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Immanuel Lutheran Church Children of God, called to proclaim the mighty acts of Jesus

through lives of love and servanthood.

September 2017 Newsletter

Weekly Services

and Communion

Sunday ~ 9am

Starting Sept. 10th

8 am & 10:30 am

Wednesday ~ 6pm

Office Hours

Weekdays

9:00 am–1:00

pm

Inside this issue:

Monthly updates p. 2

Volunteer of the month p. 2

Birthday & Anniversaries p. 3

Upcoming Events p. 3

Thank you notes p. 4

Church Happenings p. 5-9

Activity p. 9

Calendar p. 10

Find us on Facebook at Immanuel Lutheran Washington Iowa or online at luthwash.org.

Come visit us at 1226 East Washington Street, Washington, Iowa 52353

Church ~ 319.653.3950 Pastor Howard ~ 319.333.7758

“Love Does No Wrong To a Neighbor; Therefore Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law.” by Peter J. Weller All of the New Testament lessons for the month of September are from Paul’s letter to the Romans. What Paul writes in Chapter 13 is particularly relevant in light of the events that have occurred recently in Charlottesville, Virginia. Paul writes, “Owe no one anything, except to love one another; for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery; You shall not murder; You shall not steal; You shall not covet”; and any other commandment are summed up in this word, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.” “Besides this, you know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy. Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for the flesh to gratify its desires.” (Romans 13:8-14) Here, Paul sums up much of Jesus’ teachings from his Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:17-48), his parables, and his encounter with the lawyer (Matthew 22:34-40). And, he asserts further, “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.” (Romans 13:10) We should keep Paul’s words in mind as we consider our views regarding how we respond to the recent events in Charlottesville. We must recognize evil, call it out for what it is, and not support it. We must ask ourselves: Should statues erected to promote the memory of men who led the fight to maintain the enslavement of millions belong in public parks? Does the idea of “white supremacy” conform to the teachings of Jesus? Does it conform to the Law as described in the Old Testament and the Gospels? Is it consistent with Paul’s teaching above that “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law.”?

Continued to page 8

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Monthly Updates (Month to date)

General Funds– $7,315

Benevolence-gifts outside of church $52

Monthly expenses- $12,000-$15,000

Building Fund Gifts- $970

Monthly payment- $810

Debt reduction- $604 (July pymt)

Attendance

Sunday, July 30– 64

Wednesday, August 2-11

Sunday, August 6-91

Wednesday, August 9-11 Sunday, August 13-55

Wednesday, August 16-16 Sunday, August 20-46

Wednesday, August 23-12

Wandering Worshipers

Nancy Baker, Ryan Jones, Kristin, Jones, Lucas Kroll,

Tricia Kroll, Addison Six, Ajay Six, Avery Six, Aden

Six, April Six, Aaron Six, Allison Rebling, Vicki

Rebling, and Pastor Howard worshipped with our

brothers and sisters in Christ at Christ Lutheran

Church in E. Northport, NY on July 30, 2017.

Nancy Baker, Ryan Jones, Kristin, Jones, Lucas Kroll,

Tricia Kroll, Addison Six, Ajay Six, Avery Six, Aden

Six, April Six, Aaron Six, Allison Rebling, Vicki

Rebling, and Pastor Howard worshipped with our

brothers and sisters in Abraham at the East

Northport Jewish Center on July 28, 2017.

August Milestones

1) Celebrating 5 years as Immanuel's Church

custodian on 7-31-17. Linda Brown

2) I picked up clams down by the lake.

Kenzie Quigley

Sunday Worship Times

Sunday, September 10th is Rally Sunday; the beginning of Faith Formation classes for all ages. September 10th, we will resume our Fall, two-worship services schedule;

8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Faith Formation Education

held at 9:15 a.m. Until September 10th, continue to enjoy our summer schedule of one-worship service at 9 a.m.!

If you can read & follow simple

instructions YOU can be a Faith

Formation teacher. The lessons are all

pre-printed and on the hallway table.

All you have to do is sign up under a

date that works for you and take the

coordinating lesson with that date. You have your choice

of choosing from one of these three categories: Arts &

Crafts, Bible Skills & Games, or Cooking. Also within

each lesson there are three lessons provided to you, all

you have to do is simply pick the ONE that works best

for you. We need YOU, please sign up today!!! Please

seek Education Committee or Pastor with any

questions!!!

