From the Senior Pastor Famous Last Words “Abide in Me as I Abide in You” John 15:1 (Jesus said) I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. Pastor Flater Last words of famous people are often tragic, sometimes poignant, but usually remembered. Elvis Presley's early death in 1977, driven by his drug abuse, followed his final words to his fiancé Ginger Alden, "I'm going to the bathroom to read." Rainer Maria Rilke said, “I don’t want the doctor’s death. I want to have my own freedom.” Leonardo da Vinci was overly modest, saying, “I have offended God and mankind because my work did not reach the quality it should have.” I kinda like the Mona Lisa. Don’t you? When Harriet Tubman, African-American abolitionist and suffragette, was dying in 1913, she gathered her family around and they sang together. Her last words were, “Swing low, sweet chariot.” 1. On the night of his betrayal, arrest, and mock trial leading to his crucifixion, Jesus uses another extended metaphor to explain life lived in his love. He had just washed their feet and explained his new commandment of love. These words of Jesus are nearly his last words for his dear friends the disciples, I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. While his wor ds ar e instr uctional, he announces an all-important theme of the Gospel of John as he repeats, “Abide in me as I abide in you.” I try to never forget that the way he abides in us is the centerpiece of the Gospel message. In my estimation, this ranks among his most famous last words. As I announced my resignation as senior pastor this past week, a dear member offered via email an estimate of how many sermons I have preached at Holy Trinity. Her gracious words thanked me for what has been said. They reminded me that I have tried to preach the heart of the Gospel, but now as I plan my last sermons, the words become all the more precious. The things I want to tell you are many. I know that my list is too long. I try to remember that in all things Jesus has the last word. I also prepare for another confirmation weekend on May 3rd and already worry about how the young people and their families will abide in Jesus. At the second Sunday service this weekend, I will baptize 6 young children from age sixteen to infant. I worry about how they will remain. We will confirm eight young people and baptize six and I do worry about how they will abide in Jesus. For that matter, I already worry about how you, my dear congregation, will abide in Jesus. Knowing full well that times of transition can be a challenge for congregations as they seek a new pastor, I must admit I worry, how will you abide in Jesus? When I am honest to God’s promise, I know full well that my question, “How will you abide in Jesus?” is the wrong question. A corrective answer is the core of what we believe as Lutheran Christians. First and foremost, it’s not about how well we abide in him. The wondrous good news of it all is that Jesus promises to abide in us! So no matter what you face in life and no matter what happens, do not forget this truth, Jesus abides in you! Of course you and Holy Trinity are to continue as his branches. Of course, you are to continue to bear fruit as you do so well. Never forget that Jesus will not abandon you. Jesus abides in you and me! Those words, beloved in Christ, are his famous last word for you! Yes indeed, Jesus said, Abide in me as I abide in you. 1. Note: the source for most of these is the reference book Last Words of Notable People: Final Words of More than 3500 Noteworthy People Throughout History by William B. Brahms May Tidings Page 3 Family Ministry See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and that is what we are. The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. I John 3:1 SARA MCCAW FAMILY MINISTER Rummage Everywhere One more rummage sale has come and gone. Praise the Lord! We did extremely well this year, better than any year past. On Wednesday through Saturday, the LFC was transformed with tables and tables of castoff stuff. We used nearly every table in the church. As I was sorting the boxes of stuff and setting up the sale with our very helpful members, I started to think theologically. It never ceases to amaze me when and where that will happen. I thought about rummage and God. Consider the old adage, “one man’s junk is another man’s treasure.” All of the items that come to the rummage sale are cast-offs. They no longer held value or purpose for the people who used to own them. People come to the sale looking for treasures among the cast-off items. It is amazing to see the things that people buy. Some things that you think will never go out of the door are the first to go. Some things that you think hold no value for anyone, are items that bring joy to the buyers. Sometimes it takes some imagination to see the value in a cast-off piece of rummage. Jesus is like the joyful buyer, and we are the treasured finds. Jesus takes us and loves us even though we have parts missing, are scuffed up, are out-of date, or need cleaning and fixing. Jesus has the imagination to see through the flaws. Like the shepherd who found his lost sheep, and the woman who searched for her lost coin, Jesus rejoices when he finds hidden treasure like us. We may be items of rummage, but to Jesus we have real