A monthly publication of Grace Lutheran Church

Grace Notes August 2014

Worship Times : Saturday 5:30 p.m. (At Zion Lutheran Church) & Sunday 9:00 a.m.

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IN THIS ISSUE: VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

PARISH NEWS

BOARD MINUTES

LSI NEWS

ELCA NEWS

MONTHLY COUNCIL MINUTES

AUGUST BIRTHDAYS

AUGUST ANNIVERSARIES

AUGUST SCHEDULES

VBS was held on July 20-24. The theme was "Gangway to Galilee," and the main verse was Ephesians 2:8. The enrollment was 38 with an average attendance of 36. More children joined as the week went on. Many adults led the various sites with enthusiasm. Other adults and pre-teens led the children to the various sites and the children were happy and eager to learn. Bibles were opened each evening in the Bible Challenge site. Children memorized the take home points each day. Adults and youth worked together to build sets, decorate sites, and led sites together working as teams. That was great to see! This was a happy, Christ filled week!

The mission project for the VBS was to raise money for malaria

nets for people in Africa. $110.00 was raised which will pay for 11

nets!!!

The Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer had the theme of Gangway to Galilee. It was a success with 38 children and many adults working the event. The theme was from Ephesians 2:8.

There was a large group of workers and volunteers beginning in May. The Sunday school students and their teachers colored many, many fish for decorations. This saved $35.00!

Before VBS began, the Silver Cord Team of Erin Kelly, Evan Kelly, Brad Simmons, Caitlyn Mandsager and Erins’ friend Sarah, worked for 120 hours to create many set and decoration items. Don Kelly worked for many, many hours with Erin and friends to build and paint the three boats and the dock. The team painted backdrops, decorated most of the site rooms, decorated bulletin boards, and hallways, etc. They colored 86 signs/decorations. John Simmons also contributed many hours with backdrops, guidance, and an array of tasks.

The cardboard was donated by Andrew and Jason at Slumberland Furniture, David at Aarons’, and the people at Burn’s appliance store.

During the VBS week, volunteering really took off!

1. Pastor Mac, Al Bengtson, Bob Romza, and Paula Lofgren led the openings and closings. 2. Tibe Vander Linden and Katie Green led the Storytelling site. 3. The Bible Challenge site was led by: Emily Lofgren, Traci Lippelgoes, Julia Moravec, and Isabelle Terry. 4. Don and Lynn Kelly were in charge of (water soaked) Games. 5. Brenda Erber, Dee Harding, and Emily Schroeder led the Snack site. 6. The Craft site was led by Lisa Paul, Brad Simmons, and Carissa Johnson. 7. The Mission Leaders were Brad and John Simmons. The Mission project was to send money for insecticide

treated nets to prevent malaria in Africa. 8. Music was taught and led by Bob Romza and Paula Lofgren each evening. 9. Registration was taken care of by Paula Lofgren, Kevin Erber, and Alice Simmons. 10. The children were color-coded with rubber loop bracelets made by Tina and Logan Skipton. She made 50 (or

more) bracelets. 11. Bracelets for adults were made by Brad and Alice Simmons 12. Many thanks go to all of the ladies who donated food items to the snack site. They were: JoAnne Fisher, Karen

Kessel, Lisa Paul, Virginia Lippelgoes, Tina Skipton, Deb Holliday, Lauren Smith, Connie Hanes, Mary Chalupa, Dee Harding, Brenda Erber, and Mary Hovick.

13. Paula Lofgren shared many blue plastic tablecloths. 14. Thank you to Cindy and Jim Edgmond for cleaning the church each night. 15. Many thank-yous to the people who were team leaders/herders who led the children around to the sites each

evening. They were: Jasmine Bengtson, Sue Bengtson, Kevin Erber, Karen Hessel, Shannon Lewis, Tina Skipton, Rhonda Shanks, and Anna Sparks.

16. Many thanks to Pastor Mac for sharing guidance and encouragement to the VBS Committee this summer! 17. Pictures of each day’s events were taken by: Tibe Vander Linden, John, Simmons, and Don Kelly. 18. Pictures of each child were taken by Tibe Vander Linden as a memory of the week. 19. The Silver Cord Team has offered to clean up the church next week and to take down the decorations. (They will

recycle!)

Much money was saved through low-cost decorating by the Silver Cord Team. The items colored saved a lot of money. A report will be given to the Council as soon as it can be sorted out.

Thank you,

The VBS Committee

Larry and Deb Holliday, along with their daughter Amy’s family, would like to thank you all so much

for all your healing prayers and support!

Mark your calendars for Sunday, August 3, 5:00 p.m. for the 2nd Annual Grace Lutheran Ice-Cream Social. We are having a Birthday Theme to celebrate our 2014 Birthdays as a group! First of all, we want everyone to attend, enjoy ice-cream with toppings, enjoy each other’s company and play some games to compete a little!

