Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

At the beginning of each New Year, Howard Thurman, a professor at Boston University, would write down his understanding of God’s nature. Each year, he compared last year’s journal entry about the nature of God with that current year’s description. And if there was no real change in his understanding of God’s nature, then Professor Thurman was disappointed. He expected to grow in his knowledge and understanding of God, and if he didn’t notice any spiritual growth in himself, then he considered that past year to have been wasted. (Martha Graybeal Rowlett, Responding to God (Nashville: Upper Room Books, 1996), pp. 30-31.)

Good words for us to consider at the beginning of another new year. Good words for us to think about as we approach the Epiphany of our Lord (January 6).

Famed Bible teacher J. Vernon McGee once asked, “What is your ambition in life today? Is it to get rich? Is it to make a name for yourself? Is it even to do some wonderful thing for God? Listen to me, beloved. The highest desire that can possess any human heart is a longing to see God.” (“Feasting on the Word,” Christianity Today, Vol. 37, no. 7.)

That is the meaning of Epiphany. That is the desire that drove the wise men to Bethlehem. Epiphany is the twelfth day after Christmas. According to tradition

Newsletter- January 2016

this is the day we celebrate the arrival of the wise men to worship the one who was born to be King of the Jews.

Henry Van Dyke wrote one of the most famous fictional accounts of the coming of the wise men to Bethlehem which he called The Story of the Other Wise Man. In this story Van Dyke speaks of a fourth wise man who searched for years for the Christ child, but was never able to catch up with the others. This wise man had three jewels, a gift of great wealth which he intended to give to the newborn king. But in his journey to find the newborn king he came across people who had great needs. He could not pass them by without trying to help. He ended up using the three jewels he had intended to offer the Christ child to care for the needs of these persons he found in want.

This fourth wise man searched for Jesus for the rest of his life, only to realize at the end of his life that he had both found him and worshiped him each time he gave himself and his gift to one who was in need. Through his compassion this fourth wise man pushed back some of the world’s darkness. And that is our task as well. We are to live in the presence of Christ so that with time we will be able to reflect his light through the service we give to others. (Dynamic Preaching First Quarter 2013 by King Duncan)

Happy New Year! Happy Epiphany!

Love in Christ,

Pastor Mark

Worship ScheduleSundays in January

8:30 a.m. Confirmation (beginning Jan. 3) 9:00 a.m. Adult Sunday School 9:00 a.m. Sunday School in the church basement

(beginning January 10) 9:15 a.m. Choir Rehearsal (January 17 & 24)10:00 a.m. Worship

January 23 7:30 p.m.Wartburg College Castle Singers performJanuary 24 Wartburg College Castle Singers during worship;

Potluck lunch after worship and then Annual Meeting

Wednesdays in January 7:00 p.m. Women’s Bible Study "Hoodwinked"

in the church basement

Congregation Council and Church Finance Notes

The Council met on Thursday, December 17, 2015. The next regular Council meeting will be Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. A copy of the meeting minutes is posted in the church narthex. Council minutes are also available in the church office.

Financial Report 2015 General Fund Activity (through December 29,

2015)Giving $196,450.71Expenses $192,293.59Mission Support $8,107.08Net Loss ($3,949.96)

Remember, any church committee meeting may be attended by anyone. You do not have to be a member of that group to attend their meeting. We encourage you to attend the meeting(s) of your choice.

Worship and Music CommitteeThe Worship and Music Committee met on December 9. We discussed the music for the 150th Anniversary celebration. There will be a program on Saturday afternoon that will include a hymn sing. On Sunday we will have an anniversary choir as part of the worship service. Anyone is welcome, especially past and current choir members, to sing with the anniversary choir. We will practice Sunday morning before worship. Let the church office know if you want to see the music before then.

Wartburg College's Castle Singers will perform a concert at SELC on Saturday, January 23rd at 7:30 p.m. In addition, they will be joining us as part of our service on Sunday the 24th. We are very excited for this elite group to have blessed us with a performance as part of our 150th celebration!

The Saturday night meal needs volunteers to bring salad (fruit or veggie), rolls, or a dessert. The Wagners will make the main dish of beef & noodles. The students have expressed an interest in "Anything Swedish, we'd love to try!"

Contact Jennifer Wagner by talk or text: 319-461-7881 to sign up to bring a dish. There are 30 in this group who will be eating.