potential. My youth kept asking what rummage was, so I looked it up. The definition that I found said, “a confused miscellaneous collection,” which I thought was quite apt. I also thought that it was a great definition for the church. The church is at its best when it is diverse and has variety. However, diversity can cause confusion and lack of focus. As the church, the hope that we have is that Jesus Christ is at the center. Jesus gives us our focus and mission. When we center on Christ, the confusion goes away, and we can become children of God and Christ’s servants in the world. As one of the out-of-date, scuffed up pieces of rummage, I am thankful that I have been cleaned and fixed by our Savior through the waters of baptism. Because of God’s love given to me in Jesus Christ, I am a treasure who belongs to a joyful and very imaginative owner. AMEN! In Christ, Sara May Tidings From the Intern Pastor God called to him out of the bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said, ‘Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.’ Exodus 3:4-5 Intern Pastor Carter Hill This is a devotional I wrote for Camp of the Cross Ministries; a Bible Camp in Garrison, North Dakota. If you are my Facebook friend, you most likely have already read this, but it is such an important message. For me, Camp of the Cross, will forever be deeply imprinted into my heart. I was a camper from 1995 to 2006, and on staff from 2007 until 2011, and have made multiple appearances since then. Camp has always been a part of me — ever since I can remember. (Not only because I have met my closest friends and my wonderful wife there). My strongest memory of camp comes from when my father died in 2001. After his death, I refused to sit in a church pew and listen to people talking about God’s love. If God loved me so much, how could my father have died so young. It was at Camp of the Cross that forever changed these feeling. It was there that I witnessed the love of God in action through other campers and the phenomenal camp staff. They changed my life, and planted the seed for me to become a pastor within the church. Even when my mother died last November, I was in disbelief and kept thinking that a 25-year-old should not have already lost both of his parents, but again I channeled those memories from Camp that forever changed my outlook on death and the love of God — memories that happened over a decade ago — and yet still heavily influence my life today. God tells Moses through the burning bush to remove his shoes because the ground on which he is walking is holy ground, and on these holy grounds, God speaks clearly to Moses. Camp of the Cross, for me, is holy ground. A place where God speaks to me, and speaks clearly. A place where I felt called to a life of pastoral ministry. So where is your holy ground? Where is your place that you can go to experience God? A place where you can go to love God more deeply, hear God more clearly, and experience God more freely. If you don’t have a place that is holy for you, I encourage you to find one — it can be forever life changing. We pray: God of Life, guide us on paths that lead us to our holy ground — a place to truly experience the marvelous things that you have done for your creation, and a place to hear where you are calling us in life. We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our savior and Lord, Amen. Page 4 Council President Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5-6 Dan Wild By now you know that Pastor Flater has accepted another call, and his last Sunday with us will be May 31. Please join us for a fellowship meal and a celebration of his ministry that afternoon. What does this mean for HTLC? The leadership will be working closely with the bishop’s office. We will most likely get an interim pastor, and then begin the call process. The good news is that the staff will remain with us. Intern Pastor Carter will be with us for 2 more months, and then we will welcome another intern. Above all else, it is important to remember that God is in the middle of this transition. God is calling PAF to his new congregation, and God is preparing another pastor for us. Whether we like it or not, God intends for a change in our ministry, and we need to trust in the Lord with all our heart. After PAF’s announcement, I began to think back about all the changes since his arrival. I was fortunate enough to be on the call committee 11 years ago, and I clearly remember visiting PAF’s church in Fort Dodge, and dividing up as we entered the church, so as not to draw attention to a large group of strangers. PAF’s primary focus has been worship. The use of Powerpoints, videos, and guest preachers, such as Moses, John the Baptist, and Paul have been a way to connect to a variety of people in the congregation. Pastoral Care has been another focus. The Stephen Ministry program was started, and there are over 50 Stephen Ministers commissioned and caring for our congregation when the Pastor can’t. We have attracted many families with young children, and have a vibrant family ministry program. PAF changed the confirmation program to use a newer curriculum called Here We Stand, which better engages and teaches the students. HTLC will move forward without Pastor Flater. As Jay Beech’s “The Church Song” states, "The