Here are the tables/themes: 1. January – New Year’s Theme 2. February – Valentines 3. March – St. Patrick’s Day 4. April – Easter 5. May – Mother’s Day or May Day 6. June – Picnic theme 7. July – 4th of July 8. August – Summer or Back to School 9. September – Labor Day or Football 10. October – Halloween 11. November – Thanksgiving 12. December – Christmas

We will also have the following toppings: Chocolate Sauce Cones Caramel Sauce Cookies Strawberries Choc. Chips Pineapple Brownie Pieces Bananas Whipped Cream M & M’s

Congregational Life Board will supply the ice-cream, bowls and spoons. We are also planning the games so that we can have some fun! *Tibe Vander Linden – Congregational Life Board Member

Rally Day & Church Picnic

August 24

Rally Day for Sunday School and church picnic hosted by Congregational Life will happen following our 9 am service that morning. We will have fun & games for all ages. For the picnic we will have fried chicken (catered), sides, and desserts. A free will offering will be collected to pay for the chicken. If you would like to donate a side dish or dessert please contact Cindy Edgmond at 260-5756 or email at edgmonds@machlink.com. Food will be served starting at about 11 am.

Youth Group By Bob Romza

Youth Yard Sale/Bake Sale The Youth Group will be holding a Yard Sale and Bake Sale on August 23rd. If you have items (no furniture please) you would like to donate for the yard sale, please mark them with a price, and drop them off in the YOT. If you wish to donate baked goods, please drop them off that Saturday morning. Funds raised will

go to the church’s general fund. Date: August 23rd

Time: 8 A.M. to 3 P.M. Location: 3209 Spinning Wheel Court (The Bengtsons)

The GLC Youth Group meets each Sunday from 4:30-6:00 p.m. and is open to students from fifth grade

through senior high. Our meetings also include fun games and snacks. Come join us this Sunday!!

Youth Schedule for August August 3 Ice Cream Social

August 10 Back to School Cook-out at Bob’s (901 Wier Street) August 17 Regular Meeting August 24 Regular Meeting

August 31 No Meeting (Labor Day Weekend)

The GLC Youth Singers meets each Sunday from 4:00-4:30 p.m. and is also open to students from fifth grade through senior high. We learn to sing contemporary style songs as well as stage presence and using a

mic for performance. Youth Singers have the summer off and will resume rehearsals in September.

Grace Women News By Mary Hovick &

Karen Hessel An Invitation – All women of Grace are invited to join us on Tuesday, August 12th – 9:30 a.m. at Happy Joe’s. This month we will have a short Bible study and then have plenty of time for conversation to catch up on everyone’s summer activities. If you wish to have a snack or breakfast it will be on your own. It can range from a cinnamon roll to breakfast pizza or just a cup of coffee. Please join us as we complete our summer programs and get ready to start our regular Bible study series in September. Coffee – Look for the “Coffee Cart” on Sunday mornings, and purchase your Equal Exchange favorite blend. Feel free to purchase coffee anytime the church office is open. You may also put your money in the envelope provided and put it under the office door or in the offering plate. You will be helping farmers overseas earn a fair share of the income from the crops they grow. Box Tops for Education – Please save Box Top Coupons and/or UPC Codes found throughout your local grocery store. Visit www.boxtops4education.com for a current list of participating products. Clipped coupons can be placed in the “Box Tops for Education” folder on the bulletin board across the hall from Pastor’s office. The money earned by this project will be sent to Bethphage School in Axtell, Nebraska for children and adults with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

NO BOARD MEETING IN AUGUST

The Gifts and Memorial Committee is seeking additional members! In the past,

the Committee experienced challenges as to clarity of purpose, but thanks to the current and former members, those issues have been resolved. Take some time to browse through

the informational booklets in the lobby. Contact Tim Smith smithtim@machlink.com

or JoAnne Fisher lane@machlink.com if you are interested in serving on this committee.

GLC Ministry of Literacy By Deb Holliday

The Literacy Program will be starting up again on Tuesday, September 9th. It will run Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 5:00. We are looking forward to welcoming back returning children as well as new students who are just entering 1st grade. We will have registration for the new students on Thursday, September 4th from 4:30 - 5:30 in the lounge. Anyone interested in volunteering can contact Deb Holliday (264-1128). It is truly a rewarding experience. Anyone wishing to donate snacks may sign up on the sheet outside Judy's office. The backpacks and donated supplies have been given to the students in the program. Each child received a backpack with all but two items (T-shirt, Kleenex) from the McKinley supply list for their grade. The response from both parents and children was overwhelming!! It was heartwarming to see how much this meant to them. (Parent comment: "Thank you so much. This is great. I didn't know how I was going to get everything for school. I don't have a job.") Because of the response we had, we would like to be able to do this again next summer. If you are interested in donating items for next year's backpacks now might be a good time to purchase supplies because of all the sales. We will put a sign on Judy's door with the required items. We will have a tub labeled for the items in the Social Hall. Thank you for your generosity. What a difference you are making!