After the service on Sunday, we will have our already-scheduled pot luck and the singers will join us before leaving for campus.

A special thank you to the RL Chrisinger (2), BJ Wetherell, Linda Kimzey, Jane Wickham, Mary Benson, Betty Molander, Jane Lauer, Mark Youngquist, and their families for sponsoring a room at the Super 8 for the choir. If the opportunity arises to sponsor a couple more rooms, we will let you know. They are $65 to house 4 singers.

The Committee’s next meeting will be January 14.

Choir Practice Schedule for January:January 17 - 9:15 a.m. rehearsal and sing at serviceJanuary 24 - 9:15 a.m. rehearsal and sing at service

Worship AssistantThank you to Phyllis Shadley and Eldon Beichter for their years of service as Worship Assistants. As they are moving away there is a need to find someone to replace them. If you are interested, contact Pastor Mark.

Annual Meeting NoticeThe Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church will meet for our annual meeting on Sunday, January 24, 2016 after Worship. There will be a potluck with sandwiches provided in the Parish Hall prior to the annual meeting, which will begin immediately after the lunch.

Please remember that Confirmed members need to have communed and have a contribution on record by the end of 2015 in order to vote at this meeting.

Treasurer’s reports are due to the church office by January 12th.

Stewardship CommitteeThis is the final call for everyone who has not turned in their Estimate of Giving form. The Estimate of Giving form is important as it helps the congregation plan its ministries and mission for the year. It also has been shown that people who make written commitments to give (rather than just planning on doing so) are far more likely to follow through. Time & Talent sheets are passed due. Currently we are working on putting

together the information needed for the yearbook and membership directory.

Christian EducationSunday School will start back into a regular schedule on January 10th. We plan to meet in the church basement, from 9:00- 9:50 a.m. Normally, we’ll begin our time together with music, followed by a bible lesson and prayer time. However, on the 10th, we are going to be doing a craft project- a fun way to kick-off the new year!

This winter and spring in Sunday School we will be studying lessons from the New Testament, specifically from the gospel of Luke, in line with the Year C of the ELCA Lectionary. As often as possible, our Sunday School lesson will coincide with the gospel lesson to be presented during that morning in worship. This will reinforce the lessons, helping our children to learn about Jesus and his time on earth at a deeper level. We will also take time periodically for service projects and crafts, hoping to spread some extra cheer to congregational members during the dreary winter months. The schedule for the next six few weeks:

January 10- Welcome Back – Craft ProjectJanuary 17 – Jesus Can Do Miracles (John 2:1-11)January 24 – Jesus Helps Those Who Are Hurting (Luke 4:14-21)January 31 – Jesus is for Everyone (Luke 4:22-20)February 7 – Jesus is Worth of Glory (Luke 9:28-36)February 14 - Making valentines for congregation members

NurseryNursery will begin again in the church basement on January 10th. Thank you for your patience during the transition period of renovations in the basement.

Women of the ELCA (WELCA)The Swedesburg WELCA will begin their sewing at the Parish Hall in January. Everyone is invited to join in. They will begin on Wednesday, January 13, 2016 at 9 a.m.

Altar GuildThe Altar Guild would like to thank everyone who brought poinsettias to beautify the altar during the Advent season. You may now take your poinsettia home.

Be sure to sign up in the narthex to provide flowers during a Worship service in 2016. There are openings on January 17, 24 and 31.

SmorgasbordThank you to all of you who stepped up to help make this the 77th Smorgasbord happen.

150th Historical CommitteeThe 150th Historical Committee continues to have 2016 Church calendars for sale. Calendars are available in the church office. Also, located at the end of this newsletter is an order form for you to use to place your order for the 2016 calendars. This calendar makes great birthday gifts!

Historical HighlightsSince the founding of our congregation in 1866, we have had 24 ministers leading our worship and study and fellowship with like-minded Christians. The first minister was Hakan* Olson, who was initially the minister for the congregation of New Sweden, west of Lockridge in Jefferson County. He came by horseback in 1863 to explore some unsettled territory in the northern part of Henry County. It was described in a surveyor’s report as “quite swampy and covered with marsh grass. It will probably never be settled.” However, Pastor Olson encouraged several families to settle here from Illinois, and others moved from New Sweden as well. The congregation was formed in 1866 at a meeting in the farmhouse of Alexander Johnson. Worship was held in country schoolhouses until the first church was built in 1868. Pastor Olson traveled from Lockridge to preach and minister to the new church in “Freeport” the third week of each month. While he was the minister, a post office was opened here, and the name changed to “Swedesburgh”. The 50th anniversary book printed in 1916 was entitled “Minnesalbum Numer Tva” (Album Number Two) and was printed entirely in Swedish!