Church, it is the people living out their lives, Called, enlightened, sanctified for the work of Jesus Christ. We are the Church, the body of our Lord. We are all God’s children, and we have been restored.” I encourage all of you to remain involved during this transition. Pastor and Julie Flater will certainly be missed. Please join me in thanking them, and wishing them all the best. God’s Peace May Tidings Page 5 Stephen Ministry I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13 Cheryl Rose, Stephen Minister Coordinator In 2007, Pastor Flater and the HTLC leadership made an important decision to expand pastoral care here at Holy Trinity by starting a Stephen Ministry program for this congregation. This confidential ministry invites and encourages those who feel the call to serve others. They are trained, commissioned, and sent out among our members and others in the community to become the ears, eyes, feet, and hands of Christ’s love to people in crisis. They accompany their care receiver until God brings the healing that is needed. Our Stephen Ministers began making visits in 2008. They commit themselves to two years of service, making weekly visits to their care receivers and attending Supervision meetings twice monthly. Many have chosen to serve well beyond two years. Some have walked with their care receiver compassionately to the end of the care receiver’s life. Most (well, perhaps all) potential Stephen Ministers have doubt and fear as they begin the training. Through the information that is taught, they learn how to be a listening and caring presence. They soon come to realize God will do the healing work in the crisis situation as they continue to be an encouraging and prayerfully presence. They find the truth in the scripture, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil 4:14 Commissioning is the highlight of their Stephen Ministry training. Please continue to welcome our newly commissioned Stephen Ministers: Howard Baach, Steve Hampton, Kayla Hill, Glenn Lichti, Ann McCaw, and Magi Wehner, as they join our active Stephen Ministry Team. Along with Pastor Flater, we thank God for the opportunity this ministry provided for all of us. This ministry has helped strengthened our congregation’s hospitality and faith. A very special thank you to Pastor for his continuous support, encouragement, and involvement in this program, and to all the courageous and compassionate Stephen Ministers for their dedicated years of service and their loving presence within our congregation. SHALOM Women’s News DORCAS / MARTHA CIRCLE The Martha/Dorcas Circles will meet on Wednesday, May 20th at 9:30 am in the church library. Everyone is welcome! LUTHERAN WORLD RELIEF QUILTING LWR Quilters will meet on Tuesdays, May 5th and 19th at 9:00 am in the fellowship hall. We need people to iron, tie quilts, cut, and sew. Please consider joining this group. Work days continue on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. All are welcome! HOLY TRINITY MULCH DAY Help Needed Friday, May 15 at 4 pm A Thrivent Grant was received to Fund the purchase of mulch, grass seed, fertilizer, and plants for grounds improvement. Volunteers are needed to spread wood mulch. Please bring a shovel and a rake if possible. T-Shirts are provided. For more information call Mary Strom at 563-556-7522. May Tidings Sunday School News Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. Psalm 119:105 This is our sixth year using SPARK Sunday School materials. SPARK materials help us to learn the stories from the Bible in fun and meaningful ways. Sunday School meets from 9:45 to 10:45 am. Preschool—5th grade students meet for our opening celebration in the Fellowship Hall. Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin We finished our unit on the Lost Parables in April. The students learned about God’s unceasing love for us in the art center where they made posters reminding them that they are treasured by God. In the games center they searched for coins and sheep and loving words from God. In the cooking center, they made treats and were reminded that the ingredients are important in God’s kingdom. Family Service Events Page 6 Family Events Family Bowling Party We had a great time when 28 of us, ranging in age from 2 to 80+, gathered at Fischer Lanes for bowling. No one is ready for the tour yet, but we had fun. We all feasted on pizza afterwards. Pancake Breakfast Sunday, May 17, 9:45 to 10:45 am Join us for a fellowship event to celebrate another great year of Christian education and to welcome new members to HTLC. The Fellowship Committee will cook and serve loads of pancakes to make our stomachs happy as we thank all of the teachers that have challenged our minds over the year and to welcome the new members to HTLC. Teachers and new members are our special guests, but everyone is welcome and encouraged to come. May 3 and 10 during Sunday School May 3: We will make quilt patches that will be sewn into our mission quilts, and we will tie quilts that our sewing group has already made. May 10: Wear your wor k clothes because we will help refresh our landscaping with new mulch. Last Day of Sunday School On Sunday, May 17 we will celebrate a great year of Sunday School with a pancake breakfast and teacher appreciation. Looking Ahead to