SURVEY SAYS! Council is seeking 2-3 volunteers to serve on the Congregational Church Profile Survey Subcommittee. Volunteers need to be familiar with navigating the Internet, uploading data from hardcopy to the survey web site, and other duties as deemed necessary by the subcommittee. If you are up to a challenge, contact Mike Allenbaugh: Allenbaugh@machlink.com

Music By Bob Romza

I hope that everyone is having a great summer; but can you believe it is almost over? Our regular music ensembles will resume in September. As summer draws to a close, please prayerfully consider if you would like to participate in one of our music ministries.

Congregational Life Board reminds you that if you are running out of envelopes they

are located in the office in the copier room next to the safe. Please make sure to sign the sheet, next to the envelope number you are taking.

Also a reminder that you can also have your offering electronically paid to the church via Simply Giving, a program provided through Thrivent Financial. Participating in this program makes giving on a consistent basis very convenient. If you are interested in signing up for Simply Giving the forms can be found on the Treasurer’s section of the bulletin board in the main hallway or if you would like to have one mailed to you call the office. This giving arrangement can be modified or cancelled at any time and is safe and secure. You can return your completed form to the church office or our treasurer, Mike Allenbaugh. Mike can also answer any questions you may have about this program. -Cindy Edgmond

Bell Choir- the GLC Bell Choir meets and plays on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month. We meet from 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. and play a piece at the Amazing Grace (10:45) service. We are especially looking for persons with some knowledge of music notation who would be willing to “come off the bench” from time to time to cover a pair of bells.

Grace Singers- the Grace Singers meets each Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We sing each Sunday alternating between the Amazing Grace (10:45) service and the Abundant Life (8:15) service. The Grace Singers prepare and present a Cantata each year for Easter. The Senior Choir is open to all from high school age to, shall we say, more mature singers

Youth Choir- the GLC Youth Choir meets each Sunday afternoon from 4:00-4:30 p.m. and is open to youth in grades 5 through 8. We sing at one of the services at least every other month and sing a variety of music from classical rounds to contemporary pieces.

GLC Wind Ensemble- the GLC Wind Ensemble meets regularly during the year and is always featured as part of our Christmas and Easter celebrations as well as other times throughout the church year. This ensemble is open to brass players from 6th grade through adult. We usually meet a couple times each month after the 10:45 service.

Instrumentalists- if you play an instrument (wind, string, piano) there are always opportunities to offer special music selections throughout the year. Don’t worry about the music being too hard; I will pick and arrange a piece that will be just right Hey, you former band members, this would be a great chance to dust off your instrument that has been in the closet all those years. Contact Bob if you are interested in playing.

On Sunday, Sept 7, 2014, ELCA Congregations will be putting their faith into action by serving their communities in ways that share the love of God with all of God’s people.

Preliminary planning has been established for GLC to join hands with members from Zion, New Era, and Shepherd of the Cross in a combined community service project to obtain needed supplies for MCSA. GLC’s Task Force will meet with the other churches to finalize these plans:

• Times for each congregation to monitor the drop-off site(s) at Wal-Mart or Hy-Vee (TBD). o Shepherd – 10:30 a.m. to 12 noon o GLC – 12 noon to 1:30 p.m. o New Era – 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. o Zion – 3:00 – 4:30 p.m. o Each congregation to wear their T-shirts

• MCSA is in need of laundry detergent as well as personal hygiene items. • Public announcements to the community via Muscatine Journal , local radio stations • Containers for donations • Delivery of donations to MCSA via pick-up trucks • Final write-up of the day’s events for Muscatine Journal, Synod, ELCA and GLC’s web page

Implementation of this community service project needs your help! If you would like to be a part of GLC’s “God’s Work. Our Hands.” Task Force, contact any Council member, call the church office (563-263-5680) and leave your name with a return phone number, or e-mail glc@machlink.com.

Read more about it at http://www.elca.org/dayofservice.

FILL THE BOAT

You might notice we have a boat in our entry. No, this is not left from the recent high water, but from Vacation Bible School. We have decided to put this boat to good use by

filling it with food, cleaning supplies, even cat or dog food to be given to the Food Pantry. Giving is often down when people are gone on vacation or very busy with

summer activities. Instead of waiting for winter, let’s help fill the pantry now. From August 1st through September 15th, let’s see if we can gather enough items to fill the

boat and that will require a pick up to deliver the food. For those who want something easier to manage, money is always needed and appreciated. The Food Pantry can use money to buy meat and perishable items that can’t be stored. Money can be given by

using the offering envelopes marked food pantry by the boat. Let’s fill this boat!

Grace Lutheran Ministries for July Christian Education, July 7, 2014 @ 6:00 pm VBS- Alice provided updates – Decoration had started. Many hours given by parent and High School youth in creating decorations and props for “Gangway to Galilee”. Couple of additional helpers to guide youth to their stations. Thirty youth were preregistered by council meeting time with a few more anticipated to ‘drop in’ on the first night. Youth group - Bob updated on what was going on for July and August Sunday School- Rally day is August 24th. Confirmation (aka Affirmation of Baptism- This year as in last, GLC will combine efforts with the sister ELCA congregations in Muscatine in providing instruction for youth. The season starts with a Parents meeting on August 13th. A retreat is scheduled for the first weekend in September at Spring Valley Bible camp. Brochures and further information are found in the kiosk by the lounge/chapel.

