TRUMPET

THE
Easter/Spring 2013
Responding to Gods Grace in Christ, we Welcome all people, Prepare disciples, and Live faithfully through worship, spiritual growth, and action.

A Blessed Church
Does St. Paul Lutheran look like a blessed church to you? It does to me, and heres how. According to N. Graham Standishs book, Becoming a Blessed Church, a blessed church has the following marks: The blessed church sees itself as the body of Christ. At a conference I went to, the speaker asked us what happened to Christs body after his ascension. He let us wrestle with that for a while before he gave the answer: it became the church! The mystery that is Christ now deigns to live in the church as the way Christs mission is fulfilled in the world. I see members of St. Paul Lutheran seriously (and winsomely!) seeing themselves as Christs body in the world when they gather for worship, teach Gods word to young ones, make casseroles for hungry people, or collect dollars for the Souper Bowl of Caring. Who does these things but Christs body? The blessed church has a vibrant sense of faith, hope, and love. Again, I see this every day and I am buoyed by it. We are not a despairing people. When we see a need, we address it. We have an expectation that God will act, and God does. We speak to one another with respect and genuine concern for the person as an image of God. If thats not blessed I dont know what is. The blessed church is a church filled with Gods presence, purpose, and power. There are times when I am worshiping, especially when I hear a full church singing praises, and I tangibly sense Gods presence. I also sensed that during our Lenten services when we heard personal stories from members about when they were taken, blessed, broken, given, and spoken. God is alive and well at St. Paul Lutheran, in a powerful way. The blessed church is not afraid to serve God in its own way. We are not in competition with other churches because we have a unique mission (printed for your convenience on the front page of this newsletter), and we have a strategy for our vision. Next month our Congregational Council, by invitation of Bishop Burk, will enjoy a day-long retreat with 10 other congregations to reflect on Gods intention for our congregation and how we will live out our vision. I am thrilled that we have been given this opportunity, and I ask your prayerful support as we seek to live the life together God is calling us into. None of this means that were perfect, or that we dont have our work cut out for us, but that we are blessed by our good and gracious God. And blessed people cant help but be a blessing to others. So thank you, St. Paul Lutheran. You are a blessing to me! In Christ, Pr. Joel

Maundy Thursday
March 28 Service at 7pm

Prayer Vigil
March 28-29

Good Friday
March 29, Service at 7pm
@ First Presbyterian Church 210 W Green St, Winterset Pastor Jim Howland, Presiding Pastor Joel Nau, Preaching

Easter Cantata
Saturday, March 30, 7pm

Easter Sunday
March 31 Services at 6:30am & 9:30am

Easter Egg Hunt

8:30am for kids pre-K to grade 6

Easter Breakfast
A light breakfast of fruit, muffins, pastries, & mini quiches will be served between services on Easter Sunday

The Trumpet is a seasonal publication of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Winterset, Iowa

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Of Note
IN NEED OF A PRAYER . . . .
Sometimes a prayer for friends or loved ones entreats God to protect or heal them, but sometimes a prayer can also be a note we write, a call we make, or a pie we bake. Reach out, with all kinds of prayer, to these and others, to show them they are loved:
Alma Erickson Kathryn Farlow Marie Cook Dixie Bardwell Jacob Nielsen Aggie Reed Darlene Miller Cheyenne Miller Kelsey Michelsen Mother of Lavona Hollander Roger Gibbens Joe Hansen Annie Chaney Lois Tadlock Karla Wesselman Katie Koch Diane Truckenbrod

OFFICE HOURS
Pastor Joel Nau Tuesday & Thursday 1-4pm, Wednesday 11am-4pm, Friday 1-4pm Evening Meetings, Sunday Mornings Best by appointment Email: pastor@wintersetlutheran.org Cell Phone: 515.468.5074 Julie Feirer, Ministry Director Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9am-3pm Wednesday 9am-2pm Evening Meetings, Sunday Mornings Email: julief9075@mchsi.com Office Phone: 515.462.4270 Cell Phone: 515.468.1968

PERSONS SERVING IN THE MILITARY

Joshua Meyer Ralph & Karen Meyer Eric & Ethan Schmidt Gene & Keri Lehman

Church Office Email: stpaullutheranchurch@hotmail.com Annie Nau, Newsletter Editor Email: ajnau4@gmail.com

Questions about First Communion for your child? Contact Pastor Joel and he will be happy to offer resources and schedule a family study.

