St. Paul's Epistle

St. Paul’s Epistle St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1844 Highland Dr., Carroll, IA 51401

E-Mail: [email protected] Web Page: www.stpaul-ia.com [email protected] Check out our Facebook pages at www.facebook/ [email protected] stpaulcarroll and www.facebook.com/stpaulLYF Phone: 712-792-4354 Fax: 712-792-0514 Follow us on Twitter @stpaulcarroll

Volume 46 October 2016 Issue 10

A Word from the Pastor ~ here on earth, we offer back to God a fraction of that life as a symbolic gesture of the giving up of Each one must give as he has decided in his our whole life in sacrificial service to Him (Rom. heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God 12:1). loves a cheerful giver. 2 Cor. 9:7 There’s a part of every human that recognizes the Are you happy and cheerful when we reach the need for sacrifice to God. It’s a part of God’s Law point in the Divine Service to pass the offering written on our hearts (Rom. 2:15). But until we rec- plate? If so, what are you happy about? Is it because ognize and believe in the sacrifice Christ made for we’ve reached a point in the service that feels like us on the cross to be the once-for-all sacrifice for intermission or the seventh-inning stretch? Are you the sins of the world we will get our sacrifices to excited to see the plate coming your way or do you God wrong. Without Christ’s sacrifice we will think just wish the ushers would pass you by? our sacrifices earn us something with God. But with faith in Christ’s sacrifice we will see our offerings The connection of the offering to the Divine Ser- and sacrifices as part and parcel of the joyful life we vice is something we too easily forget. The offering have been given in Christ. Our offerings are not is an integral part of the service, yet we tend to treat merely a response of thanksgiving, they are now a it as a necessary evil, something we have to do if way of life—the new life that we have in Christ. we want to keep the lights on and the doors open. We see it as “necessary” in a practical sense of that Still not feeling the joy of that offering plate? Re- term. But we have a hard time seeing it as some- lax. It’s not a joy that you will find from within. thing that is “necessary” in the sense that it is a Rather, it’s a joy that must first be given to you. Let basic and essential element of the gathering of God feed you first with His heavenly riches that God’s people around His Word and Sacraments. come to your through His Word. Be in His Word daily and come to His house prepared to be served God has called us together to be His people—“a by Christ. Then you will find joy and confidence people for His own possession” (1 Pet. 2:9). He sent not in yourself but in the grace of God and be able His Son to be the offering, offered up on the cross to say along with the Apostle Paul: to buy us back out of sin and darkness. Jesus came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45) and His … God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to service to us to keep us as His holy people contin- make all grace abound to you, so that having all ues today through His Word and His Sacraments. sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work. (2 Cor. 9:7b-8) The placement of the gathering of the offering at the end of the Service of the Word and just before By the grace of God, the Service of the Sacrament is very intentional. In Pastor Licht joyful response to Him having served us through His Word—in the liturgy, hymns, Scripture read- ings and sermon—and in joyful anticipation of Him serving us His own body and blood for the for- giveness of our sins in the Sacrament of the Altar, we are privileged to offer back to Him a mere fraction of the wealth with which He has prospered us. Recognizing that the material goods and wealth God blesses us with are the substance of our life

COLLEGE ADDRESSES Notes & News

As your student goes off to college or BINGO at Hawkeye Care Center Octo- into the work place, please remember ber 6th (Friday). Come at 1:30 p.m. to to give the church their email address help! Bring 10 prizes (fruit, snacks, so they will receive the monthly news- candy bars) for the winner(s) of each letter and maintain contact with St. round. Residents look forward to our Paul. Call Donna or Sherry at 792- arrival, many depend on our keen eye- 4354 or email [email protected]. sight for assistance.

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Senior Fellowship Meeting Bible Study led by Pastor Schauer will meet Saturday, October 1st at 9 a.m. in the West Room. Bring your Wednesday, October 26th own coffee or pop.

