St. Paul's Lutheran School Nurtures Baptismal Promises

Northeastern Iowa MAY 2017 • Volume 30, Issue 5

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Celebrating Renewal:Star Martin Luther — The Gospel S t. Paul’s Lutheran School nurtures baptismal promises by Marcia Hahn

Faith and learning go hand-in- opening ceremony that includes the “When children are sent to the hand at St. Paul’s Lutheran School pledge of allegiance to the U.S. flag principal’s office, I share a prayer in Waverly. Prayers start the day, and to the Christian flag, and ends with them before they return to the religion classes are included in with a send-off for the students to classroom,” Meyer says. “I ask them the curriculum, and God is part “stay curious and be grateful.” St. how they think we should pray and of classroom conversations. From Paul’s Pastor Arthur Bergren joins what would Jesus have us do.” small acts of kindness to Christian in to pray with the students, wel- observances, children are nurtured come them, and high five them. Some 193 children are enrolled at to live out their baptismal promises “We try to create a culture of posi- St. Paul’s school, from pre-school as part of their daily life. tive thinking and prayer,” he says. through sixth grade. The students represent 24 different churches “Religion is interfused with every- Classes open with devotions and from eight school districts. Enroll- thing we do so that children can prayer. Students and staff pray ment is expected to increase by 30 grow in faith in our school,” says together before every meal. Older students next year. Meyer credits Kris Meyer, St. Paul’s principal. children mentor the younger ones. that growth to a culture that focus- And when needed, discipline is es on building relationships. Each school day begins with an given through Christian love. “We have a strong, cohesive, and faithful staff,” Meyer says. “They nurture the families and children with communication, understand- ing and knowing each child, which is so huge.”

>> Continued on page 2

In This Issue

1 St. Paul’s Lutheran School nurtures baptismal promises 3 Jesus is given freely 4 Welcome Hungarian students 6 Synod Assembly 2017 Congregations Principal Kris Meyer and Pastor Arthur Bergren join students from St. Paul’s Lutheran School in 7 Waverly for the morning flag ceremony before the school day begins. 8 Prayer Calendar St. Paul’s Lutheran School nurtures baptismal promises Gospel Reflection — << Continued from page 1

At 144 years old, St. Paul’s Luther- God always wins an School is the oldest Lutheran by Anita Nuetzman, Seminary Grad, school west of the Mississippi River Wartburg Theological Seminary and is the only elementary school in Iowa affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The “Listen! A farmer school uses Iowa Core standards went out to sow his and faith-based curricula, and is a seed.” — Mark 4:3 member of the Evangelical Luther- Sower Parable by Alexandre Bida Something surpris- an Education Association, which ing happened this giving seed to the sower and bread is the education association of the week. For the first to the eater, ELCA. In addition, St. Paul’s offers time, I read this so shall my word be that goes out Spanish in all grades and extended parable and identi- from my mouth; field trips, including an annual trip fied with the sower. Without my be- it shall not return to me empty, to Washington D.C. ing aware of it, a change took place but it shall accomplish that which I “The congregation history, school in me. Then it happened again. purpose, and footprint excited me about While shopping, I spotted a cardi- and succeed in the thing for which coming here, and I have not been gan in blue and purple colors. My I sent it. disappointed,” says Bergren, who first thought was, “I could wear this (Isaiah 55:10-11) began serving at St. Paul’s six for Advent and Lent.” Today, quit worrying about wheth- months ago. “The school is part of People often ask when I decided to er you’re good soil or not and rest the congregation ministry and it become a pastor, to which I usually in this promise: God always wins. adds a distinctness to the life of the reply, “I didn’t.” In fact, I tried pretty parish. We are blessed with resourc- hard not to be one, but God always (Reflection based on Mark 4:3-9.) es for ministry that are profound, wins. and we are grateful for having those The Northeastern Iowa Synod is cel- resources.” “The sower sows the word.” (Mark ebrating Renewal throughout 2017 by 4:14) The prophet Isaiah said this focusing on the Gospel and the witness rooted in faith and respecT about sowing: of Martin Luther. Each issue of the Star newsletter will feature a “Gospel Unique to the curriculum is the For as the rain and the snow come Reflection” based on familiar sayings Legacy Project. Beginning in fourth down from heaven, and parables from Jesus. Look for com- grade, students study different and do not return there until they panion art work and reflections in the aspects of American history and have watered the earth, synod’s e-letter. civic engagement. Each sixth grade making it bring forth and sprout, student becomes an expert on one of the memorials or monuments at the National Mall. In partnership the bus about the monuments they tion to “please” and “thank you,” with Wartburg College, the students have researched. the students learn to say, “I’m sorry. complete taped interviews with Excuse me. Forgive me.” local veterans to learn about their “When we go to D.C., we’re always experiences serving their country. told by the bus drivers, tour guides “The students live it, hear it and and others that they have never respect the adults and their peers,” The project culminates with a four- seen such polite kids,” Meyer says. Meyer says. “If nurtured when day trip to Washington D. C. for the young, it becomes a habit.” sixth graders. During bus tours of That focus on politeness and re- the city, the students take on leader- spect is an intentional part of the ship roles speaking at the front of environment at St. Paul’s. In addi- >> Continued on page 5

