november window 2018 - windsor heights lutheran church...2018/11/11 · the window page 3 sympathy...

Invite † Grow † Serve

WHLC Staff:Rev. Chris OlkiewiczLead PastorRev. Robin CoughennowerAssociate PastorZach MeyerDirector of Youth & Family Ministry/Congregational Life CoordinatorHeidi HennigOffice Manager

The Window † november 2018

In this issue:Capital Campaign! 1Welcome! 2Birthdays, Sympathy! 3Children, Youth & Family ! 4Treasurer Report! 5WELCA News! 6WELCA News Continued ! 7From the Pastors! 8Fellowship, Family, Bible! 9Calendar! 10Worship Volunteers! 11

Though the world is filled with many challenges today (when isn’t it?), it is always a good time to be the church! As you know, our congregation has a wonderful building that enhances the work of our core gospel values. In a few short years, the new and improved facility has significantly expanded the footprint of our ministry, serving the needs of many in our community. What a wonderful opportunity to use our gifts to serve the world that God loves!

Some of the groups who make WHLC their regular home include:

• Heartland Youth Choir• Alcoholics Anonymous• Special Olympics• Girl Scouts• Chin Baptist Church• Yoga by Mary• PEO

Among the frequent users of the facility are:

• Lutheran Services in Iowa• Southeastern Iowa Synod• ISU Extension — Buy, Eat, Live Healthy program• Polk County Emergency Management • and many more!

The list of one-time events that have found hospitality in our church, like the recent Iowa Handbell Festival, are simply too many to list. And we have just agreed to become the weekday home of an Easter Seals of Iowa program focused on developing independent living skills for adults with disabilities. Thanks be to God for these many opportunities to steward our resources for the good of our neighbors!

Of course WHLC members know the many ways in which the new facility enhances our life together as a congregation, providing beautiful and functional space for worship, faith formation, fellowship, and events that enrich the lives of members and guests such as the recent Boo Bash!, Vacation Bible School, the Men and Boys Dinner, and outstanding WELCA-sponsored events featuring well-known speakers like Chris Norton and Mollie Cooney.

We are now embarking on a program to raise the funds needed to reduce debt from the building program which ultimately improves our ability to do ministry. Strong in Faith, Together in Mission kicks off November 3-4 at all worship services and will culminate with an offering of our financial commitments on the weekend of December 1-2, when we are joined by Pastor Paul Ostrem, Assistant to the Bishop, as our guest preacher.

First of all, a huge word of THANKS! You have been most generous in your support of the capital appeal, “Building Today for God’s Tomorrow” and the second appeal focused on debt reduction, “Project Open Door.” As a result of your generosity, we are making significant and steady progress toward eliminating our mortgage.

Now we are asking for your continued support with this third, and hopefully last, appeal — Strong in Faith, Together in Mission. During the month of November there will be a number of ways to learn about the current status of our debt and the goals of this three-year appeal. A video will play regularly at church (check the Koinonia Room especially) and will soon be available on our website — whlc.org. The video includes a word from our Bishop, Michael Burk. Be sure to check it out.

(See next page)

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Two new groups will be utilizing the space here at WHLC. Please welcome them with a hello and smile if you see them around!

Informational meetings will be held on Wednesday, November 14, at 6 p.m. and Sunday, November 18, at 9:30 in Parish Hall.

LET’S ALL MAKE IT A POINT TO BE PRESENT IN WORSHIP DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER AND FOR ONE INFORMATIONAL GATHERING.

Please join us in these coming weeks in celebrating the many gifts we have received from God. We are strong in faith and together in mission!

Sincerely,Pastor Chris Olkiewicz! ! ! Pastor Robin Coughennower

Ken Popken! ! ! ! Matt McNamaraCongregation Council President!! Campaign Chair

Hi!MynameisDennisGustafsonandIamthecoachoftheHOPETwisters.TheTwistersareaSpecialOlympicsbasketballteamsponsoredbyHOPEAgencythathasbeentogethersince2014.WehavewontheStatetournamentinourdivisiononceandcameinsecondacoupleoftimesoverthepastseveralyears.Ourteamconsistsofeightyoungmenages21-42.Wehavealotoffunplayingbasketballanditisgoodexercisetoo!ThemodelforSpecialOlympicsis,“Letmewin.ButifIcannotwin,letmebebraveintheattempt.”MyassistantcoachisTerryFarrell.Thisyearthereisapossibilityofeightmorepeoplejoiningusforbasketballpracticeandmakinganotherbasketballteam!Itisapleasureworkingwiththeseyoungmenandwelookforwardtoanothersuccessfulyear!Thegymthatwehadbeenusingforthepastfouryearsisunavailablethisyear.ThankyouverymuchforlettingususeyourfinefacilityforpracticetimeonTuesdaysfrom4-6p.m.Wewillhaveplentyofchaperonesavailableandyouareinvitedtostopbyandseeuspracticesometime!OurpracticesstartOctober30andwillbeheldonmostTuesdaysthroughMarch.Thanksagainforyoursupport!