Family to Family Mental Illness Education Classes

You are invited to attend a new session of Mental Illness Education Classes, held here at St. Paul on Monday evenings 6:30-9pm, March 11-May 27. Classes and materials are free. Family members of those dealing with Schizophrenia, Clinical Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Panic Disorder, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorders are encouraged to attend. Discussions will include available medical treatments, knowledge of the range of illnesses, and skills for coping. Classes are sponsored by NAMI.org of Des Moines and are taught by Pat Nelson 515-468-0775 and Lorna Sander.

LaVon Lutz Family of Helen Erie Stu Fullerton Susan Lea Bailey (Friedrich) on
the occasion of her ordination

Lavona & Jim Hollander Leo Rost grandfather of Kristy Hoefing Family of Beulah Howell Orlene Narland

. . . . homeless, jobless, mentally ill, parents, abused children, President Obama, our congressional leaders, state/local officials, health professionals/care givers, prisoners, the oppressed/disrespected, our congregation, Pastor Joel & family. (Please contact Pastor Joel or Twila Seibert with prayer requests.)

2013 Pastoral Acts

Funeral Beulah Howell, March 25

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Acolytes
1st
Mar 24 Mar 31 Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 21 Apr 28

Ministers of Worship & Outreach

DATE GREETERS Mar 28 Mar 31 John/Kim Patience
Ivan/Dorothy Marckmann

Service

2nd

Service

COMMUNION SERVERS Boyd Family Pat/Jim Nelson John/Kim Patience VanHorn/Hoversten Gus/Erlene Henrichs Dean/Ann Bartelt Eric/Kenna Johnson Tim/Jacque Mohs Travis/Carrie Nedved Hoffman/Blythe John/Kim Patience Jim/Pat Nelson Tom/Jen Acton

READERS Lonna Nielsen Ann Bartelt Doyle Scott Wayne Martens Jen Acton Beth Miller Tom Acton David VanHorn Annie Nau Shawn Hanson Candi Dole Leon Schwartz Kenna Johnson

USHERS Patience Family Myli Family Nancy Hanson Ron/Sonja VerMulm

Brooke/Eric Blessington

BREAD MAKERS (Maundy Thursday) Deb Martens Cheryl Bales Tanya King Lori Wells Kristy Hoefing

Lauren Myli

Kiernan Blanchard

Twila Talk to

Ash Wednesday Acton

Family

Apr 7 Apr 14 Apr 21 Apr 28 May 5

Wayne/Deb Martens Cleghorn Family Dick/Mary Anderson Boyd Family Robert/Velma VanScoy Drake Family VanHorn/Hoversten Mark/Linda Kenyon Marilyn Mount Tryon Family

Darling Family Art/Marion Blaschke Dick Family Myli Family S/J Bellamy Family

Nursery Attendants
Second Service
Mar 24 Grant M., Sam Nau Mar 31 Bailey Haggard, Beth Stolte Apr 7 le at Apr 14 vailab a t e o N Apr 21 ion tim blicat u p Apr 28

Deb/Wayne Martens Carrie Nedved Boyd Family Dean/Ann Bartelt Ton/Jen Acton
Brooke/Eric Blessington

May 12 Dick/Mary Anderson Burkett Family May 19 Myli Family Boyd Family May 26 Liz Hansen S/J Bellamy Family

VanHorn/Hoversten Tina Hoffman Bob/Bethene Boardman Jason Darling Blythe/Mount Carl/Ruthanne Korte Lehman/Anderson Travis/Carrie Nedved Elaine Hoversten Steve Dick Pat Nelson Annie Nau

Karen Meyer Jodi Lake Starr Scott

Blakeley Family Nancy Hanson Gus/Erlene Henrichs

Gifts of Time

Sound/Projector Assignments and Counter Assignments are available from Julie.

