you for being a friend to Iowa’s children through supporting the work of LSI. LSI is a lead agency in Iowa KidsNet, the statewide collaboration of agencies that recruits, trains, licenses and supports families to foster and adopt Iowa children. LSI is proud to be an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Learn more at www.LSIowa.org. Join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa.

“I never thought I would be adopted.” Alyssa is a sweetheart of a young woman who is a captain on her varsity cheerleading squad, a teacher at her local dance studio and her town’s “Rose Queen.” She’s also a girl who once lived in a city shelter for seven months, anxiously awaiting every court date to see if she could ever go home. Alyssa had entered foster care at age 13. Like most kids in care, she missed her mom and her siblings. When returning home wasn’t an option, she got the next best thing—a family eager to welcome her with open arms.“My husband and I had fostered eight teen girls in the past, and I got a call about Alyssa,” said Deb, Alyssa’s adoptive mother. An LSI program supervisor, Deb and her husband are also veteran foster parents, having now adopted five children from foster care along with raising three biological children. “I never thought I would be adopted,” Alyssa said. Finding forever families for teens is rare. Only 10% of children adopted in federal fiscal year 2012 were age 13 and older. “A lot of people don’t want to foster teens because they think we’re trouble,” Alyssa said. “It’s not our

fault we’ve had crappy lives. Giving a teen a chance is always better than not.”Deb also hopes other people will see they could foster teens, too. “I don’t think there’s anything magical about our family. It’s just believing in these kids. They start going out for sports, they get the opportunities they would never have without someone backing them, taking them to practices and encouraging them. They start to see they can achieve their dreams.” Alyssa’s dream is to become a pediatric nurse. “Before I didn’t have those opportunities,” she said. “Those doors weren’t open to me.” Thankfully, they’re open now. See more stories, past and present, at LSI’s anniversary website: www.LSIowa.org/150.

Thank You’s Received Thank you to the families of Don Lauer, Clarette

Morrow, Wendell Peterson and Nancy Sandeen for providing the memorial funds for the new outside sign in the front of the church, along with a gift from Audrey Peterson.

Thank you so much for your donation of $250 to Community Action of Southeast Iowa for the food pantry. Because of people like you who care, we are able to make life better for families who are in crisis. Thank you for caring about families who are in need

Sharon L. Ford, CCAPExecutive Director

Community Action of Southeast Iowa

Thank you so much for your donation of $150 to Community Action of Southeast Iowa for the food pantry. Because of people like you who care, we are able to make life better for families who are in crisis. Thank you for caring about families who are in need

Sharon L. Ford, CCAPExecutive Director

Community Action of Southeast Iowa Thank you to all those who sent cards and

memorials in memory of Darrell’s mother, Ruth Smith, who passed away on April 14. Your thoughts and prayers were much appreciated.

Darrell and Gail Smith and family

Thank you to all who came to the Easter breakfast and made monetary donations. Also to the individuals who provided breakfast casseroles and rolls/coffee cakes (there were individuals who were not on the committee that donated) and a thank you to the youth for their labor.

The Social Ministry Committee

Thank you to all who donated to the Fellowship Cup food drive with food or money. Fifteen bags were collected.

The Social Ministry Committee I’ve heard it said many ways, in many different

languages. Thank you. Thank you for your recent gift of $250 to Lutheran World Relief. On behalf of LWR’s global staff, our partners and those we serve together, thank you for being Christ’s hands in the world. God bless you!

Jeff Whisenant, Interim President and CEOLutheran World Relief

Thank you for making a gift towards the Mosaic Partners in Possibilities event. Through your gift, you help Mosiac plan for a secure future for the people we serve. We are happy to share stories that highlight the work Mosaic does here in the Axtell area. What we shared, however, is just a small part of Mosaic’s mission. There is so much more to see and hear about the great things people with

intellectual disabilities accomplish with Mosaic’s help. I look forward to being a partner with you for many years to come.

Linda Timmons, President & CEOMosaic

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 & Clinics (UIHC). Ongoing support from Lutheran congregations and their members are vital components in sustaining this ministry and we appreciate your gift of $300 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.