Fall Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 13—Christian Education kick-off and Bible Weekend. God’s Word—Our Story Fundraising Updates Rummage Sale We had the best rummage sale ever raising $2500 for Family Ministry events and mission projects. The money will be used this summer for the Gardens of Grace and the Middle School Mission Trip to Duluth. Thank to Darrell and Diane Kalmes and Murlaine Maas for the many hours of service organizing and running the sale. Thank you also to Ron Appleby, Heather Klein and Damien Lindsey, Diane Lichti, Linda Palmer, Julie and Cal Reuter, Inez Vondran, Grace, Samantha, and Stephanie Wieland, Emily Wild, the confirmation class for helping. Wall of Giving Thanks to the generosity of the congregation, we are getting closer to raising all of the money needed to get our group of five youth and two adults to Detroit for the ELCA National Youth Gathering! It is not too late to donate! May Tidings Stewardship He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’. Matthew 22:37-39 Did you know this verse is about stewardship? Doesn’t sound like it, right? Don’t we usually associate the word MONEY with STEWARDSHIP? Although that is a common understanding, stewardship is so much more than that. It’s really about LOVE! We are called, actually commanded, to use the resources God’s entrusted to us to show love to God and others. Sometimes that means we share our financial gifts and sometimes it means we just share ourselves. As you think about this expanded view of stewardship, I encourage you to consider supporting the youth and adults traveling to the National Youth Gathering in July and the Mission Trip to Duluth in August. There will be amazing stewardship happening during these events through various service projects and I’m certain those doing the serving will gain much as well. I can still remember the sweet woman I met in the hills of Tennessee when I attended a mission trip in high school. God does use these experiences to bless those in need, and those sharing God’s love with them. Please watch for fundraising opportunities during the next few months to support these groups. They need to know that we commend their good works as they share God’s love to others. This congregation has a wonderful history of supporting amazing ministries both in our congregation and throughout the world and I have no doubt your generosity will continue! Wendy Einsweiler, Stewardship Committee MAY SPECIAL APPEAL DUBUQUE FOOD PANTRY Page 7 Holy Week in Review by Christopher Bode What a week it was! Holy Week started with Palm Sunday celebrating our Lord’s triumphant entry to Jerusalem as the prophesized king of the Jews. The elation was palpable with shouts of “Halleluia!” filling the air as palms were handed to everyone for a procession around the sanctuary. The young members received necklaces with crosses during the youth message. Nails were given to all at the end of the service. Sophia really loves this exciting service as she always comes home with handfuls of palms to decorate our house and yard. My favorite service of the entire year is Maundy Thursday. The reenacting of the Seder Meal with our church family is enjoyable. But it is the washing of the feet in the sanctuary that I look forward to every Lenten season. The unearthly Whoosh! that comes over me each time cannot be explained by mere words. You simply have to experience it to understand it. Then we all leave in silence to ponder the next day. Good Friday is a powerful, yet emotionally draining service for me. The reality that we passed judgement on and crucified our Lord was not lost upon me. The pounding of the nails into the cross should have been cathartic to let go of my sins, yet I could not forget the unimaginable pain Jesus endured for us. This was the first year we attended Easter Vigil service on Saturday night so we had no idea what to expect. It started with a procession of lighted candles from the Living Faith Center to the Sanctuary. I know our daughters really had fun with that. In that service we heard stories from creation to Isaiah’s prophecy of salvation. We even had our baptismal vows renewed that evening before hearing John’s gospel of the first Easter. We concluded our Holy Week celebration by attending the 8:30 service on Easter Sunday, which is a feat in and of itself that we got up that early. Still, we were amongst the last arrivals so we sat in the balcony. Our daughters actually thought of that as a special treat. I particularly enjoyed seeing the sea of pastels worn by everyone in our congregation from purples to yellows, pinks and greens while listening to the message that Christ is risen indeed! Halleluia! The brass ensemble and the Trinity Choir finished off the festivities in a glorious fashion. The significance of the week was the closeness it brought to our family despite the occasional grumbling of “we’re going to church again?!” Joy defined the week as full of grace and thankful that we could purge our sins. Victoria said it was an eventful week with every service being different. Alexandria was disappointed that she still didn’t “get the bread yet”. For me, it was the needed rest away from work so that I could recharge for the upcoming week. And for Sophia, well, those palms are still decorating the house and yard everywhere I look! May Tidings Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Church Council Meeting Minutes April 21, 2015 6:30 PM Attendance: Council: D. Wild, B. Wild, Henschel, Stier man, Kalmes, Moeller, Eikamp, O’Rourke, Solberg, Chesterman, Strom; Staff: Flater, Hill. Absent: none. Guests: Burns, D. Raemisch, S. Raemisch. Called to order by President Wild at 6:35 PM. Orders of the Day: Proposal to clean pipe organ. Brian Burns submitted a proposal to clean the organ, at an estimated cost of $7500. Council will discuss at next month’s meeting. Introduction of Intern Pastor Dave Raemisch. Approval of March minutes via email noted. Pastor’s Report: We have had a strong start for fundraising for youth to attend the National Youth Gathering. 