This book names 9 preachers in the first 50 years, listing the time that each one served here: Rev. Hakan Olson 1866

– 76 and Pastor N Nordgren 1868. Then Rev. C Waleen, 1877 – 82, Rev J Franzen, 1882 – 89, Rev K.J. Bring 1890 – 92, Rev O. H. Sylvan 1893 – 96, Dr. A. Norrbom, 1896 – 1906, Rev A. T. Fant 1907 – 1910, Dr J. Ekholm 1910 – 1918. It seems curious that none of these ministers is listed with their first name. Perhaps it is an indication of respect for authority, that nobody would ever address their preacher by his first name, thus it need not be given in the written record. (Pastor Hakan Olson seems to be an exception however.) As with most of the immigrants to this new land, they did not immediately learn the new language. They learned enough English to travel, buy and sell produce, do business in the courthouse, and so on. But it was more comfortable to make friends with people who spoke the same native language, and worship with those friends and neighbors.

As for the prediction that “the swampy land . . . would probably never be settled”, the pioneers soon learned that the land could be drained by laying tile several feet below the surface of the ground, thus ensuring a good crop almost every year. As more settlers arrived, the congregation grew to the point that the original building was much too crowded. While they debated how to build and finance a larger church, 1883 brought a fire in the sacristy which destroyed the entire building, and the debate ended. It was replaced that year with a building seating 500, at a cost of $8,000.

The next 50 years, between 1916 and 1966, the congregation navigated many changes. World War I and II made it seem suspicious to the “Yankees” that others were talking in a language they didn’t understand, so most churches, whether French, Italian, German, Swedish, Greek, or whatever background, gradually dropped the mother tongue and switched to English. The Lutherans were organized according to worship style and customs from their European country, so the German Lutherans had their liturgy and constitutions, Swedish Lutherans were somewhat different, Danish Lutherans had 2 types, Norwegians had their own, and so on. Since the common language was English, it made sense to unite the various liturgy and worship styles. Change is hard, and it took several re-organizations to get to the current Evangelical

Lutheran Church in America or ELCA which unites most of the Lutherans we are familiar with today. The other major Lutheran church is LCMS: Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod.

In addition to the language change, and reorganization to unite the various worship styles, this congregation had its own crisis to navigate. A lightning strike destroyed the second building in June of 1927. Plans were begun immediately for a new structure, this one to be built of brick. Church members brought as many as 50 teams of horses to help dig the foundation. Photographs on the back of the 1916 souvenir calendar show some dramatic views of the construction in progress. Dedication festivities were held from July 19 to 23, 1928.

The next decade, the 1930’s, brought economic hardships of the depression to the congregation. This was magnified by having a new building to pay for. It was listed at $60,937. After the 70th anniversary celebration, the goal was set in 1937 that the church debt should be paid off before the 75th anniversary in 1941. The goal was met in 1940, with sufficient funds raised to not only pay off the debt, but also a balance to put into the Jubilee Fund to celebrate the next anniversary. We owe a big “thank you” to the faith demonstrated by our founding fathers and mothers who worked so hard to provide a worship place worthy of our Lord and Savior, for our God is the same through all seasons, all decades and even centuries!

As for this Lutheran congregation, we had 9 ministers from 1916 to 1966. They are: Pastor Ekholm until 1918, Pastor M.A. Johnson 1918 – 1925, Pastor O.A. Elmquist, 1925 – 1930, Pastor Paul Westerberg 1931 – 1940, Pastor Albert Tinberg 1940 - 1944, Pastor Carl Benander 1945 – 1951, Pastor Everett Bexell 1951 – 1955, Pastor E.M. Lorimer 1955 – 1959, Pastor Arnold Thoren Jr 1959 – 1965.