Next meeting August 6th @ 6:00 pm Congregational Life, July 3, 2014 @ 6:30 pm Grace – Full Living Opportunites next sheet will be handed out July 13th and 20th. Items to be included: Home Bound Ministry, Literacy Program, Ice Cream Social, Rally Day & Picinic, and Sunday School for fall. Father’s Day Tie Event – recap (Winners Jim Stein, Al Bengtson, Allen Pameticky) Categories were ugly, creative, and unusual. Next year maybe do picture wearing oldest, and have some candy bars for kids that participate so they can be “winners” and get something for participating. Also will try to recognize mothers next year. “More than Money Matters” by Thrivent – Will shoot for the end of September or first week of October as start date. Will contact Tom Brooke about his assistance in leading some or all of the sessions. Annual stewardship programs discussed – “Fearless Generosity” & “Steward’s of God’s Love”, probably going to use “Fearless Generosity” the first part of November, with the 4 temple talks in October leading up to the pledging dates. Soup lunch was popular last year, will try to do that again at end of pledging weeks. Senior Recogition – shared thank you from Ben Luedtke for the key chain received. Discussed that next year planning for Senior Recognition Sunday should start about the first of April. Ice Cream Social August 3rd – Finalized plans. Tibe is continuing to reach out to congregation for volunteers for toppings and table decorations. Cindy Edgmond will buy the ice cream and make posters to publicize. Will have two table games, and some other activities for kids. Rally Day Picnic – Aug. 24th will be the date. It was decided to do a fried chicken dinner with sides and desserts, vs the usual pot luck. Donations of the sides and desserts will be requested.

Next meeting August 7 @ 6:30 pm Hospitality Board, July 8, 2014 @ 5:15 pm We will be changing our Board’s rotation for making phone calls to new visitors to a monthly basis instead of a weekly basis. We still want Shirlee to send out the visitor card, then she should email ALL on our Board and let us know who she sent cards to. Then the assigned caller for the month will make their phone call to the visitor later in the week. The new calling schedule will be: Cindy – July, Daneice - August, Jeff - September, Katie - October, Shirlee - November, and Mary - December. Mary will get together with Paris and update these changes to our Hospitality Book and distribute new pages. We would like to go back to taking a picture of new members and posting the picture up on the Bulletin Board (like we did a few years ago). We are in the process of transferring Kelly Gillispie and her daughter to Grace from Zion Lutheran in Buffalo Prairie, IL.

Next meeting August 5 @ 5:15 pm

Property Board, July 7, 2014 @ 6:30 pm New Business: Lights. Ben talked to Dan Schaafvelt about replacing lighting ballasts around the church. Ben will get ballast and help Dan install. Repair Requests: Hot water heater won’t stay lit. Water entered the basement during heavy rains Saturday 7/5 highlighting the need for the drainage system. Old Business: Sexton. The property board will relieve Al and Phil and clean the church for the remainder of the summer due to budgetary concerns. Capital Improvement Fund: The bid for the west tile drain is $9,748.00. They had changed the piping from the ground to the roof to 6” PVC. A decision was not made. More information and discussion are needed. Adjournment 19:30

Next meeting August 4 @ 6:30 pm Social Ministry Board, June 26, 2014 @ 5:30 pm Loaves & Fishes: April 26 effort – 70 individuals were served by 16 volunteers. 4 Grace members contributed baked goods and $192.62 was spent on groceries. A total of $465 was taken in for the effort, leaving plenty for Grace’s next scheduled hosting of Loaves & Fishes. Next date – October 16 is the next time Grace will serve. Food Pantry: Mountain of Macaroni with Sunday School – 200 pounds of macaroni and cheese were delivered to the Food Pantry following the joint effort with the Sunday School kids. $175 in cash was also donated. Next effort – discussed using one of the boats built for Vacation Bible School to have a “Fill the Boat” campaign that would run through August and September. Kim will check with John Simmons to confirm we can extend the life of a boat! Pastor also shared the lyrics of a song that can be sung to the tune of “My Favorite Things” that we may consider sharing with the congregation during that time. The lyrics address the issue of need and hopefully will further inspire members to help. Crop Walk date – no report GLC Ministry of Literacy: The summer session starts July 1 with 10 students. Volunteers have been secured, but the volunteer snack list appears to be missing. The backpacks got wet as a result of the roof issues. However, all but one was able to be salvaged, along with many of the supplies. We have enough of them to provide each of the kids in the summer literacy program with one at the end of the session. Last school year’s second graders will be moving on, but we will have a new batch of first graders that will start with the session beginning in September. A couple of the kids from this year’s program have signed up to attend Vacation Bible School as well. Follow Up Items: Autistic Children program – Paul – no report. Graceful Living Opportunity – Discussed how we might take advantage of this program. Karen will contact Cindy regarding items we might want included for Food Pantry of the Ministry of Literacy. Kim will contact her regarding gathering names of those who might be interested in volunteering to visit our members who are shut-ins. Homebound Ministries program was recently returned to Social Ministry Board’s oversight. Discussed the need to recruit volunteers and provide them with some instruction before they begin their visits.

