Pastor’s Message St. Paul Lutheran Church, LCMS — Mount Vernon, Iowa February 2017 Volume 12 Issue 2 We are... Christ's Love in Acon! Sword of the Spirit “Take the helmet of salvaon and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” -Ephesians 6:17 600 5th Ave. SW Mt. Vernon, IA 52314 (319) 895-8772 www.splcmv.org [email protected] Pastor: Rev. Sean D. Hansen [email protected] Secretary: Tracy Schmidt [email protected] Family Life Coordinator: Julie Baumler, [email protected] Facilies Dir.: Jeff Adrian [email protected] Dear Friends in Christ, During the Epiphany season, we hear and celebrate the revelaons the Word made flesh dwelling among us of our Lord — the visit of the wise men, Jesus’ bapsm and transfiguraon, His preaching and miracles. While there is a certain chronological flow to these events, it is certainly a very abbreviated telling of Jesus’ life to bring us from Christmas to Lent and Easter. In fact, we do not really hear the story of Jesus’ life at all. Aſter Jesus’ birth and the im- mediate events following, we hear only two things about Jesus before His public minis- try. We hear about the visit of the wise men, the holy family’s flight to Egypt, and their subsequent return to Nazareth. And we hear about how a 12-year-old Jesus stayed be- hind in Jerusalem and worried His parents. I have oſten thought how we are to learn from this silence the true humanity of Jesus. That for 30 years, Jesus lived a fairly ordinary, unevenul life. The scriptures say that “in all things He [Jesus] had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God.” (Hebrews 2:17, NKJV) And much of our lives consists in the day-to-day life which no history book will ever record. But this Epiphany season, I have been thinking more about one of those two things that we do know about the life of Jesus. He was a refugee. Like so many today, Jesus’ family was forced to flee violence and leave their country behind. Certainly, the holy family would not have been alone in Egypt; there were a significant community of Jews living in the country. But they remained strangers in a foreign land. And aſter all, this was not the first me that God’s people had been outcasts in Egypt. It was the land of the Exodus, and that experience lay at the heart of the identy of the Israelite naon. So when God gave the Law to His people from Mount Sinai, He told the people to remember where they came from and to learn compassion towards others from this experience. “You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21, NKJV) Jesus Himself knew and lived this part of the Law as much as every other. He knew what it was like to be a refugee. And throughout His ministry, He connually showed compassion and kindness to all whom He met, especially to the strangers (foreigners). What a beauful way for us to introduce the Gospel with those whom we might en- counter who are strangers in our land. And what an encouragement for our lives to know that we have a Lord who knows what it is like to be a stranger and an outcast. A Lord who welcomes us and all people into His kingdom at the cost of His own life. In Christ, Pastor Hansen Sunday Schedule Sunday School (Sept.-May; nursery through adult)— 8:15am Worship—9:30am Fellowship—10:30am Bible Study—11am Wednesday Schedule (Sept—May) Responsive Prayer Svc. (& com- munion when following a com- munion Sunday)—6:30pm Midweek Instrucon—7pm
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Pastor’s Message St. Paul Lutheran Church, LCMS — Mount Vernon, Iowa
February 2017
Volume 12 Issue 2
We are...
Christ's Love in Action!
Sword of the Spirit “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword
of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”
-Ephesians 6:17
600 5th Ave. SW Mt. Vernon, IA 52314 (319) 895-8772 www.splcmv.org [email protected]
Pastor: Rev. Sean D. Hansen [email protected] Secretary: Tracy Schmidt [email protected] Family Life Coordinator: Julie Baumler, [email protected]
Facilities Dir.: Jeff Adrian [email protected]
Dear Friends in Christ,
During the Epiphany season, we hear and celebrate the revelations the Word made flesh dwelling among us of our Lord — the visit of the wise men, Jesus’ baptism and transfiguration, His preaching and miracles. While there is a certain chronological flow to these events, it is certainly a very abbreviated telling of Jesus’ life to bring us from Christmas to Lent and Easter.