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Please note change of date for the October Senior Fellowship Meet- Christian Fiction Book Club will meet ing. Sunday, October 23, 2016 in the East Room at 2:00 p.m. We will be discussing the

Senior Fellowship will meet on Wednesday, October book, Storm Clouds Rolling In 1860-1861 26, at 10:30 a.m. Family Resource Center Coordinator, by Ginny Dye . Everyone is welcome. § § § Dusty Stork will present a program on “Building

Stronger Families” beginning at 10:30. Our usual Pot- Men’s Table Talk will meet Saturday, October luck lunch will follow at 11:30. Hope you can come! 22nd from 8:30-10:00 a.m. All men and sons are invited. § § §

Hospitalized: It is very important that you or a family member notify Pastor or the church office when you Library Corner are hospitalized. Hospital Chaplain, Mary Kaufmann, will call us only if you request her to do so. Thank you Parents, do you have questions about raising your children? We have books in our library that may for your cooperation. help answer your questions. The morals and ethics section (11) and the education and psychology section (12) is where you can find these books. To highlight one set from Aid Association for Luther- ans there are three little books. One is Parenting Today Preschool: 3 to 5 years, second Parenting Today The Middle Childhood years: 6 to 10, and last Parenting Today the Adolescent years: 11 to

15. Each book contains questions you might have then it gives you some simple suggestions that may help you answer your questions. You can find these books by the Featured Book sign on the table. October is Pastor Appreciation month. The Board of Human Care would encourage St. Paul members to express their appreciation of Pastor Licht and Pastor Schauer in person or with a card during the month of Octo- ber. May God continue to bless their ministry at St. Paul.

Pastor Licht became Associate Pastor in July 2006 and Sole Pastor in February QUARTERLY VOTER’S BUDGET 2011

& ELECTION MEETING

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16th @ 10:15 a.m. Rev. John & Laura Schauer became members of St. Paul in June 2006

You Are Invited! From the Parish Nurse ~ 8th Annual IOWAY Banquet! Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Who: You! (and your friends) Where: St. Paul Lutheran Church, 400 S. 13th St. Often people are not purposefully rude or disrespectful Fort Dodge, IA 50501 to people with disabilities; they just haven’t had the When: Saturday, November 5. Registration at 4:30 PM chance to learn how to interact in the most appropriate What: Speakers: District President Rev. Dr. Steve way. The Bethesda website has helpful hints for com- Turner IOWAY Coordinators and mission team municating and interacting with people of all abilities.

members. Why: Hear what God is doing in When communicating or interacting with a person who

various mission areas: Omaha, Los Angeles, Des has a hearing impairment: Moines, Pasadena and Haiti. * Before speaking, get in the person’s line of FREE yummy, catered meal at 5:00 PM, compliments of vision. Tap their shoulder or forearm, or wave Carole White with Lutheran Church Extension Fund. your hand slightly. Do this from the side or front of the person so you don’t scare them. Relax for an evening of fun— celebrating all that * Look and talk directly to the person. God has done through IOWAY! * Speak at a normal pace for lip reading. Celebrate Ellie Menz’s 15 years as IOWAY * Miming or gesturing can be helpful if you don’t Director. know sign language. Hear firsthand about the poverty in Omaha as * Be patient. You may need to repeat yourself to seen by the Omaha mission team members. be understood. Hear the reaction of those seeing Skid Row for * Ask the person to repeat something if you the first time! couldn’t understand. Do not pretend to under- Hear about the relief efforts for the victims of the stand. Baton Rouge flooding. * Don’t be afraid to write or draw what you need Get a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the Rose Bowl to communicate. Parade at Pasadena. Fun night of food, friends, laughs, and memories! When communicating or interacting with a person who has a visual impairment: RSVP Needed! Please register at: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/r/ioway_banquet Or call Ellie * Speak directly to the person in a normal tone of at 515-370-1159 voice. * Say their name first and then identify yourself. * Do not be afraid to use terms such as “see you soon”. * Let the person hold your arm when walking with them. This way, the person will walk slightly behind you and the motion of your body will tell them what to expect. Ask if they would like verbal Little Lamb cues about what is ahead of them. Preschool * Be specific when giving directions If the person must turn, say if it should be left or right. * Avoid escalators or revolving doors, if possible. * Ask if the person wants you to guide their hand to

a banister when using stairs. * When helping the person sit, place their hand on the  Wednesday, October 12th, 2016–Parent/ back or arm of the chair to keep it steady. Teacher Conference.  Be a blessing to those around you. Psalm 139:14 (NIV)  Friday, October 14th—No Preschool. “I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made”. (Information taken from BethesdaLutheranCommuni- ties.org)  Monday, October 24th—No Preschool. In His Service, Darlene Rueter, RN Durene Eisenbacher, Director St. Paul Parish Nursing

Sunday School Update: Iowa District West Calendar of Events Sunday School is in full swing and everyone is always welcome to attend Jr. High Youth Gathering will be held October or help out. We are still 29th & 30th at the Sheraton hotel in West Des in need of those that Moines. Students in 6th-8th grade are invited to would be willing to be on a substitute list that we attend this gathering. Theme: “Written in could call on if there are Sundays that our teach- Stone” (Hebrews 8:10). ers can’t make it. Also, looking for a person or