2 Northeastern Iowa Synod | www.neiasynod.org Bishop Jesus is given freely through Holy Communion

I have a good friend who always hands to receive looks for the “for you” in every “I am grateful when congregations the body of sermon. She wants the preacher to make the sacrament of holy Christ. One move beyond the theological and communion available as often hand was placed the academic to the Good News of on top of the Jesus Christ that is “for you.” as possible to as many people as other. “I make possible.” a manger for I know, as a preacher, that some- Jesus,” he ex- times I miss that hoped-for goal. plained to me. However, there is one place that munion. The first ones were those, the “for you” is clearly spoken and particularly nurses, whose shift ro- That is the Gospel that we cel- received. It is one of the most evan- tations sometimes prevented them ebrate. Once again, I encourage gelical moments in my life. The from receiving the sacrament for your congregation to seek to expand bread and wine are offered without months at a time. The other group the availability of holy communion condition. Jesus is given freely and was divorced Roman Catholics who to the baptized. You can count on becomes a part of my body as surely could no longer commune, but had renewal in the congregation and as I am a part of his. a deep appreciation for the sacra- new voices of witness. ment and the liturgy of the church. I am grateful when congregations — Steven L. Ullestad make the sacrament of holy com- When congregations make the sac- Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Synod munion available as often as pos- rament available to young children, sible to as many people as possible. it is helpful to hold classes for them Find the “Use of the Means of Grace” guide at Use of the Means of Grace is a helpful and their parents. The children these locations: study guide in assisting congrega- benefit from learning together Download at http://download.elca.org/ tions to make changes that allow for with their parents. The greatest ELCA%20Resource%20Repository/The_ that to happen. beneficiaries are almost always the Use_Of_The_Means_Of_Grace.pdf. parents. The congregation that I served ex- Purchase at https://store.augsburgfortress. perienced significant growth with I will always remember one child org/store/product/5981/The-Use-of-the- Means-of-Grace. two general groups of people when demonstrating how he held his we moved to every Sunday com-

Remember the Postville Raid on May 12

Please join in remembering the In his letter, Bishop Ullestad wrote, “Then, I ask you to pray together. Postville immigration raid that hap- “I invite you to engage immigrants Pray for open hearts and new op- pened May 12, 2008, and the histor- and refugees in conversations about portunities. Pray for mutual encour- ic commitment of Lutherans in this the current climate in our country agement and support. Pray that the country to welcome immigrants and regarding their presence in this land words of Emma Lazarus that grace a refugees. of the free. Ask about their hopes plaque on the Statue of Liberty will and dreams as well as their fears. still be true today …” Bishop Steven Ullestad has written Your congregation may choose to a pastoral letter about the events host a meal, inviting new immi- Download the complete letter at that happened in his home town grants and refugees to join you in www.neiasynod.org. of Postville in 2008 and the effect it sharing favorite dishes representing had in the community. the various nations of origin.

MAY 2017 3 W elcome Hungarian students to synod

Two health care students from the University of Debre- cen, Hungary, and participants in the Lutheran Church’s “Roma College” are visiting the Northeastern Iowa Synod from April 20 - May 5.

