St. John's Lutheran Church

Hospitalized since February 1, 2006: Marilyn Sprecher, Jane and Eric Check, Violet Meier, Dean Sigmund

If you would like to communicate a prayer request, question, comment or concern, our e-mail is stjohnsm@iowatelecom.net

St. John’s missionary is Heather Simpson. Heather teaches English in Japan for the Japanese Evangelical Lutheran Church.

A week of support for Heather Simpson in Japan involves a contribution of $25.00 for that week and a promise to pray for her work.

Sponsors for April and May are Chris & Stacie Terrell; Earl & Judy Check; Marilyn & Marcus Badgley Leland & Alma Shell; Karen Bollie; Todd & Paula Walter; Ray & Vel Kendall; Ernie & Katie Anderson; and Sue TeRonde.

We now have envelopes that you can use for your contribution to the Mission Chart. They have a Global Mission theme, and are available on the usher’s table or in the pew card holders. Of course, you can continue to make your contribution in whatever method you have used in the past.

(Picture cut: St. John’s Council members include, in the front row l to r, Warren Baltz, Donna Walter, Vel Kendall and Suzi Lincoln. In the back row, Pastor Marcus, Chris Swanson, Roger Peterson, Terry Shaw, Lorraine Hamel and Chris Terrell. Missing from the photo are Lynn Depping, Julie Sowder and Marcene Steinick)

St. John’s elected new members to the Congregation Council at the Annual Meeting in January. Julie Sowder, Lorraine Hamel and Chris Terrell are the new full term members of the Council. Marcene Steinick was elected to a one year term. The Council organized in February, electing Lynn Depping Vice-President; Chris Terrell Secretary; and Suzi Lincoln Treasurer. The Council also chose committee responsibilities and will each member will serve on the Finance Committee, Parish Life Committee, Property Committee or Mission Committee along with other members of the Congregation.

The Committees are always inviting more congregation members to become involved in the business of the church by participating in the Committee process. You are encouraged to choose the committee that would fit your interests and attend the meeting which is held the first Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m.

The Men in Mission thank all who helped with the Potato Dinner by donations of food. The event raised $645 which has been matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. The focus of the project is to add insulation to the Educational Wing.

The Men in Mission meetings will be Saturday, April 14^th and Saturday, May 12^th, at 7:30 a.m. Plan to attend for a great breakfast, a program and fellowship.

In Tokyo, spring has come with a vengeance. The wind blows through the city so ferociously it knocks over bicycles and a couple times has stopped me in my tracks -- yikes!

English classes come to an end this week. The students and I spent this week reading funny stories about foreigners who embarrass themselves by using the wrong Japanese word. The students know my Japanese is still remedial, so they are under pressure to only use English in the classroom. The stories of other's mistakes with Japanese seems to lift a little of the pressure.

I have also been working on the new advertisements for next year. The announcements and brochures to entice new students to sign up for English classes are slowly coming together. By the time registration begins in April, I will have both a collection of advertisements and a collection of new Japanese words to add to my vocabulary!

After a couple months of sporadic blogging, I got on the ball last month. If you haven't read it since January, you're missing out on not only a post about my students, but also a post about an accidental snack. And still there's more ... www.missionbound.blogspot.com

As always, my thanks and prayers rise as incense in praise of your vigilance in reminding me of your thoughts and prayers. May you be blessed this March, this Lent, this time of wilderness journeys.

11:30 a.m. Community Passion Walk beginning at St. Malachy’s, ends at the Funeral Home. Soup lunch at St. John’s following the Walk.

7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service – Joint service with St. Paul’s United Church of Christ

What makes a friendly church where people want to return? In the last Visitor, tips on making people feel welcome were the focus. Another way to make people feel at ease involves our church home.

Can a visitor easily find his way about the facility? Is it obvious where the church entrance is, or where the entrance to the education classes are? Do they immediately know where a specific group meets? Can they easily find their way from one part of the church to the other? Are materials available to make them more comfortable in the environment?

