Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

March finds us in the heart of the Lenten season. Dr. Walter Sundberg, retired Luther Seminary professor, had a basic definition of worship which seems so appropriate to the meaning of Lent. He writes in his book Worship as Repentance: Lutheran Liturgical Tradition and Catholic Consensus (Eerdmans, 2012):

“To call Christians to repentance; to warn them to be under no illusion as to who they are and how far they fall short when they stand before God and holy things; to teach them to worship God in humility; to feed them the Bread of Life; to make them ready to give testimony to Christ in word and deed” (p. 144).

Dr. Sundberg continues: “It is very hard to face up to the ugliness of the true self, to take the journey that Luther took into the dark night of the soul. This culture, including the culture of the academy, resists it. But if we take the journey or God forces us to take the journey, we may find that we are able to hear the gospel in the ideal form that the confessions claim is possible – the gospel ‘purely preached,’ telling us that God is not done with us yet – ‘Father, forgive them,’ says Jesus, ‘for they know not what they do’ (Luke 23:34)” (p. 170). The point of repentance is not to remain downtrodden

Newsletter- March 2015

in the gloom of our sin but to be prepared to hear and receive the gospel, as if for the first time.

The Bible lessons that are chosen for the Lenten season do a spectacular job of assisting the people of God to repent and so hear the Gospel in its “ideal form.” This begins with our Gospel lesson for Ash Wednesday from Matthew 6. Here Jesus begins his instructions to his followers with the word “Beware.” When we only “practice” our devoutness before others, the piety is about us, a show we put on for others. Jesus’ warning draws us back to praying and fasting and other penitential acts as something between God and ourselves. These things turn us toward God, prayerfully making space for God to do something in us, knowing that God is not done with us yet. We cannot know what treasure in heaven looks like until we release our treasure to God and see what God does with it.

Dr. Sundberg makes the statement “But if we take the journey or God forces us to take the journey.” Our Gospel lesson for the First Sunday in Lent tells the story of the Holy Spirit forcing Jesus into the wilderness, into a journey of temptation and testing.

We talk about Lent as a journey to the cross. Whether we initiate the journey, or God has to force us to take the journey, it will lead us to the same place. A place where we find ourselves on our knees at the cross.

At our recent lock-in, each of our youth, and me, as well, had the opportunity to kneel before the

cross. There we each told God in the silence of that holy moment how we wanted to be more faithful to God. I hope that each of you will do the same on your journey to the cross.

Love In Christ,

Pastor Mark

Lenten Worship Schedule

Sundays in March 8:30 a.m. Confirmation Classes in parsonage 8:30 a.m. Prayer Time in the library 9:00 a.m. Sunday School in basement 9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School in Parish Hall, electric rm. 9:00 a.m. Choir rehearsal 10:00 a.m. Worship

Wednesdays in March 6:00 p.m. Lent Meal at parish hall served by Luther League 6:45 p.m. Evening Prayer (Vespers) service out of Lutheran Book of Worship 7:30 p.m. Lifetree Café

Congregation Council and Church Finance Notes

The Council met on Thursday, February 19, 2015. Meeting minutes are posted in the church narthex bulletin board when they become available. Council minutes are also available in the church office. The next regular Council meeting will be Thursday, March 19, 2015 at 7:00 p.m.

Financial Report 2015 General Fund Activity (as of February 22)

Gifts $34,949.67Ministry Expenses $25,840.18Mission Support Submitted $2,541 .12 Net Income $6,568.37

Lifetree Café

We’re launching a ministry where people will identify us by our love as we fulfill our God-given mission. That ministry is called Lifetree Café, where people come together for an hour to learn and talk about a different, interesting topic each week. We get the chance to meet and listen to members of our community, to connect with people we might not meet anywhere else, and to reflect the light of Christ as we share stories from our lives. Each hour provides a way for the conversation to turn toward God, no matter what the topic is.

Each Lifetree episode features a true story of someone dealing with a real situation. That story is presented in an original film. It’s the stories that are shared on film that give people permission to share their own stories. Those who know God have an opportunity to share their stories with those who may not yet know God. Every week at Lifetree people are encouraged to take one step closer to Jesus in a place where they don’t experience judgment, a place where their doubts and questions are welcomed, a place where everyone is on the journey together, and a place where we can all truly experience God.