The Centennial Anniversary book (1966) has printed letters to the congregation from 5 recent pastors. They all refer to Holy Scripture, memories of our heritage, and blessings for the future. Pastor Arnold Thoren stated “It would be simple to mark the steps taken to improve the physical plant and facilities; however, Christian Education was the

congregation’s most important area of effort.” He continues, saying “God’s love in Christ liberates us from the past in order that our heritage might be the firm foundation for our task in the future.” That seems to be the purpose of the 150th Anniversary celebration: review our heritage but be ready to change to meet challenges in the present and future.

Since 1966, we have been led by 7 pastors with interim pastors to facilitate the changes in leadership. Pastor Delmar Carstens served from 1966 - 1981. During this time, we transferred from the red “Service Book and Hymnal” to a green “Lutheran Book of Worship”. A special change in 1975 was the election of 2 women to the church council: Louise Unkrich and Jane Lauer. Since then, the council has been approximately half men and half women.

Iowa’s governor Robert Ray visited refugee camps after the war in Viet Nam, and consequently encouraged Iowans to welcome these displaced persons into our state. Henry County churches including ours responded generously with many individuals uniting to provide housing, language classes, and personal mentors to help transition families to our communities. English language classes were provided at no cost through the Presbyterian church in Mt. Pleasant, and individuals from SELC volunteered to practice weekly with specific families. Judy Carstens was one of those who coordinated the volunteers in learning how to teach English for the newcomers. Pastor and Judy also took into their home 2 foster boys who were orphans from the war; they studied at WACO and one of them eventually became an engineer. What a wonderful way for our church to do the work of Christ in the community!

It was also during this time that an addition to the north side of the hall became a reality. It provided an inside ramp for access to the building, restrooms on ground level (as opposed to the basement facilities under the kitchen), as well as a small meeting room for groups not needing the larger areas of the hall.

1982 - 1992 brought Pastor Matthew Martens to Swedesburg. In his highlights of 1990, he listed many educational and charitable causes, such as Vacation Bible

School, summer camping, ELCA missions, donations to Fellowship Cup and Community Action. Donations to World Hunger were $6,464, and to CROP $1,006.

We refinished floors, painted and decorated in preparation for the 125th anniversary, spending $19,400. Other projects were covered by memorial funds: altar renovation ($450), carpet ($9,500), clergy chair ($460), choir seats ($282), 2 microphones ($270), refinish brass on altar ($190), new piano ($5,800). Exterior of parish hall was painted for $1,013 with donated labor. A display of confirmation pictures was set up, along with many other projects, large and small. Many thanks to all who contributed labor, finances, and time to plan events for all these projects.

1991 was our congregation’s 125th anniversary with many special events. In April was a skit portraying the signing the charter from 1866. August 16 – 18 was an historical pageant, barbeque, festival worship with catered meal and several programs. Thank-offering brought $2,580 to help re-build a church in Liberia and $6,225 toward a future elevator for the church entrance.

The following statistics compare changes in participation:1990 1981 1966

child members 153 113 138communing adults 407 311 323average Sunday attendance211 167 262

1993 was a year of change. Pastor and Mary Martens left in January. Pastor Brian Gentz was our interim minister, and in August we welcomed Pastors Greg and Gloria Friedrich. (an item of minister trivia: Pastor Gentz was our whistling minister. Really: he whistles entire hymns and does it well!)

Here is a sample of activities from Homebuilders of 1994: January was rollerskating with Jr LYOs, February – Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, March - bake sale, April – tba, May – kite making & flying, June - camping/hiking, July – tba, August – Beach in Ottumwa, September – Old Threshers, October – hay ride, November – Guest Night, December – Christmas tree decorating. What a fun group!

WELCA, the women of our church, continued to be active. Bible studies, sewing and various projects for missions, visiting nursing homes, and serving at weddings or funerals as needed kept everyone busy.

1996 saw more changes: Pastors Gloria and Greg Friedrich finished their work in February. We also had new choir director and organist. Pastor Kenneth Ebb came out of retirement to lead us in worship and various pastoral duties in March. Many thanks are due to Pastor and Virginia Ebb for leadership during this transition. Pastor Cynthia Stengel became our interim pastor April 1, 1995.

Pastor Stengel helped us through the process of grieving, healing, and moving on. The listing of expenses for 1997 shows many improvements/repairs, with the notable entry of $9,700 for the elevator. Our sanctuary is now handicap accessible. Entry at a new door on the south side of the building gives the choice of down to basement or up to the main worship level.