Although a map would be helpful, each member can assist with making others at home in the new environment. Visiting with the new comer will give one clues to the visitors needs. Possibly they need directions to the nearest restroom, location of the cry room, the best access to the chapel, an encouragement to find a familiar face to sit beside. Those familiar with the setting can be of great assistance to any newcomer by simply saying “Hi, I’m --. How are you today?” and continuing their conversation. Listen to their needs and be ready to assist.

Church congregations grow when the participants notice and welcome each new comer, letting them know that they are welcome and we have an interest in them.

The Bible says not to worry about what we will eat or drink or how we will clothes ourselves. (Mt. 6:31) But this verse is not just about worry. It’s about focus. You see, when we’re focused on what we believe we don’t have, we wrongly believe we have nothing to give. Our focus is on ourselves.

Matthew 6:33 goes on to say, “But seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be yours as well.” God wants to bless us. God also wants to use us to bless others. When we focus on ourselves, we don’t feel joy in giving, nor do we even feel inclined to give. When our focus is on God, we trust that God will meet our every need, which frees us up to give our time, abilities and money in service to others.

If you’re finding yourself being stingy with what God has given you, ask yourself where your focus has been. When you’re caught up in the things that matter most to God, such as loving others, showing mercy, praying for your enemies, and being a blessing to others, you don’t even have to ask the question. Your life will say it all.

Wicker, Janet 4/23 Zaun, Elizabeth 4/23 Woollums, Caroline 4/24 Olson, Nels 4/29

If your special date is missing, it is because we do not have it on file. Please be kind enough to share that information with us so that our records are more complete. Thank you.

Worship Attendance

January 28 – 119

February 4 – 93

February 11 – 141

February 18 – 119

February 25 – 21

March 4 – 93

March 11 – 103

March 18 – 105

March 25 –

Acting boldly is living our lives in a way that reflects our values and attitudes. It is what happens when we listen to and for God's call.

Although the word ' bold' has taken on the connotation of being overly assertive, the word bold also can mean acting with purpose and determination for an intended purpose. It is this latter meaning that we apply to the goal for the Women of the ELCA.

Women do participate in their family congregation. They do many things quietly, or even not so quietly, as they prepare for activities in the home church. We will see women teaching Sunday School, preparing meals, planning meetings, representing their church on the council and committees, quilting, singing in the choir, participating in the worship service and the list goes on.

These activities of women represent their values, that which they consider as very important actions in their lives and the lives of those around them. There is no gong, no loud acting out, no forceful behavior, but there is a loving commitment to doing what they feel needs to be done in the word of God. Such boldness reflects our values and attitudes. It is that reflection and reaction from listening to what God would want, and what God would want us to do.

Has God called you to do an important act? Has he called you to participate in promoting his word? Sometimes God calls us to do things within the traditional roles and other times he calls on us to take a step into a not so traditional role. However and whatever he wants, we need to be brave in sharing his message with others.

In observance of Bold Women's Day, the women were asked to wear a bold color; the sermon focus was on bold women as was the liturgy for that day. Red gift bags were distributed to all women in attendance that day.

Snow Storms interrupted the plan to celebrate Bold Women’s Day on February 25, but it was carried out on March 4.

Show your boldness by reflecting in your behaviors the values and attitudes you have developed from having listened to and for God's call.

St. John’s Women of the ELCA will be hosting a Ladies Spring Tea Sunday, April 22^nd at 2:00 p.m. in the church basement. Carla Werre will be presenting the program “Celebrations in Faith”. Special music will also be part of this relaxing afternoon.

Take a break from your busy schedules to join us for this uplifting event. We hope to see all of you ladies there.

The Church office received a call that Irma Ringgenberg needed help moving to the Madrid Home. Coincidentally it was the day of the Ruth Fellowship meeting, and there were a number of volunteers anxious to be of service. The crew gathered Friday morning, February 16^th and all went well. Donna Walter reports that Irma is adjusting well and gradually making her room fit her needs. Her phone was to have been activated so that she has the same number. Thanks to these Bold Women volunteers for helping Irma make this move and become at home in her new surroundings. Feel free to give her a call and share some conversation. (795-3426)