In fact, we do not really hear the story of Jesus’ life at all. After Jesus’ birth and the im-mediate events following, we hear only two things about Jesus before His public minis-try. We hear about the visit of the wise men, the holy family’s flight to Egypt, and their subsequent return to Nazareth. And we hear about how a 12-year-old Jesus stayed be-hind in Jerusalem and worried His parents.
I have often thought how we are to learn from this silence the true humanity of Jesus. That for 30 years, Jesus lived a fairly ordinary, uneventful life. The scriptures say that “in all things He [Jesus] had to be made like His brethren, that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God.” (Hebrews 2:17, NKJV) And much of our lives consists in the day-to-day life which no history book will ever record.
But this Epiphany season, I have been thinking more about one of those two things that we do know about the life of Jesus. He was a refugee. Like so many today, Jesus’ family was forced to flee violence and leave their country behind. Certainly, the holy family would not have been alone in Egypt; there were a significant community of Jews living in the country. But they remained strangers in a foreign land.
And after all, this was not the first time that God’s people had been outcasts in Egypt. It was the land of the Exodus, and that experience lay at the heart of the identity of the Israelite nation. So when God gave the Law to His people from Mount Sinai, He told the people to remember where they came from and to learn compassion towards others from this experience. “You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21, NKJV)
Jesus Himself knew and lived this part of the Law as much as every other. He knew what it was like to be a refugee. And throughout His ministry, He continually showed compassion and kindness to all whom He met, especially to the strangers (foreigners). What a beautiful way for us to introduce the Gospel with those whom we might en-counter who are strangers in our land. And what an encouragement for our lives to know that we have a Lord who knows what it is like to be a stranger and an outcast. A Lord who welcomes us and all people into His kingdom at the cost of His own life.
In Christ, Pastor Hansen
Sunday Schedule
Sunday School (Sept.-May; nursery through adult)—
8:15am Worship—9:30am
Fellowship—10:30am Bible Study—11am
Wednesday Schedule
(Sept—May)
Responsive Prayer Svc. (& com-munion when following a com-
munion Sunday)—6:30pm Midweek Instruction—7pm
Page 2 Sword of the Spirit
News from the Family Life Coordinator
With Valentine’s Day coming up, our thoughts turn to love. For most, the focus is on romantic love. However, I would encourage you to spend some time thinking about God’s love for us. The K-1st grade class has been working to memorize John 3:16 this year: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have
eternal life.”
What a love God has for us! To give us his only Son to forgive our sins, so that we might have eternal life is so extravagant. It’s a total sacrificial love…much like we have for our own children, though much more per-fect.
As you think about love this month, think about how you can share God’s love with others. Read the Bible with someone who cannot read for themselves. Send cards to friends, family, and shut-ins. Visit the sick., and tell of the Gospel of Christ so that others may know His total and sacrificial love for us.
In Christ, - Julie Baumler, Family Life Coordinator 319-292-2097, [email protected]
Join our “Mighty Fortress” VBS July 9-13 VBS 2017 is a victory celebration! In Mighty Fortress VBS, your children learn that in Jesus the victory is won! They’ll look into the Bible and explore five Bible accounts about God, our Mighty Fortress, and the victory Jesus has won for us. Mark your calendars, and plan your vacations around VBS this year. All children entering preschool through 5th grade in fall 2017 are invited to join us. Volunteer for VBS As VBS volunteers, you will live out the theme, “In Jesus, victory is won!” as you share the message and the fun with kids! Volunteers are needed to help plan, teach, decorate, and support. There is a signup sheet on the table in the Narthex. Let me know if you have questions.
Seeking Volunteer Activity Bag Coordinator I’m looking for someone to take over the management of the children’s activity bags that are in the sanctu-ary. It’s a small commitment every week or two to go through the bags and make sure they are cleaned out of any garbage, paper is refreshed, and toys are distributed among the bags. Once every month or so, the volunteer would rotate new toys and books into the bags. There is also an opportunity to source some more/different toys to add to the mix. Please let me know if you are interested or would like to find out more about the responsibilities.
