December News

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” As a teacher, Christian educator, and leader of youth, I have often heard the expression, “children are the future.” This expression is given as the reason for taking care of children – for providing programs that educate and nurture our future leaders. I have never liked or agreed with this expression. I don’t believe that children are the future so much as they are the present. The phrase implies that we should take care of children so that they will take care of us when we get older. It also implies that children cannot be leaders until they have grown to be adults. I’m here to tell you that this is nonsense. I spend a significant part of my time with children and youth, and I know that I have learned as much, and perhaps more, from them than they have ever learned from me. I am constantly surprised by their wisdom. Children are wonderful teachers. They challenge us by asking, “Why,” and requiring us to think about the answers. They are open to new ideas, and their solutions to problems cut through the perceived complications to find simple, profound answers. In the Gospel of John, Jesus and the disciples were faced with feeding 5000 people, and Jesus was able to provide a miracle because one boy shared his lunch. Children give us hope – we hope that they will get more things right in this world than we did. It is appropriate during the seasons of Advent and Christmas to think about children, especially since Advent is a season of hope as we anticipate the birth of a child, our Savior, Jesus Christ. I often wonder what we are teaching our children at this time of year. Are we teaching them about God’s grace freely given in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? Or, are we teaching them that gifts are given only if you are good or rich. Are we teaching them to prepare their hearts and minds to welcome the Christ child? Or, are we teaching them to be greedy as they wait to welcome new toys. Children can lead us by asking the right questions and sharing simple solutions, but are we ready to provide the truth of God’s love and forgiveness and Jesus’ call to discipleship. I hope that we are. I wish for us a season of Advent full of hope and revelation as we prepare for the arrival of the child who will lead us as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of

August 2007

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19&20
As I write this article, I am at Luther College in Decorah, IA with Lara Dohner, Sara Ernster, Sydney Kueter, Kim Wild, and Sarah Wlochal. We are part of WIYLDE or Wholly Iowa Youth Leadership Discipling Event. I am serving as a small group leader at the event, and the aforementioned talented young women are participants learning leadership skills that can be used in their home congregations. The first year participants (Lara, Kim, and Sarah) took spiritual gifts inventories and discussed how their spiritual gifts could be used to help their home churches and in their future vocations to serve the world. The second year participants (Sydney and Sara) have been trained to lead the Bible study for the first year students. Together we’ve been exploring God’s call to church leadership. Most people, who have felt a sense of call to leadership in the church, whether it be ordained or lay, know that following God’s call can be a very frightening and confusing thing. At our opening worship on Saturday evening, Pastor Jen Henry, our event chaplain, told a story from the Cherokee tradition. On the occasion of his son’s entrance into adulthood, a Cherokee father took his son into the wilderness for an overnight. The young man was blindfolded and left to sit by himself all night in the forest. The young man felt scared and abandoned while he sat alone listening to the sounds of the wilderness all around him. After a restless and anxious night, the sun rose. When light streamed through the blindfold, the young man knew his test was complete, and he removed the barrier to see again. As he adjusted to the light, he saw an image of another man. When he had clear vision, he recognized his father and realized that he was never alone in the wilderness because his father had been with him the whole time, even though he did not know that his father had been there. As disciples of Christ, we are called into the world to serve God’s people. We are called to cross boundaries and to leave our comfort zones. It can be a frightening time where we may feel lonely and anxious, but as God promised Moses, Jeremiah, and Mary, God is with us in our struggles, failures, and successes. God is with us even though we forget or cannot see God’s presence. We are never alone. When Lara, Sara, Sydney, Kim and Sarah return, they will need their family at HTLC to help mentor them as they stretch themselves to serve the church. They will need their church family, as do all the youth, to help them grow into discipleship. With God helping them, they will be able to lead us, and with God helping us, we can be mentors and encouragers. It will be a rewarding journey together. Sara

July 2007

O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have established; what are human beings that you are mindful of them, mortals that you care for them? Psalm 8:1, 3&4
I had a wonderful day last Tuesday. I played hookie from work. Well not exactly, I changed my vacation day so that I could spend the day outside. It was the most glorious day – blue sky, low humidity, 75º, cool breeze. I spent the day in my gardens. I love digging in the dirt and caring for my flowers. As I ate my lunch on the back deck, I watched a flicker looking for tasty insects on my ash tree. It was a treat because flickers aren’t common visitors to my yard. I was serenaded by the wren as he stood guard over his brood in my wren house. My dogs were feeling frisky in the breeze and danced around the yard as they chased each other. God’s creations were providing entertainment during my meal. The next morning, I awakened at 4:30 am to hear a chorus of birds greeting the new day. I don’t usually awaken that early, but I was glad that I got to hear the concert. The birds were praising God by doing what God created them to do – sing at daybreak. As I listened to the beautiful summer music, I thought of Psalm 8 – one of my favorites. God’s creation continually amazes me, just as the writer of the Psalm expresses, and I am blessed to be part of it. Isn’t the creative genius of our God astounding? And how much more astounding is it that our God cares so much for us that Jesus came to express the depths of God’s love. Thank goodness for days like Tuesday – days when I can tune into the amazing gifts of creation that God has given to us. O Lord, our Sovereign, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Indeed!