Vanda Krisztina Túró is studying to be a health care visi- tor, and Judith Megyesi is studying to be a midwife. In addition to practicing their English and visiting some area attractions, the students are visiting health care facilities and shadowing a county nurse, a school nurse, a parish nurse, and a physical therapist who works in geriatric and pediatric settings. They are also visiting some congregations, colleges and social ministries, as well as two farms. Vanda Krisztina Túró and Judith Megyesi Thank you to everyone who is helping to make these guests from Hungary feel welcome!

Register for WIYLDE by May 15 H ealth Assessment Reminder ELCA-Primary members and spouses are reminded to June 11-14, 2017 complete Portico’s 2017 Live Well Challenge to earn Luther College, Decorah wellness dollars. Visit https://myportico.porticobene- fits.org/Campaign/LiveWell. High school youth planning to attend the Wholly Iowa Youth Leadership Discipling Event should register by Monday, May 15. The Northeastern Iowa Synod event is designed to help high school youth learn how to Bishop Steven L. Ullestad – [email protected] become future leaders of the church. Assistants to the Bishop Rev. Mark A. Anderson – [email protected] This year’s WIYLDE will celebrate the 500th anniversary of Rev. Stephen Brackett – [email protected] the Reformation. Learning and Bible studies will focus on Linda J. Hudgins – [email protected] ELCA Director for Evangelical Mission Luther’s Small Catechism and how it applies in lives today. Rev. Dr. Joelle Colville-Hanson – [email protected] Guest teachers will join the students in activities that in- Star Editor Marcia Hahn – [email protected] clude small groups, large group Bible studies, games and more. The Star is published 11 times a year by the Northeastern Iowa Synod, 201 20th Street SW, PO Box 804, Waverly, IA 50677-0804; www.neiasynod.org, phone 319-352-1414, FAX 319-352-1416. The registration fee is $225 per student. The Northeastern Send news for the June issue to Marcia Hahn by May 12. We welcome Iowa Synod will cover $75 of that cost, bringing the to- story ideas related to the 2017 theme, “Celebrating Renewal: Martin tal cost to $150. Those who bring a friend who is new to Luther – The Gospel.”

WIYLDE can receive another $25 off the registration fee Articles in this newsletter may be duplicated for when the friend registers. In addition, congregations are use in synod congregations and organizations, with credit to the Star newsletter. encouraged to contribute $75 for each student attending. Please notify the synod office with name and Learn more and download the registration form and flier address changes. To receive an electronic version of the Star, rather than paper, send your request at www.neiasynod.org/wiylde. to [email protected]. www.neiasynod.org

4 Northeastern Iowa Synod | www.neiasynod.org St. Paul’s Lutheran School nurtures baptismal promises << Continued from page 2

Bergren says that St. Paul’s is unlike any other school he has vis- To our eyes Baptism appears to be nothing more than ordinary water … I ited. “Walking through the halls, [i.e., God] have given you baptism as a gift for the forgiveness of sins, and you can see that the students are preach to you unceasingly by word of mouth concerning this treasure, really nurtured in faith — by how the kids treat each other, how they sealing it with the Sacrament of my body and blood, so that you need never play at recess, and how they respect doubt. True, it seems little and insignificant, that by the washing of water, the their teachers,” he says. “The way Word, and the Sacrament this should all be effected. But don’t let your eyes the older kids treat the younger kids, they take seriously being role deceive you. models and being kind. Faith is in — Martin Luther everything. There is not any aspect Sermon for the First Sunday in Advent (Second Sermon, 1533) that’s not connected.” opportunities to lead give the sermons, along with Ber- a classmate who was alone, or gren, who preaches there once a opening a door for someone whose When asked what they enjoy most month. hands were full. Meyer says that about attending St. Paul’s, 99.9 these “God Smiles” nominations percent of the students say it is the “The students love leading the wor- from students and staff help kids weekly worship service, according ship and sitting in the sanctuary,” realize that the little things they do to Meyer. Each class takes turns Meyer says. “By the time they enter make a difference. leading the Thursday morning ser- high school they are confident and vices in the sanctuary. The students great public speakers.” “It makes them conscious of doing work with their teachers to plan all the right thing,” she says. elements of the half-hour services, Included in the service is recogni- which may include skits, songs, tion of kind acts that were seen The majority of students say their prayers, and Bible stories. Guest throughout the week, such as shar- second favorite thing about St. preachers from local congregations ing a ball at recess, playing with Paul’s is being able to pray and talk about God at school.