Sunday School Mission Project: Syrian Refuge Crisis The offerings for Sunday School this semester will be directed to the Syrian Refuge Crisis through Lutheran World Relief (LWR). LWR is working with local partners to provide skill training to refugees as a means of generating income and providing food for the larger population. They are mentoring women to start their own small businesses. And, they are providing for the needs of the refugees through distribution of their mission quilts, baby care kits, school kits, and personal care kits. The Sunday School children will be helping put together some of the kits as well as donating offering money to LWR’s work in the region.
(Continued on page 3)
St. Paul
Notes & News
Page 3 Sword of the Spirit
Monthly Groups
Men’s Breakfast Sat., Feb. 4 at 8am
Women’s Bible Study/Brunch
Sat., Feb. 11 at 10:30am
Forever Young Potluck Tues., Feb. 14 at 12 noon
In case of inclement weather during the winter season, please refer to KCRG, KWWL or KGAN for church closing information. In the event that time pre-cludes closing, use safety and common sense as a guide.
Out of Office
Tracy will be out of the office Monday, Feb. 6 through Thursday, Feb. 9. For prayer requests and other needs during this time, please call Pas-tor Hansen at 319-210-4660 or email at [email protected].
Lent Begins March 1
Wednesday, March 1 is Ash Wednesday. Begin-ning Ash Wednesday and throughout Lent there will be a meal (freewill offer-ing) at 5:15pm followed by Lenten worship at 6:30pm. Midweek will meet at 7:15pm.
Valentine’s Day Greeting Cards
Valentine’s Day greeting cards are now available on the card display in the Narthex. All cards cost $1 each, and pro-ceeds benefit the youth. Place money in the marked coffee can.
Sunday School Lessons for February Below are the lessons the preschoolers through 4th graders will be studying the month of February. Parents may wish to read the stories themselves to learn right along with their children. You can also reinforce the week’s lesson by reading the story to your children from The Story Bible.
Date Lesson Scripture Story Bible Pages
Feb. 5 Jesus Calms a Storm Mark 4:35–41 p. 333 Feb. 12 J Jesus Heals Mark 5:21–24,35–43 p. 336 Jairus’s Daughter Feb. 19 Jesus Walks on Water Matthew 14:22–33 p. 342 Feb. 26 Jesus Heals a Blind Man John 9 p. 348
Upcoming Dates July 9-13 – Vacation Bible School ——————————————————————————————————--
LHM SUNDAY On Sunday, February 5 we will recognize Lutheran Hour Min-istries Sunday. LHM is a global media and congregational out-reach organiza-tion supporting the LCMS and is independently funded by its members and donors. Locally, you can listen to The Lutheran Hour on Sunday mornings at 6:30am on 600AM WMT. A special freewill offering will be taken that day to support this ministry.
DIRECTORY An updated directory is in your church mailbox in the entryway. Please pick up the contents in your mailbox on a regular basis.
CHURCH WEBSITE Please remember to check out our church website from time to time at splcmv.org. Noteworthy News announcements are posted each week as well as the monthly newsletter, up-to-date monthly calendar, serving the Lord schedule, youth announcements, etc.
Do you have the gift of song or play a musical instrument? If you would like to consider sharing your musical gifts during a worship service for a prelude or an offertory, please contact Sue Lacy. We are especially looking for special music for the upcoming Easter season.
(Continued from page 2)
Priscilla Guild News
Youth News
Middle School Retreat at Camp: Feb. 3 & 4 SH Youth Committee Meeting: Sunday, Feb. 12 after church Senior High Youth Nights: February 12 & 26 from 6-8pm at the church.
Page 4 Sword of the Spirit
Just a reminder that the Priscilla Guild continues to participate in the Best Choice Save-A-Label fundraiser. Gary’s in Mt. Vernon carries this store brand. Either save the entire label, or simply cut out the UPC and place in the designat-ed box in the church kitchen.
Terri Lynn nuts and candies are now marked down $1 off the regular price. Please place money in the lockbox on the table.