With everyones busy schedule, it is understandable if you cannot serve at an assigned time. Please try to find a substitute, or contact the church office if you need to make a change 462-4270.

Gifts of Treasure
2013 Giving
All questions about St. Paul financials may be directed to the church council, and up-to-date financial records are available in a binder on the ushers table. Please do not hesitate to ask questions, ponder, and prayerfully consider your current giving commitments and those for 2013. An average of $5000/week is needed to meet our budgetary needs.

Lenten Reflections
A very special thank you to those who shared their personal reflections, based on our weekly themes, this Lenten season. Your gift of sharing is meaningful and purposeful! Erich Thalacker Taken Deb Cleghorn Blessed Clarice Blanchard Broken Joe Hansen Given Ted Leonard Spoken

Gifts of Talent
You are invited to the

St. Paul Easter Cantata

Once Upon a Tree

Saturday, March 30, 7:00pm St. Paul Lutheran Church, Winterset
The St. Paul Choir will be joined by voices from our friends at First Presbyterian Church. Please join us for this beautiful and reflective evening of music and contemplation.

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Education Opportunities
The Education Team oversees the educational programs at St. Paul and sets policies and direction. This team is led by Julie Feirer and Beth Miller.

Education
Did You Know?
We are lucky to have so many caring adults getting to know our kids at St. Paul! As John Roberto of Lifelong Faith writes, "Intergenerational contact helps young people grow in their faith. Contact with older adults is more likely to give young people mentors with mature faith. This maturity can have a positive Aubrey Cleghorn, Paul Groth, Joyce Larsen influence on kids' growth in faith. Also, it builds for young people a sense of community in the congregation. As young people get to know people of all ages, they feel more comfortable in the church and more like part of the family of God." ~ John Roberto, Best Practices in Intergenerational Faith Formation

& YOUTH

RITE OF CONFIRMATION
The Rite of Confirmation will be held on Sunday, April 28th, between services at 9:30 am. We will have six confirmands; Lance Marean, Macy Johnson, Beth Stolte, Kayla Lambert, Daniel Cross, and Abby Pesola. Please join us at this crucial time in the faith life of our young people.
**Attention Confirmation Parents** Each year we have a slide show with photos of the confirmands (baby through the present). Please submit 7-10 pictures of your child to Julie as soon as possible. You can email digital photos, or bring photos to the office and she can scan them and then return them to you. You can send the photos anytime now through March - the earlier the better. Thanks!

GRADUATING SENIORS
On May 12th we will recognize our graduating seniors: Ben Pepin, Jared Patience, and Paden VanHorn. We hope you can join us for these milestone events!

Thanks to your donations, God Squad students assembled 78 Easter baskets! These are being distributed locally and in Des Moines though various charities including Freedom for Youth and Hope Ministries. Special Thanks to John, Kim, & Jared Patience for making the delivery to Hope Ministries.

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

VBS will be July 29 to August 1st. This year's theme is "Remedy", based on 1 John 4:10, "This is love; not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." We are in need of people to house counselors, donations of food and snacks during the week, and supplies. VBS is for kids age Pre-K through 6th grade, and older kids and parents are needed as helpers. Please mark your calendars and join us!

Paul & Lori Blythe Candi & Emma Dole Steve, Robin, Andrew, Jacob, & Peyton Dick

Valentines Morning
The St. Paul education team held a Valentine's Day Breakfast on February 14th from 6:30 to 9:00 am. Beth Miller was in charge of the meal, and she made a delicious spread of French toast, sausage, hash browns, fruit, chocolates, juice, and coffee. We served 55 people and made $350, which we intend to spend on new Christmas program costumes. Thank you to everyone who came and helped serve!

Alan Feirer Marilyn Mount

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Please send us your pictures of family events and activities, and we will include them in our newsletters. Lets celebrate one another!

