2014 Synod Assembly Summary

The 27th Assembly of the Southeastern Iowa Synod was held May 3o – June 1, 2014, at Marriott Hotel and Convention Center, Coralville, Iowa.  Over 500 voting members and guests gathered around the theme “Led by the Spirit”.

Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton served as the churchwide representative providing updates and stories of the work we do together as the ELCA and overseeing the bishop’s election. Presiding Bishop Eaton also presided over closing service of Holy Communion on Sunday, June 1.

The primary business of this year’s assembly was the bishop’s election. Rev. Michael Burk was re-elected May 31, to a second six-year term as bishop of the Southeastern Iowa Synod on the fourth ecclesiastical ballot. There were 380 votes cast with 228 votes needed for election. Bishop Burk was re-elected with 254 votes to 75 votes for the Rev. Virginia Anderson-Larson, and 51 votes for the Rev. Kathy Gerking. 

Bishop Michael Burk presided over the assembly, including the opening service of Holy Communion. In his report, Bishop Burk provided highlights of our shared ministry since we last gathered in assembly, providing his assessment of the ways we are indeed being “Led by the Spirit”.

Marita Rouse, Fjeldberg Lutheran Church, Huxley, Amy Wenzel, Grace Lutheran Church, Davenport, Pr. Maureen Howard, Immanuel Lutheran Church,

Newsletter- July 2014

Washington, Jon Fry, Grace Lutheran Church, Des Moines, Christopher Scott, First Lutheran Church, Keokuk, Allyia Christine Ruther, Messiah Lutheran Church, Burlington were elected to positions on the synod council.

Alan Feirer, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Winterset, Pr. Joel Nau, St. Paul Lutheran Church, Winterset were elected to positions on the consultation committee. Brian Middleswarth, St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church, Cedar Rapids, Karen Landahl, Zion Lutheran Church, Muscatine, Pr. Lisa Parker, Resurrection Lutheran Church, Ankeny, Pr. Chad Whaley, Bethany Lutheran Church, West Branch were elected to positions on the discipline committee.

On Saturday evening a banquet and Rachel Kurtz concert was held at the Marriott. A hospitality time followed, which included post-concert Drinks and Hymns with Erik Ullestad, Windsor Heights Lutheran Church, Windsor Heights and Rachel Kurtz.

Resolutions adopted included: 1) That the third Sunday of September in 2014 and 2015 be designated as “Definitely-Abled Sunday” within the Southeastern Iowa Synod; 2) Thanking all those whose efforts contributed to this assembly. Visit the 2014 Synod Assembly website for the full text of both resolutions.

Other business included the approval of the 2015 synod budget and minimum compensation guidelines. Congregations and rostered leaders celebrating anniversaries were celebrated and voting members took advantage of the many forums and organizational displays that were offered during assembly. The synod assembly offering was designated to the Fund for Leaders and the Pare Diocese (ELCT) Guest House Project. $6,921.93 was given by congregations and individuals, and the total offering will be split evenly between the two funds.

Visit the 2014 Synod Assembly website for more details about the assembly and to access recordings, photos, and texts, including the bishop’s report.

The 2015 Assembly of the Southeastern Iowa Synod will be held May 29-30, 2015, at Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines, IA.

Summer Worship Schedule

Sundays in July:10:00 a.m. WorshipJuly 6 Worship with Pr. Wendell DebnerJuly 13 Worship with Pr. Wendell DebnerJuly 20 9:00 a.m. Worship with Pr. Mark Youngquist

at Henry County FairJuly 27 Worship with Pr. Mark Youngquist

Confirmation, Sunday School, Adult Sunday School, Choir and Prayer Time in the library are all on summer vacation. Please feel free to pray at home prior to worship during the summer. Most will return after Rally Sunday, September 7, 2014.

Save These DatesJune 18 & 19, 2016

The 150th Anniversary Steering Committee has reconsidered the dates for SELC’s 150th Anniversary celebration.

The thought was that it would be good to have it in conjunction with the Olds School reunion and Midsummer, making it one big celebration!