Your Education Committee--- Carrie Lueck, Amy Statler,

Katie McWhirter, Linda Brown

I have been a Lutheran all my life and have always served in some capacity. Whether it be as a boy in

Sunday school, acolyte, Luther league officer and as an adult in church administration. To volunteer

is our faith based reward for following the example of our lord and savior Jesus Christ.

Gary Fischer

Volunteer of the Month

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Upcoming Meetings

Council– September 5th at 6:30 pm Education– September 12th at 6:00 pm Property– September 27th at 7:00 pm

Birthdays for September

It’s CEREAL month at Immanuel!!

Please consider donating cereal to send to HACAP this month. Other items will be

accepted and appreciated but this month’s focus will be cereal.

Thank you, truly, for your

generosity!!

Ladies Night Out will be Tuesday, September 19th, 6 pm

at The Four Corners in Ainsworth. There will be a car pool

leaving the church at 5:45 pm.

Anniversaries for September

7- Candance Talbot Scheibe 8- Audrey Wubbena 10- Jon Runaas 12- Margaret Quigley 14- Virginia Jorgensen 16- Dale Venzke 17- Peg Harris 19- Ken Baker 22- Carrie Lueck 23- Bob Coker 24- Brad Kroll 25- Randy Poos 26- Charlotte Andersen 26- Kylee Statler 27- William McWhirter 28- Robert Warren 28- Tracy Shriver 30- Sara Bartlett 30- Mariah Howard

2- Yaro & Mary Chmelar 4- Tom & Mary Gail Lyons 5- Ron & Charlotte Andersen 8- Scott & Laurie Pemberton

Faith Formation

The Preschool Faith Formation class begins

September 10th at 9:15 am. This class is open to

preschool children ages 3-5 years old. A signed

Health Waiver will be needed for your child/

children to start any Faith Formation classes.

You are able to get your on the hall table or in

the office for your child/children.

A dinner in your honor.

In gratefulness for your generosity to God through Immanuel

Lutheran Church, a dinner of gratitude will be given in your

honor on Sunday Oct. 1 at 12 PM. In the continuing spirit of

Generosity Madness , the Stewardship Committee will prepare

and serve a free meal to say thank you for offerings of time,

talent, and money. Please RSVP (319-653-3950) by Sept. 15 to

ensure adequate food.

CHOIR RESUMES AT IMMANUEL

Adult Choir will meet for the first rehearsal on Wednesday, September 6, at 7:00 p.m.

Please contact Sara Bartlett with questions. 319-461-4024.

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Thank You to the entire congregation for your

prayers and financial support of the youth and

adults who went to Long Island, New York. We

were blessed through our host families and the

people we met. The experiences we had opened

our eyes to the majesty and power of God’s

creative works and beauty as well as the love God

has for God’s people. It was a trip filled with

treasured memories. Thank you for your

generosity! ~ Pastor Howard Dear Maureen and Crew, May God's grace and peace be

with you always. I guess that by now you have all arrived

safely home and all is well. Once again, and on behalf of

the entire congregation, I want to thank all of you for the

tremendous work you did for us here at St. Peters. You

have certainly demonstrated the meaning of "God's Work,

Our Hands." We will continue to keep all of you in our

prayers and hope to stay in touch. God's richest blessings

be with every one of you. Love in Christ, Hyacinth (Rev.

Hyacinth Johnson) St. Peters Evangelical Lutheran

Church, 741 East 219 Street, Bronx, New York 10467

THANK YOU to Linda Six for leading worship on

Wednesday, August 2nd. To Lee Buchholz for leading

worship on Wednesday, August 9th. To Margie Runaas

for leading worship on Wednesday, August 16th. Also,

to Steve Vetter for leading worship on Sunday, August

13th and Mary Gail Lyons for leading worship on

Wednesday, August 23rd and while Pastor Howard was

on vacation. The congregation loved your enthusiasm for

God’s word and God was given honor and praise

through your leadership.

Thank you all for including us in your prayers while we were in New York and for the support you gave us financially before we left! We had an amazing trip and would be happy to talk to anyone about our trip if you missed our 'sermon'! Jesus was with us in everything we did and everywhere we went and we were so happy to be a part of it! In Christ's love, Kristin & Ryan Jones

I want to thank all of you who prayed for me, sent me

cards, visited me, gave me a chance to use my

prayer shawl again, brought me food or flowers, took

care of me, and made me feel special in your own

way! The surgery went well and I am now doing

physical therapy to strengthen my right leg. God has

been great to me again, as He always is. THANK YOU

TO ALL OF YOU!