“We teach faith-based education in a creative, compassionate environment,” Bergren says. “Faith is always at the forefront, hand-in- hand with adolescent development.”

As pastor, Bergren visits each classroom once a month to share a Bible story or other Christian story. He supports the faculty and staff by meeting with them each Monday morning, praying with them, and serving as a theological resource for them.

Bergren also leads the monthly Baptism Remembrance Service,

Sixth grade students from St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Waverly, visit Washington D.C. each year as part of their studies on American history and civic engagement.. >> Continued on page 8

MAY 2017 5 Celebrating Renewal: Martin Luther — The Gospel Synod Assembly set for June 9-11

The Northeastern Iowa Synod will Renewal: Martin Luther — The Norman also serves as an advisor to celebrate renewal and the gospel Gospel.” She will also present the the Boards of Trustees for Portico ministry of Martin Luther at the seminar, “Luther on Sex, Marriage Benefit Services and the Mission 2017 Northeastern Iowa Synod and the Family.” Investment Fund, and as treasurer Assembly. The Assembly begins of the ELCA Endowment Fund. Friday, June 9, at Luther College, Strohl is a veteran pastor and theo- Decorah, and concludes Sunday, logian with several decades of Norman graduated with a bach- June 11. teaching and pastoral experience. elor’s degree in business admin- She grew up in Annapolis, Md. and istration from Trinity University Early bird registration is available holds degrees from Vassar College, in San Antonio, where she also until Tuesday, May 9. After that the Lutheran Theological Seminary earned a master’s of science de- date an additional fee of $25 per at Gettysburg, Pa., and the gree in accounting in 1998 and person will be added. Divinity School of the University of her CPA a year later. She re- Chicago. ceived her master’s of divinity in keynote speaker 2006 from the Lutheran School of Ordained in 1979, Strohl taught Rev. Dr. Jane Strohl Theology at Chicago and accepted Reformation History and Luther a call at Bethel Lutheran Church The Rev. Dr. Jane Studies at Luther Seminary in St. in Chicago where she served until Strohl will give Paul, Minn., from 1985-1996 and 2009. the keynote ad- at Pacific Lutheran Theological dress relating to Seminary in Berkeley, Calif., from seminars and forums the assembly’s 1996-2013. She has served parish- theme: “Celebrating es in Brooklyn, Conn., and Indiana, Two forums and some 20 seminars Pa, and is currently the pastor for will be offered in three break-out Community Lutheran Church of sessions on Saturday. Topics in- Enfield, N.H. clude mission goals, ELCA strate- Bring a Flood Bucket gic directions, financial matters, Churchwide Representative discernment, safe policies, resilient TO ASSEMBLY Rev. Linda Norman leadership, ELCA retirement ben- Each con- efits, congregation life-cycles, geo- The Rev. Linda gregation graphical parishes, stewardship, fi- Norman will bring attending the nances, youth ministry, teaching greetings and a Northeastern skills, 2018 ELCA Youth Gathering, report from the Iowa Synod companion synods, World Hunger churchwide organi- Assembly and contemporary music. zation. She will also is asked to present the seminar bring a prepared flood bucket WORSHIP Offerings “Handling Financial Matters in the clean-up kit to share. The buckets Congregation,” and she will preach will be made available in three Offerings from this year’s Assembly at the Sunday worship service. communities for use in case of will support the Companion Synod Travel Fund and the H. George flooding, tornadoes or other di- Norman joined the staff of the Anderson Northeastern Iowa Synod saster. ELCA churchwide organization Fund for Leaders. in 2006, serving first as controller Download flood buckets instruc- and then chief financial officer for tions at www.neiasynod.org/ To learn more, visit www.neiasynod. the ELCA Foundation. In February synod-assembly-2017/other di- org/synod-assembly-2017. 2011, she became controller and sasters. assistant treasurer for the ELCA.