You’re invited you to participate in this adventure. To come to Lifetree Café episodes, to enjoy the hour, to learn and grow. Your listening ear could make a big difference in someone’s life. And your own simple stories of how you’ve seen God work in your life could be just the thing that points someone to Jesus. Or you may want to join the Friendship Team, the people that provide hospitality to our Lifetree Café friends.

Here are the topics for March:

March 4 – Coming Together – Finding common ground when it seems impossible.

March 11 – Zzzz… - Practical help for getting a better night’s sleep.

March 18 – Only One Way to God? – Can one religion really have all the answers?

March 25 – Be Happy – Insights from the bestselling author of The Happiness Project.

150th Anniversary Update

The committee which will be making decisions will be getting very active quite soon is the Historical Committee. The Committee will be making decisions on displaying historical photos and stories during our celebration. Also, the committee will decide on the best format for recording and presenting an update of our history since our 125th reunion held in 1991. As these plans come into focus, there will be an opportunity to provide historical materials which many of our members have. Here is an interesting bit of history. The member with the most years of serving on SELC's Church Council was Ed Palm. Mr. Palm served on the Council for an amazing 45 years. Also, in the amazing category, SELC has 9 former members who served on the council for 24 years or more!

Here is the building improvement update. We have enough cash (not including any memorial funds) to be able to start and complete 3 projects. This assumes no unforeseen developments. The 3 projects are the Church roof (and related costs), the restroom additions at the Parish Hall and the vinyl re-siding of the Parish Hall. Depending on the weather and depending on the contractors’ schedule, you will start to see construction activity on these projects.

As of this writing, we have some very nice pledges for our other two projects—remodeling of the lower level of the church and remodeling of the Parish Hall kitchen. However, we do not have enough cash to start either project. The remodeling of the lower church level will come ahead of the Parish Hall kitchen as we have voted for the former but not the latter. Because the lower level project will be disruptive to Sunday mornings and meetings during the week, our thinking continues to be to try to get this project completed during the summer of 2015. To finalize the lower level

plans and to get contractors scheduled for the summer of 2015 means that the lower level decision must be made soon. So, your donations and pledges continue to be very welcome allowing us to make plans accordingly. We cannot thank enough those who have generously donated so far.

Churchmen

The Churchmen officers for the coming year are Ray Meth, President; Keith Zihlman, Vice President; Gary Anderson, Secretary; and R. L. Chrisinger, Treasurer.

The Churchmen will have a prayer breakfast for all men on April 11th at 6:30 a.m., at the Parish Hall, 201 Academy Avenue, with R. L. Chrisinger and Monte Kann as hosts.

Souper Bowl of Caring

This year’s Souper Bowl of Caring involved 4,801 participating groups, which collected $6,627,200 in cash and food items, and donated 100% to charities in their area. SELC contributed $322 in food and monetary donations to The Fellowship Cup. Thank you to everyone who assisted with this worthwhile cause.

Choir Updates

During the month of March, choir will practice every Sunday at 9 a.m.

Youth

We have reserved Kenny’s Roller Ranch in Burlington for a private party on Sunday, March 22, from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. The entire congregation is invited to this special event! Come to skate, or to watch the fun. The cost is $5 per person, and includes 2 hours of skating,

roller skate or roller blade rental, a soft drink, and a hot dog. Please let Pastor Mark or Mary in the church office know if you are able to participate. Friends are welcome and encouraged to join us.

Confirmation students packaged and sent out 20 care packages during February.

Worship & Music

Now the Feast and Celebration – We will begin using this order of worship written by Marty Haugen on the second Sunday of each month. You might find many of the songs familiar as they are in the Service Music section of the ELW.

Lenten Schedule – Wednesdays in March –

6:00 p.m.- meal served by the Luther League. Freewill offering received for Luther League activities, including the 2015 Youth Gathering in Detroit.

6:45 p.m. – Evening Prayer (Vespers) service out of the Lutheran Book of Worship (LBW).

7:30 p.m. Lifetree Café

Social Ministry

Social Ministry is hosting a food drive for the Fellowship Cup, starting March 22 and continuing through April. Following is a list of most needed items: The Feinstein Challenge food drive during March and April has been suspended by the Feinstein Foundation. The Fellowship Cup still needs your support to keep the Food Pantry well stocked. We can't use the Feinstein name so we will call it a Spring Challenge. Our top 10 needs:

Breakfast Cereal, Canned Fruit, Canned Veggies, Canned Meat, Peanut Butter, Jelly, Canned Soup, Toilet Tissue, Juice Boxes (For Summer Sacks) Any grain like rice or pasta. Thank you for the support!