Lee Buchholz

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2017 Kinnick Clean-Up Schedule

Sunday, Sep. 3 Wyoming

Sunday, Sep. 17 North Texas

Sunday, Sep. 24 Penn State

Sunday, Oct. 8 Illinois

Sunday, Oct. 29 Minnesota

Sunday, Nov. 5 Ohio State

Sunday, Nov. 19 Purdue

All are welcome to join Luther League

to help clean the concourse!!

New Disciple’s (Member’s) Class You are warmly invited to become a fellow disciple of Christ at Immanuel

Lutheran Church. Pastor Howard will be holding a new disciple’s (member’s) class on Sunday, September

17th , 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., in the fellowship hall. Let’s journey together as we discover what being a

Lutheran is all about. If you, or someone you know, are interested in joining Christ’s body here with us,

please contact Pastor Howard or the church office, 653-3950. We will receive these new disciples to

Immanuel Lutheran, during worship, on either Sunday, September 24th or Wednesday, September 27th.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of

God.” (Ephesians 2:8 NRSV)

Houston, We Have A Gathering… The theme for the 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering (Wednesday, June 27 –

Sunday, July 1, 2018) “This Changes Everything.” Our primary scripture will be Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace

you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” Grace is a

foundational and distinctive piece of the Lutheran faith. This gift, undeserved and freely given, changes lives

and perspectives as people realize they are enough because of what Christ has done and are called into the

world to serve their neighbor and share the good news. Every three years, 30,000 high school youth and their

adult leaders from across the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America gather for a week of faith formation

known as the ELCA Youth Gathering. Through days spent in interactive learning, worship, Bible study,

service and fellowship, young people grow in faith and are challenged and inspired to live their faith in their

daily lives. Pastor Howard will hold an informational meeting on Sunday, September 17th , 1 p.m., for all

Immanuel youth (8th – 12th grades), their parents, and adult leaders interested in learning about attending the

2018 National Youth Gathering in Houston; “This Changes Everything”. The National Youth Gathering

poster is hanging on the bulletin board outside Pastor Howard’s office. Go to the National Youth Gathering

website, http://www.elca.org/YouthGathering, for update information and to get your appetites whet for an

exciting week!

God’s Blessings upon a New

Academic Year

As we begin the new academic year,

we turn to God to ask for God’s

blessings of wisdom and knowledge

upon all people involved in education:

administrators, faculty, staff, and

students. On Sunday, September 10th Pastor Howard will hold a

blessing for all those beginning a new academic year.

Regardless of your role in education and whether you are a

preschooler or Ph.D. student come and receive God’s blessings

upon your new academic year.

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It’s School Kit Time Again

This is the time of year that we shop for school supplies for children (and adults) in other lands where educational materials are scarce or non-existent. The following items are ON SALE at this time of year so we can get a lot of “bang for our buck.” Lutheran World Relief distributes these materials. This is the list of items we need:

· Pencils with erasers · Ball point pens · Pencil sharpeners · 2” erasers · 70+ sheet spiral notebooks · Children’s scissors · 16 or 24 pack crayons · 12” rulers (with metric measure)

Please help us by shopping for any or all of these items. You can leave them in the narthex of the church in the receptacle provided, or by the sewing room door. OR….take a bag (or several) from the pile in the narthex, to fill with the items on the list inside of each of them. Bring them back to the church before September. This has been a project in which families can participate together. It is a wonderful way to teach children the need of school supplies in other parts of the world, and how they can help by filling these LWR kits. Hopefully this will help them to realize how lucky they are for our schools in this country. If you would rather participate by giving money, that would also be appreciated. Just drop your donation in an envelope in the offering plate and the HOPE workers will do the shopping for you. Be sure to notate SCHOOL SUPPLIES on the envelope.

“God’s work. Our hands.” Sunday September 10th

Immanuel is participating again celebrating whom we are as the Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America — one church, freed in Christ to serve and love our

neighbor. On Sunday, Sept. 10th nearly 10,000 congregations of this church

gather to serve communities in ways that share the love of God with all of God’s

people. Last year for “God’s work. Our Hands.” Sunday, Immanuel helped do odd

jobs around our member’s homes. Details about the job(s) we will be doing will be

published soon.

Third Graders to Receive Bibles

The church has purchased new Bibles for the youth of our congregation to have and learn about the deep love and forgiveness of God. On Sunday, September 10th all the third graders will receive a Bible during worship. There will be a special blessing liturgy as the parents give a Bible to their child. Don’t miss this milestone in the lives of the youth in our congregational family.