The Priscilla Guild is accepting donations of fleece to make tie blankets for Lutheran World Relief. Each blanket needs two pieces of fleece 58″ – 59″ wide x 80″ long (not patriotic themed). Now is a great time of the year to find fleece on clearance. Please place your fleece donations in the Guild room by the west entrance of the church.
The Priscilla Guild will be furnishing the Lenten meal on Ash Wednesday, March 1 at 5:15pm. There will be a signup sheet for food in the Narthex in Febru-ary.
Statistical Report Summary 2016
Our Statement of Mission: In grateful response to God's grace and empowered by the Holy Spirit through Word and Sacraments, the mission of St. Paul Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod is to share the love of Christ
by word and deed within our church, our community, and our world.
We are Christ’s Love in Action!
Pastoral Acts 2016:
Baptisms: 5
Confirmation & First Communion: 3
Weddings: 1
Funerals: 4
New Members Received: 16
Transfer Out, etc. (removed from roster): 13
2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 Total Baptized Membership: 258 238 257 274 289 300 307 300 303 Total Confirmed Membership: 201 176 190 198 205 222 228 212 213 Average Sunday Worship Attendance: 81 88 76 86 89 90 90 85 80
All women of the congregation are in-vited for a movie get-together on Sun-day, Feb. 5 at 3:30pm at the Bijou
Movie Theater in Mt. Vernon (123 2nd Street South). We will meet at the theater, and the movie playing will be “Hidden Figures”. For more information, contact Kay Hertzler.
One adult-size toothbrush in its original packaging
One sturdy comb, remove packaging
One metal nail clip-pers, remove pack-aging
Light-weight bath-size towel, be-tween 2”x40” & 52”x27”) dark color recom-mended)
2-3 bath-size bars of soap equaling up to 8-9 oz. any brand) in original pack-aging
The Priscilla Guild is collecting items for personal care kits for Lutheran World Relief. Items needed for one kit are listed below. Please do-nate whatever items you can, you do not have to donate a whole kit. Every little bit helps! The donation basket is in the Narthex inside the en-try doors.
Makenzie Frey February 2 Payton McCarty February 2 Eric Schlotterbeck February 2 Gloria Krob February 4 Russ Warner February 4 James Slach February 6 Madison McCarty February 6 Erica McConaughy February 6 Kage Fox February 8 Jeana Konkowski February 9 Boe Brendes February 12 Brant VonBehren February 12 Natalie VonBehren February 12 Jacob Hanselman February 13 Sue Ripke February 14 Cyrus Zangerle February 16 Matthew Bany February 17 Katelyn Baumler February 18 Kelly (Scheer) White February 22 Cheryl Uthof February 24 Todd Parmenter February 25
February Anniversaries
Dennis & Wilma Williams February 10 Dennis & Cheryl Uthof February 28
Page 5 Sword of the Spirit
February Birthdays
St. Paul Lutheran Church, LCMS Volume 12 Issue 2—February 2017
March newsletter articles are due Sunday, Feb. 19.
