Harbor’s Beacon

February 2021

Anchored in the Word

Growing through Worship and Prayer

Sharing the Joy of God’s Love for All

Harbor of Joy Lutheran Church

1204 L Ave.

Milford, Iowa

Galatians 6:9 “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

I have to remind myself that, walking with Jesus Christ is a marathon and not a sprint. I’m in this for the long haul, where there are ups and downs, twists and curves, discouragements and joys. We were never promised a rose garden or an easy way of life. But there are seasons of life in a church that bring activity, hope and life and there are times when we don’t see much happening. It doesn’t mean that God is not working or stirring in our midst. We just don’t see it!

I want to point out some things that I see going on in harbor of Joy that maybe most people don’t see. Good things! For instance. 1) Last Sunday I informed the church family about a $900 need of someone in our community. A member of the Church Council visited with this individual and asked many sincere questions in reaching out to this individual. No promises were given other than to present the need to the congregation and give the opportunity for God’s people to respond to the need. The outcome was the Lord’s way in providing and blessing this person’s need and a little extra. 2) The thermometer for the new digital church sign continues to climb closer to our goal. 3) The Sunday Fast Track Confirmation class made the comment, “We are going to miss this class when we finish.” 4) We are Zooming our worship services and our doors are open for people to gather to worship the Lord. 5) We have some new people attending Harbor of Joy, who like what they are experiencing in singing music, hearing the Word of God, being accepted and loved by others. 6) We have people delivering food to the Des Moines Food Pantry. 7) Two short-term missionaries on the mission field, One in Tanzania, Africa and one in Guaymas, Mexico and 8) An effective prayer chain, people connecting with the elderly and texting or talking to those who are going through difficult times.

Along with you, I give God all the glory! Let’s remember Galatians 6:9. We do what we do because of who we are. Sinners redeemed and saved by God’s grace. Let’s keep serving the Lord!

Blessings,

Pastor Tim

Pastor’s Notes!February 2021

Church Council Communications

Harbor of Joy Lutheran church

January 12, 2021

The Council Meeting of the Harbor of Joy Lutheran Church was held via Zoom on January 12, 2021. Those in attendance: Denny Struck, Pastor Tim, Dale Gehrels, Kristi Peck, Roslyn Luers, Dean Ramsey, Angie Lickhart, Karen Sunde, Barb Rohlf, Steve Moore and Scott Berry. The agenda to the meeting was provided via email.

Devotion was led by Scott Berry. Denny called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm.

Secretary Report: Roslyn

December Council minutes were approved as written.

Financial Report: Kristi and Karen

January monthly Harbor of Joy Financial Report and end of year projections were provided by Kristi via email and reviewed. There was some additional giving provided before the year end, therefore the account balance and offerings will have updates. The current balance includes the furnace payment. Council members received the Financial Report via email.

Motion to approve the Financial Report was passed.

Board of Administration

Property Team: Dale

Nothing new to report. Dale will look at the furnace filters on Jan 13th.

Memorial Team:

The LED sign donations have a balance over $8,000. The goal is to raise %15,000. The goal display sign is updated and located in the lobby for members to see and contribute to the proress.

$500 is approved for wall redecorating in the narthex when needed.

Staff Support: Kristi

Nothing new to report.

Missions/Benevolence: Angie

Calling campaign will continue. Staff encouraged to call friends and family as they can. The Lake Park family received direct giving by some members. Giving was not taken out of the general fund.

Promotion/Media: Barb

Discussion about promotion gifts to visitors. Barb and the “committee” discussed researching the cost of having water bottles with the church logo on it. Discussion of purchasing a number of water bottles to have on hand and kinds of things that can be put in the water bottle for individuals and families such as flavor packets, erasers for children. Discussion tabled to allow Barb to further research the costs and report back to the committee in February.

Pastor’s Report

Motion was made and passed to have Lenten Services be held Wednesdays at 7pm, no suppers this year. The theme will be “From Gethsemane to Golgotha”. Ash Wednesday is February 17th. April 1 is Maundy Thursday. Easter is April 4th. There will be no choir for Easter. A motion to have communion on both Maundy Thursday and Easter was made and approved.