Tri-Synodical Conference

Pastor Howard will be attending the Tri-Synodical Conference (Western Iowa Synod,

Northeastern Iowa Synod, and Southeastern Iowa Synod) Sunday, September 24th (afternoon)

through Tuesday, September 26th in Des Moines. The theme for the Conference is "The

Reformation: What's at Stake? Then and Now" with presenters Rev. Dr. Anna Madsen of

OMG: Center for Theological Conversation, and Bishop Guy Erwin of the Southwest California

Synod. Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton will also present, preach, and preside at the Monday

evening communion service.

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If you have any questions, concerns or ideas for Jesus’ church known as Immanuel Lutheran, please contact anyone on Immanuel Lutheran Church’s council. They are:

Steve Vetter , Pres. Nancy Baker

Angela Taylor, V.P. Travis Brink Katie McWhirter, Sec. Pastor Maureen Howard Tim Johnson, Fin. Sec. Ray Poe

(Non-voting) Jon Runaas Deidra Baker Linda Six

Mutual Ministry Committee

Ron Andersen– Chair

Gary Fischer

Ron Heineman

Mary Gail Lyons

Kathy Vetter

Danielle Six

Sunday Worship Times

Sunday, September 10th is Rally Sunday; the beginning of Faith Formation classes for all ages. September 10th, we will resume our Fall, two-worship services schedule;

8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. with Faith Formation Education

held at 9:15 a.m. Until September 10th, continue to enjoy our summer schedule of one-worship service at 9 a.m.!

By Heart: Conversations with Martin Luther’s Small Catechism Pastor Howard will continue leading an adult class on Luther’s Small Catechism on Sunday mornings beginning, Sunday, September 17th, 9:15 a.m. We will use Luther’s Small Catechism as our text along with the brand new publication By Heart which is a richly illustrated, in-depth exploration of the Small Catechism. The participant’s guide will generate meaningful conversations about the biblical and historical context of the Small Catechism, its link to the church’s faith, and its connection to Luther’s life and your life today. We’ll begin class viewing a video which will pique our interest to stimulate engaged conversations. Join us for this class and deepen your understanding of the Lutheran tradition; especially during the celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation.

Confirmation Classes Resume September 6th

Confirmation is the journey into adult faith formation for all students in the 7th grade. Confirmation classes will be held on Wednesday evenings, beginning Wednesday,

September 6th at 7 pm. Another exciting year is planned for: learning about the Lutheran faith, servant projects, fellowship opportunities, Sunday Faith Formation classes, and confirmation camp in 2018. The requirements to be confirmed are to

faithfully attend: Wednesday classes with Pastor Howard, Sunday Faith Formation classes, Sunday worship, and complete a servant project with a mentor (8th grade). Contact Pastor Howard if you have any questions. A parent meeting will follow the first

confirmation class on September 6th at 8:15pm.

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Continued from page 1 “Love Does No Wrong To a Neighbor; Therefore Love Is the Fulfilling of the Law.” by Peter J. Weller What has happened in Charlottesville certainly tests our First Amendment rights, our sensibilities, and our tolerance of the right of free speech, particularly as it regards repugnant ideas. The display of a Nazi flag at a rally in an American city is an insult to all Americans who fought in World War II. It also attempts to dignify a discredited and brutal regime who rode roughshod over the rights of most Europeans and destroyed millions of people that it deemed undesirable. The Confederate flag is a symbol of rebellion, and it was the banner under which a large section of our country fought to maintain the institution of slavery. Ultimately, that cause was lost, but Charlottesville shows us that even though more than 150 years have passed since the Civil War ended, its scars still remain. Three people have died, so far, in Charlottesville. Two police officers, the pilot, Burke M. M. Bates and Lt. H. Jay Cullen, were killed when their helicopter crashed while patrolling the demonstrations from the air. And, Heather Heyer, a young paralegal working for a law firm in Charlottesville was killed when a car driven by James Alex Fields, plowed into a large group of demonstrators at an intersection in that city. At least 19 others were sent to the hospital with injuries suffered in that collision. At Heather Heyer’s funeral, her father, Mark Heyer, said of his daughter, “She wanted equality, and. . . she wanted to put down hate. And for my part, we just need to stop all this stuff and just forgive each other. I think that's what the Lord would want us to do. “People need to stop hating, and they need to forgive each other. And I include myself in that, in forgiving the guy that did this. He doesn't know no better. You know, I just think of what the Lord said on the cross. Lord forgive [them], they don't know what they're doing.” Heather’s mother, Susan Bro, said, “They tried to kill my child to shut her up. Well, guess what? You just magnified her. . . . This is just the beginning of Heather's legacy – this is not the end.” We do not know if the current domestic violence will end with Charlottesville, or whether this is just the beginning of a series of similar events. But as we react to these, we should remember Paul’s words, “Let us then lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day [and] put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 13:12-14)

