reading & math buddies needed! · 2018. 8. 8. · gift to support wartburg seminary $ 1,400.00...

Invite † Grow † Serve

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

The Window † August 2018

In this issue:Reading & Math Buddies! 1Foundation Report 2Birthdays, Ensemble! 3Children, Youth & Family ! 4Treasurer Report! 5Elderberries! 6WELCA News! 7FellowshipNews! 8Bible Study/Chin Baptist! 9Calendar! 10Worship Volunteers! 11

Reading & Math Buddies Needed!I have been wondering lately what it might be like to be a child in today’s world. It seems completely foreign to my own childhood. I suppose every parent or grandparent marvels at the societal, educational, political, and cultural changes that can occur in just a generation.

This is what leads us to that inevitable “old person” preamble – “Well back in my day. . .” I’ve said it. You’ve said it. People of a certain age will probably continue to say it for all eternity. It’s fun to remind the whippersnappers of their lives of luxury, ease, and de-tasseling-free comfort. But it’s also good for us mature folks to empathize with the children of today. It is a very different world for those who have known technology from infancy. The impact of social media, immigration and family separation, continued racial bias and unrest, bullying, and school violence on our current youth will be profound! Here is where YOU come in . . .

Last year during a congregation council retreat, your council set some goals for ourselves around our vision: “Invite, Grow, Serve.” Part of the work that came from these goals was to have conversations with our Windsor Heights neighbors and community members about the issues and needs of our community and where we, as a congregation, might serve.

As a result of these conversations, two local schools, Clive Learning Academy and Cowles Montessori School have requested our participation in the lives of their students! We are being summoned to participate in the formative years of children at a time and in a place where there is great need. Here is a wide open door to show God’s love to God’s children. Will you walk through the door, bow your head, settle in, and share a story with a child?

—Council Member Jamie CharltonOPPORTUNITIES:Reading Buddies: a partnership with Clive LearningAcademy. Volunteers read with students each week in their classrooms to promote literacy and buildmeaningful relationships.

• 1 hour per week September – May• Can set day/time that works for you• If interested

• Contact [email protected]• Or sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/lJO9kZFotRwllVeI3

Math Buddies: a partnership with Cowles MontessoriSchool. Volunteers meet with students at WHLC to discuss mathematics and share new and old strategiesfor solving problems. No math experience required!

• Meet 1 x per month (days/time TBD)• At WHLC• If interested

• Contact [email protected]• Or sign up here: https://goo.gl/forms/U3TLzxqsVlpZ7vZ92

mailto:[email protected]


https://goo.gl/forms/lJO9kZFotRwllVeI3

https://goo.gl/forms/lJO9kZFotRwllVeI3



https://goo.gl/forms/U3TLzxqsVlpZ7vZ92

https://goo.gl/forms/U3TLzxqsVlpZ7vZ92

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FOUNDATIONREPORT

TheWindsorHeightsFoundationmetonJune3,2018,tocarryouttheannualbusinessofdistributingfundstoglobalandlocalcharities.Twonewcharitieswereintroducedthisyearbytheboardmembers:ChrisNorton’sFoundationandSelf-Help

International.AsmanyofyouknowChrisNortonspokeatachurch-sponsoredeventthisyear;TheChrisNortonFoundationisanonprofitorganizationdedicatedtohelpingpeoplewithspinalcordandneuromusculardisabilitieslivetheirbestlives.ThesecondcharityisSelf-HelpInternational;“ThemissionofSelf-HelpInternationalistoalleviatehungerbyhelpingpeoplehelpthemselves”.

TheWindsorHeightsFoundationboardishappytoreportthatover$320,000hasbeengiventoWindsorHeightsLutheranChurch,localandglobalcharitiessinceitsinception.Ifyouwouldliketohavethepeaceofmindthatyourgiftscancontinueafteryouleavethisworld,pleaseconsiderdonatingmoneytothefoundationthroughmonetarygifts,willsorinsurancepolicies.IfyouhavequestionsabouttheFoundationpleasecontactoneofthepastorsoraboardmember.

Hereisthelistofthecharitiesandrestrictedgrantsthatwereapprovedbytheboard.

