APRIL 2010 • VoLume 23, Issue 4

Churches of the Northeastern Iowa Synod are opening their doors, building doors and heading outdoors with evangelism ministries that reach out to their communities with the good news of Jesus Christ.

Our Savior’s Takes a Neighborly ApproachOur Savior’s Lutheran in Waterloo has had a long presence in a neighborhood made up of older workers and retirees, and new residents moving into the area’s growing number of rental homes. The transient nature of the neighborhood has contributed to a nearly 50 percent decline in membership at Our Savior’s since 2001, but Pastor Jim Knudson

believes it has also opened a unique opportunity for Our Savior’s to reach out to new neighbors who don’t have a church.

“We’re an older congregation and so we are struggling, but we’re looking at ways to grow,” says Knudson, who began serving the church in 2008. “At our council retreat we talked about how to reach out to the community and attract more of the younger families. It’s a challenge where we are located, but we have a number of good people who want to reach out and help the church grow.”

Those outreach efforts went outdoors last year with the Summer Activity Kickoff (SAK) event as a way to let people in the neighborhood learn more about the church and its members. On a Saturday afternoon in April, church members erected pop-up tents and booths in the church parking lot to showcase their individual interests – gardening, camping, bicycling, quilting, and

NOrTheASTerN IOWA

Strengthening the Church

Churches Open their Doors in Creative, Inviting Ways By: Marcia Hahn

Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaStar

IN THIS ISSue

“And he said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to the whole creation.”

– Mark 16:15

>> Continued on page 2

The quilters group from our savior’s Lutheran hosts one of several displays at the church’s summer Activity Kickoff in 2009.

1 Churches Open their Doors in Creative, Inviting Ways

3 Faith Learned in Our Youth Strengthens Us for a Lifetime

4 Celebrate Earth Day

5 Scenes from the LYO Assembly Weekend

7 Events, Congregations

8 Prayer Calendar

2 NOrthEAStErN IOWA SYNOD | www.neiasynod.org

more. Several families brought their motorcycles and antique cars to display. Church members served a free meal and handed out souvenir Frisbees and bags of information about Our Savior’s.

“It was an unusual kind of event, and we had an excellent turnout,” Knudson says. “Our mistake was we should have had a follow up card for people to fill out.”

Informational cards were handed out at last year’s Fall Bazaar, and Knudson followed up with a number of families, some of whom joined the church. The bazaar is a long tradition that involves virtually every group within the church. Knudson hopes that same kind of involvement and tradition will develop with new outreach events, including the upcoming Friendship Sunday planned for May 16. Plans are for the youth to canvass the neighborhood with fliers to invite families for worship and music in the church parking lot, along with a free cookout grilled by the Men’s Group.

“We’re trying to reach the rental families and let them know that we’re a friendly, welcoming church, and

they are always invited to attend,” Knudson says.

Behind the scenes, Our Savior’s has been working for years with the nearby elementary school to support students and provide for families in need. Now the church is reaching out to families in more visible ways, and Knudson says that type of change can be hard for older members of the church. “We are conscious of moving slowly as we work to be more visible and welcoming in the community,” he says.

Galilean Reaches Out with Quiet, Colorful GiftsPastor Jeff Ungs of Galilean Lutheran in Clear Lake believes that youth have a knack for making people feel welcome in church. “It’s a culture of invitation,” he says. “As adults, that’s something we’re not necessarily comfortable with, but our youth do a fabulous job of inviting others.”

The youth and children of Galilean witness about their faith through colorful displays, personal invitations and service,. each year on Palm Sunday, children from pre-school through junior high paint 15 windows of the church with images

related to their ideas of easter. Their “stained-glass” designs are covered during holy Week, unveiled on easter Sunday, displayed for public viewing and discussed in children’s sermons in the following weeks.

“It’s a marvelous public witness to the kids and their faith, and visitors are welcome to participate and help,” Ungs says.

The children draw what they are familiar with, as it relates to easter. “One year, a youth who had never been to church or baptized drew a pizza because his family eats pizza on easter Sunday,” Ungs says. “That gave me an opportunity to talk about the bread of life. Later, that youth became active in two youth groups and attended the 2009 Youth Gathering in New Orleans. While there, he was featured on the local television news where he talked about his faith in God as the reason he was doing service for the community.”

Youth members from Galilean also perform evangelism through service when they help at the local community kitchen. “They eat with the people there, listen to their lives and stories, tell them about our church, and talk about their faith,” Knudson says.

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Churches open their doors << Continued from page 1

members of our savior’s Lutheran in Waterloo displayed their hobbies, including vintage cars and motorcycles, at the 2009 summer Activity Kickoff as a way to become better acquainted with neighborhood residents.

Clowns add to the festivities of our savior’s Lutheran’s summer Activity Kickoff.

3APrIL 2010

The crisis in high school seemed insurmountable...until she talked with her father. No parent could have responded more graciously and been more supportive. A crisis became a celebration, and life continued to be good.