7 members finished Stephen Ministry Training, and will be commissioned the weekend of April 26th. PAF announced his resignation from HTLC. He has accepted a new call at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Farley, Iowa, as a mission developer pastor. His last weekend of worship with us will be May 30-31. There will be a fellowship meal and farewell program after the 11am service on May 31st. Letters will be mailed to the congregation Wednesday, April 22, and email notification will be sent on Friday April 24. Committee Reports Family Ministry (Moeller ) – written report submitted. Gardens of Grace were tilled on April 18. More participants are needed for the gardens to be successful. Rummage sale April 24 -25. Family bowling and Parents’ Night Out were both well attended. Pancake breakfast planned on May 17; this is a fundraiser for the youth trip. Parish Education (B. Wild) – written report submitted. VBS June 21-25. Adult volunteers are appreciated for this event. Worship (Kalmes) – oral report. Stewardship (Solber g) – written report submitted. Property (O’Rour ke) – written report submitted. Alley work is underway. Total assessment is $29,066.87, including improvements. Payment will be about $200/month. Tenant at 1670 University passed away; the family is in process of cleaning out the unit. We will be looking for a new tenant. Rental property task force met on 4/18 and their recommendations will be submitted to council at the May meeting. HVAC system is a potential issue; only 2 people know how to program it and we need more people who know how to operate this system. Fellowship (Stier man) - oral report. Seder Meal was a success. Parents’ Night Out free will offering went to support Chris Bode’s classroom. Pancake breakfast on May 17. A new refrigerator may be needed in the future, as one does not regulate temperature well. Outreach (Str om) – oral report. Blue Grass service banner is complete and hanging outside. Working with Kim and Nathaniel Wagner for a grant for mulch and landscaping supplies. Martha/Dorcas Circles are hosting a luncheon on April 22 for HTLC staff. Personnel (D. Wild)- no report Finance (Henschel) – written report submitted. HTLC is currently experiencing a cash flow situation. Motion by Kalmes to authorize Tom Henschel to transfer up to $10,000 as needed Page 8 from Ora Gremmel’s fund into our general checking account, for current expenses. Second Solberg. Motion passed. Mary Lou Turnbull from Steeple Accounting was in the office April 14-15 and helped the staff learn how to better utilize our accounting software, and offered recommendations for the system. Motion by Henschel to separate out the Noah’s Ark fund balance from the HTLC general operating fund on the balance sheet. They will be separate line items on the balance sheet going forward. Second Moeller. Motion passed. Council appreciates the openness and willingness of staff to work through these changes, and affirms their efforts on this project. Loan refinance has been finalized; our new rate is 2.95% for 2 years. US Bank reduced our closing fees from $750 to $150, and Tony Quinn prepared the legal documents free of charge. Tom noted his appreciation of these actions. Motion by Kalmes to show YTD pledged/unpledged giving, loose plate, seasonal, and LFC church debt giving actuals vs. budget, weekly in the bulletin. Once a month the Stewardship committee will put together a more detailed giving summary for the Tidings. Second B. Wild. Motion passed. Treasurer (Henschel): wr itten r epor t submitted. Financial Secretary (Eikamp): or al r epor t. Significant changes upcoming in the next year: potential changes in rental properties, PAF’s departure and incoming interim pastor, deficit concerns. We will be looking for strong council and financial leadership during the changes during the next year. Office Manager (Kopp): wr itten r epor t submitted. Family Ministry (McCaw): wr itten r epor t submitted. Fundr aiser update for the youth gathering: total cost is $7336 for all 7 people to attend. From the envelopes that were taken from the donation wall this weekend, the funds raised would be $3300. Stephen Ministry (Rose): Tidings column ser ves as r epor t. Announcements/Correspondence: none Bible Study: none Business Old Business: r eview of the r eceipt for gifts given in-kind. Darrell will email copies to council members. New Business: notice of public hear ing on a var iance fr om zoning requirements in our neighborhood, for Unity Point Health to install a large temporary sign. Adjournment: Motion to conclude