The next meeting for this committee will be Thursday, July 10 at 7 p.m.

Unbinding Your Soul

On Sundays, beginning September 7, and Wednesdays beginning September 10, we will be doing a 4-week small group study of the book Unbinding Your Soul. Watch for more details.

Congregation Council and Church Finance Notes

The Council met on Thursday, June 18, 2014. The next regular Council meeting will be Thursday, July 17, 2014 at 7:00 p.m.

Financial Report 2014 General Fund Activity (as of June 24, 2014)

Gifts $105,278.46Ministry Expenses $92,883.40Mission Support $7,235.52Net Income $5,159.54

The Fellowship Cup'sSummer Sack Lunch Program

The Fellowship Cup's Summer Sack Lunch program has surpassed last year’s numbers of lunches prepared by over 1,000 beginning in their third week. They still have several weeks to go this summer. You can help with donations of the following items: wheat sandwich

bread, 100% juice boxes, brown paper lunch bags, nutri grain bars, and ziplock snack sized bags. Thanks so much in serving the needs of these kids! SELC has a container in the church entryway (narthex) for any donations you can provide.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School (VBS) will take place at the Parish Hall, 201 Academy Avenue in Swedesburg, on Tuesday, July 22 through Friday, July 25 from 5:30 p.m. until 8:15 p.m. each evening. This year’s theme is Weird Animals. Supper will be served each evening starting at 5:30 p.m.

VBS is a fantastic and fun Christian outreach to the youth of the community. The more help we have, the more successful we’ll be. Check the middle inside pages of this newsletter to locate copies of the Vacation Bible School volunteer form and student registration form. Feel free to fill these out and return to the church office at P.O. Box 88, Swedesburg, IA 52652. These forms can also be found on our website at swedesburglutheran.org under the “get connected” tab. If you would like any additional form(s) mailed to you contact Mary in the office at 319-254-2216. Full-size forms may also be found in the narthex (entryway) of the church.

We offer VBS at no charge to all students, so donations make a HUGE difference! Monetary donations are welcome and may be placed in the offering plate noted with “VBS”.

Altar Flowers and Coffee Cart Openings

There are a couple openings for providing altar flowers on July 6 and 27. If you feel you can assist with any of these dates, please let the office know as soon as possible. You may call Mary McLerran at 319-254-2216. Thank you!

Deacon’s Fund AppealThe SELC’s Deacon Fund is used to help those in need of financial assistance. The balance of the account is very low. You may make a contribution to the Deacon’s Fund through the offering, or by giving your gift to Monte Kann.

Tanzania Companion Coordinators

The Tanzania Companion Coordinators met Wednesday, June 11. During that meeting they discussed getting the banner to the Synod for hand delivering to Ngaeni during their visit in June.

Pastor Mark and his wife, Pastor Connie Spitzack will have a pulpit exchange on Sunday, August 17. Pastor Connie, who has been to Tanzania, will also meet with the youth group after church to talk about youth involvement in the church in Tanzania.

There will be a potluck fundraiser on September 21 after Worship at the Parish Hall. It will include a potluck, where the coordinators will provide the meat, asking the congregation to bring salads and desserts. An auction of donated items will happen at the fundraiser along with the confirmation students putting on a carnival. The next meeting will be August 6 at 7 p.m.

Weekly Worship Audio Available

You may listen to our weekly worship services on the church website. Go to www.swedesburglutheran.org, click on “Online Directory and Media”, and then select “Launch Media Player”. Click on the weekly service you wish to listen to. This is a work in progress and we will continue to update the site so you can enjoy past and present services. Please send any comments regarding your feedback to Mary McLerran in the church office. Telephone 319-254-2216, send an email to office@swedesburglutheran.org or send a message via Facebook.

Social Ministry

The Social Ministry’s food drive received 4 additional bags of food. Thanks to these generous donations a total of 19 bags were donated to the Fellowship Cup.

The next meeting for the Social Ministry is set for August 13, at 5:30 p.m.