Quilt Raffle Tickets for Sale

The quilt now hanging in the fellowship hall was originally pieced by Ilene Kagarice. Based on when she started assembling the blocks, she estimated that some of the fabrics were from the 1930s and 40s and up. The quilting was done by Peggy Freligh, who bound and trimmed it in black and white to showcase the colorful array of fabrics. Ilene and her family were very happy with the finished quilt, and shortly thereafter (in February), Ilene passed away. Raffle tickets for this quilt are available for $1each or 6 for $5. The winner will be drawn in August at the Table Affair Dinner. Talk to any of the quilters about purchasing tickets.

Fellowship
& Hospitality
PRAYER VIGIL BEFORE EASTER
March 28-29
The Prayer Vigil begins Maundy Thursday evening and ends just before Good Friday worship. Individuals and any size group may sign up for an hour during the day or through the night to keep the prayer chain unbroken for the 24hour period in Holy Week - Sign up on the kiosk at church. The experience can be very meaningful; it gives you the opportunity to find quiet time to think, pray, read and ponder our Lord's way to the cross. Books and other resources are provided in a cozy setting in the Chapel. If you have not tried it before, consider it this year.

Opportunities
Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
I am happy to announce that St. Paul now has a new, fast, and very easy system in place for setting up automatic transfers as your method of giving. It is done very securely through Vanco Services and endorsed by Thrivent Federal Credit Union. (You don't need to be a Thrivent member to participate, it is open to all.) To set up automatic transfers on a weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly basis from your checking or savings account, you need only have your account number and routing number handy. Both are found at the bottom of your checks. Giving by credit or debit card is also an option. You can easily sign yourself up online at the link below, which takes about 3 minutes. Or, if you prefer, please see me to obtain an authorization form. https://www.eservicepayments.com/cgi-bin/Vanco_ver3.vps? appver3=Fi1giPL8kwX_Oe1AO50jRnoN9fay6SbZ0smrIHJ7OQ-hjXsUKRLlmI4vCU4 -rZZZ2EvVVAEjqawDomKT1pbouZVXdo4mmckyAqkU6Dt1-rs=&ver=3 Your donations to St. Paul are greatly appreciated, regardless of how you do it. Your gifts to the general fund are the only way we are able to pay for our ministries, building utilities and maintenance, Sunday school, God Squad, Confirmation, VBS, worship, salaries, music, and etc. And, your gifts to benevolence help us pay for our pledged amount to the synod for ELCA missions. Thank you for this!! If you would like to start contributing to St. Paul or would like to switch from your current method to this automatic method, please consider signing up soon. As a special incentive, everyone who signs up by April 1st will receive a free St. Paul t-shirt (one per family, your choice of color and size, the same design as our last order). I will be available this Sunday between services to help you sign up or answer any questions. ~Julie

Why?

One big question is simply "Why give through EFT?" Here is one of the main reasons: People get busier as we head into spring, with sports schedules, school activities, and then summer trips. Although our bills at church remain consistent over the summer, the offerings decrease because of low attendance. Signing up for a consistent offering, whether it is weekly, bi-monthly, or monthly, can really help us make ends meet when we need it. If you are in the habit of donating to church, it can help you keep your cash flow consistent also, instead of having to make a big payment later to "catch up". Thank you for considering it!

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Ministry Team Updates

Mission Team Minutes 2-4-13
Attending: Twila Seibert, Liz Hansen, Cheryl Bales and Ted Leonard. ( Both Sheila Stewart and Geogene Bellamy are on a mission trip to North Africa at this time) Discussion regarding Salvation Army. We will try to recruit Presbyterians and some of the children in the congregations when needed. Discussion regarding casseroles for the Multi Purpose Center. We will be doing them again this Friday. We plan on making at least 40 of them again along with help from Presbyterians. Ted reported that the next trip to Guatemala will be 7-19-2013 along with possibly taking Elias VanHorn, Sam Nau, Jared Sunds and Grant Marean. Dorothy Marckmann spoke with Karen at Hearts in Motion and she may be visiting our congregation soon. Sheila Stewart and Georgene Bellamy are in South Africa with the Blessman Group and promise to have a report upon their return. Twila reported the Pool of Siloam has a balance of $1,054.37 at the present time. The Souper Bowl of Caring netted 381 grocery items, $500.00 from the Trust Fund and $1,358.24 from the congregation. Twila also reported that the kids may be challenging groups during the Lenten season for more food drives. Meeting was adjourned with the Lords Prayer.