Thank you for allowing us to hold our Girl Scout Daisy troop meetings at your church. Girl scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. As Daisies, we will be participating in local events throughout the community, as well as learning all about personal skills that enable us to be great friends and develop our own full potential.

Thank you again,Alisha Hernandez & Troop 01947

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Sympathy to...

Jerry & Dee Toft as their son-in-law, Vernon Dye, died

Monday, October 15.3! Joel Waymire4! Jerry Toft 6! Andy Jensen9! Elly Ratliff11! Jessica Chance12! Lois Owen17! Jill Hyda18! Carol Popken21! Sarah Erickson22! Paige Jansen, Kevin Nicolet, ! Wilma Nielsen, John Reed26! Don Beck27! Henry Hyda Jr.29! Evolue Baxter

Personal Care Items

We will be collecting toothpaste for the Urbandale Food Pantry in November.

RonStoendelivered31non-perishablefooditemstotheDMARCFoodPantryonOctober19.Thankyouforyourdonations!

Don't Forget!

Remember to save “Boxtops for Education” and place them in the

basket by the lower coat rack.

Wednesday Night Schedule Addition

Wednesday evenings here at WHLC offer so many wonderful fellowship, learning and musical opportunities, and we are excited to "officially" announce an addition to our schedule. We know that several students stay beyond our classes, confirmation and music choirs as they either wait for rides or join us for worship at 8:00pm. Between their scheduled activities however, students have not had anything to do as they wait . . . until now.

Students can now join Zach before and after their scheduled programs finish from 6:30-7:55 p.m. for a time of fun games and fellowship called: After Hours. This time offers students a chance to catch a break prior to and after our regular schedules on Wednesday evenings. Games we have played so far have included: Apples to Apples, Scategories, Sorry and Don't Wake Daddy. We are working on having a permanent room for After Hours, but until it is ready we will meet in room 307. Just a reminder-this does not take the place of the regular schedule for students: students are still expected to go to Joyful Noise, Grace Notes and Cherub Chimes as scheduled. After Hours is intended to be an option for students around during the times between and after these activities. Hope to see you there!

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We will be taking a brief break from Breakfast Club on November 18 and 25! Zach will be out of town both weekends, but we will resume our regular schedule on December 2.

Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Have you had a chance to check out the new display board on the 3rd floor? Our students recently completed their cycle in their Whirl lessons covering Scripture from Joshua, Ruth and Samuel. This month we will be completing our Old Testament cycle with lessons from the books of Kings, Psalms and Malachi. Stop by the display board this month to get a look at what some of our students have been working on every Sunday morning & Wednesday night!

After a busy month in October that included: Confirmation, the Boo Bash, the Hunger Hike, Junior High Nights and our recent fun Halloween Wednesday, the month of November has slowed down a little bit for everyone to catch up. We will have plenty of Y&F fellowship and ministry opportunities in December however, including our annual Children's Advent Program, as the holiday season begins. Keep your eye out for further announcements about the many fun things we have going on in December!

Since Zach will be gone for two weekends, CHAOS will

not be happening on the evenings of November 18 and

25 either. CHAOS will return at its regular time on

December 2!

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Treasurer Report September 2018

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The WELCA Fall Gathering was held on October 1

featuring an inspirational program entitled “I Have a Voice.” Sarah Jorgensen, a parent advocate representing GiGi’s Playhouse, and Alissa Kahl, a self-advocate involved with the ARC of Indiana speakers' bureau, provided insight into the blessings and abilities that are possessed and enjoyed by individuals with disabilities and their families. The women of WELCA and their guests responded generously with a donation to Gigi’s Playhouse of over $400.00. A sincere thank you to Jan Johnson and members of the Naomi Bible Study Group for organizing this event.

Congratulations to the following individuals who were elected and installed as new officers of WELCA for the upcoming year: Barb Waymire – president; Elaine Hites – president-elect; Colleen Armstrong – secretary; Donna Yeager – treasurer; Cheryl Rigler – Past President; Jan Grannes & Marilyn Penberthy – mission chairs; Linda Anderson – funeral coordinator. These women will begin their term of office in January, 2019.

