News Update from the Western Iowa Synod-ELCA

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JULY 10, 2020

e-Spirit

Thank you, people of Western Iowa for....

 -Your partnership in ministry
- Your hard work to make worship happen during this pandemic
- Your willingness to learn new ways of being church
- Your prayers and words of encouragement
- Your courage to speak for justice standing against racism
- Your faithful proclamation of the Good News of Jesus
- Your generous mission support!

- Your synod staff and synod council say "THANK YOU"!!!

 

- We are grateful for the many gifts you share that continue to support 
   - Seminary students from Western Iowa
   - Lutheran Disaster
   - Campus ministry here in Iowa
   - Bible camps - especially when summer programs are canceled
   - Global mission
   - Ecumenical partnerships as we learn from one another
   - Call process as congregations seek to call a pastor
   - Food networks feeding hungry people in Western Iowa
   - New learning opportunities for lay people and rostered ministers

 

THANK YOU!!!
This is God's work. With our hands and voices.
Together we are the church - the body of Christ.

Please send photos of ministry happening in your congregation to paula.damon@wisynod.org or julie.cook@wisynod.org! We will share your photos in e-Spirit. This week photo is from Bethany Lutheran Church, Spencer.

Notice the words on a new sign posted in front of Bethany Lutheran Church, Spencer! In the July newsletter Pastor Jen Henry writes to the congregation about this sign: 

 

From Pastor Jen:  "...after careful, prayerful, tearful, justice-seeking deliberation, a new sign will be anchored in our lawn. With words once again attached to a hymn:

'Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world;
Every gender, every race, ALL are covered by God's grace.'
Jesus loves the little children of the world.'"

Western Iowa Synod Endowment Grant Recipient
UNITY LUTHERAN MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY 
A Matter of Faith

The Unity Lutheran Ministries Food Pantry, sponsored by Bethel and Wallingford Lutheran Churches, is located in the Bethel Lutheran Church, Graettinger, Iowa.

The ministry serves the population of food-insecure people in Palo Alto County. “Our goal is simple: feed the hungry,” said Barbara Brennan, a leader in this ministry. ”One in nine Iowans is food insecure, one in six  Iowa children does not have enough food to eat, and 400,000 Iowans live at or below poverty level,” Brennan explained. “Unfortunately, these statistics force families to choose between food, medicine, medical care, utilities or rent. Our goal is to provide food to ease their decision making.”

SEEDS OF FAITH
However, according to Brennan, the food pantry is not  a pop-up ministry. It did not happen in a day or a week,  but gradually grew from Bethel and Wallingford Lutheran Churches combined Bible study and faithful discernment.

“At that time, late winter and spring of 2015,  our Bible study group was reading ‘Change the World’ by Mike Slaughter,” Brennan said. As their Bible study progressed, and after learning about food insecurity in Northwest Iowa, the group’s awareness grew, and a collaborative food pantry idea was born. “

Today, the original Bible study group serves as Food Pantry directors, consisting of a 12-member Board from both Bethel and Wallingford Lutheran Churches. Pastor Chris Lang is executive director. Marge Tindall serves as liaison with Food Bank of Iowa and the primary representative of Wallingford Lutheran Church.

GREATEST OBSTACLE IS DOUBT
“Our greatest obstacle is doubt. Will God supply? This continues to be a matter of faith.  We purchase between $100 to $300 monthly from the Food Bank of Iowa of Des Moines, focusing on the basics of vegetables, fruit, whole grains and protein sources.  Our funds recently were extremely low.  We are being  tested to trust. Not part of either church’s budget, the Unity Lutheran Food Pantry is solely funded by gifts, donations and grants.  All monies received go to the purchase of food,  unless a grant is received for the  stated purchase of  non-consumable equipment, such as freezers or refrigerators.  

GOD IS FAITHFUL
“Since we launched the food pantry in September 2015,  we have found GOD IS FAITHFUL, having  received food in unexpected ways: out of town people donating on international giving day,  trucks overturned with damaged cargo and extra food from oversized truck loads to grocery stores all came our way. And, of course, we are grateful for receiving the Western Iowa Synod Endowment Grant, which is  making a difference in the lives of others.  

“We are surprised by our clients’ stories and responses: families who live in their vehicles, some eventually can  give back with food or cash donations. One client gifted the pantry with a burlap sculpture of Christ’s head. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have remained open with methods to keep clients and volunteers safe. Now, we use our narthex as our food-storage and food-bagging area. Previously, clients chose their food but now we bag it and leave it on the sidewalk under our entrance awning for clients to retrieve.  This way everyone is physically distancing, and surfaces are not compromised.  

These Bible focus verses for our ministry are posted in the food pantry. Matthew 25:35-40, 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, … 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ “

“If God wills the Unity Lutheran Food Pantry to remain open,” Brennan concluded, “ God will provide.”