September 2017, LSI Bulletin/Newsletter Article and Story Direct Support Professionals Week Do you know someone who is a caregiver to a loved one? It is often both a demanding and meaningful role. During September’s National Direct Support Professionals Week, we celebrate all the ways in which these professionals help children and adults achieve their goals and build meaningful lives. One way LSI is empowering Iowans with disabilities is through our Respite Care program. We offer respite care for both children and adults, providing caregivers with a well-deserved break. Through respite, an individual is able to get out into his or her community and build a strong bond with a respite care provider. It’s another way LSI is empowering the people we serve toward a more independent lifestyle. We thank you for your faithful support of LSI – you create so many new life-changing possibilities for children, families and adults! If you would like to learn more about how you can support these crucial services, 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. It takes a village Jessica felt overwhelmed. She spent most of her time caregiving for her daughters, Angelique and Ariana, and she knew she needed a break. She turned to LSI’s Services for People with Disabilities. Through LSI, Jessica and her family could receive respite care for the girls, which gave her some time to take a break and catch her breath. Angelique and Ariana now receive respite care from their providers, Kaitlyn and Megan. Once a month, Kaitlyn and Megan play games with the girls and get them out in their community, giving Jessica time to take care of herself. Since last fall, Jessica has seen her daughters become more confident and independent as they’ve built a strong bond with their LSI caregivers. She is feeling more relaxed and in control of her parenting, and she is happy to see Angelique and Ariana find great role models in Kaitlyn and Megan. “It was a big decision to open up and feel comfortable with respite care for the girls, but Kaitlyn and Megan have done wonderful things for them,” Jessica says. “We’re so appreciative for LSI’s respite care, and having that resource is just wonderful.”

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Pictures from the New York trip!!

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Service Date Greeters Ushers Readers Acolyte Communion

Setup/Clean up

September 3 Yaro & Mary

Chmelar

Brian & Carrie Lueck

and Tom Gaughan

Katie McWhirter Issac Giesmann Set up-

Clean up-

September 10 8 am-Ken & Susan

Baker

10:30– Bev

Crandall and

DeAnn Hakert

8 am– Gary Fischer,

Michael Howard, and

Ray Poe

10:30– Aaron & April

Six and family

8 am– Gary Fischer

10:30– Jon Runaas

8 am– Ryan Jones

10:30– Ajay Six

Set up– Mary Gail

Lyons

Set up/Clean-Mary

Gail Lyons

Clean up– Mary

Gail Lyons

September 17 8 am– Don

McAvoy and Jane

Kruse

10:30– Sherry Ives

and Vi Kruse

8 am– Deidra Baker,

Richard Schmidt, and

Steve Vetter

10:30- Stephen Bay

and Brian & Carrie

Lueck

8 am– Deidra Baker

10:30– Peter Weller

8 am– Rob Taylor

10:30– Emma

Lueck

Set up– Brad &

Tricia Kroll

Set up/Clean– Ray

& Alta Poe

Clean up– Corrine

September 24 8 am– Craig & Tina

Montz

10:30– Mike &

Virginia Jorgensen

8 am– Stan Jones,

Katie McWhirter, and

Richard Schmidt

10:30– Bob Coker and

Yaro & Mary Chmelar

8 am– Linda Brown

10:30– Lee

Buchholz

8 am-Mikaila

Matheson

10:30– Claire

Wubbena

Set up– Mary Gail

Lyons

Set up/Clean–

Kristin & Cody

Jones

Clean up– Doris

Moore

October 1 8 am-Michael

Howard and

Carol Woodruff

10:30– Alan,

Vicki, and Allison

Rebling

8 am– Rich and

Marty Baker and

Brad Kroll

10:30– John & Peg

Harris and Dale

Venzke

8 am– Tricia Kroll

10:30– Mary Gail

Lyons

8 am– Lucas Kroll

10:30– Kylee

Statler

Set up– Mary Gail

Lyons

Set up/Clean– Ray

& Alta Poe

Clean up– Judy

Venzke