Outreach
& Mission
Our second round of college care packages for the 2012/13 school year was sent out in early March, and we have received many notes of thanks from our grateful college students. Many thanks to Starr Scott, Nicole Darling, Debi Martens, and Jim Nelson for their work on the Flock team, that sponsors this project.
"Dear St. Paul Lutheran, thank you for the care package, it was a nice surprise. I appreciate you thinking of me. It is always nice to know I have a very supportive church family to lean on even while I am at school. Thank you ~Josh Patience "St. Paul, Thank you so much for the care packages you have been sending. You guys are awesome! They serve as a constant reminder that I am loved and that God is good. God bless ~Shelby Messershmitt "Thanks so much for the care package. It's nice to know people back home care so much! ~Kelsey Patience

College Care Packages

"I received my care package today in the mail! It makes me smile to know that I have such a loving church family that is always thinking about me! Thanks for everything in my package! As most people are aware Ted Leonard has stepped down from his weekly duties of Love you all" ~Megan Scott

Finance Committee Report

accounting and depositing of the weekly offerings. The primary focus of the finance team in the first quarter of 2013 has been to make the transition of Teds responsibilities to new personnel. We are using a rotation of four groups of two people to complete the counting on a weekly basis. Lowell Miller is maintaining the giving records and will be producing the quarterly reports in the first part of April. The quarterly giving reports will have a new appearance and we hope that they will provide some additional clarity on how your monetary gifts are being tracked.

"Thanks so much for the care package! It totally made my day!" ~Kiersten Blythe

Julie has been working hard to develop a new online giving option and she will be providing details to the congregation in the comings weeks. The finance team has been coordinating with Julie on as she works on developing this giving option and coordinating how it will affect the giving records that need to be maintained. As the financial world continues to transition toward electronic transfer and away from physical checks and cash, the online giving option is the next logical step for our congregation. The finance team encourages people to utilize this new option as they consider their financial support of St Paul. Submitted by Lowell Miller, Finance Team Chair.

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Ministry Notes
Stewardship Team
Many people have getting goals, but very few people have giving goals. What are your giving goals? It is so wonderful to see new people stepping forward to do different duties during our church services. Again we thank you for everyone that show their stewardship by helping with the church services. We have had some inspirational presentations at our Lenten services. We also want to thank those that have made their commitments to their sharing of giving to the church. As you know, this allows us to keep our operations going and gives us the ability to reach out to others. Whether it is educating them spiritual or actually giving help to needy individuals, we depend upon your generous giving. St. Paul has pledged $8500 to the synod, as included in the budget. You may help towards this goal by not only giving to the general fund, but also earmarking gifts to synod benevolence. Your benevolence offerings offset our general fund. Benevolence donations can also be made directly to the Pool of Siloam (be sure to note this on your donation), which are then matched dollar for dollar by a very generous anonymous donor. These donations will be categorized on your giving statement, whether to the synod, the Pool of Siloam, or another benevolence project of your choice. Lastly, Julie has been working to get direct deposit for individuals that choose to give money for their giving through credit cards, debit, or even through their checking accounts. She will be giving out a link to allow you to set up your own auto deposit or she would be happy to help you through the steps of setting this weekly, bimonthly, or monthly giving. This is another way for you as individuals to make an ongoing commitment to the church. You would have the options to decide where you choose your funds would be allocated. Once it is put in place you can still make your own adjustments.