ABOUT THIS MINISTRY

Unity Lutheran Ministries Food Pantry Board:
- Executive Director - Rev. Chris Lang, Pastor, Bethel and Wallingford Lutheran Churches
- From Wallingford Lutheran Church, Wallingford, Iowa: Marge Tindall,  Food Bank of Iowa liaison; Dolores Ness, Pat Young, Becky Howing and Ron Howing. 
- From Bethel Lutheran Church, Graettinger, Iowa: Sandy Olesen, Karen Spies, Sandy Kropf, Thelma Harris, Pat Swanson and Barb Brennan. 

Unity Lutheran Ministries Food Pantry contact information:
-Rev. Chris Lang, Pastor and Food Pantry Executive Director, clang001@luthersem.edu.

Bethel Lutheran Church food pantry site:

401 W. Patterson Ave., Graettinger, IA 51342

TEL. 712-859-3366 (church office)

EMAIL bethelelca@rvtc.net

The United Lutheran Ministries Food Pantry is one in a series of stories about recent recipients of Western Iowa Synod Endowment Grants. Ranging from $200 to $1,000, grants help fund local projects addressing youth, food insecurity, Christian education, church renovation, peer ministry and community outreach. 

REFLECTIONS FROM 

 

A Lost Connection Repaired through Prayer

By Kathryne Stelzer, Spiritual Director, Western Iowa Synod

 

Have you ever lost access to an online account because it was hacked? If you are reading this online, the answer is most likely yes!  Have you ever had a poor Zoom connection or Phone connection? I’ve experienced all these things recently. I had to reset the password on an account because it was hacked. One of my friends was not able to communicate with me at all because a fiber-optic cable was cut. And another friend had an “unstable” internet connection that kept cutting in and out on our Zoom video conference. I felt irritated and frustrated.

 

All these connections had to be “repaired.” It is very hard to communicate when the connection is poor or cut off. Being able to communicate effectively takes a strong connection.

 

Connecting with God is really quite similar, and now more than ever having a strong connection with God is what will see us each through these challenging times. Are you able to experience God’s peace? How is your connection? Are you finding it hard to communicate with God? Or has your ability to communicate been hijacked by worries and concerns?

 

Do you have a poor connection because you are just finding it hard to pray?  Maybe you can’t even pray. One thing we can know is that God is still on the line.  His connection is sure and true! But sometimes we lose our connection with God. Then “The Spirit intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words to express.” Romans 8:26

 

I have been engaged in a course through the Center for Action and Contemplation, which delves into the life and writings of Teresa of Avila, specifically The Interior Castle. In the third presentation, James Finley points out, “To live in peace is not dependent on conditions…It is the absolute sovereignty of God’s love being poured out and given. This is the Good News of Jesus Christ! See, this is the freedom of the children of God.” By faith we know that we are being sustained by the working of God’s Holy Spirit in our lives for the sake of his Son Jesus Christ who has set us free. Connect with God today. He is calling you.

 

This simple prayer has helped me during this difficult times:

  

Lovingkindness Meditation

May I be filled with loving kindness.

May I be safe from inner and outer dangers.

May I be well in body and mind.                    

May I be at ease and happy.

 

Then Repeat this prayer for anyone who comes to mind:

All those you would like to prayer for by name.

Then also pray for strangers, frontline medical workers, pastors, all those afflicted by COVID–19, those in assisted living and rest home facilities, families, unemployed, homeless and the weak.

 

May you be filled with loving kindness.

May you be safe from inner and outer dangers.

May you be well in body and mind.      

May you be at ease and happy. Amen

Soul Companions is a group of individuals in the Western Iowa Synod trained in spiritual direction and spiritual formation. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we gather to support each other's spiritual growth. We encourage all rostered leaders, staff and congregants to seek spiritual companionship and growth through spiritual direction, spiritual formation groups, and spiritual retreats. Spiritual direction is currently available through several certified directors in our network.

FOR CHURCH NEWSLETTER

FREE VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES FOR KIDS, FOUR-LEGGED FRIENDS & MORE

For your church community, COVID Recovery Iowa programs offer additional ways to join and build supportive virtual communities, including these groups for anyone to join at COVID Recovery Iowa Facebook page:

 

• Meditation and Yoga – online weekly classes
• Inclusion for All - Social Group for People with Disabilities
• Crafty Kid's Club
• Show Us Your HE(ART)
• Tell Me A Story – books being read for children
• Four Legged Therapy
• Book Club
• Story Starters - A Creative Writing Group
• How Does Your Garden Grow?
• Workforce Resources