Lynn T. Thiede, president

Thank you for your gift of $200 designated to GHM Mission Operations. This year, Global Health Ministries opens a new era in mission. We will continue to do all the good that your support has made possible in the past through shipments of medical supplies and equipment, and grants to strengthen health services for the poor. But now we will also work to enhance our partner’s ability to stand on their own, and to demonstrate the improvements they are making to improve community health. WE are excited about this development as a sign that we are maturing in our mission of “continuing the healing ministry of Jesus by enhancing the health care programs of Lutheran Churches in other countries.”We have begun our the Kairos mission Appeal, through which we will reach out to our faithful supporters and make new friends for Global Health

Ministries. As the work “Kairos” suggests, by God’s grace we are convinced that “the time is right” to grow in our mission, and to invite you to join us in fulfilling our calling. To God by the glory!

Rev. Timon C. Iverson, Executive DirectorGlobal Health Ministries

I can’t begin to thank you enough for your generous gifts totaling $1,000 from your annual smorgasbord held in December. Your gifts will benefit the programs at Lutheran Services in Iowa including the programs on the Bremwood and Beloit campuses. As we celebrate LSI’s 150th anniversary his year, I’m in awe of the generations of people like you that have made this mission possible since 1864. Your gift helps turn stories of hurt into stories of hope. It’s what gives so many children, families and adults access to resources for success, such as parenting education, therapy, English as a Second Language classes or respite care, to simply name a few.

Chris Anderson, VP of Advancement & Church Relations

Lutheran Services in Iowa

Heartfelt thanks to the Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church: For the past several years my family has gone through hardship due to the economy such as job loss and other things. Our standard of living has dramatically changed. There are times we learn lessons from not just being a blessing as God commanded, but to also accept a blessing in return. Lesson learned!I truly wish to thank the members of this church for being a blessing by giving of their time, talents, and money so that I could be blessed in my time of need. When I open my cupboards and freezer there is food there, and I am grateful for your stewardship and love for others. Thank you for giving from your overflow. When my car needed

repairs I was very relieved when your kind pastor could say yes to help us because you gave. (Sometimes it is hard to ask when you are used to making your own way!) It is nice to have a car in good repair to drive.I do have a relationship with Jesus Christ, and I pray blessings and tell you thank you again for your generosity and mindfulness of the teachings and acts we follow of our Lord Jesus Christ. Thank you.

CONGREGATION REFLECTIONS

ADDRESS UPDATE: Kate Crawford, Apt. 407, 6450 Double Eagle Drive, Woodridge, IL 60517.

BAPTISMS: Alfonso Ribeiro Jr. was baptized at SELC on Saturday, April 19, 2014. His parents are Alfonso and Angela Ribeiro. He was born on November 27, 2013. Grandparents are Stan and Valerie Unkrich, and great grandmother is Louise Unkrich.

Noah James Provino was baptized at SELC on Sunday, April 27, 2014. His parents are Chris and Jamie Provino. He was born on October 30, 2009. Grandparents are Jim & Shirley Krabill.

SYMPATHYto the family of Darrell and Gail Smith, upon the passing of his mother, Ruth Smith, on April 14.

PRAY FOR:ELCA missionaries Rev. Brian and Christine Palmer in Liberia.

for Rev. Eliewaha Ezekieli and people of Ngaeni Lutheran Parish, our partner congregation in Tanzania.

friends and loved ones experiencing health concerns.

THANKS ARE DUE . . .to all the families who provided soup, salads and desserts for Wednesday evenings during Lent.

to members who donated LP to the church during the winter while the cost of propane was skyrocketing.

to Bill McGohan who assisted with changing the fuse so the organ would work properly.

As we come to the end of another school year we would like to thank all of you who have been involved in our Sunday School, choir, and other areas of our ministry. You have allowed the Holy Spirit to be active in your life; you have been true to your calling as a Christian. Giving of your time, talents, and treasures has been a blessing to the work of the Lord, and we thank you on behalf of all those who have benefited from your sharing.

More youth skating.

Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church1897 140th Street, P. O. Box 88, Swedesburg, Iowa 52652-0088

Telephone (319) 254-2216 www.swedesburglutheran.orgemails: pastor@swedesburglutheran.org office@swedesburglutheran.org

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

World Malaria collection May 4Senior recognition May 11Confirmation May 18

Worship begins at 10 a.m. Join us!

Handicapped accessible. website: www.swedesburglutheran.orgemail: office@swedesburglutheran.org