Junior Youth Gathering Service Project items need- people to sign up to help with leading a skit (that ed for “We Care Kits” for Hope Ministries Home- is provided) on: Oct. 23rd and Oct. 30th. There is less Residents: disposable razor, travel size sham- (will be) a signup in the Narthex, or contact Jill poo, travel size deodorant, toothbrush, travel size Schweers. body wash or bar of soap, travel size toothpaste, We are doing crafts some weeks and will try to travel size shaving cream, and one gallon-size Zip- have some out on display for the congregation to loc bags. see.

Please bring these items with you to the gathering. Jill Schweers *****************************************

Senior High Gathering will be held November 18 Sermons Online and Service on TV -20, 2016 at Embassy Suites in Des Moines. Stu- dents in 9th-12th grade are invited to attend this You can listen to the Sunday morning sermon again gathering. Theme: “Still Standing” (1 Thessaloni- online on our website. Go to www.stpaul-ia.com and ans 3:8). click on “Sermons” in the left-hand column and then click on the date of the sermon you wish to hear. You can also watch the service on Mediacom Channel 6 and Western Iowa Network Channel 30. Evangelism

St. Paul hosted the "Every One His Witness" workshop on August 27th. The amazing program, which was at- Ditch Clean-Up tended by 45 people, is designed to equip disciples of October 9, 2016 Jesus Christ to share the Gospel in their everyday lives (Rain Date—October 23) with the people whom God has placed into relationships with them. Everyone is invited to join us Sunday, October 9th at It introduced the LASSIE approach for witness- 11:20 a.m. (right after Sunday School). We will meet ing. LASSIE is the acronym for Listen (don't just hear), in the fellowship hall and then go clean up the ditches Ask (questions that will encourage discussion), Seek (a north of Carroll along Highway 71. This will be our point of connection) Share (God's Word), Invite outdoor adventure. (someplace to keep the conversation going), and Encour- Bring some old clothes and gloves. We hope to have age (follow up and follow through). enough persons helping so we get a lot done. After an God calls us to be His witnesses and provides us with hour of working, we’ll share pizza. Special prize for relationships with our family, occupation, neighbors, and the grossest object collected!! Closing at 1:00. church. He sends us where He wants us to go and to the people with whom He wants us to share His Word of NOTE: This ditch cleanup is sponsored for all of life. Being a witness of Jesus in our everyday life to the St. Paul by the Board for Youth Ministry. people whom the Lord has put in our life is an invitation into the joy of Jesus.

Operation Barnabas Conference

“Partnering to Bring Christ to Our Military”

Saturday, October 15, 2016

9:30 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. St. Paul Lutheran Church 1844 Highland Drive, Carroll, Iowa (Enjoy coffee and rolls from 9 to 9:30 a.m.) Conference is hosted by the Iowa District West Operation Barna- bas, along with Lutheran Church Extension Fund. There is no charge for the conference. Lunch will be provided.

Join us as we work together to serve our military families. Hear presentations from national Operation Barnabas leaders and learn how churches are “partnering to bring Christ to our military.” Registration information in your church office (along with a list of suggested in- gathering items) or register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HPGZRSB by October 7.

Operation Barnabas: What is it? Barnabas in scripture is known as “the encourager.” That is what Opera- tion Barnabas strives to do by encouraging our military and their families. Come to the fourth annual Io- wa District West Operation Barnabas Conference on Saturday, October 15, in Carroll, Iowa, to learn more on how you can be involved in “Partnering to Bring Christ to Our Military.”

Carroll Zone LWML Fall Rally Circle Dates— Lydia: Tuesday, October 11, 7:00 p.m. The Carroll Zone LWML Fall Rally was held Fellowship Hall, Vicki Grundmeier, Hostess; Laura Schauer, topic September 16, 2016 at St Paul Carroll with 39 in attendance. The St Paul Women’s Guild hosted (NOTE: we will use the Summer the event and served a delicious breakfast. Quarterly at our October meeting.)

