M e ssi a h M e sse n g er September 2019

In This Issue: Spotlight on God’s Work... page 1

Bishop’s Letter page 2

Columbarium Task Force page 2

Council Actions page 2

Preschool News page 3

Youth News page 4

Take Away Hunger page 5

Preschool Selling Delicious Treats page 5

SHIIP Information page 5

Scheduled to Serve page 6

Calendar page 7

Messiah Staff

Pastor Susanne E. Smith

Youth Director Kelly Benz

Assistant Youth Director Laura Carruthers

Administrator-Bookkeeper Dennis Wohlers

Secretary Shelley Morton

Choir Director Alice Kenel

Organist Hal Morton

Facilities Jerry & Kay Claussen

Adam Gerst

Nursery Attendant Ashley McCain

Preschool Staff Margie Gerst, Dir.

Krystal Klein

Erica Moser

Council

President Joanne Mohr

Vice President Cathy Borden

Treasurer Stan Lehman

Secretary Brenda Clements

Sue Abbott

Ty Buras

Marge Classen

Steve Davis-Quick

Sandy Good

Nancy Johannson

Kathy Newberry

Don Shackleford

Dave Weiler

Donna Williams

Spolight on

God’s Work. Our Hands.

The day for God’s Work. Our Hands. will be Satur-day, Sept. 7. Much of the activity will take place at Peace Lutheran, 13646 Beaverdale Road, West Bur-lington, beginning with a light breakfast and morning prayer at 8:30 a.m. Project work begins at 9:00. There are several projects planned for that day:

• Painting fire hydrants in West Burlington Paint, brushes and a map to the hydrants will be supplied

• Collecting and delivering supplies for the Nest. Baby and toddler items have been requested

• Assembling fleece blankets for the Burlington Homeless Shelter

More fleece is always welcomed

• Making “celebration bags” for the Community Ac-tion Neighborhood Center. Each bag will contain cake mix, frosting, candles, napkins, and party favors

• Packaging for Take Away Hunger at 1:00 p.m. in Messiah’s social hall. This will be a special ses-sion in addition to our regular date on Sept. 17.

The day will end with much satisfaction and tired vol-unteers. If you’d like to join us, be at Peace Lutheran at 8:30 September 7!

PAGE 1

Columbarium Task Force

Present: Don Shackleford, Paul Walker, Susanne Smith, Roger Hatteberg

The group agreed to add a brief paragraph to the guidelines and purchase agreement, stating that if Messiah were to relocate to another property, the columbarium would move with the congregation. Alex Truuro from Eickhof Columbaria had said that several congregations he knows have done this in recent years.

The committee reviewed the opinions of three profes-sionals on what is ‘real property.’ What we found was that real property is immoveable. Any structure that buyer and seller agree in writing to remove from the property becomes ‘personal property.’ Some things are can’t be moved; such as ponds, driveways and walls, and most buildings. On the other hand, even London Bridge got moved from England to Arizona.

We walked the church property to evaluate placing the columbarium straight out from the point of the sanctuary and cross, near the low wall and bell tow-er, where it would not compromise the view from West Avenue, while still avoiding all storm and sani-tary sewers.

We reviewed the task force’s feedback from property committee over three years regarding 1) avoiding all sewer lines, 2) not placing a structure where it could ‘weep’ moisture, 3) the structure not impede large machinery from entering the courtyard, 4) concerns that children might see the columbarium from the preschool.

Concerns about vandalism had come up. Our insur-ance company’s advice is to place structures in busy, accessible places and near adequate lighting. This placement keeps the columbarium in view of pro-posed security cameras.

Pending agreement on a date from all task force members, the plan is to present the guidelines and purchase agreement and a questionnaire to the Sun-day morning adult class Sunday, Sept. 15.

The next meeting will be Thursday, Sept. 19, at 3:30.

Darrell and Linda Sweezer are moving to Texas permanently, after spending many winters there. They would love to keep in touch. Their address is:

105 Shady Oak Drive Georgetown, TX 78628

darrellsweezer@aol.com

“...And have them make me a sanctuary, so that I may dwell among them …” Exodus 25:8

A letter from Bishop Burke

The vast majority of biblical references to “sanctuary” involve a place where God may dwell among God’s people. When many people hear that term these days, it stirs passions less because of the biblical warrant to welcome the stranger and to provide pro-tection for the most vulnerable, and more because of the turmoil that divides individuals and groups when contending with a broken, often inhumane, system and set of laws related to immigration.

Upon my return from the 2019 ELCA Churchwide Assembly, I have been confronted with an array of emotional responses to the assembly’s action to de-clare this church a “sanctuary church body.” Whether excited or angry, confident or confused, most people – including many who were present and voted to adopt the declaration – are unclear as to what this does or doesn’t mean.

The lack of clarity is embedded in the action itself when it specifically requests that the ELCA Church council “provide guidance for the three expressions of this church about what it means to be a sanctuary church body,” with the expectation that this will be reported to the 2022 Churchwide Assembly. The confusion is amplified by uninformed reports in the media, including some that appear intentionally hos-tile, not only toward the ELCA but to some of the most vulnerable people dwelling among us.