Parish Hall Fees

The church council approved at the April 24 meeting to set rental rates to be consistent with the wedding rates and refer the policy for who uses back to the property committee. Rates for renting the Parish Hall will now be $50 for church members and $200 for non-members.

Swedish Heritage Society Pancake Breakfast

Please join the Swedish Heritage Society for food and fellowship as they serve one more Swedish pancake breakfast on July 5. It will be at the Swedesburg Parish Hall, 201 Academy Avenue, Swedesburg, Iowa. From 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. Swedish pancakes with

lingonberries, potatis korv, homemade rolls, juice and coffee will be served at the Parish Hall! The cost is $6 per person.

Office Closed July 4

The church office will be closed on July 4. Regular office hours of Tuesday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will resume July 8.

Midsummer Event 2014

Reminder about Federal Privacy Laws

Because of Federal Privacy Laws (HIPPA), if you or a member of your family are hospitalized, and would like Pastor Mark to visit, the church member or family

must contact the church and let us know. While the hospital may ask what church you are affiliated with and you ask the hospital to contact your pastor, the hospitals usually do not contact the church. Please let the church office know. You can reach the church office at (319) 254-2216.

July is Purposeful Parenting Month

Parenting is one of the hardest jobs a person can ever have. At LSI, we help connect parents with tools, resources and support for success. In our early childhood services, we can even begin supporting parents before their baby is born!

LSI works with parents of all situations—teen parents, foster and adoptive parents, parents working to have their children return home from foster care, parents who are worried about a child in trouble and so many others. In Polk County, LSI even has a special parenting program for parents who are incarcerated and wouldn’t otherwise have access to parenting education.

Many of LSI’s parenting programs are voluntary. Parents are there because they want to learn. Sometimes they didn’t have positive parent role models themselves and want to have a better relationship with their own children. Your caring support of LSI helps so many parents and children build a positive future!

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.

“She was like the mother I never had.” Carolyn was six months pregnant, new to town and about to be a first-time parent. She had left behind a bad living situation in Chicago and wanted to start a new life. “I was

scared and nervous,” she said. “I wasn’t sure if I would be a good parent.” When she met Pam, an LSI family support worker, Carolyn saw someone she could trust. “She was like the mother that I never had,” Carolyn said. Carolyn knew she didn’t want to raise her son the way she was raised. She had a tough upbringing, and her mom struggled with drugs and alcohol. “It was helpful to have Pam to talk to,” she said. “She was completely encouraging.” With Pam’s support, Carolyn prepared for her baby and eventually found a full-time job. She has since saved funds for a vehicle and dreams of having a house and going back to school. Most importantly, Carolyn’s 10-month-old son Ja-Kell is a happy, healthy baby. “He’s just a bundle of joy,” she said. “I just want to be the best mom for him, to be a good parent every day.” See more stories, past and present, at LSI’s anniversary website: www.LSIowa.org/150.

LSI’s 150th Anniversary Ice Cream Social

On Sunday, July 20, LSI’s Bremwood Campus in Waverly will host an Ice Cream Social to mark the 150th anniversary of Lutheran Services in Iowa and we hope you will come and join us! We will begin with devotions at 2 p.m., with ice cream, cake and festivities to follow at 2:30. The program will include time to browse a historical display, guest speakers, anniversary video and, of course, great fellowship. You are welcome to drop in as you please, but we will only guarantee dessert for the first 150! The event, held indoors at the Spiritual Life Center, should wrap up by 4:30. Our address in Waverly is 106 16th St. SW.

There is no cost to attend. Ice cream will be donated by Blue Bunny and we are asking for volunteers to donate home-made cake or pie. If you would be willing to do so, please contact Joyce Williams at joyce.williams@lsiowa.org or 319-859-3558. You may

also contact Joyce to RSVP, although doing so is optional. We hope to see you there!