Sign Committee Members Beth Miller & Doyle Scott

Sign Committee Update

The Sign Committee has been hard at work researching options for a potential new sign for our church yard. On February 24th they gave a presentation between services to bring the congregation up to speed on their research and findings. There is a lot to consider with a new sign besides the cost, such as how effective the different types of signs are at informing and inviting the community about opportunities at St. Paul. They are open to ideas and suggestions from the congregation as they work toward a potential design. Members of the committee are Beth Miller (chair), Doyle Scott, Debra Cleghorn, Pat Nelson, Kristy Hoefing, and Connie Weidman.

Give to God what's right - not what's left.

Thrivent Members
Thrivent Choice Dollars must be directed to your charity or organization of choice by March 31, or they will be redirected back to the pool. Recurring direction no longer applies - you MUST declare your charity or organization each year. If youre not sure if you qualify for Choice Dollars with Thrivent, go to Thrivent.com or call 800-847-4836. When speaking with a representative, simply mention Choice Dollars to get the help desk, or please call Dick Anderson at 371-7083 for more information. These contributions add up to hundreds of dollars for St. Paul!

ADULT FORUM ON SUNDAYS

Pat Nelson leads a contemporary discussion every Sunday morning at 9:35am in the Chapel. Issues of the day, that relate to the Scripture we read in worship, usually guide the discussion. It's a nice diverse group who feel free to listen or to speak up. Give us a look, after you have had a chance to chat after worship (or before second service) and bring your coffee with you.

Faith Finders
The Faith Finders womens bible study group meets at 7pm the first Tuesday of each month at the church. As in previous years, we are again assembling layettes for Lutheran World Relief. A list of items needed are printed in the Sunday bulletin, and a basket will be placed under the mailboxes for donations. We appreciate your generosity through the years as we have been involved with this charity project. Please also consider joining us for bible study. All women are welcome!

Whats Happening at St. Paul, You Ask?

Here are just a few things that have taken place, are planned, or are continually going. YOU are welcome at all and many more. Please join us, and include these . . . and all our ministries . . . in your daily prayers. Advent services Kids Christmas Program Choir Christmas Cantata Group Home Party Hanging of the Greens Tour of Homes Christmas Eve Services Operation Christmas Child Meals on Wheels treat bags Bible Distribution Sunday All Saints Sunday Hamball Dinner Crop Walk Blessing of the Quilts to LWR Visit from Bishop Burk Soul Food Supper Groups All Saints Sunday Education Rally Sunday Harvest Festival Community Garden Blessing VBS/VBS Program Mission Trip- Blessman Ministries Mission Trip- Hearts in Motion Kids Summer Program Outdoor Services Table Affair dinner High School activities Reggies Sleep Out Table Affair Dinner End of Life Series Confirmation Sunday Education End of Year Program Holy Week Service Schedule Lent Services St. Paul Walks Palm Sunday Services Easter Services Easter Choir Cantata Easter Baskets Easter Egg Hunt Valentines Breakfast Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper Souper Bowl Sunday Care Center Devotions Kitchen Crew Meals Honoring Mothers Day Honoring Fathers Day Visit from Lutheran World Relief Rep Visit from Hearts in Motion Rep Monthly Food Pantry Drives Youth Group meetings College Student Care Packages Community Events/Celebrations Madison County Tractor Ride Weddings. Baptisms, Funerals SCRIP sales Mental Health Support Group Thrivent Dinners Faith Finders Layettes for LWR Hope Circle Java & Jesus Comforters Ministry Monday Mental Health Support Group Blood Pressure Screenings AED Training Blood Bank Blood Drives Madison County WIC Mens Breakfast Group God Squad Sunday School Kids Hand Bell Choir St. Paul Choir New member classes & welcome

1120 N 8th Ave Winterset, IA 50273 www.wintersetlutheran.org

Please send address and contact information changes to: stpaullutheranchurch@hotmail.com or contact the church office at 515.462.4270 St. Paul Lutheran Church is on Facebook! Join our group for news and photos, and invite your friends. Do you receive weekly emails from St. Paul? Please let us know if you would like to be included on our email list for weekly delivery of announcements and occasional items of interest or news, as well as the monthly newsletter.

Worship with us! Sundays 8am and 10:30am