Pastor Phil Borleske answered our call to become our minister in 1997. During this time, Mary Boal retires, having been our office secretary for 18 years. Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mary! Next on board in the office is Jeannie Jones. We have been so fortunate to have such capable and compassionate workers to keep the business of the congregation moving forward.

A brief sampling of activities and changes in 1998: enjoyed worship with Chicago Folk Service, confirmands enjoyed ski trip at Galena Illinois, new bookshelves for Pastor’s office, 95 blankets & quilts made for Lutheran World relief, Pastor B completes 10 years on board of Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, VBS has a “space camp” theme, Brooke McArtor becomes SS superintendent, teens of Luther League host Halloween party for youngsters, 51 small blankets for Abuse Center in Burlington, and many more inspiring, educational and fun projects.

We worshipped using “With One Voice” setting 5 for communion in 1999. Holy Week observed with special services, Easter Resurrection celebrated at 7:30 and 10:30 with Luther Leaguers serving breakfast in between.

Pentecost features chancel drama by 5 HS seniors. 20 and 30-something group holds picnic-style meetings. Church sanctuary and 4 other properties put on National Register of Historic Places. Luther Leaguers hold potato bar to add funds for Youth Gathering in St Louis, 2000. Volunteer labor created cabinets for coffee time in basement and volunteer expertize coordinated the elevator becoming a reality, volunteer painting in SS rooms; thank you to our talented and generous members! Smorgasbord again brought us together in a labor of love, providing special foods from our heritage to entertain locals and guests from far and wide, and giving the proceeds to charities.

(Item of minister trivia: Pastor Borleske is an excellent photographer, and he gave highlights of the year in word and slides to document activities of SELC each year.)

As usual, the year concludes with the children’s worship service, a Christmas Eve service, and early a.m. Julotta on Christmas day, to celebrate the birth of Christ who is certainly “the reason for the season”.

In 2000, we celebrated 8 baptisms, 9 funerals, 4 marriages, 13 students confirmed, 4 members transferred out, and 6 new members welcomed into our midst. We sponsored a 10 week course called ALPHA, giving a practical introduction to the Christian faith. Over 50 participated, and it was offered again September; both were highly successful.

A gift of $20,000 spurred creation of a permanent SELC endowment fund. We participated in several ecumenical events: Sunday evening services with 6 neighboring churches for Lent, “Way of the Cross” on Good Friday in Mt. Pleasant, community worship during centennial of the town of Olds, WACO area songfest in Wayland; Habitat for Humanity offering in October.

Carpet was replaced in Church basement, Parish Hall was painted, carpeted, new lighting installed, and furnace replaced. See details of this and many other activities on page 15 and 16 “Highlights for 2000” in the Annual Report book, 2001.

The 2001 report (see pg 13 and 14 of 2002 book): third ALPHA series presented in January. Youth group has several special events. September the SS children enjoy a new format. Then 9/11 hits our nation! Members generously support ELCA Domestic Disaster Relief and join ecumenical prayer service in Mt. Pleasant.

The year shows 14 baptisms, 7 burials, 3 marriages, 11 new members, 14 transferred out, 6 students receive first communion. Fast forward to 2007. We were sorry to learn that Pastor Borleske is planning to retire. In the future, we may need to ride the steam train at Old Threshers, because we know he will be conducting every year starting 5 or 6 days before Labor Day, right, Pastor Phil?

During this transition, we were capably led by interim minister is Pastor Fran Griffeth. Minister trivia: Pastor Fran has a really good clown act. Who else remembers his rainbow-colored wig? At the “good-bye potluck, he expressed his appreciation for serving our congregation, saying that he felt like the Velveteen Bunny, from the warm welcome and all the support while in our midst.

Pastor Steven Zittergruen was called next, and led our congregation from 2008 to 20012. A significant statement regarding financial practices is listed at the beginning of the 2009 Report of the Congregation. Among other issues, it states: “Money entrusted to us is a gift from God to be used to fulfill God’s mission for this community. We know that the wrong use of money can be spiritually harmful. (1 Timothy 6:10, Hebrews 13: 5)” . . . . “We know that much is expected of us, because much has been given to us.” (Luke 12:48) “SELC believes our budget is a moral document. What we spend money on says a great deal about who we are.”

