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LETTER FROM PASTOR JACOBSEN

Lenten Discipline “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV) Discipline is such and ugly word, especially in today’s world. No one really likes the idea of discipline because it means giving up our momentary creature comforts to really get things done. The truth of the matter though is that discipline equals freedom. For example, if you show a little discipline today by taking care of your to-do list, you are free later on to do that thing you really want to do. It’s something we probably all learned as kids, discipline now means freedom later. No matter how we feel about discipline though, our Lord calls us to lay aside our sin, repent, and return to Him. Thus the season of Lent is a time for us to practice discipline in our lives of faith, preparing our hearts and minds to focus on Jesus the, “the founder and perfecter of our faith.” Yet it might be difficult to figure out how to practice Lenten disciplines. We are free in the Gos-pel of Christ to practice Christian discipline in a way that fits our needs in our unique life situations, but that sometimes makes it difficult to decide what we need to work on in our lives of faith. So this Lent, I would like to make a few suggestions to you for your own Lenten disciplines. Feel free to add your own, or choose one of these:

Give something up: Traditionally, we Lutherans give something up for Lent. Normally this is choc-olate, soda, ice cream, or other unhealthy things that we want to cut out a bit in our lives. But the idea of “giving something up” is to give something up that is a distraction in your life. So before you give up the bowl of Chunky Monkey Ice Cream, ask yourself what is really getting in the way of God’s Word and Sacraments in your life. Maybe it’s the T.V. the iPhone, the com-puter, or Sunday commitments, that keep you away from the Bible, Sunday Services, or Sunday School. Each of us have our own challenges in life, think about your own, you’ll know when you’ve found that distraction.

Take something up: Maybe you don’t find lots of distractions in your life. Maybe you are lacking something else. This Lent take up a life of prayer, this is especially helpful if you can get your whole family on board. Try family prayers every morning before you all rush out the door and at night before you all crash into bed, the results will be awesome as you grow together. Look up a Bible reading plan on Biblegateway.com and try a 40-day reading plan. You could even volun-teer at a shelter or pantry a few times every week. Whatever it is, do it with joy, love, and prayer as you learn from Jesus what He has done for you.

Learn to confess: Come to confession! This is a wonderful way to practice your faith as we learn to confess out loud what we have done against God and our neighbor and hear the Gospel for our lives. Private Confession and Absolution is always available to you here at Trinity and Concor-dia. Call up the church office, talk with me, and we will get you scheduled. Confession is truly the best medicine in a world that wants to bottle up everything inside.

So there you have it. Three Lenten disciplines for you to investigate and try out this year. Maybe you’ll try all three, or maybe you’ll do your own thing. Whatever you do, do it to the glory of God who sent His Son to die for you.

Have a Blessed Lent, Pastor Jacobsen

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Birthdays

Chad Ihnen Feb. 1st Jeff Sohn Feb. 2nd Brooklyn Greene Feb. 5th Mary Kazemba Feb. 6th Allen Hamann Feb. 7th John Hamann Feb. 8th Paul Hintze Feb. 9th John Ahrenstorff Feb. 10th Russell Meier Feb. 15th Stan Pohlman Feb. 15th Rod Voss Feb. 15th Linda Rost Feb. 16th Karen Hamre Feb. 17th Melany Boetel Feb. 18th Khailynn Hamre Feb. 19th Lois Kazemba Feb. 20th Bonnie Puck Feb. 23rd Charles Rowe Feb. 25th Shadrach Wacker Feb. 26th Leyla Fischer Feb. 27th Isabelle Hamre Feb. 27th Abdulla Elbuytari Feb. 28th

Anniversaries

Jason & Melanie Van Gelder Feb. 12th Robert & Connie Brons Feb. 15th Wade & Stacey Wacker Feb. 17th John & Connie Boetel, Jr. Feb. 25th Perry & Denise Fick Feb. 29th