Next meeting August 5 @ 5:30 pm

Worship & Music Board, July 14, 2014 @ 6:30 pm UPCOMING DATES Abundant Life update: First implementation of the new service standards for the service began on 7/13. We’ll communicate how the service is progressing and keep eye on some tweaks that were unforeseen as we go forward. Some lectors, ushers, worship assistants did not receive the letter sent out so communication was done with those people face to face. Will need to confirm Master GLC Member List being used is up to date. Upcoming Dates: August: AJ Houseman Praise Team for music in 8/3 service. Splitting between 2 known GLC songs and 2 songs from their team. Details to be finalized week of 7/14 by Scott. Rally Day is 8/24 and should include installation of teachers and potential Bible distribution. Scott to contact John Simmons on details. September: Combine Lutheran Service date is still TBD. Communication between church council leaders being done by Jim Stein to see if there is interest in the combined service. Grace has confirmed our desire (see WM060914 notes) to do this. Time is off essence. 2nd part of this is the Service Project inspired by “God’s

Work. Our Hands”. Single group effort or a staggered group effort by GLC, Zion, SoTC. Will need to work around 8/24 Rally Day, 8/31 Labor Day Weekend, 9/7 Two Service restart if we are to do a combined service similar to 2013. This will not affect which day to do our service project, however. Recommended and approved to use Setting 10 for the Amazing Grace [10:45] service through the 4th Sunday in Advent, 12/22/14 October: 10/26 Reformation Sunday services to use 20th Sunday after Pentecost format. November: 11/2 All Saints Day – Planning for both services will recognize church family and family members during the service. We will determine how this will be accomplished in the August meeting and communicate internally those instructions. 11/30 Thanksgiving weekend will have two Sunday services as normal. December: 12/24 Christmas Eve Services currently at 5:30PM and 10:00PM. We will be conducting informal surveys and look at past attendance numbers to make sure this is the continued direction for this day. Bob Romza to research attendance figures. No decision has been formalized. We will invite representatives from WELCA to October W&M meeting to understand the timing of the decoration of church during Advent and Epiphany. We will continue to use our silhouettes hung on the wall behind the altar. As a W&M Board we looked over the inventory of worship items that we have in storage. Some have not been used in quite some time. We recommended some articles to be used in the upcoming youth rummage sale and other items for recycling. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Setting up A/V training during the Summer months – WIP with Scott to lead.

Next meeting August 4 @ 6:00 pm

News from LSI Lutheran Services in Iowa

Back to School

For children who are struggling at school or are in trouble, what happens during the summer months? Suddenly, all the structure of the school year is gone.

That’s where LSI helps. This summer LSI’s behavioral health intervention services (BHIS) have been busy helping keep children and youth stable so they can head back to school this August in great shape to have a terrific school year.

LSI’s BHIS program helps children and teens who have a mental health diagnosis build skills in areas such as anger management, coping, healthy decision making, communication, positive self-esteem and more. Thanks to your caring support of LSI, children in this program achieve positive outcomes at home, in school and in the community!

LSI is proud to be an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in

America (ELCA). Learn more at www.LSIowa.org and www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa.

“Having someone come to your home is amazing.”

Roycene had just turned her life around and had been sober for two years. When her son Lucas returned home from over a year in foster care, the transition wasn’t easy for either of them.

“Lucas came home with a lot of behaviors,” she said. “It was almost unmanageable. It was a transition for him and for me.”

Thankfully, LSI’s behavioral health intervention services (BHIS) program was there to help. LSI caseworker Heidi helped Lucas, age seven, learn anger management, communication skills and coping skills, or as Lucas calls them, “scoping” skills.

“Having someone come to your home is amazing,” Roycene said. “Lucas is more comfortable here. I learn a lot from Heidi, and it’s really neat watching

my son learn how to express his feelings. One of the awesome things about Heidi coming to my house is she can actually see what’s going on. I could go to a therapist or doctor and try to explain, but it’s not the same. I would be almost glad when Lucas was having a tantrum, so she was able to see and help us learn how to handle it. It’s nice having someone professional help coach me in my parenting and decisions. It makes me more confident.”

Heidi also helped Lucas learn how to make friends at school and helped Roycene find ways to talk to

him about his father’s incarceration. Lucas has grown leaps and bounds, Roycene said.

“Any time I get frustrated, I think about how it’s not like it was,” she said. “I’m just really grateful for this service. When friends are having problems, I tell them about how I have someone from LSI who supports me.”

