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

In This Issue: Review of RAGBRAI Dinner page 1

We packed ‘em in! page 2

Columbarium Task Force page 2

Council Actions page 2

Preschool S.T.E.A.M. Camp a Success page 3

Youth News page 4

Take Away Hunger page 5

God’s Precious Children page 5

SHIIP Information page 5 Scheduled to Serve page 6

Calendar page 7

Messiah Staff

Pastor Susanne E. Smith

Youth Director Kelly Benz

Assistant Youth Director Laura Carruthers

Administrator-Bookkeeper Dennis Wohlers

Secretary Shelley Morton

Choir Director Alice Kenel

Organist Hal Morton

Facilities Jerry & Kay Claussen

Adam Gerst

Nursery Attendant Ashley McCain

Preschool Staff Margie Gerst, Dir.

Krystal Klein

Erica Moser

Council

President Joanne Mohr

Vice President Cathy Borden

Treasurer Stan Lehman

Secretary Sandy Good

Sue Abbott

Ty Buras

Marge Classen

Steve Davis-Quick

Nancy Johannson

Kathy Newberry

Don Shackleford

Dave Weiler

Donna Williams

Review of

RAGBRAI Dinner By Joanne Mohr & Lisa Weiler

After hours and hours of prep work, meetings, planning, cook-ing and baking, Messiah suc-cessfully served many hungry people Friday, July 26. The food was tasty, and the choice of scrumptious pies was mind-boggling!

The number of RAGBRAI riders

was fewer than we had planned on, but we had a great time anyway! A simple thank-you is hardly enough to those who donated pies, worked in the kitch-en and helped with

the myr-iad tasks and teamwork such an enterprise re-quires. It couldn’t have happened without you!

There were many positive responses to our hospitali-ty, the ample meal and the kindness shown by all of you.

(Since there were plenty of leftovers, lunch was served Sunday after the 10:30 service, with a free-will offering taken up.)

The groups that stayed on our grounds were polite, appreciative, and interesting to visit with, even though they were pretty road-weary.

The cleanup job they did was excellent. On Saturday morning, you couldn’t even tell they had been here, if not for the photos!

PAGE 1

…and lots of chicken…

Pies, pies, pies!

Stirring the pot

Columbarium Task Force

The Columbarium Task Force met July 18 in the library. In addition to the members, 14 con-gregation members were in attendance with questions for the task force.

The 14 members reiterated concerns voiced at the June meeting, including whether or not the congregation really wants a columbarium, where it would be situated, and whether the congregation will get to vote on the project. It was pointed out that until a certain number of niches are sold, the columbarium may not be built.

One question voiced was whether or not the columbarium would have an administrator, and would that person need to be licensed. Only funeral home operators are licensed. An ad-ministrative team consisting of three people ap-pointed by council, the church administrator and the pastor would oversee the columbarium and its use.

The next meeting of the task force will be Thursday, August 15, in the library at 3:30.

July Council Actions

All God’s creatures, even mosquitos, know there’s power in the blood!

Every Little Space Was Used

We really packed ‘em in! Riders, riders everywhere! It felt that way Friday, July 26, as Messiah hosted three groups of RAG-BRAI participants overnight. The Hawkeye Bicycle Association opted to stay indoors, and people were quite creative in picking places to sleep. The li-brary and sanctuary were mazes of mattresses, elec-tric cords and duffel bags galore. The library resem-bled a dormitory at camp.

RAGBRAI is in its 47th year, and the support people accompanying each group have organiza-tion down to a sci-ence. The HBA had its luggage laid out on the sidewalk, waiting as they rode in.

Pedaling for Parkinson’s was the group that camped out on the grass. They, too had everything neatly laid out for the riders. Suddenly, there was a village where before, it had been a relatively quiet Friday.

All in all, Mes-siah hosted about 150 people, in-cluding a group of Luther-an bishops who stayed nearby. It made for a very lively evening, though many turned in early.

They arose ear-ly, too. Most of the riders were pack-ed and on

the road to Keokuk by 6:00 a.m.

And just like that, RAGBRAI XLVII disappeared as quickly as it had materialized.

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

Action items: Adopted Messiah’s Church Emergency plan Approved the disbursement of $1,200 from the Judith Stewart memorial to the columbarium escrow account Facility usage approval:

September 29 — Burlington Organists’ Network 1:30 Organ Crawl sanctuary October 7 — PEO meeting, 9 am, library January 16 — PEO meeting, 9 am library

No other actions were taken.

PAGE 2

Preschool News Shaping futures through

faith-based education

Registration is currently underway! Call 754-7591.