WindsorHeightsLutheranChurch- $2,796.00 SpecialGrant-forwebsitedevelopment-$2,500 RiglerRestrictedGrant $136 DanielsonRestrictedGrant $160LitznerRestrictedGrant-ELCAWorldHunger $730.00GifttoELCA-Tosupportwaterprogramsaroundtheworld $1,400.00GifttosupportWartburgSeminary $1,400.00GiftforMosaicDesMoines $1,000.00GiftforLutheranServicesinIowa $2,174.00GiftforCoalitionagainstDomesticViolence $1,400.00GiftforFellowshipofChristianAthletes $1,200.00GiftforLutheranWorldRelief $1,400.00GiftforChildren’s&FamilyUrbanMovement $1,300.00GiftforFreedom $1,300.00GiftforJOPPA $1,300.00GiftforGigi’sPlayhouse $600.00GiftforForDaughter’s $600.00GiftforSelf-HelpInternational $600.00GiftforChrisNortonFoundation $600.00

Thisyear’sboardmembersareMikeBlake,DebGoss,MarkFasse,ScottSteensen,BarbWaymire,KevinNicolet,andcouncillassionMarilynWarling.Ifyouhaveanyquestionsorsuggestionsforfutureconsiderationpleasecontactoneofthepastorsoroneoftheboardmembers.

Thankyou,

DebraGossWHLCFoundationPresident

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Are you musical? If so, consider offering your musical gifts in the worship and praise of God through one of our music ensembles. All will begin their rehearsals in early September. Keep an eye on the calendar of events for more info. All ability levels are welcome.

The Alternative Worship Ensemble leads worship on Saturday evenings and one Sunday per month. Singers and instrumentalists are welcome. They practice at 4:00 on Saturday afternoons. If you have questions, contact Steve Dressel at [email protected].

Windsor Bells rehearses at 6:00 on Wednesday evenings from September - May and plays in worship at least once a month. Contact Marilyn Harvey with questions at [email protected].

Windsor Brass rehearses on Monday evenings at 8:00. All brass instruments are welcome. Windsor Brass plays once a month, usually on the last Sunday. Contact their director Jon Lewis if you’d like more information — [email protected].

Alleluia Choir welcomes anyone who is interested in singing. Rehearsals are from 7:00-8:00 on Wednesday evenings, and the choir sings at three services per month. Director Jim Cacciatore would be happy to answer your questions — [email protected].

3! Finley Cox, Jackie Frerichs,! Marvin Kister, Grace Swanson4! Sawyer Blake, Richard Stoen5! Noelle Erickson6! Scott Steensen7! Jack Capps, Linda Russell, Cyndee Young8! Teri Hansen, Suzanne Nelson, ! Kahlan Rowland, Valarie Rowland9! Roger Severson11! Angela Eakins, Julia Ratekin12! Robin Coughennower, Megan Lenzmeier13! Cole Barrett14! Grant Jansen, Jon Newsom, James Petersen16! Kareem Franklin17! Larry Pedersen, Harrison Tuttle18! Pam Barber19! Duane Danielson, Sandra Schoenrock20! Marilyn Cornelius, Marilyn Penberthy21! Pamela Enger22! Alex Brooks24! Cheryl Newsom, Melvin Nielsen26! Elaine Johnson28! Char Newsom-Henderson30! John Swanson31! Mark Opsal, Jack Sersland, Delores Toft

Cookies & Coffee Reception

A Cookies and Coffee Reception will be held in Parish Hall after the church service on Sunday, August 5, in celebration of Pastor Robin’s 30th birthday! Alrighty, it may not be her 30th but it’s a big ZERO birthday. Every member is invited to come, enjoy refreshments, fellowship and congratulate Robin on 60 years of blessings on God’s glorious planet! ~Dana Leahy

HostedbyLutherParkAuxiliary

Sunday,August52-4p.m.

LutherParkCommunityCenter

Homemadepies-Fellowship-FreewillofferingThisisafundraiserforLutherPark









CHAOS Escape Night

Following the success of our Escape Room experiment in Houston, we will be having a CHAOS sendoff to the summer by partaking in another, this time here in Des Moines. Further information will be posted on the website in the next week or so!

Fall Schedule on the WayWith school starting back up soon, our regular Fall schedule will resume following Labor Day. Keep an eye out in the E-weekly and announcements for further updates throughout the month.

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Thank you to everyone who volunteered and provided food for us at this years VBS! Our group had an amazing time learning about how Grace changes everything, and it is something we could not have done without all of your support. We heard so much positive feedback from the kids, and we are hoping to carry this momentum forward in to VBS in future years.

Children, Youth & Family Ministry

Summer FinaleOur last Junior High Night of the summer will

be Friday, August 10, from 6-8 p.m. Anyone

currently in junior high or about to enter high

school is invited to join us for an awesome

night of excitement and fellowship. We hope

to see you there!