Guest speaker was Rev Max Phillips. Pastor Max Rachel: Wednesday, October 12, 1:30 p.m., wears many hats. He is the Pastor at God’s King- Fellowship Hall, Jan Hoff, dom in rural Bouton, IA, Chief Executive Office hostess; Rosemary Beckman, topic of the Perry Lutheran Home in Perry, IA and Ex- ecutive Director of Lutheran Family Services in Fort Dodge, IA. He explained his work at the Perry Home and Family Services. Working with the elderly and the yet unborn shows God’s Gen- St. Paul Sewing Sisters erations of Grace at work. Saturday, October 8, 2016 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m. Betty Nobiling provided a power point highlight- Fellowship Hall ing the 2016 IWD Convention, which was narrat- ed by Sharon von Qualen. St. Paul Sewing Sisters will Barb Brockelsby conducted the business meeting be meeting again on Saturday, October 8th to with emphasis on the 2017 National Convention make more towels with pockets for personal care at Albuquerque, New Mexico kits. Five ladies met in September and made 19 towels. We will make more this month and begin Pastor Brian Licht preformed the installation of preparing to make pillow case dresses for little the new Carroll Zone Officers, President Sandra girls in Haiti in November. Vahl and Vice President Carmen Thiedeman. Come join us for fellowship and using our talents to share the love of Christ, even if you don't sew or would like to learn.

expenses to be paid throughout the pregnancy,

LUTHERANS FOR LIFE but other states don’t allow for adoptive parents to pay any expenses at all. Where to Start When Adoption Is Tugging at Your Heart Tips include avoiding unlicensed facilitators of adoption—especially if your state allows for un- By Kim Laube limited birth-parent expenses to be paid. States are beginning to trend toward outlawing unli- There are many important aspects to adoption, censed facilitators, but depending on where you but there is nothing more important than pray- live, it’s possible that all the agencies you see on ing for God’s guidance in the decisions ahead. the internet might not truly be licensed in your Ask God to provide wisdom, courage, and clarity state. for you and protection for the children in need. Older Child Adoption through Domestic Discussing the possibility of adoption with your Foster Care is also governed by each state indi- spouse is a natural next step for many. It is criti- vidually, but, overall, you can expect a few things cal to be patient and allow the necessary time for to be true. The majority of children in state care your spouse to give proper consideration. For were removed for reasons of neglect, but some some, the process may include a time of grieving have also suffered abuse as well. The goals of the the loss of your own fertility. state will likely be reunification of the birth family when possible, meaning the child may not stay Researching and exploring adoption possibilities in your care. together will allow for many discussion opportu- nities where you are able to express your fears, The costs are very minimal financially, but there learn to lean on each other, and share your ex- is time investment for the educational programs citement for the future. that prepare you to become foster and pre- adoptive parents. Here are some basic adoption options to research and consider. Risks include caring for children who may not be in your care permanently and helping children Domestic Infant Adoption can involve an through the trauma of losing their birth family adoption agency or sometimes only an attorney. and healing from that loss. A good place to start is getting a list of licensed child-placing agencies in your state from your International Adoption focuses most often on state’s human services department. the thousands of children in orphanages and foster care outside of the United States. Some coun- Domestic infant adoption includes the possibility tries belong to the Hague Convention and some of being involved with the child even before he or do not. The Hague Convention is an international she is born, relationships with the birth parent agreement to establish safeguards for intercoun- (s), being involved with the birth process, and try adoption. It is important to determine if the bonding with the child from birth. country is a Hague Convention Country in order to select an appropriately accredited agency. Risks involved include a birth parent’s change of Lists of Hague Convention Countries and appro- heart. Revocation laws vary greatly state by priately accredited agencies can be found at state. There is a path to permanency that must https://travel.state.gov/content/adoptionsabroad/ be followed in each state, and you will likely feel en.html. vulnerable during the process. Decisions that lie ahead include selecting a coun- The costs for domestic infant adoption can vary try, age and gender of the child, and an agency to widely; again, costs are largely based on the laws assist you. Risks involved include country policies in the state. Some states allow for birth-parent and practices changing which your agency will

have no authority over and parenting children who have come from institutional care, which can include difficulties in attachment and associated behaviors.

