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