Pastor Robin and Pastor Chris offer Confirmation instruction for 7th and 8th graders on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:00 beginning September 5. If you have a young person in your house entering the 7th grade this fall, let the pastors know. Probably we’ve got you on our class list, but we don’t want to miss anyone! You don’t have to be a member of the congregation to participate. Everyone is welcome.

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Treasurer Report June 2018

BelowisasummaryoftheresultsfortheGeneralFundfollowedbySpecialOfferings:

June2018June2018 Year-to-DateYear-to-Date 2017Y_T_DActual Budget Actual Budget Actual

GeneralOffering 33,347 40,833 250,619 245,000 235,772OtherGeneralFundIncome 1,552 896 9,881 5,375 5,903GeneralFundIncome 34,899 41,729 260,500 250,375 241,675GeneralFundExpense 57,214 41,729 242,174 250,375 244,389GeneralFundNetIncome (22,315) - 18,326 - (2,714)SpecialOfferingIncome 373 - 10,426 - 9,962SpecialOfferingExpense 615 - 13,426 - 9,962SpecialOfferingNetIncome (242) - (3,000) - -TotalNetIncome (22,557) - 15,326 - (2,714)

June,2018GeneralOfferingwas$7,486underbudget.Wearenotawareofanysignificantissuesotherthanitissummer,whichmayhavecausedthis,butwewillwatchforunusualtrendsinfuturemonths.

Year-to-DateGeneralOfferingincludesapproximately$10,500ofadditionalfundsfromamemberwhotransferredmutualfundssharestoWHLCtocompletetheirannualpledgefor2018.ThesefundswerereceivedinApril.Withouttheseadditionalfundsyear-to-date2018GeneralOfferingswereapproximately$4,900belowbudgetandapproximately$4,300greaterthan2017Year-to-DateGeneralOfferings.

Year-to-dateSpecialOfferingsareasfollows: DMARC Food Pantry 805.87 Urbandale Food Pantry 10.00 ELCA Mission Support 1,965.00 Men & Boys Event 500.00 Davis Family Funeral Assistance 2,091.00 Lent – Water Ministries Project 5,054.00 Total 10,425.87The$3,000.00differencebetweenSpecialOfferingIncome&Expensesisduetoincomereceivedin2017fortheMen&Boy’sEventwhichwaspaidorexpensedin2018.

TheTreasurerReportiscontinuedonthenextpage.

Treasurer Report ContinuedJune2018GeneralFundExpenseswere$15,485overbudget.MostoftheJune2018GeneralFundExpensevarianceisfromtimingdifferencesforpropertyinsurancepremiumandbenevolencepayments.TheannualpropertyinsurancepremiumwaspaidinJune,2018andthequarterlynon-ELCAMissionSupportBenevolencepaymentswerepaidinJune,2018.Non-ELCAMissionSupportBenevolencepaymentsmadeinJune,2018,areasfollows: Central Iowa Shelter & Services 262.50 DMARC Compassion in Action 512.53 ELCA World Hunger 187.50 Hope Ministries 112.50 Family Promise 262.50 Urbandale Food Pantry 87.47 Iowa Interfaith Power & Light 75.00 Lutheran Social Services 162.50 Mosaic of Des Moines 112.50 Visiting Nurses Services of Iowa 100.00 DMARC 637.50 Luther Care Services 387.47 Riverside Bible Camp 387.47 Total 3,287.44

Otherexpensevariancesaresmallbycomparison.

Year-to-DateGeneralFundExpensesare$8,201belowbudget.MostoftheYear-to-DateGeneralFundExpensevarianceisfromtimingdifferencesforpropertyinsurancepremiumandParishEducationexpensesforVacationBibleschoolandSundayschoolandunderbudgetvariancesforstaffpayrollandbenefitexpensesduetoopenstaffpositionsearlierintheyearandreplacingacustodialpositionwithacontractedservice.Otherexpensevariancesaresmallbycomparison.

Weappreciateyourgenerousofferings.DuaneDanielson

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State Fair Day was a hit! We had corn dogs, fruit on a stick, and red, white and blue cupcakes for dessert. There were prizes for winning the most tickets at our midway booths. My thanks to all of our Elderberry volunteers and to those who helped on the day: Paula Virtue and Bruce Dodgen who took photos of our guests in costume. Dana Leahy headed up the trivia race and Shelly Thieman was our resident fortune teller - “Miss Fortune.” Heidi Hennig ran the cupcake walk and Zach Meyer helped with the coin toss game.