So here we are, contending with a decision that risks further dividing people of faith while increasing the potential for overlooking some of the other, some-times-historic decisions that unfolded when this church was gathered in assembly. Please see Bishop, page 3

A copy of council minutes and reports is available in the office for review.

Action items: Appointed Brenda Clements to the council Elected Brenda Clements council secretary (replacing Sandy Good, who remains on council)

Facility usage approval: May 10, 2020 — Hobbs renewal of vows, noon 2nd and 4th Thursdays, September — April, Girl Scout Troop 9514, Youth Room

No other actions were taken.

PAGE 2

August Council Actions

Preschool News Shaping futures through faith-based education

Registration is currently underway! Call 754-7591.

PAGE 3

Bishop Burke Continued from page 2

For perspective and with encouragement, consider that:

We Are Church renewing our public commitment to walk alongside im-migrants and refugees as a matter of faith, and that

We Are Church declaring that we seek to provide concrete resources to assist the most vulnerable who are feeling the sharp edges of a bro-ken immigration system, and that

We Are Church striving in varied ways to love our neighbor, which lies at the heart of our confidence in God’s love for the whole creation.

The assembly’s “sanctuary declaration” does not bind congregations or synods to any actions as a result of the decision and it does not call for any actions that are illegal.

At a time when violence, intolerance, and poverty have led to more displaced people around the world than ever before, we continue to wrestle with what we mean when we say “We Are Church.” My hope is that we will talk and listen with one another so that together, we provide a bold and faithful witness to the good news of Jesus Christ.

At our best, we will see that more often than not, the word “sanctuary” is a re-minder that God has chosen to dwell among God’s people. Among all of God’s people, including the most vulnerable. All of God’s people, including us.

In Peace and Hope,

Bishop

Dear Friends & Family of Messiah Lutheran Preschool:

We all remember bringing home the Scholastic book order forms and circling the books we wanted our parents to purchase for us. Well, that opportunity comes around each month here!

We will have nearly 50 students in our three sessions at Messiah Lutheran Preschool this year. Would you be willing to help one of our preschoolers get a new book of his or her own each month of the school year?

Scholastic offers a selection of books every month for $1.00. With this great deal and your help, we could order a new book for every student in our classes for each

of the next nine months. Last year we were able to raise enough money to give the children a free book for four months. The children were so excited when they received their books each month!

Reading is so fundamental to all other streams of learning. Would you sponsor a child or two ($9 each), or an entire class ($25)? If so, please write a check to Scholastic Book Clubs and give it to a preschool staff member or drop it off in the church office. Any dollar amount, when combined with others’ donations, will have a positive impact. We know our students will be so excited and truly appreciate your kindness! Thank you so much for your support!

We will also be selling our Braided Breads and cookie dough during the month of September. See page 5 for details.

Sincerely, Ms. Margie, Ms. Krystal, & Ms. Erica

PAGE 4

Youth News

Rally Day/First day of Sunday School will be September 8th.

Please make sure to fill out a church school registration form to make sure we have the correct contact information.

Bible Milestone

Kindergarten, 3rd grade, and 6th grade students will be receiving Bibles in worship on September

15th

Acolyte training will be held Sunday September 22nd at 9:30am. (returning and new acolytes, torch bearers, and crucifers).

“412 Timothy” is for youth in preschool– high school. 412

Timothy comes from 1 Timothy 4:12 which says: Let no

one despise your youth, but set the believers an example

in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. This pro-

gram will meet on Wednesday night (starting Sept. 11th)

at Messiah from 6:00-7:30pm. The night will consist of 3

parts (yoga, small group, and music and prayer stations).

On the 3rd Wednesday of each month we invite the family

to join us as we join the 3rd Wednesday dinner and wor-

ship service with a service project in between. If you have

any questions or are interested in leading a small group

412 Timothy

Confirmation Program

will meet on Wednesday nights from 7:30-8:30pm

Starting on September 11th

If you were unable to attend but would like to receive a tag,

we have more tags available on the table outside Kelly’s office.

If you volunteered this summer don’t forget to have Kelly sign your silver cord sheet.

Pastor’s Little Helpers

It was a good day

for digging!

Messiah’s next packaging session for TAKE AWAY HUNGER will be:

Saturday, Sept. 17, at 10 am.

Please sign up in the narthex if you plan on helping.

PAGE 5

Our preschool is holding its annual Butter Braided Bread fundraiser!

Teachers and board members will be in the narthex on

Sept. 15 with order forms and delicious samples. If you wish to order earlier, there is an order blank in the church office.

We really appreciate your support for this fund-raising program and for your Messiah Lutheran Preschool. Thanks!

Ms. Margie, Ms. Krystal, Ms. Erica and the preschool board

SHIIP Volunteer to Speak to Adult Sunday School Class

Fred Kelley, a SHIIP (Seniors’ Health Insur-ance Information Program) counselor, will speak to the adult Sunday school class on Sept. 1.

SHIIP counselors help Medicare beneficiar-ies with guidance in selecting the most appropriate Part D prescrip-tion plans, resolve Medicare claim problems and in-vestigate possible Medicare fraud issues.