Thank you to the congregation of St. Paul for your Christmas card and gift. It’s truly been a blessing to serve as your church secretary the past (almost 10) years. God’s blessings to you all. Tracy
I want to thank the congregation for the generous gift of money at Christmas time and also the anony-mous gift-giver who put a wonderful devotional on my desk in December. I consider myself to be very fortunate to serve the members of St. Paul doing something that I truly enjoy. Your generosity with both your gifts and your time throughout 2016 is greatly appreciated. Julie Baumler
Serving the Lord in February
FELLOWSHIP CALENDAR
2/5 Gary’s/donuts Youth
2/12 Gary’s/meat & cheese Altar Guild
2/19 Muffins for Mites P. Guild
2/26 Donuts (brief fellowship) Council
3/5 Gary’s/donuts Elders
3/12 Gary’s/meat & cheese Altar Guild
3/19 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED Volunteers
3/26 Muffins for Mites P. Guild
Sunday, Feb. 5 (Communion) Elder: Gary Spiess Acolyte: Bryce Hepker Ushers/Greeters: Tex Clay, Rich Krob Sunday, Feb. 12 Elder: Nate Von Behren Acolyte: Aliya Keaton Ushers/Greeters: Kelley & Mary Vezina Sunday, Feb. 19 (Communion) Elder: Scott Baumler Acolyte: Mollie Snedden
Ushers/Greeters: Curt Taylor, Jim Kain Sunday, Feb. 26 (Communion-Transfiguration of Our Lord) Elder: Daniel Sanchez Acolyte: Blake Zahradnik Ushers/Greeters: Gene & Lorena Freiburger
Prayer Corner Please continue to remember last month’s special prayer requests…
Marilyn Mortensen, Cancer Ron Hertzler, Chronic pain Glenn Kurth, Health concerns Janelle Sproston, Health concerns Kay Hertzler, Health concerns Jared Jackson, Prayer concerns Marjorie Legband (Rebecca Hansen’s mother), Cancer Jeff Butterbaugh, ALS Marsha Light, Cancer Koreen Thompson, Breast cancer Bryan Maxie, Leukemia Leila Taylor (Curt’s mother), Cancer Kathleen Hoagland, Brain cancer Joyce Conley, Leukemia Carmen Musser, Cancer Bryan Mason, Cancer Keith Karr, Health Issues Leona Danker, Cancer Glenda Brandt, Health issues Tim Miller, Heart
Aïchatou Johnson, Mental health concerns
Joe Scoff, Surgery
Kathy Sickert, Ovarian cancer Sharon Jurgens, Acute leukemia
Hunter Clark, Viral meningitis
Deloris Petersen’s sister (Pat), car accident Family of Doris McElmeel, Death
Family of Jeff Harvey, Death
Family of Jean Lenhart, Death
Page 6 Sword of the Spirit
LCMS Fact SheetThe Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod1333 S. Kirkwood Road • St. Louis, MO 63122-7295
President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison
Phone 888-843-5267
Email [email protected]
Online at lcms.org
LCMS Event Calendar lcms.org/calendar
LCMS BY THE NUMBERS
Members 2,060,514 baptized, 1,609,100 confirmed
Congregations 6,101 Partner Churches 37Church Workers Ordained Ministers: 6,241 Educators: 15,029
Deaconesses: 173 DCEs: 584 DCOs: 19Missionaries Career: 121 GEO: 23 Short-Term/MMT: 267Chaplains/Pastoral Counselors 713College and University Campus Ministries 225Non-School Recognized Service Organizations 145Schools Preschools: 1,173 PreK-8: 804 High Schools: 91
Colleges/Universities: 10 Seminaries: 2Development and Relief Grants $5,400,000 for 221 grants, international and domestic
PHONE NUMBERSConcordia Historical Institute: 314-505-7900Concordia Plan Services: 888-927-7526Concordia Publishing House: 800-325-3040Concordia Seminary, St. Louis: 314-505-7000 Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne: 260-452-2100
KFUO Radio: 800-844-0524LCMS Donor Care Line: 888-930-4438LCMS Foundation: 800-325-7912Lutheran Church Extension Fund: 800-843-5233Lutheran Hour Ministries: 800-944-3450Lutheran Women’s Missionary League: 800-252-5965
Social Media thelcms
thelcms
thelcms
blog.lcms.org
thelcms@mrkylemac
share’n is care’n
Instagram Social Icon
Revised 11/2016
LCMS District OfficesDistrict Directorylcms.org/districts
Atlantic District914-337-5700 lcms.org/districts/atlantic
CNH District 866-264-6079 lcms.org/districts/california-nevada-hawaii
Central Illinois District217-793-1802 lcms.org/districts/central-illinois