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Trinity Officers/Boards

Chairman: Doug Pohlman Vice Chairman: Adam Wolff Secretary: Janet Majerus Treasurer: David Untiedt Trustee: Bruce Ihnen Elders: Tim Ahrenstorff Don Majerus Finance: Dennis Voehl Dan Reimers Richard Voss Dale Knips Ushers: Chad Ihnen Adam Wolff Rod Voss Wade Wacker Stewardship: Don Majerus Doug Pohlman Dave Untiedt LWML President: Vicki Place Vice President: Karlyne Ackerman Secretary: Arlys Schuett Treasurer: Wanda Untiedt Delegates: Janet Majerus LeAnn Pohlman Nominating Comm.: Lisa Dean Shirley Finnern Education Super: Tricia Voss Youth Group: Janet Majerus Cradle Roll: Wanda Untiedt Organist: Shirley Finnern Custodian: Gladys Munoz

Concordia Officers/Boards

President: Robert Brons Vice President: Dave Stahly Secretary: Denny Stahly Treasurer: Russell & Dolly Meier Trustee: Charlie Rowe Joel Gaudian Elders: Bob Brons Russell Meier Dennis Stahly Finance Secretary: Carol Rowe Dennis Stahly Head Ushers: Gerald Weerts Stewardship: Russell Meier Dolly Meier Carol Rowe LWML President: Dolly Meier Vice President: Shannon Stone Secretary: Jean Gillespie Treasurer: Carol Rowe SS Staff: Lacy Detlefsen Brian Gilmore Shannon Stone Connie Brons, Music Cradle Roll Beverly Stahly Organist: Shirley Finnern Custodian: (Help Wanted)

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Upcoming Events/Announcements

Updates Needed: Please help us keep our records updated by contact the church office with changes. If you have moved, gotten married, had a child, changed your phone number, cell phone, and/or e-mail address we would like to know so that our records can be accurate. Thank you! Birthdays and Anniversaries: If you would like your bir thday or anniversary pr inted in The Lutheran Witness to commemorate a birthday of 90 years of more or an anniversary of 50 years or more please contact the church office two months in advance, so that notification can be sent to the district office. Newsletter deadline: Thursday, February 18 is the deadline for the March newsletter . Thank you! Issues, Etc. is a radio talk show produced by Lutheran Public Radio and hosted by LCMS Pastor Todd Wilken. Topics include: Is Islam a Religion of Peace?, "Angels & Demons" by Dan Brown, Adoption, Decision Theology, Handel's Messiah and more. You can listen to what you want when you want at www.issuesetc.org. Thrivent Choice: Remember to enroll as Thr ivent members your Choice Dollars. Tr inity & Concordia Lutheran Church is eligible to receive Choice Dollars. Please consider us a your choice. To learn more about Thrivent Choice, visit Thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 1-800-847-4836 and say “Thrivent choice” when prompted. Electronic Newsletters: If you are interested in receiving the monthly newsletter electroni-cally please send me an e-mail making the request. ConnectPlus: LCEF is now offer ing an investment option called ConnectPlus. Please go our website lcef.org or call (800)843-5233 for more information. Church Information: The town’s congregations have gotten together a published an informa-tional card in regards to locations and times. Please feel free to pick up and share with others. Items for sale: LWML has cards for sale including bir thday, get-well, and sympathy. Cards can be purchased individually for $0.60 apiece or by the box. The amount is written on the box. Sacred Music For The World...You can listen to the best of the Church's music 24/7 at www.lutheranpublicradio.org. You can also listen on mobile devices like an iPhone, iPad and an Android phone. Old Hymnals: Here's an opportunity to find a 'good home' for any and all hymnals that you or your church no longer needs. Take to the office at Camp Okoboji.