Fast track confirmation finished Luther’s Small Catechism and the class continues to review material. Pastor will now meet with Seniors individually to review material. Confirmands will go before 3 council members for material review in February. Confirmation Sunday will be announced at a later time in 2021, likely in March. A discussion of different devotion or gift Options was held. Roslyn will look at the Sarah Young Devotions “Jesus Calling” and Jesus Always” and report back in February. Jr. Confirmation classes are after school Wednesday. Pastor has 2 adults who help with classes. Anyone is welcome to help with this class from 5:30-6:30 pm.

Pastor Tim continues to lead a study on the book of Revelation during “Lunch with a Bunch” on Thursdays. Study is available to listen to on Harbor of Joy website.

Pastor Tim visited with Okoboji Bible Camp staff about coming to a Sunday service to promote up- coming camp events and what the camp is doing during the COVID restrictions.

Pastor reported on a few members he has spoken to members with prayer needs including Duane Anderson and his wife (who have been visiting), Gary Koelling, Ship Hughes, and Dave Convy.

Patti Griffith called Pastor to let him know she got a request for $900 for moving costs from a young mom whose children participate in Joykids. The financial assistance is needed for first and last month’s rent plus deposit. The mom has 2 young children and has only a portion the money needed to complete the move. A discussion was held on that the church only gives grocery gifts cards, however, a private donation request can be made to members on Sunday.

Motion for investigation and consideration to check on this mother’s circumstances was made and passed. Roslyn volunteered to assist Pastor by contacting the mother to get more information about her situation. Roslyn will communicate with Tim and Denny on findings and how to proceed based on findings.

Board of Spiritual Oversight

Parish Education for Youth: Dean

Joykids resumes in February, likely YouTube. Children have asked some members when they can return with face-to-face meetings. JoyUs continues to meet in person.

Adult Discipleship/Small Groups: Barb

Book of Revelation study on Thursday. Attendance varies. The study is available to be heard on the website.

Prayer Team:

Pray for a rapid end of the COVID and for those who are recovering.

Pray for our country and the current leadership at “HOJ” in light of current events.

Community Outreach: Denny

Covid Kindness campaign includes calls to neighbors, friends, and community as members are able, but motion

passed to not have a formal program to call.

Old Business:

None.

New Business: Denny

Discussion was held about planning for when vaccinations are complete and what the “new” normal will be; masks vs no mask. Discussion that Public Health is managing the vaccines to the public. They are currently giving shots to health care providers. A discussion on the spring activities was tabled.

The church bulletin is being sent to everyone with an email address before the service.

Denny reminded council members that council members elections will be held this spring.

Discussion of positions opening this spring.

Adjournment:

Motion moved and approved.

Next Council Meeting is Feb. 9, 2021

Respectfully Submitted,

Roslyn Luers, Secretary

 

Operation Christmas Child Update- We have learned that our 80 shoebox gifts have been shipped to the country of Georgia. This developing country is bounded to the west by the Black Sea, to the north by Russia, to the east by Azerbaijan, and to the south by Turkey. The population is about 3.7 million. Please pray that the children who receive our gifts of love will accept Jesus as their Savior and will share the Good News of Salvation to their family, friends and community. A sincere thank you to everyone who participated in this annual worldwide outreach project led by Samaritan’s Purse.

We continue to accept pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House, eyeglasses, and used ink cartridges. The Soles 4 Souls program and denim collection have been discontinued. Donations may be dropped off in Charly’s office. Thank you for your continued support of these charitable projects.

Harbor of Joy Library

CD’s. the books include one wall of fiction, and many non-fiction titles, including topics of Christian Living, Prayer, Bible, Health and Healing, Prophesy, Missions, Current Events, Finances, Grief, Biographies, and Church. Our Children and Teens Library is in the upstairs hallway.

Thank you again for all who donated material to the library this month. Following are some of the new materials we received recently.