PAGE 3

Why did we take on the RAGBRAI project over the past couple of months? Because we could! There were some surprises, but the experience — Messiah’s hospi-

tality, generosity to strangers, willing hands and backs and brains, and the rush of Friday’s RAG-BRAI visitors — was altogether quite wonderful. We had three groups overnight: the Hawkeye Bicy-cle Association, older adults who slept inside; Pedaling for Parkinson’s, many on tandem bikes, who stayed in our back yard; and a small group of ELCA bishops and friends, whom Pastor Ralph Andersen hosted. A blessing on all who have taken on such big projects in the past — you took your turn! And last week we showed we still have it in us. The profit we get is going to support Messiah’s ministries and projects, and to jumpstart some new ideas. We didn’t make all the profit we dreamed of, but apparently, neither did most of the places that offered RAGBRAI meals last Friday. And how did we compensate? We fed the congregation last Sunday noon, and took donations for the meal and leftovers. Chicken and noodles and mashed potatoes, and green beans, tomatoes, watermelon and all that homemade pie. Oh my.

And we have a RAGBRAI task force. Cathy Borden, Stan Lehman and Katie Schultz have a stack of applications for the money we made, and will allocate funds for our ministry projects. So what is a RAGBRAI task force? Task forces are time-limited and task-limited committees of the congregation. Council authorizes them, and in my years at Messiah, this is the sixth task force council has set up. Two task forces have reviewed and updated our constitution. Two oversaw the funding and opera-tion of the tremendous building repair and renovation project that was completed in 2015. One has been developing a columbarium project these last three years. And this one. So I am excited about us, as I generally am. Psalm 84 says it: “Blessed are those who dwell in your house, ever singing your praise, O Lord... a day in your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere, and I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than live in the tents of the wicked… No good thing does the Lord withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Glory be, the church is a marvelous creature. I have never been bored, more often royally entertained, and generally captivated by her. Mostly, I marvel at the community we share in Christ. Messiah is blessed, and we show it.

It’s been a busy summer at Messiah Preschool with our first ever S.T.E.A.M. Camp! Dozens of children experimented and learned through activities incorporating Science, Technology, Engineer-ing. Art and Math.

Thanks in part to materials you donated, we explored the worlds of volcanos, stained glass, earthworms and more! In fact, we made our own wig-gle-worms and took them for a walk to the kitchen and back.

All in all, our first summer S.T.E.A.M. Camp was a rousing success. The kiddos liked it, and their parents did too. More than one comment was heard regarding how the children came home excited about what they learned, and they were totally tired out!

From the Pastor’s Desk

Pastor Susanne+

PAGE 4

You

th N

ews

If you volunteered

this summer don’t

forget to have Kelly

sign your sil-

Last Blast! Elementary students– August 14th

6:00-7:30pm @ Messiah

Jr. High & High School students–

August 14th 3:30pm

@ Cold Stone Creamery

Please bring money for your ice cream!

Bring your backpack

to church on

Sunday, August 18th

(either service) for a special

blessing for the new school

Rally Day/First day of Sunday school will be September 8th. On August 18th, we will install our Sunday school teachers, 412 Timothy staff, and preschool staff.

Confirmation Program students

will meet on Wednesday nights from 7:30-8:30 pm in the confer-ence room starting Septem-

for youth in preschool – high school will start on Wednesday September 11th. 412 Timothy comes from 1 Timothy 4:12 which says: Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an example in speech and conduct, in love, in

faith, in purity. This program will meet on Wednesday nights (September 11th– April 29th) at Messiah from 6:00-7:30pm. The night will consist of 3 parts (30 min. yoga, 30 min. small group, and 30 min. music and prayer stations). On the 3rd Wednesday of each month we invite the family to join us as we join the 3rd Wednesday dinner and worship service with a service project in between. If you have any questions or are interested in leading a small group please contact Kelly.

**We are looking for a small group leader for our preschool – Kindergarten class.**

412 Timothy

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

Saturday, August 17, at 10 am.

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

PAGE 5

A big thank-you to the landscaping crew for our beautiful church yard. It is so colorful and delightful. Your hard work has paid off. Again, thank you!

Bonnie Kienlen

God’s Precious Children

Another school year is beginning in Liberia, and 60 or more children are able to attend because of sponsorship by Messiah mem-bers.

Unlike in the U.S., formal education isn’t a given in Africa. Often families who cannot afford tuition, uniforms and supplies cannot send their children to school. Without edu-cation, people are much less likely to lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

Liberia is one of the world’s poorest coun-tries, with an unemployment rate hovering around 85 percent. Furthermore, the coun-try’s education sector is hampered by inade-quate schools and supplies, as well as a lack of qualified teachers.