St. John’s Women of the ELCA Activities

April 4, 6:30 p.m. Women of the ELCA

April 6, 12:15 p.m. Passion Walk Soup Lunch

April 10, 9:00 a.m. Quilting

April 12, 9:00 a.m. Coffee Clatter

April 12, 7:00 Prayer Shawl Ministry

April 14, 9:00 a.m. Cluster 1, Fjeldberg Lutheran

April 16, 7:00 p.m. Rachel Fellowship

April 19, 1:00 p.m. Ruth Fellowship

April 19, 9:00 a.m. Bible Retreat

April 22, 2:00 p.m. Spring Tea

April 26, 7:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry

May 2, 6:30 p.m. Women of the ELCA

May 8, 9:00 a.m. Quilting

May 10, Coffee Clatter

May 10, 7:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry

May 17, 1:00 p.m. Ruth Fellowship

May 21, 7:00 p.m. Rachel Fellowship

May 24, 7:00 p.m. Prayer Shawl Ministry

(picture cut) A donkey is taking shape in the background as SMBB prepares for Palm Sunday. You won’t want to miss worship and the palm processional, Sunday, April 1!

As you travel, camp, spend time on the bleachers... this summer, remember St. John’s. Whether you are home or on vacation, the needs at St. John’s continue. Our treasurer will pay benevolences, utility bills, custodial bills, postage and all the usual costs. It is during these summer months that a deficit situation is apt to rise!

Please consider taking a moment before you leave to mail your offerings to St. John’s. Also, for your convenience, City State Bank has made it possible to have your offerings automatically deposited to St. John’s. This might be ideal for you this summer. Speak to Suzi Lincoln or Chris Swanson to set this up.

(picture cut) The Shrove Pancake Supper was a huge success. The kids earned over $500 towards their activities and another $200 in matching funds from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. Thanks to the congregation for such great support!

Wednesday, June 20, at 7:00 p.m., St. John’s annual outdoor worship will feature Phyllis & Frankie Valens.

Frankie Valens was a nightclub singer in the 60s and 70s whose signature song was "This Magic Moment." He also recorded "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" and "She Cried."

“With a broken career and a broken marriage behind me, I moved to Colorado and started attending a local church. When the pastor spoke of forgiving, I knew that I had to ask the Lord to help me to forgive. It was there that I gave my heart back to Jesus and knew that I had to forgive..... Forgiving was the hardest thing I ever had to learn, but since our Lord could forgive those who were killing Him, I certainly had to forgive those who had hurt me,” Valens relates. And the ministry of Phyllis and Frankie was begun.

It is the desire of Frankie and Phyllis that all who attend their concerts realize that their only goal is to exalt Jesus. You may laugh, you may weep, you may want to shout, you may want to sit quietly. Whatever your mood, you'll find it uplifted and you'll be blessed greatly by being in the presence of Almighty God.

Be sure to mark your calendar and be on the front lawn (weather permitting) for this special evening!

Friday – Saturday 15 – 16 : Southeastern Iowa Women’s Synodical Gathering in Cedar Rapids

Nationwide, people observed Mental Retardation Awareness Month in March. It is an opportunity to learn more about developmental disabilities such as Autism, Down Syndrome, or Dyspraxia. Throughout March and every other month, Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) is committed to advocating for people with disabilities. LSI provides supported community living services, which help individuals live independently in the community. Individuals learn life skills and establish goals to improve functioning in social and other settings. LSI also provides licensed respite care to caregivers of people with disabilities, allowing them a temporary break from the stress of providing care.

St. John’s own Brenda Shell lives independently in Story City. Her mother, Alma Shell, shares this with The Visitor:

Magnets. Magnetic. That might be how you would describe the activity and the person. Above Brenda Shell prepares magnets to be shared with friends and the Women of the ELCA. She began this activity in February as 'something to do'. Glass pebbles were painted, decorated with hearts and magnets were attached. She is repeating this activity using Easter egg decals.

Brenda then repeats her joy by doing one of her favorite things, giving to others. Extras are available for you at the office.

Brenda currently lives with a friend, Amber, in their own apartment in Story City. She receives 24 hour supervision from Mainstream Living, attends Story County Community Life (an activity center for individuals with special needs), has a job at Hickory Park wrapping silverware, is active in a sign language choir, bowls, enjoys her Best Buddy and Action Club, attends Curves, does horseback riding with One Heart in Nevada, participates in Special Olympics, but most of all loves home visits and attending church activities. Brenda will attend church wherever she can, but St. John's is always 'home'.