Social Ministry’s Spring Brunch

On Sunday, March 22, immediately following worship, the Social Ministry Committee will be serving a Spring Brunch. The meal will include fruit, French toast, breakfast casseroles, and baked goods (sweet rolls, coffee cake…), coffee and orange juice.A freewill offering will be received, to be used for Social Ministry Committee projects, providing afternoon school milk for area schools, adopting local families, and the ELCA’s “God’s Barnyard,” their 150th Anniversary project. Matching funds from Thrivent have been requested.

Because of the brunch, there will be no Coffee Cart that day.

My Father’s War

Is an original debut production, taken from transcripts of love letters from the 301 Signal Corps written during World War II is presented by Mount Pleasant Community Theatre on March 5-7, at 7:00 p.m. in the Heatilator Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available for $5 at Brown’s Shoe Fit. All profits go to Freedom Flight of Eastern Iowa.

Women of the ELCA

Everyone is invited to join WELCA with their mission sewing on Wednesdays at 9 a.m. at the Parish Hall, 201 Academy Drive, Swedesburg.

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

Baskets of Promise

This Lent WELCA is once again joining Lutheran World Relief’s Baskets of Promise campaign. Each week, WELCA will collect a different item that will be used to assemble Personal Care Kits that give people around the world tools to stay healthy in life’s most challenging situations.

Here is the collection schedule:

Thank You’sThank you so much for your support as I finish up my Masters of Social Work at Washington University. I’m in my last semester and will complete my degree in May. Jared and I have enjoyed living in St. Louis, but are hoping to relocate back to Iowa soon! Thanks again and hope to see you all sometime this spring! Kirsten Brown

Thank you for the prayers for our mother, Maleta Barquist, while she was hospitalized and the words of sympathy and memories shared at the time of her passing.We would also like to thank Pastor Mark and Joel Brown for the beautiful service that was a true “celebration” of her life. Thank you to the ladies that organized, contribute to and served the lunch following the service.Swedesburg church is very special and we are blessed to have grown up in such a wonderful community.

Rachel BrechtDan Barquist

Thank you for your generous support of the Fellowship Cup. Together, we are able to help serve the needs of Henry County.

Blessings, Ken Brown, Executive Director

On behalf of the elementary staff, I want to thank you for supporting our kindergarten milk program. Your offer to pay for milk break for students needing that support is very generous. There are two students that your check of $30 will support for the remainder of the semester. Thank you so much for your donation. It is important that especially our younger students receive a

nutritional break each afternoon. Sincerely, Vicki Reynolds, Elementary Principal

Thank you for your continued support of the programs of the Fellowship Cup Your generosity is very much appreciated. “A little help along the way,” helps many in Henry County.

Blessings, Ken Brown, Executive Director

Thank you for your $200 gift which you gave during the recent Christmas season. We greatly appreciate your kindness! It is a true blessing for you to remember us each year! We are thankful that we can depend on your financial support. As requested, this gift was used to buy Christmas presents for the youth at Christamore Family Treatment Center. We appreciate your kindness every year, remembering the children that are served through Christamore.

For over forty years Young House Family Services has reached out to the spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of children and families, remaining committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families. In the midst of hard economic times, your generosity and kindness are greatly appreciated!

Michelle Skubal, Director of Quality AssuranceYoung House Family Services

Thank you for your generous gift of $2,000 to ELCA Global Sponsorship – where needed most. Your support is greatly appreciated! Your gifts to ELCA Global Church Sponsorship help our church respond to God’s call to serve our neighbors and proclaim the gospel. In the dynamic, global church, we work alongside our companion churches to share God’s love far and wide. Because of your generosity, the ELCA:

Sends more than 240 Missionaries, including more than 60 Young Adults in Global Mission, to

work with our companion churches in more than 40 countries.

Provides scholarships to women International Leaders as they respond to God’s call to ministry.

Supports evangelism and education with our companion churches through Global Ministries projects.

Your gifts and prayers connect you directly to our missionaries and global companions who are working together to grow the Lutheran church around the world. You make their life-changing ministry happen!

In gratitude,The Rev. Lanny Estphal

Director, ELCA Global Church SponsorshipEvangelical Lutheran Church in America

Altar Flowers

The 2015 flower chart is available in the narthex. If you are able to assist in beautifying the sanctuary on any date, please write your name on the chart. We appreciate your assistance.