See more stories, past and present, at LSI’s anniversary website: www.LSIowa.org/150

ELCA Bishops in Iowa express the faith community’s call to provide care for the unaccompanied children

from Central America IOWA CITY, IA – Scripture repeatedly, and unapologetically, calls for God’s people to welcome the stranger, the alien, the orphan, the widow, and the sojourner. This is why the refugee crisis that continues to unfold on the southern border of the United States is of particular concern to Christians.

Reports from leaders of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) who have visited the border have helped many of us who watch from afar to understand some of the dynamics that are lost in media reporting, especially when couched in the context of current political tensions and debate.

The recent surge of unaccompanied minors crossing the border is caused by the escalation of violence and poverty in Central America. The “Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act” of 2008, signed into law by President George W. Bush, requires that children who are seeking asylum be protected and given due process and sanctuary. But current circumstances have overtaxed transitional facilities, creating overflows, delays and the establishment of new shelters with conditions that undermine the progress that has been made in serving children in recent years.

While the most immediate pressures are felt in the border states, Iowans have a long and treasured history of opening our hearts and our doors to people who are in need, especially children. Even while holding divergent views on how best to shape and implement just and comprehensive immigration policy, people of goodwill can provide needed support, and when possible, a welcome place for these unaccompanied minors. For Christians, active hospitality in situations like this is a matter of faith, which is why so many believers here in Iowa, including members of the ELCA, are ready and willing to help.

Michael Burk, Bishop SEIA Synod

ELCA leaders to visit shelters for unaccompanied children

CHICAGO (ELCA) – To learn more about the recent arrival of unaccompanied children into the United States, a group of leaders from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will travel July 16-18 to Texas. Their time there will include visits to children shelters and facilities managed by Lutheran Social Services of the South, based in Austin, Texas, and meetings with ELCA pastors and members to hear about their experiences and response efforts. "The holy family was undocumented and fled to Egypt because their lives were threatened by King Herod. The children entering the United States have fled because their lives are in danger. God is their ultimate hope, and we can be a sign of that hope," said the Rev. Elizabeth A. Eaton, ELCA presiding bishop.

ELCA leaders and members are eager "to learn more about what is really happening on the ground and what ELCA members are learning and doing in response," said Eaton. "I'm proud of the work that we are doing as a church." According to the Rev. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for ELCA Global Mission, the children arriving in the United States are leaving their home countries to seek protection from drug and sex trafficking, hunger and poverty and other risk factors rendering children vulnerable. "For years our companion churches in Central America have been struggling with the problem of growing violence in their societies that has its roots in poverty and inequality. My appeal to United States decision-makers is to respond to this humanitarian crisis in a comprehensive way," said Malpica Padilla, a member of the ELCA group traveling to Texas. "Our response must address both the immediate needs of newly arrived migrants here in the United States, as well as critically review our economic and security policies toward the Central American region and consider different approaches than we have in the past," he said. "Our compassion should not stop at the border. 'If one member suffers, all suffer together with it.' We need to re-examine the sustainability of our development policies, review trade agreements for their impact on the poorest, rethink our drug policies, promote nonviolent conflict resolution activities and greater respect for human rights, and strengthen domestic child protection systems in Central America," he said, adding that "a change of direction in U.S. foreign policy is needed so that desperate families won't feel a need to run from the many risks associated with allowing their children to journey unaccompanied to this country," said Malpica Padilla. Through Lutheran Disaster Response, ELCA members are working with Lutheran church companions and strategic allies, such as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services, to respond to the needs of unaccompanied and migrant children. Financial contributions to Lutheran Disaster Response designated for unaccompanied and migrant children will be used 100 percent to help support efforts that provide services and "uphold the rights of children." Based in Baltimore, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Services is one of the nation's leaders in welcoming and advocating for refugees and immigrants, working on behalf of the ELCA. "I am haunted by this passage from the Gospel of Mark as I prepare my heart for our journey to Texas and the border," said the Rev. Stephen Bouman, executive director of ELCA Congregational and Synodical Mission. "Jesus took a child and placed the child in the midst of his disciples. 'Whoever receives one of these children, receives me.' Today, Jesus points us to thousands of children, placed in the midst of us, apart from families." "I expect to see Jesus in Texas. In the way of Jesus, you cannot love people from afar. We will see the embrace of Jesus that our social ministry organizations, congregations and partners along the border are giving to the children Jesus has placed among us. These children are not a 'cause,' a budget-line item, a threat. They are their own sweet selves seeking safety, welcome (and) hope. Their courage in making this dangerous journey to be among us is a gift," said Bouman. "In the way of Jesus you cannot only love Jesus from afar. Like Mary and Elizabeth and their babies in their womb, sometimes there has to be a visitation." Lutheran Social Services of the South, an ELCA affiliate, is the largest provider of children's residential care in Texas. ELCA leaders will visit the agency's emergency shelter which serves