Fiction

Hidden Star by Corinne Joy BrownStrands of Truth by Colleen CobleWatchers-Guardians of Feelandia by Kent Larson

Non-fictionChristian LivingThe Joseph Blessing by Jordan Rubin and Pete SulackNext Level by Alan GreeneOur Invisible Allies by Ron PhillipsThe Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John EldredgeThe Love Every Woman Needs by Jan McCraySpeechless-Silencing the Christians by Donald WildmanThe Power of Hope by Dutch SheetsThis Day We Fight by Francis FrangipaneSilencing the Enemy with Praise by Robert GaySecrets of the Well by Shane Warren

Biographies:E.W. Kenyon and His Message of Faith by Joe McIntyreThey thought For Themselves by Sid Roth

PrayersGet Off Your Knees and Pray by Sheila Walsh

ChurchLife Light by Alan Greene

FinancesThe Love of Money by Dr. Dean Melton

GriefLiving in God’s Love by Billy Graham

Favorite AuthorsEnjoying where You Are On Your Way to Where You Are Going by Joyce Meyer

****Read and Grow in Your Christian Faith****

Prayers Requests:

Our Nation Denny Koelling having some eye problems. Walt Mier, battling Leukemia. Gordon Willett, Patt Gehrels’ brother in nursing home/Jackson. Peggy Williams, friend of Bobbi Berry has Covid. Rick Hayes, on heart transplant list. Dave Convy, Sioux Falls hospital. Dan Williams, friend of Scott Berry’s is in ICU. Lord, we ask you to wrap your loving arms around the Hughes drawing them closer to you in this sorrowful

time. Skip passed away this morning (1-22-2021) and is in your presence. Praises: The electronic sign fund is over $8,000 headed to $15,000 so we can order and place the

sign in our North yard where the sign is now.

Through Out the Week

Sunday Worship—9:30 AM. Everyone is welcome!

10:45 AM., Fast Track Confirmation.

Monday—Pastor Tim’s day off.

Tuesday—10:00 A.M. Prayer Group.

Feb. 9th board/ Council meets at 7:00 PM.

Wednesday—5:30 pm. Jr. High Confirmation.

JoyKids on WWW.Youtube.com. Search Joy Youth, Picture of church will indicate the correct channel will begin again Feb. 3rd. JoyUs, meeting at Harbor of Joy. 3:30 PM. JoyFull Harbor of Joy. 6:00-7:00 PM.

Thursday-- Noon, Lunch with a Bunch, “Revelation” Bible Study. Recorded and placed on Web page.

Saturday (First of every month)-Men’s breakfast at Perkins’ at 7:30 am.

Please Notify church office of any shut-ins or anyone ill who would appreciate a visit or call.If you are in need of a private communion, please contact Pastor Tim or Charly.

All communications for March newsletter are due on February 23rd.

February 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Charly’s 2 Cents

Psalm 40:1-5, 14-17. I wait patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry. 

Waiting with the Turtle  Every fall, when the painted turtle senses winter coming, she dives to the bottom of her pond, burying herself in the muck and mud. She pulls into her shell and goes still; her heart rate slows, almost stopping. Her body temperature drops, staying just above freezing. She stops breathing, and she waits. For 6 months, she stays buried, and her body releases calcium from her bones into her blood-stream, so that she slowly begins even to lose her shape.

But when the pond thaws, she will float up and breathe again. Her bones will reform, and she will feel the warmth of the sun on her shell.

I think of the painted turtle when I read the psalmist’s description of waiting for God. The psalmist is in a “slimy pit” of “mud and mire,” but God hears him (psalm 40:2). God lifts him out, and gives him a firm place to stand. God is “my help and my deliverer,” he sings (v. 17).

Perhaps it feels like you’ve been waiting forever for something to change—for a new direction in your career, for a relationship to be restored, for the willpower to break a bad habit, or for deliverance from a difficult situation. The painted turtle and the psalmist are here to remind us to trust in God: He hears, and He will deliver. ~Amy Peterson~

 

God, sometimes it’s hard to wait. But we trust in You and in Your deliverance. Please give us patience, and allow Your greatness and glory to be evident in our lives.