God’s Precious Children’s mission is to give young people in need a better chance at a brighter future through education. In addi-tion to paying tuition for needy students, the ministry is expanding to include teacher training workshops, and building, renovating and equipping schools, all in the name of Jesus.

GPC currently helps almost 1,400 children stay in school through this tuition sponsor-ship program. In addition to sponsoring indi-viduals, donations are accepted year-round in our office.

SHIIP Volunteer to Speak to Adult Sunday School Class

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

SHIIP counselors help Medicare beneficiaries with guidance in selecting the most appropriate Part D pre-scription plans, resolve Medi-care claim problems and in-vestigate possible Medicare fraud issues.

Counselors for SHIIP help people:

• Enroll in or make changes to their Medicare plans and supplemental plans including pre-scription drug coverage;

• Sign up for Social Security benefits

• qualify and apply for free and reduced drug plans from pharmaceutical companies

• Qualify and apply for low-income assistance from Medicare and Medicaid.

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

Scheduled to Serve in August

8:00 Service:

Lectors: August 4 ....................................... Marge Classen August 11 ..................................... Bonnie Kienlen August 18 ...................................... Cathy Borden August 25 ......................................... Jane Richter

Communion Assistants: August 4 ............................................. Bob Wright August 11 ..................................... Bonnie Kienlen August 18 ...................................... Cathy Borden August 25 ......................................... Jane Richter

10:30 Service:

Ushers: ............................ Ty Buras, Brenda Clements, ........ Don Duke (h), Chalmer Good, John Larson

Lectors: August 4 ..................................... Rev. Dick Bailey August 11 ......................................... Karen Cahill August 18 ........................................ Sandy Good August 25 ..................................... Darwin Bunger

Communion Assistants: August 4 ................................. Steve Davis-Quick August 11 ......................................... Joel Hanger August 18 ....................................... Joanne Mohr August 25 ..................................... Darwin Bunger

Acolytes: August 4 ........................................ Emma Tesson August 11 ........................................... Ben Wolter August 18 ....................................... Jacob Dittner August 25 ......................................... Lachlan Kirk

Altar Guild: ........... Lisa Weiler & Don Shackleford

August Birthdays

Al Erickson .............................................. 2

Eli Gerst, Rakiah Gerst ............................ 2

Joe Wolf .................................................. 5

Lauren Garcia ......................................... 6

Aubrey Siegle ........................................ 10

Jean Vass ............................................ 10

Shannon Wiegard.................................. 10

Lisa Classen .......................................... 11

Mia Ruther ............................................. 12

Danielle Dittner, Bob Engberg ............... 13

Maverick Carruthers .............................. 15

Madison Furnald.................................... 15

Luetta Peterson ..................................... 15

Tom Blackwood, Roger Sheagren......... 16

Marjorie Nelson ..................................... 18

Julie Swanson ....................................... 18

Stacia Meierotto .................................... 19

Diane Sanders ...................................... 19

Lillian Benz, Diane Ruther ..................... 22

Diane Gray, Rhea Leibli ........................ 23

Dick Benne ............................................ 26

Jarad Dettman ....................................... 27

Paul Polahar .......................................... 29

Braden Hayes ....................................... 30

Hudson Wischmeier .............................. 30

August Anniversaries

Nancy & Wayne Tolander (54) ................ 1 Lisa & David Weiler (41) ....................... 19

Marjorie & Jimmy Gerst (38) ................... 7 Carrie & Justin Ruther (20) ................... 28

Diane & Steve Sanders (44).................... 9 Donna & Don Duke (67) ........................ 30

Julie & Steve Swanson (45) .................. 10 Diane & Blake Ruther (44) .................... 30

Kathy & Peter Furnald (27).................... 15

PAGE 6

If we’ve missed your

anniversary or birthday, please

let the office know!

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MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH 2411 West Avenue

BURLINGTON, IA 52601

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Burlington, IA

52601-1598

Permit No. 360

Return Service Requested

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

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

June 2019

MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH

Phone: 319-754-7591

Fax: 319-754-7592

E-mail: messiah2411@gmail.com

www.messiahburlington.org

This Month

Take Away Hunger packaging - Saturday, August 17, at 10:00 in the social hall Fish & Friends - Wednesdays at 10:00 (weather permitting) at Messiah’s playground Blessing of the backpacks - Sunday, August 18, during 8:00 a bd 10:30 worship

Every Month

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

Our Mission Statement

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

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