unaccompanied children, ages 12-17. The shelter provides food and clothing, as well as education, spiritual and psychological care and medical treatment. The shelter also provides case management services and coordinates legal services to assist the child in reunifying with their family, obtaining asylum in the United States or returning to their home country. ELCA leaders will visit one of Lutheran Social Services' transitional foster care programs for unaccompanied minors, which serve young children and those with special needs. "In this horrendous humanitarian crisis, there is an amazing opportunity for Lutheran Social Services of the South and the ELCA to serve 'the least of these.' This is what we're called to do. And, to echo comments from Pastor Stephen Bouman, 'We've been baptized for this moment.' As Christians we are called to reach out to provide help, healing, hope, spiritual care, medical care and education to those whom have been placed in our care," said Kurt Senske, CEO of Lutheran Social Services of the South. "We've been working with the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, the ELCA and other partners, and we all know that together we are stronger," said Senske. "We welcome this opportunity to further strengthen our relationship and partnership," including partnerships with local congregations, ELCA synods and the churchwide organization. "This is a justice and mercy issue," said Senske. "While it is difficult to imagine the struggles of each of these children, we feel their pain as we listen to their heartbreaking stories, many who are escaping extremely dangerous situations. Our role, plain and simple, is to be the Good Samaritan." For more information, visit http://www.elca.org/Our-Work/Relief-and-Development/Lutheran-Disaster-Response/Our-Impact/Unaccompanied-and-Migrant-Children

Grace Lutheran Church Council

Actions and Highlights July 17, 2014, 6:30 p.m

MISSION: God’s purpose for Grace Lutheran Church is for us to be servant leaders in mission by loving and inspiring all people to experience the transforming grace of a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

ACTIONS and HIGHLIGHTS:

A. “GOD’S WORK, OUR HANDS” SUNDAY, SEPT 7, 2014, UPDATE: • Preliminary plans have been established, but volunteers are needed! See the “Get Ready to

Serve” in the newsletter and on the hallway bulletin board. Call or e-mail the church office if interested in doing this joint community service with the other Lutheran Churches in Muscatine.

B. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH PROFILE SURVEY: • Council is seeking 2-3 volunteers to serve on the Congregational Church Profile Survey

Subcommittee. Volunteers need to be familiar with navigating the Internet, uploading data from hardcopy to the survey web site, and other duties as deemed necessary by the subcommittee. If you are up to a challenge, contact Mike Allenbaugh (allenbaugh@machlink.com) or call the church office at 563-263-5680.

C. WORSHIP LIFE: • New changes for the lectors, ushers, and worship assistants began July 13th. • A.J. Houseman Praise Team will participate in the music portions of the August 3rd service.

• Rally Day is August 24th with installation of teachers. D. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION:

• VBS is in full swing! E. GIFTS AND MEMORIAL COMMITTEE:

• The Gifts and Memorial Committee is seeking additional members! In the past, the Committee experienced challenges as to clarity of purpose, but thanks to current and former members, those issues have been resolved. Take some time to browse through the informational booklets in the lobby. Contact Tim Smith ( smithtim@machlink.com) or JoAnne Fisher (lane@machlink.com) if you are interested in serving on this committee.

F. CONGREGATIONAL LIFE: • Congregational Life will periodically remind the congregation of direct debit as an electronic

form of tithing. Forms are available on the hallway bulletin board. • Ice Cream Social is August 3rd. • Fried chicken dinner will be provided at the August 24th Rally Day Picnic. Donations of sides

and desserts will be requested. G. HOSPITALITY:

• The Board is in the process of transferring in a new member from a Lutheran Church in Illinois to GLC.

• The information racks have an overload of information and the hallway bulletin board is overcrowded. Ministry Boards and/or Committees need to update and/or remove any outdated information.

• The Hospitality Board has agreed to re-arrange the tables in the lobby area to make it more user-friendly.

H. PROPERTY • Will begin a search for a janitorial service rather than hiring a sexton. • Will obtain more quotes for the much-needed drainage system on the west side of the bldg.

I. SOCIAL MINISTRY/MINISTRY OF LITERACY PROGRAM:

• Leftover backpacks filled with school supplies will be given to the students in the Literacy Program on July 31st.

J. HAPPY TIME PRESCHOOL OF MUSCATINE (HTPM): • HTPM has requested to install a fence in the backyard on their side of the building.

However, few details have been provided to Council concerning the type of fence, location, size, etc. Property Board will inform HTPM that Council needs more information before a decision can be made.