Coming up in September, as we do not meet in August, Pastor Chris and Pastor Robin will lead discussions about what kinds of ministries our older adults might like to see. As we continue to think about invitation, growth and serving our neighbor, the discussion will seek ideas about what would be of interest to our retired members.

In October, we once again welcome Ken Popken, who will update us on the latest changes regarding Medicare. In November, we invite each of you to bring some mementos or information about your heritage. Maybe we will get some great food for the day to try! In December, we will hear from the Windsor Belles as they share some songs of the season.

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

WHLC has beautiful landscaping, but there are a lot of weeds popping up. If you have time, please come Wednesday mornings between 8-9:30 a.m., to help beautify the WHLC lawn and surroundings.

WELCA NEWS

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The Mary Circle would like to extend an invitation to all the women of the church to the August potluck and Bible study to be held on August 16, at 6:15 p.m. in Parish Hall. A Bible study at 7:00 p.m. will follow the potluck. Bring a dish to share if you wish, but do not feel like you need to bring something. Just yourselves would be great! Hope to see you on August 16!

~Elaine A Hites, Mary Circle Chair Person

Bible Study Groups

This summer, all Bible study groups will meet jointly for a Communion brunch on Wednesday, July 18, at 9:30 a.m. and a potluck supper on Thursday, August 16, at 6:30 p.m. If you are not currently attending a Bible study, please join us for one or both of these summer gatherings.

All women of WHLC are welcome to join a WELCA Bible study. If you are not yet a member of a Bible study group, please consider visiting a meeting and joining in the fun and love of learning.

EstherBibleStudyGroupLeader

MeetsthethirdMondayofthemonthatnoon

~EllyRatliff,255-5211,[email protected]

NaomiBibleStudyGroupLeaders

MeetsthethirdMondayofthemonthat6:30p.m.

~JanJohnson,279-2292,[email protected]

~BarbWaymire,224-5997,[email protected]

RuthBibleStudyGroupLeaders

MeetsthethirdWednesdayofeverymonthat9:30a.m.

~KathySafris,276-2996,[email protected],cell:554-6469

~JudyMunger,971-1549

MarthaBibleStudyGroupLeaders

MeetsthethirdThursdayofeverymonthat1:00p.m.

PamBarber,276-2208,[email protected]

WendyPrigge,508-0261,[email protected],cell:321-1533

MaryBibleStudyGroupLeader

MeetsthethirdThursdayofeverymonthat5:30p.m.

ElaineHites,681-1633,[email protected]

All women are invited to the Fall Gathering of WELCA, held on Monday, October 1, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Watch for details regarding this special program.











On August 5, the Sunday Summer Celebration will be a cookie and coffee reception to celebrate Pastor Robin’s 60th birthday! Everyone is invited to come down to Parish Hall after service to wish Pastor Robin a very happy birthday and enjoy a homemade cookie or two with your cup of coffee! The final Sunday Summer Celebration will be held on Sept 2, Labor Day weekend.

The WHLC Annual Hog Roast is Sunday, August 26, following the 9:30 a.m. service. There is no Sunday Summer Celebration on this day, so plan on joining us in Parish Hall for a delicious lunch. Serving will begin about 10:45 a.m. Please bring a dish to share: salad, side dish or dessert. The meat is once again prepared and donated by Gregg and Peg Gustafson. Table service, drinks & condiments will be provided. All are welcome! Invite a friend and join in this fun time of food & fellowship.

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WHLCAnnual

MarkyourcalendarnowandsavethedatefortheAnnualSteakFryonSunday,September30,at5:30p.m.inParishHall.WatchformoredetailsinSeptember.

FELLOWSHIP NEWS

Do you enjoy the great meals and activities hosted by the Fellowship committee? Looking for a fun way to serve your fellow members of the congregation? 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 and the Fellowship committee

Wednesday evening activities and rehearsals will begin September 5, the Wednesday after Labor Day. Windsor Brass will begin rehearsing Monday night, September 10.

Did you know that we have another worshipping community meeting in our sanctuary every Sunday afternoon from 1:00-3:00? The Chin Baptist Church, led by Pastor Gabriel Dar Lian, began using the space in early July.