6 Northeastern Iowa Synod | www.neiasynod.org Events Congregations

MY A EVENTS CALLS EXTENDED 1 Event, Youth Gathering “Getting Ready”Workshop, Allison, St. James, Rev. Paul Schaedig, interim Holy Trinity, 6:30 p.m. Decorah, Decorah (staff), Rev. Charis Combs-Lay, interim 2 Meeting, Generosity Network, Synod Office, Waverly, 1:30 p.m. 4 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. INTERVIEWING 4 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, St. John, Calmar, Calmar and Decorah, Springfield, Rev. Phillip Charles City, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Olson, interim 5 Meeting, Candidacy Committee, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. 20 Meeting, Synodical Women’s Organization (tentative) Charles City, St. John, Rev. Bill Odermann, interim 8 a.m.-12 noon Clermont, West Clermont 29 Office Closed, Memorial Day Frederika, St. John La Porte City, American, Rev. Rick Biedermann, interim Oelwein, Zion june EVENTS Osage, Our Savior’s, Rev. Alan Schulz, interim 1 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 1 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, No June Meeting Sumner, St. John 9-11 Event, Synod Assembly, Luther College, Decorah Waterloo, Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd 11-14 Event, WIYLDE (Wholly Iowa Leadership Discipling Event), Luther College, Decorah 12-13 Office Closed SELF-STUDY Alta Vista, Zion and Lawler, Immanuel (Crane Creek), 17 Event, Synodical Women’s Organization Convention, Wartburg College, Waverly Rev. Vincent Fricke, interim Chester, United Coulter, Nazareth; and Hampton, St. John’s juLY EVENTS Decorah, St. John’s and Hauge 4 Office Closed, Independence Day Elma, St. Paul; Lime Springs, St. Paul; and Harmony, 6 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Minn., Saetersdal 6 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, TBA, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Greene, St. John (Vilmar) 13-16 Event, Women of the ELCA Triennial Gathering, Mason City, St. Paul, Rev. Michael Last, interim Minneapolis, Minn. Roland, Bergen, John Sheahan, interim lay minister Ryan, Peace and Dundee, St. John (Unity of the Cross Lutheran Parish) AUGUST EVENTS Waukon, St. John 3 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m. 3 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, TBA, 10 a.m.- Waverly, Redeemer, Rev. Nancy Larson, interim 1 p.m. 7-10 Event, Rostered Leaders Gathering: On The Way Together”, Atlanta, GA. 18 Meeting, Candidacy, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tri- Synodical Fall Conference Sept. 24-26, 2017 Rostered Ministers Gathering West Des Moines, Iowa Mark your calendars for the Tri-Synodical Fall Aug. 7-10, 2017 Conference in September. This event is an opportu- Atlanta, Ga. nity for rostered ministers (pastors and deacons) and Those planning to attend the ELCA’s first Rostered spouses from the three Iowa ELCA synods to relax, re- Ministers Gathering in Atlanta, Ga., can receive a discount- juvenate and be refreshed with their colleagues. ed rate if registered by Wednesday, May 31. The gather- The 2017 event features keynote presenters Bishop ing will include workshops, service learning trips and ex- Guy Erwin and Pastor Anna Madsen. Presiding Bishop hibits, along with worship, Bible study and small group Elizabeth Eaton will be in attendance. The conference conversations. includes theological discussions, worship services, The cost to attend is $245 per person if registered by group meals, and designated free time. May 31; $295 if registered June 1 – July 23. Meals are in- Check for registration information when available at cluded. To learn more, visit www.elca.org/rmg, email www.neiasynod.org/synod-assembly-2017. [email protected] or call 800-635-3522.