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MN Relay: If you or a family member living in MN needs help hear ing when answering the phone there is help available at no cost to you. Please contact the consumer relations of-fice (800)657-3775, e-mail: mn.relay@state.mn.us or visit www.mnrelay.org for more infor-mation. There is also a brochure in the narthex. PORTALS OF PRAYER: The Tr inity LWML has a box in the nar thex for gather ing USED Portals of Prayers. We will distribute them to various locations for others to read. God bless you and thank you for your support. Adult Bible Study: You may join on-line daily devotions on Facebook – we now have a home-base page on YouTube as well. Now all videos of Worship Services, Devotional studies and other events are now accessible from a common playlist. For fast access, click on “YouTube Home Page” in the “Links” section. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMaZveFK6lGTFJ6 VUkVOFyw Electronic Ipad Organ Program: Please let the church office or Denny Stahly know if you are interested in learning how to run the ipad for when we do not have an organist. Be Still and Know: FREE resources from CPH to use during this time: During this time of fear, stress, and concern, we turn, as always, to God and His Holy Word. In order to help you do that, Concordia Publishing House is offering you free Faith Courses: our video-based online Bible Study resource. https://cphfaithcourses.com/care/ (just click this link and explore!) Lutheran Ladies: Are you searching for a Lutheran podcast that really catches your ear? An audio retreat full of inviting conversations, laughter, and fellowship with your Lutheran sis-ters? Look no further! Join Sarah Gulseth, Erin Alter, Rachel Bomberger, and Bri Gerzevske on the sofa in The Lutheran Ladies’ Lounge. It’s a podcast oasis for you, dear sisters — so come on in, sit, rest your feet, and stay a while. Podcast episodes are available at kfuo.org/lutheran ladieslounge and wherever you get your podcasts. Trinity & Concordia LWML Mites: We will now have the LWML Mite can sitting in the back by the offering plate and we welcome all members including Sunday school students to bring your loose change on any Sunday and place in the can. We thank you for all your help. Pictorial Directories: The director ies are still available. If you would like to purchase a copy please see the church office. Kids First is a ministry designed to assist families in our community with the expenses of infants and toddlers. This is NOT a program based on financial need, it is open to anyone inter-ested in using it. Once a month we open our Kids First pantry and sell diapers, wipes, lotions, baby wash, and other infant/toddler items at a reduced price. Kids First is by appointment only due to Covid 19. Call the church office at 712-262-2945 Monday through Friday from 9:00 to 3:00 with any questions. All monies collected go to purchase more items for the pantry. We are

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able to provide this ministry through the underwriting of First Christian Church's Local Out-reach Fund and through generous donations. Storm Cancellations: If Church needs to be cancelled dur ing the winter months, text noti-fications will be sent to you if you have signed up to receive them. You can also check follow-ing sources.

KICD 1240 AM 107.7 FM Spencer – Live reports and Website KKOJ 1190 AM KRAQ 105.7 FM Jackson – Live reports & Website “Weather Related Announcements” at exploreokoboji.com “Weather Announcements” at myradioworks.net

Call an Elder or Church President Concordia’s Angel Tree Donations: 1 men’s scarf, 1 woman’s scarf, 9 hats, 9 pairs of gloves, 1 boys scarf, hat, and glove set. Thank you for your support! Families Needed: Lutheran Family Service is looking for additional families to be a par t of our adoption program as we are serving a higher number of birth mothers looking to place for adoption. Newborn Infant Adoption Program Details: • Couples must reside in Iowa or North/Central Illinois • Couples must be male/female married for at least 3 years • Couples must be active in a Christian congregation • Program is fee-based Lutheran Family Service: • Creating family through adoption for over 117 years • Fully licensed child-placing agency • Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the LCMS Church following all LCMS biblical principles • Free pregnancy counseling program For more information, contact Lutheran Family Service at 515-573-3138 or info@Lutheran FamilyService.org. Bid from Karr Tuckpointing: The is an overview of the project. The cost of the bid is, $34,816.00. This project may begin in 2021. • Power washing brick masonry and precast concrete trim to remove dirt and expose defective

joints • Tuckpoint damaged mortar joints • Replace 14 defective brick units • Seal all movement cracks • Install flexible caulk around the perimeter of all the stone window frames and the windows,

glass block windows and enclosed louvers

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• Install flexible caulk in all the sill joints • Install flexible caulk in all the previously caulk precast concrete trim to precast the west ele-

vation • Patch 10 square feet of damaged precast concrete trim • Paint steel lintels • Install colorKlad 24-guage prefinished sheet metal coping over the 2 precast concrete wa-

tertables in the bell tower • Install 3 colorKlad 24 gauge prefinished solid sheet metal caps on the three elevation en-