Anniversaries

August Birthdays 8/1 Jon Carter 8/22 Barry Pence Emily Clemens 8/23 Alexandra Munday Bennett Luedtke 8/24 Gavin Lippelgoes Dale Schlutz Tina Skipton Eric Schlutz Michael Wilts 8/2 Marilyn Hultquist 8/25 Ivy Bachman Beth Lemkau Nolan Haney Cael Moss Alice Olswold 8/4 Braedyn Drake 8/26 Ariene Melson Jill Rice Brendan Smith 8/5 Albert Bengtson Jack Smith Breanna Green 8/28 Rosalyn Brase Vicki Lawhead Cynthia Edgmond JoAnn Sundermann Michael Manriquez 8/6 Charles Lewis Teri Schmoldt Paul Wilts 8/29 Alexander Busch 8/7 Ryan Bell Hannah Kissell Claire Cannon Sidney Rudolph 8/8 Jeremy Ingalls 8/30 LeRoy Brookhart Michael Maxwell Dennis Ellefson 8/11 Jackson Moeller Susan Freers Taylor Woods 8/31 Cody Kauffman 8/12 Jean Hoeksema 8/13 Cassandra Pameticky 8/14 Kevin Cromer 8/15 Christian Staack 8/16 Alec Harter Sara Longhurst Joseph Morrison Jeffrey Olderog 8/1 Brandi & Brian Little 8/20 Jeffrey & Sally Miller 8/17 Chad Allen 8/2 Troy & Olga McKasson 8/22 Jay & Amy Griffey Heather Maxwell 8/3 Sam & Lisa Paul 8/24 Darrell & Karen Olderog Muriel Olderog 8/4 Gabriel & Natalie McDonald Eric & Sarah Olswold 8/18 Mike Allenbaugh 8/5 Daniel & Brenda Stein 8/27 John & Rosealyn Brase Alec Johnson IV 8/6 Glen & Ila Barrington 8/31 Robert & Marlene Johnson Allen & Heather Cole Allen & Heather Cole Robert Lamb 8/7 Steve & Cindy Rusch 8/19 Linda Hinman 8/8 Martin & Julia Buster 8/20 Andie Costas Josh & Kara Goodwin Karen Gardner 8/11 Lee & Maci Hammerand Rhonda Shank 8/15 James & Wanda Barkema John Sparks Christopher & Becky Metcalf 8/21 Samantha Schmelzer 8/16 Doug & Tibe Vander Linden 8/22 Jason Bengtson 8/17 Raymond & Beth Danz Kolton Boyer Robert & Judy Schaapveld LeOrra Fahy 8/19 Thomas & Susan Langan Marvik Lippelgoes

AUGUST SCHEDULES

Date Sunday August 3rd Sunday August 10th

Sunday August 17th

Sunday August 24th Sunday August 31st

Service 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Ushers Carlin & Vicki

Lawhead, Pam Houseman, Sharon McCleary

David & Sue Freers, Judy & Dan Schaapveld

Ken & JoAnne Fisher, Jerry Lange, Marv Krieger

Tim & Lauren Smith, Jay & LeAnn Logel

Vinton & Nancy Cromer, Margaret Stych, Jeff White

Lector Carlin Lawhead David Freers Jack Smith Lauren Smith Margaret Stych Comm. Asst.

Jim & Tammy Stein

Phil Chalupa Jim & Cindy Edgmond

Roger & Sue McConnaha

Beth Lemkau & Rod Drake

Hospitality Contact

Cindy Lane Sharon McCleary

Judy Pameticky Norma Whitmore Tammy Stein

Greeters Jeanette Billingsley

Jeff White Allen Pameticky Ramona & Mike Allenbaugh

Jim Stein

Coffee Hour

Cindy Sparks & Mary Chalupa

Vicki Lawhead Mary Hovick & LeAnn Logel

Beth Lemkau Susan Freers

Acolyte Erin Kelly Aaron & Julia Moravec

Anna Sparks & Jasmine Bengtson

Conner Lawhead & Keegan Lippelgoes

Griffin Jones & Logan Skipton

Bulletin Folders

Mary & Beth Al & Norma Lauren & Tina Sue & Peg Rosie, Dixie, & Ardy

Pencil Sharpeners

Jeanette Billingsley

Ray & Rosie Dietrich

Jim Edgmond Beth Lemkau Virginia Lippelgoes

August Alter Guild

Nancy Cromer

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

1 2 5:30 Worship @ Zion Lutheran

3 9:00 Worship 10:00 Coffee Hour 5:00p Ice Cream Social

4 6:00p Worship& Music Board 6:30p Property Board

5 5:15p Hospitality Board 5:30p Social Ministry Board

6 6:00p Christian Education Board

7 9:00a Grace Quilters 6:30p Congregational Life Board

8 9 5:30 Worship @ Zion Lutheran

10 9:00 Worship 10:00 Coffee Hour 4:30p Youth Cookout

11 4:15p Grace Literacy

12 9:30a Grace Women @ Happy Joes 6:00p Mutual Ministry Com.

13 6:30p Youth Affirmation parent/student meeting @Zion

14

15 16 5:30 Worship @ Zion Lutheran

17 9:00 Worship 10:00 Coffee Hour 4:30p Youth Group

18 19 20 6:30p Youth Affirmation @Zion

21 9:00a Grace Quilters

22 23 8a-3p Youth Bake Sale @Bengtson’s 5:30 Worship @ Zion Lutheran

24 9:00 Worship 10:00 Coffee Hour 4:30p Youth Group

25 26 27

28 29 30 5:30 Worship @ Zion Lutheran

31 9:00 Worship 10:00 Coffee Immediately following: Rally Day