MAY 2017 7 P rayer CALENDAR M AY 2017 SUN MON TUE WED THUFRI SAT Eileen Delk, Welch, Minn. Rev. Scott Johnson, H. George Anderson Story City Fund for Leaders Rev. Phillip E. Olson, Rev. Elwin D. Farwell, Eldorado Decorah Rev. James M. Rev. Paul J. Fohs, Rev. Randall V. Janice M. Kraabel, Magelssen, Good Samaritan Deloit Baldwin, Lake Mills Decorah Big Canoe, Decorah Mason City Center, West Union 1 2 3 4 5 6 Rev. Edwin A. Schick, Dubuque Rev. Dale A. Rev. Karla K. Halverson, Deacon Marianne J. Evelyn R. Fitzgerald, St. Paul’s Lutheran Rev. Kevin G. Frey, Wildberger, Dubuque Northfield, Minn. Burr Oak, Decorah Beck, Waverly Charles City School, Waverly New Hampton 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Middle East Peace Ann M. Bolinger, Lutheran School Trinity Lutheran Pine Island, Minn. Wartburg Canoe Ridge, of Theology at Decorah Lutheran, Seminary, Haldis Kaasa, Theological Decorah Chicago, Ill. Decorah Columbus, Ohio First, Decorah Decorah Seminary, Dubuque 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Rev. Gary L. Johnson, Waterloo Rev. Joel L. Rev. Laura Gentry, Leota Lenning, Guttormson, Lansing Wheaton, Ill. Lake Mills Marilyn Ingebretson, Rev. Dennis W. Rev. Nicole L. Rev. Timothy C. Good Shepherd, Rev. Edgar M. Krentz, Thornton Hanson, Cedar Falls Woodley, Clarion Miller, Williamsburg Glenwood, Decorah Decorah Chicago, Ill. 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 Luther College Congregation, Hauge, Decorah Hesper, Decorah Highland, Decorah Decorah 28 29 30 31

St. Paul’s Lutheran School nurtures baptismal promises << Continued from page 5

in which staff and children celebrate their baptism anniversaries. The sixth graders carry the cross, banner and Bible to the front of the sanctuary. Bergren blesses those celebrating their baptisms with the sign of the cross of Christ forever. Everyone sings baptismal hymns, and Bergren preaches about Bibli- cal stores that show that God’s presence is with everyone, wherever they go.

“For Lutheran Christians, our lives Students from St. Paul’s Lutheran School, Waverly, enjoy attending Thursday morning worship begin and end in baptism,” Bergren service in the sanctuary of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. says. “We’re not just remembering the event, but the process of matur- a natural part of their learning and part of who they are,” Meyer says. ing in faith.” playing. “We hope that the children leave school living in prayer to God and St. Paul’s students experience a “By training them young on the way walking in a way that people see daily routine that allows faith to be they should grow, faith becomes Christ through them.” May 2017 Volume 30 Good News Number 5