Called Together in Mission (CTIM) Conference

People of the Spirit

We are people of the Spirit! Join members of the Southeastern Iowa Synod for Called Together in Mission at First Lutheran Church in Cedar Rapids.

This year, CTIM is excited to welcome Dr. Troy Troftgruben, assistant professor at Wartburg Theological Seminary, as the keynote speaker. Troy will engage and inspire conference participants around the topic - what it means to be people of the Spirit. Join

us on March 14th for a day that will leave you with a fresh understanding of our identity as children of God, led by the Spirit. Workshop information and registration is available at www.seiasynod.org/ctim.

This event is for everyone! Registration is $20/person with discounts available for groups of 10 or more. Let Pastor Mark know if you are interested.

Southeastern Iowa Synod Assembly

We are used to praying “in the name of Jesus.” But what does it mean to live and serve “in the name of Jesus?” Join us for the 2015 Assembly of the Southeastern Iowa Synod, as we worship, sing, share stories of our faith, and act…In the Name of Jesus.

Friday, May 29 – Saturday May 30 at the Lutheran Church of Hope, West Des Moines. Registration is now open. Learn more at http://seiasynod.org/assembly.

During March’s National Professional Social Work Month, we celebrate social workers and the difference they make by dedicating their lives to helping others! Social workers are found in all areas of our communities, helping struggling children, families and adults find resources, discover their own strengths and build healthier futures.

You make it possible for LSI’s many social workers to bring hope to Iowans who are struggling with mental illness, family crisis, addiction, poverty and many other

challenges. Thank you for your support and prayers that fuel LSI’s mission of responding to the love of Jesus Christ through compassionate service!

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.

“April is the best person I have ever worked with in her field.” The hard reality about parenting a child with a history of trauma is that as much as you want to find the right help, sometimes it’s impossible to know where to look.

Just ask Jill and her 15-year-old stepdaughter Sierra. “Sierra has a history that a child shouldn’t have to go through,” she said. “We tried to seek help for her in several different places through therapists and institutions and various agencies.”When Sierra was discharged from a residential placement, Jill and her husband were nervous. They knew she wasn’t ready to come home, but they felt they had exhausted all the options. Fortunately, Jill had one last idea. She turned to someone she had known personally for years—April, an LSI social worker.

“I can honestly say that April is the best person I have ever worked with in her field,” Jill said. LSI and April were different, Jill said. “We hit a lot of dead ends with agencies and people we called on for help,” she said. “It was frustrating. You think, ‘What are we going to do? Nothing is going to work for this kid.’ When we got involved with LSI through April, she always got back to us. She always had a suggestion.”

When their family faced a serious crisis last summer, Jill knew exactly who to call. “My husband and I were

in Texas for a work trip,” Jill said. “Sierra made some bad choices, and we were concerned about her safety and her caregiver’s safety. Honestly, I don’t know what we would have done if we hadn’t had April getting us the help Sierra needed.” With April’s support, the family made a plan to get Sierra in a safe place until they returned home. For Jill, April was a lifesaver.

For April, it was simply life as usual at LSI. “We don’t have an internal stop clock, date or time,” she said. “We’re constantly working through crisis situations. That’s just who we are at LSI, and I think that makes us different.”

April Newsletter Deadline

The deadline to have your meeting times and activities listed in the March newsletter is Tuesday, March 24th, at 9 a.m. Submit your news, schedules, articles or activities to Mary McLerran in the church office at 319-254-2216 or email Mary at office@swedesburglutheran.org before that time.

WACO Backpack Program

Thank you for your generous support that feeds several families in our community. The WACO school again needs some donations for their BackPack program. Any and all non-perishable foods are accepted, but specific needs are canned fruit, "complete meals in a box" and dried soup mixes. You can drop off donations to Nurse Jenny at the elementary school any time.

2015 Yearbook and Membership Directory

The 2015 Yearbook and Membership Directory will be printed as soon as the March newsletter is distributed. You should be able to pick up your copy in the narthex

during Sunday Worship on March 1. Copies that remain after that date will be mailed to each member.

“Companions In Christ”Companion Synod/Diocese Celebration

Saturday, April 18, 2015Faith Lutheran Church, Clive

All are welcome to learn about the companion relationship between the Pare Diocese and the Southeastern Iowa Synod. Along with Bishop Michael Burk, the keynote speakers for this year’s event are Bishop Charles Mjema and Pastor Nahana Mjema of the Pare Diocese.