Years later, when tragedy struck, she struggled with the questions, “how can I bear this?” and “how will we make it?” he offered few answers but gave unwavering support. The questions were diminished and life could once again be embraced.

She knew that the phone call would come. The journey from home to hospital and then the return home had taken place several times. hospice had been consulted. The time was “now” for the final visit. As she drove to the hospital the songs of her youth filled her soul —Sunday school songs and congregational hymns —and so she began to sing. her car became a cathedral for the proclamation of Good News. The words and music sustained her. her singing, unknowingly, became a

rehearsal for her witness.

What do you say to a parent as he breathes his dying breath, the one who had loved you unconditionally throughout your life and supported you when you feared that there was no end to the life’s tragedy? You sing, she thought. And so she sang to him. “Jesus loves you this I know.” She modified the words only slightly so that the final words he would hear would be God’s word of grace.

I think of all the parents, Sunday school teachers and music leaders that I have known who have strengthened the church by passing on the faith through their constant and persistent witness. rarely do they receive public recognition. Always is their testimony blessed by the God of mercy, compassion and grace.

ruth’s grandmother led Sunday school Christmas programs for decades. her mother taught high school Sunday school for years. My own mother taught junior high Sunday school and mentored me as a high schooler as

I taught elementary Sunday school. “Servant- hood” is not a buzzword for them but a way of life that strength- ened the faith of the children that they served, a faith that sustained them through crisis, tragedy and even the sorrow of death.

We are grateful for those who have handed on the faith during our youth. Because of their commitment we have been blessed, the church has been strengthened, and the world has heard once again about the saving power of Jesus Christ.

− Steven L. Ullestad Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Synod

Faith Learned in Our Youth Strengthens us for a Lifetime

BISHOp

The Bishop’s summit on substance Abuse is set for Thursday, may 20, at 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. This webinar event will provide information about how congregations can equip parents to talk about substance abuse with their children, and how grandparents can play a role in substance abuse prevention.

The one-hour webinar will begin with a welcome from Bishop steven ullestad. Becky swift from the Governor’s office of Drug Control Policy will present information about substance abuse and resources available to the faith community. Pastor mark Anderson, assistant to the Bishop, will conclude with follow-up network resources.

Webinar to Focus on Substance Abuse prevention

To register, e-mail Charleen at the synod office, boltec@neiasynod.org.

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each year, earth Day is observed on April 22, and this year the Care for Creation work group encourages congregations to celebrate the gifts of creation on Sunday, April 25, and to consider the call to care for all that God has made.

Congregations may choose to do this in a variety of different ways: special prayers or litanies, through a special emphasis in the sermon, hymns that lift up creation, special greenery or flowers in the worship space, or elements of the earth—water, wheat, soil, corn,

rocks, etc.—placed in the worship space. here are some websites that have many resources for earth Day and a sample litany that could be used: www.webofcreation.org, www.seasonofcreation.com, www.lutheransrestoringcreation.org.

Celebrate earth Day

Bishop rev. Dr. Steven L. Ullestad - ullestads@neiasynod.org Assistants to the Bishop rev. Mark A. Anderson - andersonm@neiasynod.org rev. Darrel W. Gerrietts - gerriettsd@neiasynod.org Linda J. hudgins - hudginsl@neiasynod.org rev. Nancy J. Larson - nancy_larson@elca.org STAR Editors Marcia hahn - hahnm@neiasynod.org Julie Drewes - jdrewes@mchsi.com

The STAr is published 11 times a year by the Northeastern Iowa Synod, 201 20th Street SW, PO Box 804, Waverly, IA 50677-0804; www.neiasynod.org, phone 319-352-1414, FAX 319-352-1416.

Send news for the May issue to Marcia Hahn by April 2. We welcome story ideas related to the 2010 theme, Strengthening the Church.

Articles in this newsletter may be duplicated for use in synod congregations and organizations, with credit to the Star newsletter.

Please notify the synod office with name and address changes.

NORTHeASTeRN IOWA SYNOD

earth Day Celebration Litany Blessing of the Gifts of the Earth

The earth is God’s in all its fullness. Let us give thanks for God’s many gifts in creation, pray for our wise stewardship, and ask God to bless these gifts that sustain us. (As you pray for each element, lift the element.)

Prayer for Seeds: Creating God, you have given seed to the sower and bread to the people. Nourish, protect, and bless the seeds which your people sow in hope. By your loving and bountiful giving, may they bring forth their fruit in due season, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Prayer for the Soil: Giver of life, we give thanks that in the richness of the soil, nature awakens to your call of spring. We praise you for the smell of freshly tilled earth and the beauty of a well prepared field. Protect those who work in the fields this spring, and guide us in wise stewardship of your earth, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

Prayer for Water and Rain: sustaining God, we receive the fruits of the earth from you. We give you thanks for the smell of the earth after rain, for its welcome cooling, and its necessary hydration for the land. We ask that the rain come as often as it is needed so that the crops may flourish and the coming harvest be bountiful, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

We praise you, o God, for the good land with all its resources which you have entrusted to us: animals, trees, water, and all humanity in our great diversity. strengthen us in our care for your whole creation, through Christ our Lord. Amen!