FOR CHURCH NEWSLETTER

Gratitude Gathering for Church Leaders

FOR CHURCH NEWSLETTER

CLICK 'N DOWNLOAD SUMMER CAMP INFORMATION 

FOR CHURCH NEWSLETTER

BACK TO SCHOOL HELP FROM LUTHERAN SERVICES IN IOWA

School is right around the corner! This year’s back-to-school time feels a little different than usual for all of us, but imagine what it would be like to be a child or teen with an emotional or behavioral disorder. For the last several months, their routine has been turned upside-down and they’ve learned to adjust to a new way of life. Moving back into a school year structure can be particularly stressful and it can be difficult to concentrate and cope. Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) provides mental health services to children and families across the state. It’s our job to relate to children who might feel alone or misunderstood. Learn more at Lutheran Services in Iowa.

TOOLS & TOPICS FOR CHURCH LEADERS

Starting July 2020, sponsoring organizations in the ELCA Pension and Other Benefits Program will no longer be charged 0.7% of sponsored members’ defined compensation for retiree support. This means that ministries can redirect those funds toward other needs. Sponsoring organizations will see this change reflected on their July billing statement. Read more at https://www.porticobenefits.org/NewsEvents/News/2020_06_29_ELCATrustAdequatelyFunded 

Portico Regional Representative:
Your Portico Regional Representative, Jennifer Prinz, is offering virtual coffee dates with individuals, is able to join a staff meeting, facilitate a discussion on benefits and wellness or, workshops.  You can reach out to her at 563-650-4122, Jprinz@Porticobenefits.org, or follow her on Facebook. Thank you from all of us at Portico for the ministry you do every day.

PRAYER CONCERNS

TRANSITIONS

Rev. Charles (Chip) Borgstadt, Jr, Pastor, St. John Lutheran, Dunlap;

Bethesda Lutheran, Moorhead

Rev. Kelley Pedersen, Interim Pastor, St. Paul Lutheran, Rockwell City

Rev. Matthew Manz, Interim Pastor, South Enes Lutheran, Vincent

 

Rev. Barbara Kopperud, retiring from Trinity Lutheran Church, Sibley, moving to Red Wing, Minn.

 

Trinity Lutheran, Sibley, voted to leave the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and are now Lutheran Congregations in Mission for Christ (LCMC)

 

WHEN:

7-9 p.m., Aug. 5 & Aug. 12 via ZOOM

 

WHO:

Current SAM - These classes are required for SAM annual authorization.

Future SAM - If you are interested in becoming a SAM, these classes are a first step.

 

COST:

Only $25 per person for both sessions. Register online at SAM Preaching Class.

 

PRE-READING:

For Aug. 5 class, read "A Lay Preacher's Guide: How to Craft a Faithful Sermon" by Karoline Lewis. Preaching date(s) will be scheduled during class. 

Resuming Care-filled Worship & Sacramental Life

The coronavirus pandemic has challenged churches to continue being the Church without gathering In person.....Now churches face another challenge. As states “re-open,” how will we resume worship gatherings in person while the pandemic is still with us? A care-filled response to that challenge is much more than unlocking the church doors and inviting all to come, sit, sing, and greet one another as had been our custom. Here's a helpful best practices for congregations returning to worship in person.

The coronavirus pandemic has challenged churches to continue being the Church without gathering In person.....Now churches face another challenge. As states “re-open,” how will we resume worship gatherings in person while the pandemic is still with us? A care-filled response to that challenge is much more than unlocking the church doors and inviting all to come, sit, sing, and greet one another as had been our custom. Here's a helpful best practices for congregations returning to worship in person.

Additional Considerations

As ELCA congregations face difficult decisions regarding when and how they will be able to gather again for worship, this resource offers general guidance. This not a comprehensive, one-size-fits-all resource; it will need to be interpreted and adapted for your local context. In many, if not most contexts, it will not be safe or advisable to gather for in-person worship for some time. National, state and local medical and legal guidelines will need to be consulted and followed. While risk is not avoidable, this guidance is presented with the aim of reducing the level of risk for your community. Your pastor and congregational leaders will want to carefully review these considerations for Return to In-Person Worship from the ELCA.

SEE SOMETHING IN e-SPIRIT YOU WANT TO SHARE?

Cut & paste articles from e-Spirit archives or email paula.damon@wisynod.org.

WESTERN IOWA SYNOD STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION

The synod staff continues to social distance and for the most part works from home. Office hours are 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., Mon.-Fri. To contact synod staff members, see email addresses below. For staff roles and responsibilities, visit Western Iowa Synod Staff.

News Update from the Western Iowa Synod-ELCA

Help get everyone in the Spirit!

Please forward this e-Spirit to church Councils, staff, congregations,

community partners, church members in military service, college

or wherever they may be.

SUBSCRIBE