Costs for international adoption vary greatly by THE LUTHERAN HOUR country and by agency. The Lutheran Hour may be heard on Sundays on the fol- Embryo Adoption, also known as Embryo Res- lowing radio stations in our area: KAYL, 990 AM, Storm Lake, 10 am; KDSN, 107.1 FM, Denison, 6:30 am; KDSN, cue, involves accepting embryos of another cou- 1530 AM, Denison, 10:30 am; WHO 1040 AM, Des Moines, ple who created them through in vitro fertiliza- 7:30 a.m. tion but no longer intend to implant or carry Also available 24 hours/day on the Internet them to birth for various reasons. @ www.lutheranhour.org Speaker: Rev. Gregory Seltz

Embryo Adoption legally speaking is not an October 2 adoption but rather is a legal transfer of proper- "The Only Way to Live: By Faith!" ty —though, of course, we as Christians would Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz never settle for referring to a fellow human be- God cares about you, listens to you, and answers ing in such terms—where the genetic family your difficult questions with grace and compas- (donating) cannot accept any payment from the sion. (Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4)

receiving family (adopting). Costs are associated with the social and legal work and medical pro- October 9 cedures involved. "Lord, Give Me What I Need -- Give Me Faith!" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz Risks include implanted embryos not resulting You don't have to settle for what the world hands in pregnancy. Commonly, however, there is you. You can live by faith in the Son of God who heals, forgives, and restores. (Luke 17:11-19) more than one embryo in the property transfer, so an additional attempt for pregnancy is possible in some cases. October 16 "Know This Word -- Your Life Depends on It" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz Frozen embryos whose genetic family has deter- The Bible provides a strategy for survival in an mined not to implant them are extremely vul- uncertain world. It can break hearts of stone and nerable. Many will be thawed and discarded. replace them with living hearts open to God's Their only chance at birth may be an adopting truth. (2 Timothy 3:16) family. Frozen embryos are not merely

“potential life” but rather life with poten- October 23 tial. "Running the Race of Faith" Lutheran Hour Speaker: Rev. Dr. Gregory Seltz God calls us all to support widows and orphans, Because Christ has already won the victory for us, but that certainly does not mean every person is our race of faith is worth the struggle of the run. (2 Timothy 4:6-8) equipped to adopt a child. You can support a child in need without becoming his or her parent. Consider sponsoring a child overseas, going October 30 on a short-term mission trip to an orphanage, or "The Best Bequest" financially supporting couples who adopt chil- Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour: Rev. Dr. Ken Klaus dren through adoption grant-giving organiza- A legacy of faith is the best bequest, giving the gift tions. There are many ways to become involved. of Jesus to those who come after you. (Luke 12:19-21) Kim Laube, B.A., is director of pregnancy coun- seling and adoption at Lutheran Family Service in Urbandale, Iowa. www.LFSiowa.org

8 “Ring In” 2017 in California

YOU ARE INVITED! December 29, 2016- January 5, 2017

WHY go on this mission trip? Puts faith into action Life changing and faith building Decorate the only Christian float for the famous Rose Parade

WHO can participate? years old and over (Call and inquire about possible exceptions) Suggestion: Make it a family affair and create memories. Invite your parents and/or grandparents

PURPOSE of trip? (Activities will vary) Decorate Lutheran Hour and other floats for the Rose Parade. Enjoy a week of serving God and others in sunny California Enjoy the Rose Parade ‘in person’ on Colorado Boulevard Serve the homeless on Skid Row 2013

Welcome 2017 in Sunny California Name (as it appears on your driver’s license)______Male/Female______Address______City______State______Zip ______Birth date (airline requirement)______Phone______Current grade ______(Adult) ______E-Mail______(please print clearly) Home congregation and city ______Sweat shirt size (indicate one size larger than normal) ______Consent: I agree to participate and cooperate with group activities on this IOWAY mission trip. SIGNATURE______Date______

Send this registration form and $100 payable to “IOWAY-Pasadena Trip” to: Ellie Menz 807 W. South Jefferson, IA 50129 (515)370-1159

Jesus Welcomes All—2014 Lutheran Hour Float and IOWAY team 2015

St. Paul Lutheran Church Missouri Synod 1844 Highland Drive

Carroll, IA 51401-3573

Worship with Holy Communion Saturday—5:00 p.m. Sunday—9:00 a.m.

Sunday School & Bible Classes Sunday—10:15 a.m.

Pastor Brian Licht Dir. Fam Life, Russell Baumann

St. Paul’s Epistle—October 2016

Camp Okoboji 2016 Schedule Highlights

Sept. 30-Oct.2 Fall Volunteer Weekend Oct. 3-7 Creation Museum Bus Trip Oct. 7-9 Fall Women’s Retreat

Nov. 6 Omelet Breakfast

Camp Okoboji Fall Volunteer Weekend

WHERE: Camp Okoboji WHEN: Sept. 30 -Oct. 2, 2016 WHO: Family & Friends WHAT: Help us with many projects around the

camp.

FREE HOUSING AND MEALS!!!

CALL: 712-337-3325 for reservations.