meeting by Henschel, second Stierman. Adjourned at 9:29 with the Lord’s Prayer. ADULT EDUCATION Sundays at 9:50 a.m. Join us in the conference room! May 3--Bible Study May 10--Bible Study May 17--Sunday School teachers' appreciation time plus informal discussion. May Tidings Worship Committee FROM EASTER -ASCENSION PENTECOST – HOLY TRINITY Assignment for 23-24 May:– Plan to wear something red to church to celebrate Pentecost Sundays & Season Year B 2015 - Images in the Readings: Vineyar ds – Perhaps because Palestine has abundant vineyards, the vineyard is an image for the Promised Land in the Old Testament and an image of the kingdom of God, in the synoptic gospels. Commandments can have a mor e negative than a positive connotation. Yet, the commandments display God’s love, serve to hold the community together in God’s love and provide the way that we can live as Christ did. The fruit that comes from a life that abides in God is fruit that lasts. Ascension Day – Christ ascends into heaven. In the Bible “heaven” is often a synonym for God. In Acts, the ascending Jesus is covered with a cloud which in the Hebrew Scriptures usually refers to the elusive presence yet cosmic power of God. It is important that today’s references to heaven not suggest that it is a place that is far away. The risen Christ is here in the assembly of believers. The Hebrew noun ruach can be translated into English as spirit, breath, or wind. “ In Christian theology, the Spirit that we experience is the Spirit of the risen Christ, a spirit of service, a spirit of love, a spirit of resurrection beyond death. When we say God is the triune God, we are saying something about who God is beyond, before, and after the universe; that there is community within God. When we pray to God as Jesus prayed to his Abba (an intimate parental address), the Spirt prays within us, creating between us and God the same relationship Jesus has with the one who sent him. Darrell and Diane Kalmes Page 9 Noah’s Ark Preschool Celebrating over 35 years of offering Dubuque area families a quality Christian Early Childhood Program! It is time to register your child for the 2015-2016 school year. Classes are on a first-come, first-served basis. Forms are available outside the church office. 4 year old Free State Funded Preschool Must be 4 yrs. old by September 15, 2015 Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8:45-11:45 a.m. or Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 12:45-3:45 p.m. 3 year old Preschool Tuesday & Thursday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. or Monday & Wednesday from 9:00-11:30 a.m. Noah’s Ark Preschool also offers extended care for families who are in need of quality child care. We provide child care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are small, quaint and high quality. We are licensed for 10 children. For more information, please visit our website at htlcdbq.com or call (563) 557-8629. May Tidings HTLC Family News Happy Birthday 05/01 Jonathan Brown 05/01 William Harry 05/01 Shannon Droessler 05/01 Andrew Lindenberg 05/02 Carly Stork 05/02 Joshua Nilmeier 05/03 Nancy Neumeister 05/03 Sydney Block 05/04 Miriam Hoffman 05/04 Alyssa Kruse 05/04 Seth Eberlin 05/04 William Neumeister 05/05 Angie Nilmeier 05/05 Krista Stork 05/06 Marilyn Herold 05/06 George Miner 05/07 Saige Paulson 05/08 Ron Hunt 05/08 Bob Schnoor 05/08 Linda Craig 05/08 Elizabeth Hinders 05/08 Justin Powers 05/08 Johnny Dohner 05/09 Ken Buesing 05/09 Jennifer Lippert 05/09 Jason Lewis 05/11 Basant Persaud 05/11 Carol Robinson 05/12 Jennifer Potts 05/12 Andrea Zozaya 05/12 Lucas Larsen 05/13 Spencer RoseTolstedt 05/14 Erica Foht 05/14 Kate Schmerbach 05/15 Ann Homan 05/15 Aidan Obermueller 05/15 Max Moeller 05/16 David Stork 05/16 Katina Busch 05/18 Mary Strom 05/18 Angie Olson 05/19 Debra Stork 05/19 Kevin Buesing 05/19 C.J. Tiernan 05/19 Logan Jasper 05/20 Benjamin Gessner 05/21 Bruce Klein 05/22 Tom Henschel 05/22 Joan Schmerbach 05/22 Soren Obermueller 05/22 Caleb Lee 05/23 Gretchen Fuerste 05/23 William Hinders 05/24 Mark Phalen 05/24 Kate Stierman 05/25 Tami Ernster 05/25 Steve Hampton 05/25 Olivia Harmon 05/26 Marsha Britton 05/26 Randy Glass 05/26 Daniel Gessner 05/27 Harvey Frye 05/27 Leah Norton 05/28 Dorothy Fritz 05/28 Daniel Philippi 05/28 Maren Phalen 05/29 Samuel Goldsmith 05/30 Bonnie Mihm 05/31 Robert Smart 05/31 Bob Johnsen The flowers in the front garden are donated by Mary Strom in memory of Ruth Maclay Flatt. Page 10 Happy Anniversary 05/04/1996 James & Carol Wissing 05/07/1950 Eugene & Gerda Chappell 05/08/1982 John & Shirley Metz 05/10/1958 Clarence & Ruth Guler 05/11/1996 Dean & Susan Fair 05/12/1973 Daniel & Connie Harry 05/15/2011 Marian Walker & Gary Conlon 05/16/1959 Jack & Sharlene Waskow 05/23/2008 Harlyn & Opal Turner 05/27/1978 Craig & Char Homan 05/28/1980 Burt & Pamela Goffinet 05/28/1994 Randy & Amy Naumann 05/30/1981 Mark Liaboe & Gretchen Fuerste Congratulations Congratulations to Anna & Cole Chapman on the birth of their son, Jude Michael, on 4/26/15. (Grandparents are Gary & Linda Sewell) Our Sympathies to the family and friends of Gary Hennen who died March 29, 2015. (friend of Nathaniel and Kim Wagner) the family and friends of Marty Ruhter who died March 29, 2015. (friend of Glenn Litchi) the family and friends of