Staying Connected

Jesus said, “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.” John 15:5 A couple of weeks ago we recognized the young adults in our congregation that graduated from high school. These young people shared their many gifts with their church family as children and youth, and now they have reached a mile stone in their lives. Many will be going away from home to study. We pray that they will find a way to stay connected to the body of Christ in their new environment, and we will look forward to seeing them when they come home to visit. Congratulations to our 2007 high school graduates: Michael Brown, Kari Fordice, William Gibson, Ann Homan, Andy Klein, Frederick Liaboe, Bethany Lichti, Lauren Mattison, Nora Metz, Jessie Nessan, Scott O’Dell, Anna Schattauer, Emily Schmitt, Samantha Smith, Tyler Stumpf, Jill Walters, Louise Warren, and Keri West. This summer 30 youth in middle school and high school will travel from home to experience new connections as they serve in mission. Mission trips are a wonderful way for members of a congregation to connect with God’s people in a new location. Every time that I have gone on a mission trip I come back feeling renewed because I have received as many gifts of ministry as I have given. The youth and I thank you for all of your support, both financially and prayerfully as we embark on our summer adventures. Our rummage sale raised $1892, and with Thrivent matching funds, we took in $2742!! We are able to provide scholarships for some of our youth and pay for our adult chaperones going on the trip. Thank you for your amazing generosity. I am thankful everyday that God connected me to HTLC. In Christ, Sara

Life in Community - Part 2

So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God. Ephesians 2:19
Every now and then I hear the question, “Why is our confirmation class three years long – why are there so many requirements?” It is a fair question. In today’s world, when people’s schedules are so full and lives are so stressful, why do we require more? I struggle with this constantly. I see frazzled families and know that our programs are adding to an already hectic lifestyle. My answer is that building community takes time. The purpose of having a confirmation class is not only to teach the youth the important beliefs of the Christian faith, but to help them connect to the community of believers. It takes time and energy to make this connection, and I see that as my number one responsibility as Youth and Family Minister. During our confirmation class time, we spend time exploring the basic beliefs of the Christian church in the Lutheran tradition. The lessons are founded in scripture. I am amazed at the increasing level of biblical interest and understanding that is exhibited by our youth. The concepts are presented in a variety of ways to help the youth connect to the material. We have adult guides, who are leading, but also learning alongside the youth to demonstrate that learning and growing in faith is a lifetime endeavor. We ask the youth to help as worship assistants. This opportunity gives them the experience of learning about worship from many angles, and it gives the congregation the opportunity to meet our youth and see them as responsible leaders. The youth are also required to turn in worship outlines where they summarize their worship experience. It has been my pleasure to read these outlines and to see the youth grow in their ability to connect to the worship experience and to think beyond what they hear in the scripture and sermon. We ask the youth to participate in church and community service to help them understand that living the Christian faith happens daily inside and outside of worship and the Holy Trinity Church building. We provide servant events so that the youth learn that service is something we do, not only as individuals, but as a community as well. In the letter to the Ephesians, the Apostle Paul sends the message that we are adopted into God’s family and into the community of faith. Our former identities matter no longer because we are claimed by Christ in the waters of baptism. It is our responsibility, as members of the Body of Christ, to welcome each other, bear with one another, and encourage each other’s gifts. This doesn’t happen in a short amount of time. It takes time and energy. In our present time where angry young men, who are disconnected “loners”, commit violent acts against a world that seems to them unwelcoming, it is absolutely vital that we make every effort that we can to adopt and welcome our young people. Thank you for your commitment to do just that. In Christ, Sara