As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one another in our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, the society, and the world. your faith. Attend local events and then build on that by From the President: attending churchwide events. Taste and See that the Lord is good. Ps. 34:8 Listen to God calling and when he blesses you with What a wonderful invitation to find whatever it is you courage—open that door and say, “I can!” might be yearning for! Maybe you feel a desire to Be an Inspiration! study your Bible in a new way or open your heart to God has blessed us with many gifts. Let us bless him give God’s love more freely. Or is your spirit thirsty with faith within ourselves and service to others. Come to be re-filled, re-newed, re-oriented? Maybe we have to his table and share the joy! Submitted by Della th just what you need at our gathering on June 17 at Benson Wartburg College. We have a large variety of sessions that cover a wide range of topics, including quilting, Bible Journaling, Young Adults in Global Mission Area: Justice The Rev. Alexia Mission, Human Trafficking, LSI Refugee Services, Salvatierra, a national and Food Banks. Some of our special guests will leader in areas of include Pastor Stephen Brackett (assistant to the poverty and Bishop) and Pastor Melissa Bills (known for her immigration, is a Triennial Coloring Devotionals). Come, learn, laugh, keynote speaker at worship, share, and renew with us! If you are a first- Women of the time attendee, we have scholarships available to cover ELCA’s Tenth your registration. You can find the forms and more Triennial Gathering in information on our website, Minneapolis, July 13–16. She is speaking during the http://www.neiasynod.org/women-of-the-elca/ . Saturday morning plenary. “Come and See” and experience the same invitation An ELCA pastor with more than 35 years of to faith that Jesus offers all his disciples every day! experience in community ministry, Salvatierra of Los Hungering to be renewed, just like you, Diane Wills Angeles, Calif., is co-author with Peter Heltzel of Faith- Rooted Organization: Mobilizing the Church in Service Mission Area: Discipleship to the World. Faith refreshes our inner self and builds our self- Organizing is bringing people together to create esteem. It transforms us from the inside out. Have systemic change, Salvatierra says in a video on the faith to chase your dreams—it will bless your InterVarsity Press website where her book is published. success! Faith-rooted organization is (creating systemic Fear holds us back, but faith opens doors. How change) in a way that is completely shaped and guided many times have we failed to open the door with our by our Christian faith and is designed to enable us as fear of commitment holding us back? Have we heard Christians to contribute our unique gifts to the broader ourselves say, “I can’t do that?” Are we letting our movement for social and economic justice, she said. fear in? Think of fear as the fruit of the devil. “Christians know they are called to do justice but Be Bold! they are confused about how to go about it,” she said. Open that door and say, “With God’s help I can!” Let Salvatierra is founder of the Faith-Rooted your faith THRIVE! Build it up—making it the Organizing UnNetwork. She also co-founded the cornerstone of your integrity. Make it your national Evangelical Immigration Table (a broad SUPERPOWER! coalition of evangelical leaders and institutions Is your soul hungering for renewal? Take advocating for immigration reform). advantage of all that your church offers to grow in CALENDAR we brush our teeth? Do we wash produce under running May 20 SWO Board, Wartburg College, 9–12 water? June 16 SWO Board, Wartburg College, TBD How are there ways YOU can be a good steward? Jun. 17 NEI Synod WELCA Convention Jul. 11–16 Triennial Convention and Gathering, Minneapolis, Here are some helpful suggestions, and we would love MN (welcatg.org) to hear more from you! Sep. 23 Jubilee Cluster C event at St. Paul Lutheran • Use a watering can to capture that running water as Church in Cedar Falls you wait for it to get hot/cold. Use it to water your plants, pets or even water the garden! Have cold She serves as a consultant (training, facilitating, water at hand by keeping a pitcher in the organizing and leading strategic planning) for a refrigerator. variety of national/international organizations, • Set your water heater a little lower and wrap it in including World Vision USA/World Vision an insulating blanket International/Women of Vision, Intervarsity Christian • Wash your produce in a pan and then use the water Fellowship and the Christian Community on your plants or garden. Development Association. Downloaded from • Take shorter showers. No one even says you have http://www.welcatg.org/news/keynote-speaker-helps- to shower every day! create-change/ • Eat more fruits and vegetables. For example, if Mission Area: Stewardship everyone were to adopt the Western meat-based “Another dreary, drizzly day.” “I’m so tired of all this diet, our earth would require 75% more water. rain.” How often did we hear that last fall when our We encourage everyone to think about the choices they land was being soaked and flooded or in the past make. As you prepare to attend the Triennial or month as the skies were gray and the moisture was convention in June, be creative in how you can be a falling? Three-quarters of the earth’s surface is good steward of the earth—carpool, bring your own covered with water and yet less than one percent of it water bottle/coffee mug, bring your laptop or iPad to is fresh water that is available for human save paper, and don’t simply take all the freebies out consumption! there—if you really aren’t going to find them useful Water is such a powerful symbol to the Christian later, leave them! Submitted by Vicky Jaeger church. We are baptized by water and it is through the water and the Word that we are made children of Around the Synod The women of the Nazareth Lutheran Kits and Quilts God. God parted the Red Sea and produced water out ministry will be selling the following supplies at the of a rock for the Hebrews in Exodus. And yet today NEISWO convention June 17th: toothbrushes .10 ea, the world faces water scarcity. nail clippers 3/$1, pencil sharpeners .10 ea, sturdy Are we good stewards of the water in Northeast combs .10 ea, rope pullers $1 ea, and rope for the school Iowa? Do we let water run down the drain while we bags .50 ea (2 ropes required for each school bag). There wait for it to get hot or cold? Do we wash our clothes will be bags of fitted white sheets and pillowcases to after one time of wearing? Do we reuse towels in GIVE AWAY. These can be used for filler or cutting hotels or in our homes? Do we let the water run while squares for quilt tops.