Things are constantly changing in the world of Medicare. If you’re 65 or older and want information, plan to attend!

Scheduled to Serve in September

8:00 Service:

Lectors: September 1.................................. Jane Kuepper September 8...................................... Dale Bartelt September 15 ............................... Mary Chicken September 22 ................................ Cathy Borden September 29 .............................. Marge Classen

Communion Assistants: September 1....................................... Tim Gardin September 8...................................... Julie Bartelt September 15 ..................................... Bill Evans September 22 ................................ Cathy Borden September 29 .............................. Marge Classen

10:30 Service:

Ushers: ......... Bob Engberg (h), Pat & Jim Watts, .................................... Blake Ruther, Mark Smith

Lectors: September 1 ........................... Pastor Dick Bailey September 8................................. Darwin Bunger September 15 ....................... Nenyo Lotegeluaki September 22 .................................. Karen Cahill September 29 .................................. Sandy Good

Communion Assistants: September 1..................................... Joel Hanger September 8....................................... Lisa Weiler September 15 ....................... Steve Davis-Quick September 22 .................................. Venita Myatt September 29 .............................. Chalmer Good

Acolytes: September 1......................................... Kylie Wolf September 8............................ Wayne Carruthers September 15 ............................ Brian Newberry September 22 ........................ Nenyo Lotegeluaki September 29 .................................. Lachlan Kirk

Refreshments: September 1 ............................ Chris & Joel Hanger September 8 ................................... (Church Picnic) September 15 ............................ Lotegeluaki Family September 22 ....................................... Lorna Miller September 29 ..........................................................

Altar Guild: .................................... Chris Hanger

September Birthdays

Avalynn Benz ............................................ 1 Chalmer Good ........................................... 1 Pat Crawford.............................................. 2 Carter Hester ............................................. 2 Evelyn Adrian ............................................ 3 Mary Engberg ............................................ 3 A.J. Fedler ................................................. 4 Jana Hayes ............................................... 5 Don Myatt. ................................................. 6 John Wischmeier Jr. .................................. 6 Christa Ruther ........................................... 8 Gloria DeVilbiss ....................................... 10 Kylie Wolf ................................................ 13 Todd Bloomquist ...................................... 13 Donna Duke. ........................................... 14 Wendy Lotegeluaki .................................. 14 Richard Miller........................................... 14 Ralph Andersen ....................................... 15 Annaka Ruther ......................................... 15 Don Demijan ............................................ 16 Emma Tesson ......................................... 16 Aaron Benz .............................................. 18 Brinley Benz ............................................ 18 Barb Powell ............................................. 18 Don Duke ................................................ 20 Linda Holley ............................................. 20 Henley Kingma ........................................ 20 Lotegeluaki Lengai .................................. 20 Randy Armstrong ..................................... 21

Debbie Dowell ......................................... 21 Judy Furnald ............................................ 21 Dione Miller ............................................. 23 Deb Brinkley ............................................ 27 Gail Kerns ................................................ 27 David Richter ........................................... 29 Lois Sirek ................................................. 29 Ben Wolter ............................................... 29

September Anniversaries

Debra & Will Brinkley (35) ............................ 1 Pat & Jim Watts (59) ..................................... 3 Judy & Aldwin Erickson (12) ......................... 1 Debbie & Roger Hatteberg (26) .................... 4 Donna & Larry Williams (58) ......................... 2 Dorothy & Robert Goede (60) ....................... 6 Venita & Don Myatt (58) ............................... 3 Sally & Paul Miller (25)................................ 24 Jane & David Richter (53) ............................ 3 Susan & Don Fedler (38) ............................ 26

PAGE 6

If we’ve missed your

anniversary or birthday, please

let the office know!

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MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH 2411 West Avenue

BURLINGTON, IA 52601

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Burlington, IA

52601-1598

Permit No. 360

Return Service Requested

Sunday Mornings Worship 8:00 a.m. Adult Bible study 9:15 a.m. Worship 10:30 a.m.

Third Wednesdays Supper 6:00 p.m. Worship 7:00 p.m.

September 2019

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Phone: 319-754-7591

Fax: 319-754-7592

E-mail: messiah2411@gmail.com

www.messiahburlington.org

This Month

God’s Work. Our Hands. day 7 Paint-A-Thon - Saturday, September 7 Rally Sunday & church picnic - September 8 Take Away Hunger packaging - Saturday, September 21, at 10:00 in the social hall

Every Month

Men’s Bible study - every 2nd and 4th Monday in the library Weekly Bible study - every Thursday morning at 9:30 a.m.in the conference room Al-Anon - every Tuesday at noon in the conference room Alateen - every Sunday at 7:00 p.m. in the library Exercise class - every Monday and Thursday at 10:45 a.m.in the social hall Veterans Support group - First Tuesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. in the library 3rd Thursday - 6:00 supper and 7:00 Holden Evening Prayer in the social hall

Our Mission Statement

Welcoming all people to share in God’s blessings by strengthening our commit-ment to God through pray-er, fellowship and service.

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