“The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it!”

– Psalm 24:1

5APrIL 2010

Some 105 youth and adults from the Northeastern Iowa Synod attended the 17th Annual Lutheran Youth Organization Assembly in Dubuque, March 13-14. LYO Board member Coco Lyons from Waukon emceed the event, and Norbert Strasser, Chair of the hunger Work Group, gave the opening address. Lutheran Services in Iowa presented a “poverty simulation” sponsored by the Dubuque County Chapter #31138 of Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

On Saturday, Bishop Steven Ullestad led a Bible study, the comedy group “CSI:ha Comedy Scene Improv” shared Christian comedy and music, and LYO Board president, Dan Meyers, of Waverly led a late night devotional. Sunday morning devotions were led by LYO Board member Caitlin retz of Sheffield. Dan Meyers and LYO Board member Kim Wild of Dubuque led worship, and Dan Baldwin from Luther College led the music.

Scenes from the LYO Assembly Weekend

Youth share their reactions to the poverty simulation at the LYO Assembly in Dubuque.

More than 100 youth and adults gather at the Northeastern Iowa Synod’s LYO Assembly March 13-14.

Youth learn how unexpected expenses can deplete income during a poverty simulation exercise at the LYO Assembly.

To view more scenes from the LYo Assembly weekend, visit the youth page at www.neiasynod.org.

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Another Galilean ministry is reaching out to people in unexpected ways. The Galilean Labyrinth was created on the church grounds about 10 years ago as a spiritual tool for renewal. Mowed into a circular pattern in prairie grass and wild flowers, the labyrinth is open to anyone seeking a quiet, spiritual place to pray, meditate, reflect and renew. A trellis marks the entrance where people begin their walk to the center.

As they begin, they ask God to help them let go of their anxiety

and unhealthiness,” Ungs explains. “They pay attention to the quiet environment around them to take their minds off the negatives in life and focus on the positive. At the center is a gazebo where they can take time for prayerful reflection and invite God to help them gain new insight. They leave on the same path they entered with a refilled spirit.”

Word about the labyrinth has spread on the Internet, attracting visitors from across the United States. One woman thanked Ungs for use of the labyrinth to help her prayerfully consider a call to mission work.

A new sign will be installed at the entrance this summer to draw visitors and explain how to use the labyrinth to connect with God. “It’s an opportunity for people to express to God what’s in their hearts, and it’s very filling,” Ungs says.

Calmar Lutheran Welcomes the Community’s Children

After five successful years, Calmar Lutheran’s afterschool program began a hiatus in 2009. According to Pastor Norman Bauer, the extended time out is the only way to make room for a new larger facility to house the growing program.

“The new space will allow us to welcome more kids and bring more opportunities for outreach and evangelism to share God’s love with little

ones,” Bauer says.

From 3:30 to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays, the church opens its doors to about 30 to 60 kids in grades two through six. Volunteers lead them in recreation, crafts, music and Christian-based activities, and offer snacks and a meal before sending the kids home. The

confirmation youth arrive in time for the same meal before beginning their evening of fellowship and study.

Since the afterschool program began, Bauer says that Calmar Lutheran’s membership has risen from 320 to nearly 500. he credits the afterschool program with not only increasing church membership, but also changing the mix, with 70 percent of the membership now under age 40. “When you have little kids in church a couple times a week, all of a sudden you have a lot of activity going on,” Bauer says.

The idea for the afterschool program came in response to a

Churches open their doors << Continued from page 2

Youth from throughout the community join youth-centered activities at Galilean Lutheran in Clear Lake..

A new addition at Calmar Lutheran will allow more children from the Calmar area to attend the church’s growing afterschool and sunday school programs.

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Visitors from across the u.s. and the local community seek spiritual renewal at the labyrinth mowed in a prairie field at Galilean Lutheran in Clear Lake.

community-wide survey that showed a need for child care in Calmar. Bauer says the program serves that community need and is a valuable evangelical tool.

“If we just invite people to church, it goes in one ear and out the other,” Bauer explains. “People can buy into this program because we’re taking care of their kids. They see that this is a church that has their needs in mind without an obligation for them to pay us back.”

Church leaders worked with the local school principal to set up the afterschool program, which has been funded by freewill donations. Two 10-week sessions are offered each school year, except during Advent and Lent. The program relies on volunteers – one for every 10 children – but Bauer says the council is considering employing someone to coordinate it.

“If you’re not into long-term intentional ministry, you don’t want to start this type of program because you’re not going to be able to stop it,” Bauer says. “It will take on a life of its own.”

The new building addition will have nearly three times the space currently available for Sunday school and afterschool activities. Plans are for the main floor to open in May, and both floors of the nearly 6,000 square foot facility to be ready in the fall to kickoff a new year of Sunday school and afterschool activities.

“If a congregation is willing to open its doors to the kids, probably the mom and dad will follow,” Bauer adds. “That’s proof that if you want your church to grow, you can grow, but you have to open the doors.”

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