Life in Community – Being Connected

…And day by day the Lord added to their number those who were being saved. Acts 2:47
Last month, six youth and I attended the NE Iowa LYO Assembly in Mason City, IA. The theme was “Get Connected”, and the event began with a message from Bishop Ulestad in which he used the analogy of a cross country team. In cross country, unlike many other sports, the meet is not over until all the runners cross the finish line with cheers from the spectators. The team supports and encourages each other no matter if the team mates are the fastest or slowest runners. Each member is encouraged to try to do his or her personal best and not compare times to those of others. A cross country team is a community, and the members are connected to one another. One important part of my ministry is to help children, youth, and families connect to the community of faith. It is a challenging task because over the years in American society we have lost our sense of what it means to be a community. The focus of our society has been on the individual, not on community. While individuals are important, and unique gifts and talents of individuals should be honored, we are called as Christians to be part of a community where we use our individual gifts to serve and where we are served by others as we strive to be in relationship with God. In Acts 2:43-47, we can read a description of what it was like in the community of the early Christian church. It tells us that the community met together often. They shared what they had and took care of each other. They met in the temple to share stories of their faith. They gathered in homes to share meals and worship. They reached out to those outside the community and brought in new members. They were noticed by the people outside the community because of the work that they did. This is a wonderful description of community. It does sound idyllic, and we shouldn’t assume that the early church didn’t have its troubles because we know that it did, but we also know that the church survived because the members stayed connected. So how do we stay connected? We come together to worship as we gather around God’s Word and share stories of faith. We share what we have and take care of one another. We reach out to others and invite them into the community. We do these things to stay connected to God and to one another. On Maundy Thursday, April 5th, we have an incredible opportunity to be in community with one another. On that evening we will gather to share our faith story as we celebrate a traditional Passover feast; we will break bread together in a fellowship meal; we will gather around God’s word in worship with communion and foot washing. Jesus gave the example of living in community. He gathered with his friends to share a meal and to teach them to serve one another. I hope that you can join us for this meaningful event as we remember the story of Jesus’ last meal. Sara McCaw

RUMMAGE SALE SATURDAY, APRIL 28

It’s time for spring cleaning. Are you looking for a place to donate your unwanted items? The high school and middle school youth will have a rummage sale in the LFC of HTLC on Saturday, April 28 from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Any donations of household items including clothing will be appreciated. You may bring your donations to the church after Sunday, April 22 to be stored in the house at 1815 Delhi. If you have a large item to donate, and you need help getting it to church, or if you have any questions, please call Sara (451-6874). The proceeds from the sale will help fund the high school and middle school summer mission trips.

EASTER BRUNCH

Easter Brunch Celebrate Easter with brunch at HTLC. The high school and middle school youth will prepare a delicious brunch featuring ham or veggie egg casserole, coffee cake, fresh fruit, and beverages. Easter Sunday, April 8th fro 9:30 - 10:45 am in the Fellowship Hall. Suggested Donation: $5.00 - adults, 3.50 - children under 10 17.00 - family of four or more The proceeds from the brunch will help to fund the high school summer mission trip to Marquette, MI and the middle school summer mission trip to Duluth, MN. Reservations are not necessary. Thank you for your support.

Tidings Article for March 2007

“Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” Matthew 25:40

The youth of HTLC are spending some time learning about what it means to be one of the least – the hungry and forgotten. On Sunday February, 18 and Monday, February 19, sixteen high school students devoted their time to raising their awareness of world hunger. They pledged to go without solid food for 30 hours. During the time spent together they planned, shopped, cooked, and served a meal at the Dubuque Rescue Mission, and they visited with residents of Luther Manor Nursing Home. They participated in group building activities, and they played a simulation game called TRIBE. The TRIBE game, produced by World Vision, introduced the youth to the struggles and dangers of children who live in Northern Uganda. The children of Uganda, also called “night commuters,” face the danger of being abducted by guerilla soldiers and forced into violence. Children from outer villages travel as far as nine miles each night so that they may be locked up in the nearest larger town so that they will not be abducted. In the morning the children travel back to their villages. These children are poor and forgotten. Besides the dangers of the 19 year civil war, they face hunger and illness. AIDS is an overwhelming epidemic, and many children are born with AIDS or are orphaned because of the disease. Our youth are asking you to be partners in their efforts to help the children of Uganda. They are asking you to sponsor them for their 30 Hours without food. The middle school youth will also participate in a famine event on Friday, March 2 and Saturday, March 3. Please help the youth live out Jesus’ command to love the least, the hungry and forgotten, who are members of our global family. Thanks to our high school youth Gabe Bonn, Sarah Corfman, Caitlin Donald, Jessie Folken, Tyler Franke, Nate Guetzko, Benjamin Hanson, Sydney Kueter, Evan Rowley, Jeff Saul, John Sewell, Tye Stierman, Kim Stocks, Carly Stork, Ariel Wickler, and Sarah Wlochal for participating in the 30 Hour Famine. Thanks to JoAnn Kopp, Chris and Gretchen Kueter, and Sue Tigges for helping as adult chaperones. In Christ, Sara