NEIA Women of the ELCA Executive Board Good News Diane Wills, President Editor Jan Harbaugh 641-425-8628 [email protected] 112 W. Wilbur St., Hawkeye, IA 52147 515-825-8068 [email protected] Cindy Pogge, Vice President Articles are due the 1st of the month for the next month's 515-571-2827 [email protected] newsletter (e.g. April 1 for May issue). Please put WELCA in your subject line. (You can also send paper copies by “snail” mail.) Anna Jetson, Secretary 952-240-9569 [email protected] Contact Women of the ELCA at: Beverly Sheridan, Treasurer 773.380.2730 or 800.638.3522, ext. 2730 563-382-9025 [email protected] http://www.womenoftheelca.org/ 701 Serenity Drive 8765 W. Higgins Road Decorah, IA 52101 Chicago, IL 60631-4189 NEIA Women of the ELCA website: neiasynod.org/women-of-the-ELCA Living Faith Dear Faith Shapers, An invitation to ponder... If your calendar is anything like mine, the coming weeks are filled to the brim with events that demand attention: piano “Come to me, all you that are weary and are recitals, band concerts, choir concerts, field trips, confirma- carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you tion, graduation, Mother’s Day, rest.” (Matthew 11:28) Father’s Day, and on and on. Permission slips need to be signed, lunches need to be packed, cards need to be pur- chased, inventive gifts need to What if we walked without counting our steps be created (or so Pinterest tells What if we moved without measurable goals me). It’s easy to become over- whelmed by the sheer volume of What if we lived led details and quickly lose sight of what’s truly important. Free to stop and sit and notice Lately, I’ve been taking more Free to wander time to wander in the woods, to spend time surveying nature, Free to not know to relish the beauty of God’s creation. During these walks, Our only destination the journey God reminds me that the weight of the world does not rest on my Love our everlasting end shoulders. I can stop. I can rest. I can fail to send the cards on time. I can forgo the Pinterest- inspired gifts. And it will be ok. God’s got this thing under Was there ever a more beautiful word control. than meandering? So maybe you’d like to consider taking out your calendar right now and scheduling some time for walks in the woods with This information is prepared for you by the God. I’ll look for you there. Northeastern Iowa Synod-Home Life Network for use by families and local congregations. Peace, Stacey Nalean-Carlson Like our page on Facebook and our posted resources will appear in your Pastor, Glenwood & Canoe Ridge newsfeed. Our page is Northeastern Iowa Synod Home Life Network ELCA Lutheran Churches, Decorah God as Bulldozer Here’s a conversation starter: What does God look like to you right now? I once asked high school students to draw an image of God that spoke to them on their faith journey. One student drew a simple path with a bulldozer at the front, clearing the way. I love the image of God as bulldozer, creating a new path to follow, knocking down any and all obstacles. Are you captive to your calendar? Controlled by your addiction? Are you ruled by your fear? Bound by your guilt? Even now, God is clearing a path for you—leading you out from slavery into freedom. The bulldozer goes before you.

Pentecost Poetry Family Camp Pentecost will be celebrated on June 4 As you’re making plans for summer this year. As we give thanks to God vacations, consider spending some for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit time at family camp. Many of our in our lives, perhaps that same Spirit ELCA Bible Camps offer family will inspire you to write some poetry. camp as an opportunity for extended Try a haiku poem—three lines of five, families to grow in faith together. seven, and five syllables. At Camp Ewalu, family camp will be Spirit of life comes June 30-July 2. Learn more at Breath of hope and joy and peace ewalu.org or call 563-933-4700. Fire of blazing grace At Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp, family camp is offered July 2-5 and Consider printing your poem on a August 13-16. Learn more at river- piece of paper decorated with straw sidelbc.org or call 515-733-5271. blown art. Water down some paint and use a straw to blow it across the All types and sizes of families are paper. Read John 3:8 and recall how welcome. You’ll enjoy classic camp- the Holy Spirit moves like wind in fires, Bible studies, games and quality our lives. time together. Happy camping!