trance overhangs The voter’s have approved this project and we will now move forward. If you would like to make a donation to offset this please place a note on the memo line of your offering check. Thank You: We would like to thank everyone for your sympathy and kindness. Though you

couldn't be with us during this difficult time, your prayers and support provided comfort to our

family. Words cannot express our gratitude for your generosity and compassion of Pastor Adam

and Sarah Jacobsen, John and Joy Mier, and Dave and Diane Fisher for providing for our fami-

ly during the storm following the funeral. The Family of Raymond "Bud" Kasch Concordia Custodial Position: The Custodial Position is opening up and we need someone to fill this position. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested please contact Charles Rowe at 712-330-9137 or Joel Gaudian at 712-330-5467. Trinity LWML Mission: Lutheran Women’s Missionary League Grant #19 —Making Je-

sus Known in the United States Ethnic Communities Concordia Seminary, St. Louis —

$100,000 LWML Grant #19 for the 2019-2021 biennium is “Making Jesus Known in the Unit-

ed States Ethnic Communities at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis.” The seminary offers distance

learning and training so that men can be ordained to serve churches in multi-ethnic communi-

ties. This grant gives financial assistance for the training. For more information, go

to www.lwml.org/2019-2021-mission-grant-19.

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498 4th Ave. NE Sioux Center, IA 51250

February 7 "Stories Around the Table" Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler Dr. Michael Zeigler shares a story about people who had more in common than they thought. (Mark 6-8)

February 14 "Shines and Saves" Guest Speaker: Rev. Cody Cooper Jesus surpasses all expectations as we see Him revealed on the Mount of Transfig-uration. (Mark 9:2-13)

February 21 "Do You See Anything?" Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler The world wields power with blunt force, but God hides His power in suffering, weak-ness, and humility. (Mark)

February 28 "Where a Kid Can Be a Kid" Speaker: Rev. Dr. Michael Zeigler An impossible situation need not be a hopeless one. (Mark 10)

Lutheran Hour Ministry can now be found on these applications. A podcast subscription; subscribe at lhm.org/podcasts; A mobile app for Android devices and iPhones; visit lhm.org/apps for more information; Amazon Alexa, a voice-activated assistant to play media programming; Spotify, an on-demand media streaming service; iHeartRadio, a free broadcast and internet radio platform; and SiriusXM Satellite Radio’s Family Talk Channel 131 at 10 a.m. EST every Sunday.

Thank you for sharing with your parishioners that Lutheran Hour is broadcast at 1:00 pm each Sunday

Cindy Nederhoff – 712-722-0885 – cnederho@dordt.edu

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What is Happening At Your Camp?

Camp Okoboji 1531 Edgewood Drive

Milford, IA 51351 Phone: 712-337-3325 Fax: 712-337-3318

e-mail: camp.okoboji@1idwlcms.org Web site: www.campokoboji.org

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him en-dured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2 VISION: Refreshing Body and Spirit MISSION: We provide Sanctuary which connects guests with God and His Creation VALUES: Gospel, Safety, Excellence, Wellness, Stewardship, Legacy

ANNOUCEMENTS

Dear Pastors and Congrega�ons: 01/09/2021

We start 2021 with full inten�ons of opera�ng our complete schedule of programs, camps, family re-

treats, family reunions, large group events, family ministry and ac�vi�es. Yet, even as we make our

plans, there remains so much unknown surrounding this pandemic and the poten�al for ever changing

response requirements. As strong as our planning may be, we must maintain an ability to adjust to

changing reali�es of COVID-19, even within short-term windows. We sincerely ask that staff, guests

and the communi�es we seek to safeguard and protect, understand and embrace these possibili-

�es. Please prepare in advance to accept changes and more stringent mi�ga�on guidelines, if need-

ed. We will con�nue to be guided by State of Iowa and CDC mi�ga�on mandates and guidelines in

alignment with our Vision, Mission and Values.

FACILITIES: Camp Okoboji has ordered 2 commercial backpack spray sani�zers to enhance our sani�z-

ing efforts and provide addi�onal reassurance to guests of Camp.