November is the time of year when Women of the ELCA share the centuries old tradition of Thankofferings. In the 1800s and before, when it seemed that there was not enough money to carry out the work of the church, women would act together as “cent” or “mite” societies. Each woman would set aside offerings at home throughout the year in thanksgiving for blessings received. Then on occasion, the women would join their offerings together to support ministry of many kinds. Today, in thousands of congregations, Thankofferings are given to support the life-changing ministries of the Women of the ELCA. Together, we do more than we could ever do apart, in gratitude for all God has given to us, and with hope for all that is to come. All WHLC women will be offered special Thankoffering envelopes at services the weekend of November 10-11. These envelopes will be collected during services the following weekend of November 17-18. You may also mail or deliver them to the church office. Your generosity is appreciated!

WELCA NEWS

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Lutheran World Relief Kits & Quilts

On Saturday, October 20, we delivered the kits and quilts to Resurrection Lutheran Church in Ankeny. We had so many that we had to take two vehicles! In all, we delivered 53 quilts, 30 personal care kits, 26 baby kits and 54 school kits. This total was way up from last year! A big thank you to the VBS kids and Naomi Circle for the school kits, Mary Circle for the baby kits, Ruth Circle for the personal care kits, all the quilting ladies, and a special friend, Cheryl Moore, from St. Mark Lutheran who has seen many quilt tops.

A most special thank you to all who made this year's drive a great success.

Jan Grannes and Marilyn Penberthy, Mission Co-Chairs

Women’s Advent Service

“LessonsandCarols”Monday,December3,at5:30p.m.Please invite guests and join us at this annual event to mark the beginning of the Advent Season. The evening will begin at 5:30 for those who wish to view the beautifully decorated tables in Parish Hall. The worship service will begin in the sanctuary at 6:30 followed by a time of fellowship and dessert back in Parish Hall. Table sign-up and tickets will be available after worship services beginning the weekend of November 3. Tickets will be $5.00 per person, complimentary for children six and under. A list of items for donation to the residents of Luther Park will be available at the sign-up table. These unwrapped items will be collected that evening in Parish Hall. In addition, an offering will be taken for the DMARC Food Pantry during the worship service.

This event comes alive through the creativity of many women who transform Parish Hall into a festive place. It is not too late to join in the fun! Decorators are asked to select a favorite carol or song to use as the theme of their table. You may use WHLC dishes, glasses, flatware, tablecloths (white, gold, blue) and/or cloth napkins (white, blue, gold, red). However, you may prefer to use some or all of your own items, including charger plates or table runners. If you are willing to be a hostess, please contact Kathy Cacciatore (515) 250-5364, [email protected], or Cheryl Rigler (515) 250-4215, [email protected].

WELCA News Continued...

mailto:[email protected]


The topic for the November Adult Forum is "Palestine from a Palestinian Perspective." Speakers include Rev. Russ Melby, a retired ELCA pastor, and 3 members of the Middle East Peace and Education Coalition. For more than 70 years, the Israeli military has pushed Palestinians out of their homes and off their land so Jewish Israelis can take their place, destroying Palestinian communities and separating their families. In addressing this reality, the team will show a 20 minute video focusing on Israel’s detention of Palestinian children, “No Way to Treat a Child.” In addition, we will encourage members to contact our U. S. Iowa Representatives, asking them to support HR 4391: “ Promoting Human Rights by Ending Israeli Military Detention of Palestinian Children, sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minnesota, and 8 other Congressional supporters. We can all play a part in supporting Palestinian freedom. We will seek to better understand the realities facing Palestinians. Please join the conversation at 9:45 in Parish Hall on November 11.

Thanks again to Ken Popken, who spoke at our October gathering, sharing information about upcoming Medicare changes.

On November 1, we celebrate our heritage. Bring photos, mementos, music, clothing, genealogy charts, etc. and be prepared to tell us something about your family heritage. In honor of those with an Italian heritage, we will be having pizza for lunch.

On December 6, we are glad to welcome back the Belles Quartet, who will share some sounds of the season.

In January, I hope to have another musical group to share some hymns and songs with us.

Elderberries meets on the first Thursday of the month, beginning at noon with a potluck lunch. Our group consists mostly of retired age folks but all are welcome to join us for food and fellowship. Hope to see you there.

~Pastor Robin

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We all have much for which to be thankful, the blessings of God that sustain our daily lives and the greatest blessing of life in Christ. Come and give thanks with our ecumenical neighbors as we gather on Sunday, November 18, 4:00 p.m., at Windsor Presbyterian Church at 63rd and University with our friends from Windsor United Methodist Church. There will be a joint choir from our three congregations and a time of fellowship following worship. Let us thank God, for God is good!