Marion Burton who died March 28, 2915. (aunt of Carol Baumann) The Food Pantry is in need of canned goods and many other nonperishable foods. Also remember that food stamps do not buy paper products, diapers, detergent, or toothpaste. Any way you can help would be appreciated. Our Food Pantry Blessing Barrel is at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for being a good neighbor. May Tidings Alexandria Bode Ryan Borchert Page 11 Michael Wlochal Nessa Brooks Saige Paulson 2015 Walker Tart Ryleigh Bakey Tony Zuccaro Jacob Bakey Mavrick Paulson Paige Kruse Wil Quinn Brooke O’Brien Carson Prehm Gardens of Grace — Preparing and Planting! May Tidings Page 12 Seder Meal Commissioning April 25-26 Front row: Ann McCaw, Cheryl Rose, Stephen Leader, Pastor Flater, Stephen Leader, and Emily Wild. Dixieland Services Back Row: Glenn Lichti, Howard Baack, Kayla Hill, Magi Wehner, and Steve Hampton. May Tidings Announcements Page 13 Sunday School Teacher Appreciation Day to The Dubuque Rescue Mission… HTLC March Serving Team Sunday, May 17 @ 8:30 & 11:00 am service Pancake Breakfast at 9:45 am Congratulations! High School Graduate Recognition May 9 & 10 HTLC is pleased to introduce our next intern, Dave Raemisch, who will serve with us in ministry in the 2015-2016 academic year. Dave is a second career pastoral candidate, having worked for many years for a Fortune 50 corporation in the agri-chemical industry. After growing up near Madison, WI and earning his B.S from UW-Madison, Dave moved around the country quite a bit for graduate school and career advancement. Before entering the corporate life, Dave earned an M.S. from South Dakota State University and a Ph.D. from Purdue University. Dave is entering service as your intern pastor as a “Lutheran Year” student at Wartburg Theological Seminary. Dave has already completed his Master of Divinity degree and will be entering directly into service in ordained pastoral ministry following his service as an intern pastor. Dave and Shelley were married just over six months ago in the Wartburg Seminary Chapel. Shelley has been a resident of Dubuque for nearly thirty years, while working for an advertising agency here in town. Both are very excited about being part of Holy Trinity! May Tidings Page 14 Book and Bake Sale Thank you for supporting the Book and Bake Sale. $600 was raised for People In Need (P.I.N.). Thrivent will match with $300 for a total of $900. Parents Night Out– A free will offering raised $122 for a third grade class at Audubon School. Family Bowling May Tidings Announcements Page 15 New Lenten Offerings for the Crescent Community Health Center totaled $1,769.41 Thank you to everyone who help with the Rummage Sale. Whether you donated items, time, or shopped, we thank you very much. We raised $2500 to support our youth. Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 pm OR Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm New Member Weekend May 16 & 17 Baptismal and Informational Meetings A Baptismal Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 5:30 pm. Baptismal sessions are required for all baptisms at Holy Trinity. A New Member Informational Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 7:00 pm for anyone looking at becoming a member or to learn more about HTLC. Both meetings will be held in the library. Please call the church office to register by Sunday, May 3, 2015. HTLC Vacation Bible School 2015 Peter’s Journey From Fisherman to Apostle Sunday, June 21—Thursday, June 25 Supper-5:00 p.m. Program—5:30-8:30 p.m. Follow Peter, a common fisherman, on his journey of discipleship, where he is called by Jesus to fish for people. Registration forms are available on the ushers’ table. May Tidings HTLC Information Page 16 Staff & Council Pastor: Intern Pastor: Family Minister: Stephen Ministry Leader: Minister of Music: Music Leaders of the Living Faith Service: Office Staff: Noah’s Ark Staff: Maintenance: Pastor Arnold Flater Carter Hill Sara McCaw Cheryl Rose Brian Burns Bill & Cindy Rowley Brian Burns JoAnn Kopp Tammy Wehrspann Cathy Nolan Jenny Goodno Sherri Miller Cindy Muehleip Melanie Allan Pline Saturday Worship Sunday 8:30 a.m. Worship 9:45 a.m. Sunday School & Adult Ed 11:00 a.m. Worship 5:30 p.m. Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 1755 Delhi Street (563) 582-3228 Office Hours: 8 am - 4 pm [email protected] Website: htlcdbq.com Pastor Arnold Flater [email protected] Cell:(563) 542-5434 COUNCIL President: Vice President: Secretary: Treasurer: Financial Secretary: Fellowship: Outreach: Parish Ed: Property: Stewardship: Family Ministry: Worship: Dan Wild Kari Chesterman Tom Henschel Adam Eikamp Kate Stierman Mary Strom Betsy Wild Chris O’Rourke David Solberg Erich Moeller Darrell Kalmes Thank you to those who submitted articles and information for this issue of the newsletter. If you would like an article and/or picture in the June Tidings, please email them to [email protected] by May 20th. Tidings Editor: Tammy Wehrspann Holy Trinity’s Mission Statement Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we know Christ and make Christ known through courageous and changed lives. Intern Pastor Carter Hill [email protected] Cell: (701) 425-7041 Sara McCaw [email protected] Cell: (563) 451-6874 Cheryl Rose [email protected] Cell: (563) 590-1989 