August Newsletter Deadline

The deadline to have your items listed in the August newsletter is Friday, July 25, at noon. Submit any items: schedules, pictures, articles, calendars or activities to Mary McLerran in the church office at 254-2216 or email the office at office@swedesburglutheran.org before noon.

S.O. Fun Day Activities

THANK YOU’S RECEIVED

Thank you for your generous gifts to ELCA World Hunger. Your support provides help and hope to families in need in the U.S. and around the world. Together, we are leading these ministries in faith.

In Peace,Lisa Burns, 2014 World Hunger Intern

Thank you so much for the generous donation for S. O. Fun day. We really wanted to keep this event

at no cost to participants and your donation helped make that possible. I was so pleased with the local support and participation in this event. We had around 150 people attend and I know everyone had a good time! Fortunately the rain held off as long as it did. You can view pictures at facebook.com/HealthyHenryCounty.

Thank you again for your support of this fun community event,

Kelly Carr, Healthy Communities Coordinator

We extend our sincere thanks to the Swedesburg Lutheran family for your thoughts, prayers and expression of sympathy you have extended to us upon the death of our mother and grandmother, Barbara Kimzey. They have been a blessing and comfort to us.

Sincerely,Mark, Linda, Rebekah & Aaron Kimzey

CONGREGATION REFLECTIONS

SYMPATHYTo the family of Barbara Kimzey, who passed away June 21, 2014. Mark Kimzey is her son.To the family of Lennis Moore, who passed away June 11, 2014 at his residence.

HOLY BAPTISMBennett Stewart Unkrich was baptized into the Christian faith during Worship services on Sunday, June 22. Bennett’s parents are Brendan and Brandelle Unkrich; his grandparents are Stan and Valerie Unkrich and William and LuAnn Slater. Great grandparents are Louise Unkrich, Virginia and Doyle Smith, and Shirley Stewart. Sponsors are Tyson Unkrich and Angela and Alfonso Ribeiro.Brandelle Unkrich was baptized into the Christian faith on Tuesday, June 17. Her parents are William I. Slater and Susan Slater. Sponsor is Brendan Unkrich.

AFFIRMATION OF BAPTISM: One member of SELC made public affirmation of the promises made at her baptism and was confirmed on Sunday, May 18th. Please pray for and support this sister in Christ: Allie McArtor.

PRAY FOR:Marilyn Boal as she adjusts to her new home in Colonial Gardens Alzheimer’s Residence, San Antonio TX. Any mail or contact for Marilyn is through her daughter, Pam Boal Fosdick, 6039 Royal Breeze, San Antonio TX 78239, (210) 317-8243, pamfosdick@satx.rr.com.

ELCA missionaries Rev. Brian and Christine Palmer in Liberia.Rev. Eliewaha Ezekieli and people of Ngaeni Lutheran Parish, our partner congregation in Tanzania.friends and loved ones experiencing health concerns.

THANKS ARE DUE:to all the volunteers that assisted with making sandwiches and delivery the lunches for the Fellowship Cup during the summer sack lunch program.to all the volunteers who made the S.O. Fun Day a success.to Craig Grothe who lead us in Worship on June 1 and June 29.

Lutheran Church of Peace

The Lutheran Church of Peace is leading a small senior high mission trip to St Louis, Missouri (5 males and 2 females). They will be staying overnight in the Parish Hall on Saturday, July 12th. If you would be able to unlock the hall on that Saturday, please let the office know. We need someone to open the Parish Hall and welcome them. They will be attending worship with us the next day. You may call Mary in the office at 319-254-2216 or email Mary at office@swedesburglutheran.org.

Pastor Mark on Vacation

Pastor Mark will be on vacation June 23 - July 13. Pastor

Maureen Howard of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Washington will be available through July 5 for

pastoral care. Her phone numbers are 319 653-3950 (church) and 319 333-7758 (home).

Pastor Ryan Cosgrove from Burlington will be available for emergencies from July 6-13. He can be reached at Trinity Lutheran's office number 319-752-2946.

1897 140th StreetP. O. Box 88Swedesburg, IA 52652

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Vacation Bible School registration