Cost is $10/person. If you have questions contact Pastor Eric Carlson at 319-631-8031, or by emailing carlson@seiasynod.org.

Activities at Crooked Creek Christian

Camp

Keynote speakers: Bishop Charles Mjema and Pastor Nahana Mjema

March BirthdaysWe wish the following people a very happy birthday on their special day: 1 Katelyn White 2Kayden Schrader 3Lennis Beichter Luke Applegate 4Jameson Honts 6Erik Brawner

Samuel Frary Michelle Mullin

Greg Tolander 7Kyle Emerson Joe Baccam David Swanson Oliver Jones 8Virginia Olson Darrell Gray 9Nathan Rauenbuehler11Norma Lindeen Jack Moody John Wickham Kenneth Tolander

12Aubrey Ryan13Ruth Lindeen Tom Lindeen16Susanne Waterhouse

Brooke Smith19Hannah Taylor23Adam Erickson Jim Snodgrass24Keaton Krueger Jill Lauer

Brent Martin25Dennis Hult Chris Morgan

Charlize Mullin Debbie Swanson26Brendan Unkrich30Landon Provino Reed Wenstrand31Brooklyn Chacon

Trent Waterhouse

March Anniversaries

We wish to offer these couples a happy anniversary:20 Roger and Marjorie Beckman21 Keith and Lana Zihlman23 Kaci and Nikki Chacon24 Ryan and Christina Woline28 Curt and Renee Ridinger29 Aaron and Heather Lindeen

Please help the church office update their records by submitting any corrections. Thank you.Throughout the year we will be praying for all our church members. Each week we will be praying for about five church families. Please pray for:

The week of March 1 – John Chrisinger; R.L. & Lil Chrisinger; Joe & Teresa, Michael Cluney; Dean & Laura, Tyler Craig; Johanna Crawford.

The week of March 8 – Kate Crawford; Chad, Chet Daniel; John & Lori Daniel; Valerie, Ryan Daniel; Ron Davis.

The week of March 15 – Aaron & Anna, Dominic Deardorff; Doug & Donna Deardorff; Denise, Jameson Deierling; Dave & Jessica, Dalton and Drew Diers; Erin, Louise Edgington.

The week of March 22 – Robert & Jennifer, Simone Ehrlick; Kyle Emerson; Steve & Kris Emerson; Tom & Janet, Adam and Sara Erickson; Chad Fraise.

The week of March 29 – Michele, Makenzie Frank; Bob & Holly, Sam and Charlie Frary; Tony & Elizabeth Gaiffe; Marilyn Goldenberg; Brenda Gott.

Crooked Creek Christian Camp

Congregation ReflectionsThanks are Due . . .

to the congregation council for their leadership.to all the committees that meet and assist in keeping the church running smoothly.to Gary Anderson who got the elevator working when it was down.

Pray For . . .for Pastor Elisa Mrutu and people of Ngaeni Lutheran Parish, our partner congregation in Tanzania.ELCA missionary Rev. Brian Palmer in Liberia. (Because of the continuing concerns about Ebola, Pastor Brian Palmer has been temporarily re-assigned to Cameroon.)Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, as it seeks to be planted, nurtured and growing in Christ.

With Sympathy . . .To the family of Sylvia Tolander who passed away February 12. Her family includes her children, Gregory Tolander (Janet) of Plymouth, Minnesota; Aaron Tolander (Shari) of Winfield, Iowa; Stuart Tolander (Theresa) of Chicago, Illinois; Matthew Tolander of Los Angeles, California; four grandsons: Jared Tolander, Jacob Tolander, Conner Tolander and Mitchell Tolander.To the family of Martha Van Winkle whose graveside service was Saturday, February 21 in Mercer Memory Gardens in Celina, Ohio. Memorials have been established for Iowa Wesleyan College and Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church. Kimzey Funeral Home in Mt. Pleasant is in charge of arrangements.

To the family of Faye E. Henry, age 90, of Washington, Iowa, died Saturday, February 21, 2015. She is the grandmother of Lisa Kempf. Celebration of life services were held on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at the Jones & Eden Funeral Home with the Rev. Bob Wollenberg officiating.

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

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Worship begins at 10 a.m. Everyone is welcome.