Brian Burns [email protected] JoAnn Kopp [email protected] Tammy Wehrspann [email protected] Cathy Nolan [email protected] Our Vision Statement: We believe God has called us to reach out to our surrounding community through close, personal relationships and to invite people to “Come and See!” As members of the body of Christ, we intend to welcome everyone into our fellowship and worship, to love one another, and to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. We welcome all into the family of God through baptism and discipleship, to encourage maturity in Christ, and to discover and live out our God-given ministries. As members we further intend to strengthen our ability to reach people for Christ by being a vision driven church (Matthew 22: 37-40). Special points of interest: Confirmation News, page 2 May 2015 Service Opportunities, page 2 Fellowship Opportunities, page 2 HTLC FAMILY MINISTRY PAGE A NEWSLETTER FOR THE FAMILIES AND FRIEND S OF HTLC Peter’s Journey the shore. He knew that Jesus had great powers, but healing a fever and knowing about fishing were two very different things. Peter answered Jesus’ call to follow, and his life was never the This summer, during Vacation same. Peter was not the perfect Bible School, we are going to disciple, but he tried to be. He learn about Peter, Jesus’ disciple, spoke bravely of his faith and whom he called “the rock.” Peter intentions, but often pulled away was greatly transformed through when he was confused or his relationship with Jesus. He frightened. Sound familiar? journeyed from being a common During Vacation Bible School, hard-working fisherman to being we will follow Peter on his a leader of the church. journey as a disciple. We will Peter’s journey is not hear his story as he is called unlike our own as we to follow, witnesses amazing struggle with faith. miracles, hears profound On one surprising day, teaching, and experiences the Peter had been out fishing horrific death of the teacher with his partners, and they that he called the Messiah, were not having much the promised one. luck. Then Jesus came Please join us the week of along and told Peter and the other June 21-25 to travel with Peter on tired fishermen to take their boats the road to discipleship. Children out and cast their nets again. and youth are invited, as well as When I imagine the story, I think adults, who can help as leaders that the fishermen probably or be part of an adult Bible study. looked at Jesus with skepticism. It will be an exciting week of He was not the experienced learning and celebration as we fishermen; they were. Why would enter the fishing village on the he know how and where to fish? lake to find a famous fisherman. However, something made them Peter will be waiting to meet you. do what Jesus said. See you in Galilee! In the gospel of Luke, Peter In Christ, Sara had seen Jesus heal his mother-in -law’s illness before the events on And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. Matthew 16:18 Confirmation 6th—7th Grade Classes: Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm May 6: The Philippians and Love Hymn May 13: Last class; party and awards Looking ahead to fall—mark these dates! Wednesday, September 9, 6:00 pm—parent and student orientation meeting. Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 pm— classes begin. Friday, September 18, 6:00 pm to Sunday, September 20, 8:00 am—Confirmation Retreat for 6-8 grade students. 8th Grade Congratulations to our eighth grade students who will Affirm their Baptism on Sunday, May 3: Zach Bierman, Christopher Clarke, Maddy Day, Jack Einsweiler, Gabby Montgomery, Tim Pergande, Logan Wersinger, and Grace Wieland. It has been an honor walking with you on your journey. We are excited to see what God has in store for you. Gardens of Grace Hey people who like to dig in the dirt, grow good food, feed hungry people, and enjoy the warm sun—sign up to help take care of the Gardens of Grace this summer. The gardens are tilled and planted. Now we care for them as they grow and produce. Please help us. Sign up in the narthex. Fellowship and Service Opportunities Sunday School Service Projects Sundays, May 3 & 10, 9:30 to 10:45 am We will end our Sunday School year with family service projects. On May 3, we will make quilt patches and tie quilts that will be given to Lutheran World Relief. On May 10, we will help to spread mulch and clean up our church grounds. Mulch Day Friday, May 15, 4:00 pm Help refresh the landscaping and gardens with some new mulch. All ages invited to help. Wear your work clothes and bring gloves. Pancake Breakfast Sunday, May 17 9:45 to 10:45 am Join us for a fellowship event to celebrate another great year of Christian education at HTLC and to welcome new members. The Fellowship Committee will cook and serve loads of pancakes to make our stomachs happy as we thank all of the teachers that have challenged our minds over the year. Teachers and new members are our special guests, but everyone is welcome and encouraged to come. Congratulations Graduates On Sunday, May 10 we will recognize our high school graduates: Emily Bierman, Marie Ernster, Olivia Harmon, Karin Kragenbrink, Hannah Lembke, Laura Lindecker, Sam Naumann, Maren Phalen, and Drake Stierman.
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