WHLC will be hosting Family Promise again December 9 - 16. Many volunteers are needed and sign-up sheets will be posted in the narthex in the weeks prior.

There are many different roles and needs, and anyone can contribute. Those who haven't participated before should contact Jamie Charlton to learn more about this meaningful, effective, and exciting ministry. [email protected]

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Fellowship Thank You

What a wonderful evening of food, fellowship, fun and Song at this year's Annual Steak Fry held on Sunday, Sept 30 in Parish Hall. Over 70 members and friends enjoyed this delightful evening starting with appetizers and hot spiced cider, followed by a lovely dinner of grilled steak and chicken breast, many delicious salads and side dishes, and capped off with a very nice selection of yummy desserts!

After dinner, several first-time attendees were welcomed and many longtime participants were recognized. Some have been attending the Steak Fry for over 50 years! We were also joined for dinner by the Sunday Night High School Chaos group. We were so glad that these six young men along with their fearless leader, Zach, could join us! After dinner, Parish Hall was filled with the sound of music. For almost an hour, Steve Dressel, along with his lovely wife Donna, led the group in the traditional Sing-a-Long of hymns and old favorites from the well-worn pages of the yellow song sheets.

A great big thank you to Steve and Donna for the awesome job they did in leading the singing, to Mike Johnson for grilling the meat to perfection and to all those that brought the many salads, side dishes and desserts that completed our delicious dinner! We would also like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the entire Fellowship committee for all their hard work from set-up, to serving and especially clean-up: Georgann & Mike Johnson, Sue Crum, Paula & Rich Hamann, Dan Hamann and Paula Virtue. They took care of everything after dinner so we could participate in the Sing-a-Long! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

From the appetizers to the last song, a wonderful time was had by all! Everyone left with a big smile on their face and a song in the heart!

Do you enjoy the great meals and fun activities hosted by the Fellowship committee? Looking for a fun way to serve your fellow members of the congregation in the coming year? We invite you to join the Fellowship committee or volunteer to help with an event or two! We could really use your help and you will have a great time! Give us a call at 277-0654 or email us at [email protected].

Marc & Mary Anderson, Fellowship committee co-chairs

Guest Leader for Wednesday Evening

November 14, at 6:00 p.m.WHLC Parish Hall

"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven." ~ Ecclesiastes 3:1

In 1965, the Byrds released the iconic song "Turn, Turn, Turn (To Everything There is a Season); the lyrics written by Pete Seeger are based on Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. Although many of us may be familiar with this passage from the song, this text has much to teach us today.

You are invited to join the Wednesday evening Bible study on November 14 at 6. Tania Schramm, final-year Master of Divinity student at Wartburg Theological Seminary, will facilitate a study of this passage from Ecclesiastes. It is a book of skeptical or dissenting Wisdom with profound insights for our contemporary experience and our everyday lives.



November 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

28ELCA Mission Support Offering

8:30 AM Worship9:30 AM Fellowship 159:40 AM Breakfast Club9:45 AM Sunday School10:45 AM Worship1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church2:00 PM HYC6:00 PM CHAOS

299:30 AM Quilting6:00 PM HYC6:00 PM Aerobics6:00 PM Prayer Bead Ministry6:30 PM JustFaith8:00 PM Windsor Brass

306:45 AM Men's Bible Study1:00 PM Staff Meeting4:00 PM Special Olympics Basketball Practice6:30 PM HYC

315:30 PM Community Meal6:00 PM Pastor's Bible Study6:00 PM Classes for Pre-School - 6th Grade6:00 PM Book Club6:00 PM Confirmation 7th & 8th Grade6:00 PM Bell Choir6:30 PM Joyful Noise Choir7:00 PM Grace Notes Choir7:00 PM Alleluia Choir Rehearsal7:00 PM Cherub Chimes8:00 PM Holden Evening Prayer

111:45 AM Elderberries11:45 AM Elderberries5:30 PM HYC5:30 PM Centering Prayer6:00 PM Aerobics7:00 PM appeal team

2 39:30 AM Women's AA Group4:00 PM Ensemble Rehearsal4:00 PM Jude Charlton Fundraiser4:00 PM Pastoral Care & Conversation5:30 PM Worship

48:30 AM Worship9:30 AM Fellowship 159:40 AM Breakfast Club9:45 AM Sunday School10:45 AM Worship1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church2:00 PM HYC4:00 PM Service of Remembrance6:00 PM CHAOS