Many members of the church live in or near Windsor Heights, where they had been gathering in a member’s home. As the community grew, space (and parking on residential streets) became an issue, and they started to think about finding a larger place for worship. Pastor Gabriel had noticed our facility and says that he prayed a lot about it before requesting to meet with Pastor Chris. The two talked about sharing space, and council enthusiastically affirmed this new relationship at its June meeting.

The community worships in a Chin Burmese dialect, of which there are many. Church members are immigrants from Myanmar, some refugees who were settled in Des Moines by LSI. Pastor Gabriel said there are currently twelve Chin Christian groups in Des Moines, each worshipping in a different dialect. Two are Catholic and the others Baptist. Their afternoon worship time is due to many church members working late shifts, and as far away as Marshalltown, so Sunday mornings are a time for rest.

An interesting Iowa connection: The Reverend Arthur Eric Carson, who was born in Columbus City, IA in 1860, became a missionary to what was then known as Burma, and is considered to be the founder of the Chin Christian movement.

If you notice worshippers coming and going on Sunday afternoons, take a moment to say hello and welcome to our new neighbors and friends. We trust there will be opportunities for us to get to know each other better in coming weeks and months. We are grateful for this opportunity to serve our neighbors by simply offering them space to worship God!

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Starts Old Testament Study

The Old Testament was written in ancient Israel over 1,000 years by many authors. What can this book teach us about the ancient Israelites? What does our faith find in new scholarly understanding? As scripture or as the most influential piece of literature ever written, this book is a source of constant wonder, inspiration, and intrigue.

The Men’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study will view 24 lectures by Bible scholar Professor Amy-Jill Levine. Ms. Levine is a professor at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, Department of Religious Studies. The CD lecture sessions continue on the last Tuesday of each month starting at 6:45 AM in the Koinonia room.

Even if you know the Old Testament well, you will find it enlightening to hear Professor Levine discuss how it appears against the larger background of the ancient Near East as revealed by research in archaeology, cross-cultural studies, and comparative religion.

Coffee and light refreshments will be available, and expect discussion after the 30 minute lecture.

August 2018Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

299:30 AM Summer Worship1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church3:00 PM Chin Baptist Church Celebration

309:30 AM Quilting6:00 PM Aerobics6:00 PM Prayer Bead Min-istry

316:45 AM Men's Bible Study10:30 AM Buy Eat Live Healthy Program1:00 PM Staff Meeting

1 25:30 PM Centering Prayer6:00 PM Aerobics

34:30 PM Japan Dinner

49:30 AM Women's AA Group4:00 PM Pastoral Care & Conversation4:00 PM Ensemble Re-hearsal5:30 PM Worship

59:30 AM Summer Worship10:30 AM Summer Cele-bration1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church

69:30 AM Quilting12:00 PM Just Faith Lunch6:00 PM Aerobics

76:45 AM Men's Bible Study1:00 PM Staff Meeting


108:30 AM LSI Staff Meeting6:00 PM Junior High Night

119:30 AM Women's AA Group4:00 PM Pastoral Care & Conversation4:00 PM Ensemble Re-hearsal5:30 PM Serve Shelter Meal5:30 PM Worship

129:30 AM Summer Worship10:30 AM Blood pressure screening1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church

139:30 AM Quilting10:00 AM Acme Food Coop6:00 PM PEO Meeting6:00 PM Aerobics

146:45 AM Men's Bible Study1:00 PM Staff Meeting6:30 PM All Committee Night

159:30 AM Women's Bible Study

161:00 PM Women's bible study5:30 PM Centering Prayer5:30 PM WELCA Summer Bible Study Gathering6:00 PM Aerobics

17 189:30 AM Women's AA Group4:00 PM Pastoral Care & Conversation4:00 PM Ensemble Re-hearsal5:30 PM Worship

199:30 AM Alternative Wor-ship9:30 AM Summer Worship1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church6:30 PM Bridge Fellowship

208:30 AM Window Deadline9:30 AM Quilting6:00 PM Aerobics6:30 PM Naomi Bible Study


22 235:30 PM Centering Prayer6:00 PM Aerobics6:30 PM WELCA Exec Op-tional


269:30 AM Summer Worship10:45 AM Hog Roast1:00 PM Chin Baptist Church


286:45 AM Men's Bible Study1:00 PM Staff Meeting6:30 PM Council meeting























































































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August Worship Volunteers

Personal Care Items

We will be collecting shampoo for the Urbandale Food Pantry in August.

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

by the lower coat rack.

reading & math buddies needed! · 2018. 8. 8. · gift to support wartburg seminary $ 1,400.00...

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