Our roofing projects for Ginny DeWall Dining Hall, Chris�an Life Center and Bethel Retreat Center are

underway and will be completed early in the spring. These projects are fully funded.

PERSONNEL: We are currently recrui�ng for our Summer Staff needs. Are you looking for a summer

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job or know someone who is commi$ed to serving others and glorifying God?? We are seeking to hire

up to 21 hard-working, commi$ed young adults to serve campers and guests. Responsibili�es at Camp

Okoboji range from program assistance, housekeeping, dining hall, lifeguarding (training will be provid-

ed), and general maintenance. (Please share with your congrega�ons and interested individuals)

In addi�on, we are currently looking for part-�me office assistance. Primary responsibili�es would be

working with camper registra�ons and Camp Okoboji’s so<ware/database systems. Inquiries may be

directed to Kellie Jones, Camp Director at (712) 337-3325 or kellie.campokoboji.org.

INFORMATIONAL: Camp Okoboji will be receiving an addi�onal Planned Gi< through an estate estab-

lished years ago by a Friend of Camp. This Planned Gi< should be received early in 2021.

Camp is currently working with our bank to determine our eligibility to par�cipate in the CARES Act 2,

PPP Loan program. At this �me, it appears we will be eligible and PPP Loan, Round 2 will have similar

parameters as Round 1 for both applica�ons and forgiveness.

VOLUNTEERS: Recognizing and expressing our THANKS to volunteers and groups who give so gener-

ously of their �me and talents in serving Camp Okoboji.

� Special “THANKS” to the Camp Okoboji Auxiliary for funding the purchase of our commercial

sani�zing equipment and the supplies.

� Special “THANKS” to our staff for all they have endured and their dedica�on to the ministry

of Camp Okoboji through the year of the pandemic!! Through it

all, they have con�nued to stay focused on doing those things necessary to con�nue to live

our Vision, Mission and Values!!

NEEDS/WANTS LIST: Sharing opportuni�es to assist Camp with specific items

Laundry soap, bleach

Shower curtain liners

Queen maKress pads

2 seat bike trailer for children

Stand-alone Pickle Ball net

Kayaks, aluminum canoes and/or Stand-up Paddle Boards

Thrivent Ac�on Team Cards (check with Kellie Jones for guidance on recommended usages)

Also, see our Amazon Wish List at:

hKps://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2U3MCM8Z6HGPY?ref_=wl_share

For more information on any of these topics please fell free to contact Camp Okoboji. Face book : www.facebook.com/CampOkoboji-LCMS

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Mission Central – LCMS World Mission

40718 Highway E16, Mapleton, IA 51034

712-882-1029 www.missioncentral.us

Gary Thies (gary.thies@lcms.org)

Rev. Brent Smith (brent.smith@lcms.org)

GEORGE & KAREN JANSSEN BRING GRANDSON!

In this journey we call life, we have found that some of the

BEST missionaries are grandparents! Grandchildren love

their grandpas and grandmas and listen carefully to what

they say and mimic what they do! We recently had the

blessing of seeing this in ac�on here at Mission Central.

George and Karen Janssen from Denison, Iowa were able to

spend some Christmas vaca�on �me with grandson Abraham from Carroll, Iowa.

George and Karen were kind enough to bring Abraham for a tour of Mission Central so

he could go home to his dad and mom and his 11 siblings to tell them about this MIRA-

CLE PLACE! This family toured the Crea�on Theater and the other facili�es that the

Lord has given to us! It was a special �me for this family. I know that Abraham will be a

real missionary and I’m sure that his mom and dad and their 12 children will come to

see what God has done here with an old set of farm buildings in the middle of no-

where!

SPECIAL HISPANIC FAMILY FROM SCHLESWIG, IOWA VISITS!

What a JOY and blessing to welcome a very special family

for a tour on December 27! This family came to the United

States from Mexico and lives south of Schleswig, Iowa.

Maria and her family are members of the Catholic Church.

As they drove by Mission Central, they wanted to see what

goes on here. They were encouraged by a special member

of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Schleswig. The family came

along with the missionary to lead them. This is another ex-

ample of the fact that WE ARE ALL MISSIONARIES! It was a JOY to have these special

visitors.