59:30 AM Quilting6:00 PM HYC6:00 PM Aerobics6:30 PM WELCA Board6:30 PM JustFaith8:00 PM Windsor Brass

66:00 AM General Election6:45 AM Men's Bible Study1:00 PM Staff Meeting6:30 PM 75th Anniversary Task Force Meeting6:30 PM HYC


85:00 PM HYC Board Meeting5:30 PM HYC5:30 PM Centering Prayer6:00 PM Aerobics

9 109:00 AM HYC Super Saturday9:30 AM Women's AA Group4:00 PM Ensemble Rehearsal4:00 PM Pastoral Care & Conversation5:30 PM Worship

118:30 AM Worship9:30 AM Blood Pressure Screening9:30 AM Fellowship 159:30 AM Forum - Palestine from a Palestinian Perspective9:40 AM Breakfast Club9:45 AM Sunday School10:45 AM Worship1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church2:00 PM HYC5:30 PM Serve Shelter Meal6:00 PM CHAOS

129:30 AM Quilting6:00 PM PEO Meeting6:00 PM HYC6:00 PM Aerobics6:30 PM JustFaith8:00 PM Windsor Brass

136:45 AM Men's Bible Study8:00 AM LSI Training1:00 PM Staff Meeting4:00 PM Special Olympics Basketball Practice6:00 PM Daisy Girl Scout Meeting6:30 PM All Committee Night6:30 PM HYC

141:00 PM WELCA Overview1:00 PM WELCA Overview5:30 PM Community Meal6:00 PM Bell Choir6:00 PM Classes for Pre-School - 6th Grade6:00 PM Confirmation 7th & 8th Grade6:00 PM Book Club6:00 PM Pastor's Bible Study6:30 PM Joyful Noise Choir7:00 PM Cherub Chimes7:00 PM Alleluia Choir Rehearsal7:00 PM Grace Notes Choir8:00 PM Holden Evening Prayer

159:00 AM LSI Meeting1:00 PM Women's bible study5:30 PM Women's Bible Study5:30 PM HYC5:30 PM Centering Prayer6:00 PM Aerobics6:30 PM Pub Theology

16 179:30 AM Women's AA Group4:00 PM Ensemble Rehearsal4:00 PM Pastoral Care & Conversation5:30 PM Worship

188:30 AM Worship9:30 AM Fellowship 159:45 AM Sunday School10:45 AM Worship1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church2:00 PM HYC4:00 PM Community Thanksgiving Service6:30 PM Bridge Fellowship

199:30 AM Quilting6:00 PM HYC6:00 PM Aerobics6:30 PM Just Faith6:30 PM Naomi Bible Study8:00 PM Windsor Brass

206:45 AM Men's Bible Study8:30 AM Window Deadline1:00 PM Staff Meeting4:00 PM Special Olympics Basketball Practice6:30 PM HYC

219:30 AM Women's Bible Study5:30 PM Community Meal6:00 PM Bell Choir6:00 PM Classes for Pre-School - 6th Grade6:00 PM Book Club6:00 PM Pastor's Bible Study6:30 PM Joyful Noise Choir7:00 PM Cherub Chimes7:00 PM Grace Notes Choir8:00 PM Holden Evening Prayer

225:30 PM HYC5:30 PM Centering Prayer6:00 PM Aerobics

23 249:30 AM Women's AA Group10:00 AM Chin Baptist leadership training4:00 PM Ensemble Rehearsal4:00 PM Pastoral Care & Conversation5:30 PM Worship


8:30 AM Worship9:30 AM Fellowship 159:45 AM Sunday School10:45 AM Worship1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church2:00 PM HYC

269:30 AM Quilting6:00 PM Prayer Bead Ministry6:00 PM HYC6:00 PM Aerobics8:00 PM Windsor Brass

276:45 AM Men's Bible Study1:00 PM Staff Meeting4:00 PM Special Olympics Basketball Practice6:30 PM Council meeting6:30 PM WHLC Council6:30 PM HYC

285:30 PM Community Meal6:00 PM Bell Choir6:00 PM Classes for Pre-School - 6th Grade6:00 PM Confirmation 7th & 8th Grade6:00 PM Book Club6:00 PM Pastor's Bible Study6:30 PM Joyful Noise Choir7:00 PM Cherub Chimes7:00 PM Alleluia Choir Rehearsal7:00 PM Grace Notes Choir8:00 PM Holden Evening Prayer



































































































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November Worship Volunteers

november window 2018 - windsor heights lutheran church...2018/11/11 · the window page 3 sympathy...

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