Eastern District716-634-5111 lcms.org/districts/eastern
English District248-476-0039 lcms.org/districts/english
Florida-Georgia District877-457-5556 lcms.org/districts/florida-georgia
Indiana District800-837-1145 lcms.org/districts/indiana
Iowa District East319-373-2112 lcms.org/districts/iowa-east
Iowa District West515-576-7666 lcms.org/districts/iowa-west
Kansas District800-357-4421 lcms.org/districts/kansas
Michigan District888-225-2111 lcms.org/districts/michigan
IMPORTANT DATES IN 2017
Ash Wednesday ....................................................March 1Easter ................................................................... April 16Ascension ..............................................................May 25
Mid-South District866-373-1343 lcms.org/districts/mid-south
Minnesota North District218-829-1781 lcms.org/districts/minnesota-north
Minnesota South District952-435-2550 lcms.org/districts/minnesota-south
Missouri District314-590-6200 lcms.org/districts/missouri
Montana District406-259-2908 lcms.org/districts/montana
Nebraska District888-643-2961 lcms.org/districts/nebraska
New England District 413-783-0131 lcms.org/districts/new-england
New Jersey District908-233-8111 lcms.org/districts/new-jersey
North Dakota District701-293-9001 lcms.org/districts/north-dakota
North Wisconsin District715-845-8241 lcms.org/districts/north-wisconsin
Northern Illinois District888-708-5267 lcms.org/districts/northern-illinois
Northwest District888-693-5267 lcms.org/districts/northwest
Ohio District800-901-2297 lcms.org/districts/ohio
Oklahoma District405-348-7600 lcms.org/districts/oklahoma
Pacific Southwest District949-854-3232 lcms.org/districts/pacific-southwest
Rocky Mountain District303-695-8001 lcms.org/districts/rocky-mountain
SELC District414-698-7208 lcms.org/districts/selc
South Dakota District605-361-1514 lcms.org/districts/south-dakota
South Wisconsin District414-464-8100 lcms.org/districts/south-wisconsin
Southeastern District800-637-5723 lcms.org/districts/southeastern
Southern District 504-282-2632 lcms.org/districts/southern
Southern Illinois District618-234-4767 lcms.org/districts/southern-illinois
Texas District800-951-3478 lcms.org/districts/texas
Wyoming District307-265-9000 lcms.org/districts/wyoming
Pentecost ...............................................................June 4First Sunday in Advent ..................................December 3
Checking Account 25,017$ Board - Building 8,791$ Net Assets 6,268$
Money Market Account 30,217$ Restricted - Building 1,787$ YTD Income 10,287$
Investments 100,184$ Board - Thrivent 2,024$ YTD Funds Used 10,818$
Other Assets 14,341$ Board - Sauerkraut 3,612$
Total Assets 169,759$
Total Liabilities 5,480$ Evelyn Berends 338$ Family Services 80$
Total Net Assets $164,279 Verla Greene 220$ SE Linn 375$
Total Liabilities & NA $169,759 David Alrich 50$ IDE Mission 1,100$
Other 481$
Cash & Money Market 10%
Mutual Funds 90%
Cost Basis 98,432$
Market Value 100,184$
Unrealized Gain/(Loss) 1,752$
Rate of Return 1.78%
YTD Actual YTD Budget Annual Budget
Tithes & Offerings 184,689$ 185,280$ 185,280$
Fellowship 716$ 600$ 600$
Total Income 185,405$ 185,880$ 185,880$
Pastoral Support 87,221$ 87,209$ 87,209$
Ministry Support Staff 32,661$ 36,914$ 36,914$
Administrative 8,561$ 8,360$ 8,360$
Building & Grounds 2,436$ 5,200$ 5,200$
Utilities 6,685$ 8,900$ 8,900$
Ministries 30,714$ 34,045$ 34,045$
Other 2,471$ 4,400$ 4,400$
Total Expenses 170,749$ 185,028$ 185,028$
Excess Income/(Expense) 14,656$ 852$ 852$
Income 10,352$
Expenses 5,287$
DECEMBER 2016 ANNUAL DASHBOARDSt Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church
BALANCE SHEET
Notable Net Asset Balances Restricted
Memorials YTD Pass Thrus
Investments
Allocation
Valuation
BUDGET
Non-Budgeted Items
Other Notes
Q4 Available for Missions: $2,512
Q4 Available for Outreach: $291 $0
$10,000
$20,000
$30,000
Jan Feb Mar Apr May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec
Contributions
2015 2016
-5.00%
0.00%
5.00%
Rate of Return (since inception)
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