The Lutheran Woman Today is a magazine for growth in faith and mission. It is published 10 times a year by Women of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America

Ruth Fellowship uses the Bible study contained in the Lutheran Woman Today. The series started in September was on “Hope in God in Times of Suffering.” The new series beginning in the fall will be “Blessed to Follow: The Beatitudes as a Compass for Discipleship.”

In order to subscribe to Lutheran Woman Today, contact the SWT Subscription Order Center, Box 1209, Minneapolis, MN 55440-8730; 1-800-328-4648; subscriptions@augsburgfortress.org Subscriptions are $12.00 for one year. To learn about the audiotape edition call 1-800-421-0239.

20/20 Vision is all about telling the good news of Christ through the start of new ministries. Already in 2007, we have allocated funds for St. Paul Lao Lutheran Church in Des Moines, and Abounding Joy Lutheran Church in the Pleasant Hill area of southeast Des Moines, and Crossroads ministry in DeWitt. The central aspect of 20/20 Vision is to encourage sponsorship of new ministry starts by congregations, clusters of congregations, and individuals by way of financial gifts to the Southeastern Iowa Synod Mission Fund. It is through this fund that gifts are available for new ministry starts, providing another opportunity for every member to be a missionary.

The Southeastern Iowa Synod and its 20/20 Vision Ministry Team invite congregations to participate in the 20/20 Vision Special Offering. It is an important and meaningful way to partner in proclaiming the Gospel and making Christ known. Whether you hold an appeal on Palm Sunday, April 1; Rogate Sunday, May 13; or another time, there are materials provided for your congregation. Simply go to www.seiasynod.org and click on the 20/20 Vision tab. There you will find devotions, prayer petitions, bulletin insert, newsletter article and bulletin announcements for the annual offering.

Every member of every congregation in our synod should have the opportunity to personally participate in fulfilling the Great Commission by making an offering for 20/20 Vision.

I have harbored a desire to put a large sign over the entrance to our congregation’s worship space that invites, “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.” (Isaiah 2:5) The surprise would come when worshipers turn to leave through the same doors through which they entered: Over the doors, on the way out, would be a message that challenges us, “Come, let us walk in the light of the Lord.”

But people won’t know how to “walk in the light of the Lord” in their daily lives if congregations don’t help members understand how their baptism connects with their vocation. Darrell Guder writes in The Continuing Conversion of the Church, “The concept of membership as a status, an accomplished level of spiritual attainment, must be replaced with a lifelong process of calling and response that could be called ‘vocation to mission.’”

The newly restored catechumenate concludes the process of bringing people into the church with a rite of affirmation of vocation. This is one deliberate attempt to integrate the newly baptized’s faith with the concept of the church at work in the world.

Congregations can and should take up the task of challenging its members, individually, as families, and as groups, to identify the specific shape of their ministry in the world. “Every Christian community,” Guder writes, “should see itself as a community of missionaries. Its responsibility to them is to guide them to identify God’s calling, to recognize the gifts and opportunities they have, to provide them the biblical and theological training to incarnate the gospel in their particular fields, and then to commission them to that ministry. Our structures of membership need to be transformed into disciplines of sending.”

Our congregation has begun the process of supporting our members for witness in their daily lives. We are attempting to put into place what Guder recommends: “For whoever seeks the congregation’s support and guidance for mission, there should be a process of nurturing which leads to the commissioning of individuals or families.” We are beginning with the commissioning of like-groups: teachers, medical workers, and farmers. Our hope is that once members see other members being commissioned for service in their vocation, they will seek guidance in determining their own area of service and support for carrying out Christ’s mission in their daily lives.

Guder concludes, “If a mission community saw itself primarily as the Spirit’s steward of the calling and gifts of its members, its internal activities would, in one sense, diminish. It would spend much less time on providing activities that take its members out of the world. It would devote more of its times of gathering for the equipping, support, and accountability of its member-missionaries… Our concept of ‘active church member’ would, of course, have to change.”