Year 2007 report shows 4 baptisms, 5 burials, 3 marriages, 7 new members. 7 transferred out, and 0 students receiving 1st communion.

In the minister’s report to the congregation, he states that “our learning ministries are exceptional . . . . There is a surge in youth activity. VBS continues to draw massive

attendance. SS connects young people with the story of salvation every week. Adult ed. helps ‘older children of God’ fulfill their calling to be lifelong students of the faith. I’m particularly pleased by the small group ministries that have been started at lay initiative . .”

In 2009 there were 4 baptisms, 9 burials, 4 marriages, 2 new members, 5 transferred out, and 6 students receiving 1st communion.

Smorgasbord profits were all given, as traditionally, to charities. It is interesting to note that $2,550 went to 9 local charities, $2,550 to Iowa charities, and $2,100 to world charities – 22 in total.

Fast forward to 2012: Pastor Zittergruen left us, and we transitioned to interim Pastor Mark Youngquist. Usually the interim is a temporary position, but we chose to call him as our next leader, and the synod agreed to our request. Jeanie Jones retired the same year, and we currently have Mary McLerran assisting Pastor Mark in the church office. Thank you, Jeanie and thank you, Mary.

Pastor Mark encouraged us to study “Unbinding Your Heart”. We discussed it as a Lenten activity and found it to be very helpful. There were 7 baptisms, 4 burials, 1 marriage, 12 new members, 10 transferred out, and no 1st communion students.

Special highlight this year was an exchange with our companion Ngaeni Church in Tanzania. Pastor Mrutu came to visit us in November, and then we sent 3 to visit that congregation: Gayle Olson, Jan Towne, and Pastor Mark. It was a beautiful experience for all of us who became acquainted with Pastor Mrutu, and learned of the experiences enjoyed by Pastor Mark, Jan and Gayle. In light of the recent deadly attacks in the news, it is interesting to note that the population of Tanzania is a mixture of Christian and Muslim, and they have none of the conflict exhibited by the radical Muslims. Their government has agreed to alternate each election so that there is a Christian elected to lead in one election, and a Muslim will be chosen to lead in the next election. What a sensible way to make

sure that neither is able to have power over the other, but rather share leadership and work together peacefully.

In anticipation of the 150th Anniversary, we decided on some major improvements to our buildings. The Parish Hall has new handicap accessible restrooms, and an improved ramp at the north entrance. The basement of the sanctuary has been remodeled to provide larger space for meetings in pastor’s office, more useful space for classes and handicap restrooms, and improved storage space. We look forward to celebrating our history and more importantly, to do the work (here on earth) of our Heavenly Father in the years to come.

To conclude this summary of ministers and ministry of Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church, it seems appropriate to remember our mission statement. “At SELC, God calls us as children of God, followers of Christ, believers in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, saved by God’s grace to reach out in love to proclaim the Word of God to the surrounding communities. This God will do through our time, talent, resources and fellowship. God’s evangelism will be accomplished through education for all ages, versatile worship, complete stewardship and fulfilling fellowship.” Let us pray that this continues to he our mission in whatever we do as a congregation.

* “Hakan” written with a circle over the letter a, is pronounced in Swedish to rhyme with “token”.Join us in celebrating the 150th Anniversary of Swedesburg Evangelical Lutheran Church on

June 18-19, 2016.

There will be a variety of activities for everyone.

Coffee CartUntil the basement kitchen area is finished Coffee Cart will be postponed during January. We will give as much notice as possible for the hosts when the work is completed.

Social MinistryThanks to everyone who donated for our soup supper project to “buy” things out of the ELCA Good Gifts catalogue. With your help we will sponsor a community garden, feed a refugee family for a month, and an AIDS/HIV orphan for a year.

There is a continuing need for size 4 diapers.

Women’s StudyWe will begin again on January 6, 2016 at 7 p.m. in the church basement. The new study is based on the book "Hoodwinked" Ten Myths Moms Believe & Why We All Need to Knock It Off, by Karen Ehman &Ruth Schwenk. Some of the reviews say: "Moms of all seasons will find compassion for the demands of the journey as well as hope and inspiration for living faithfully as a mother." Another says "Hoodwinked is for every mother who has ever questioned her parenting ability." This study will enable mothers to: identify the ten myths of motherhood; replace the lies with the truth of what God says; forge healthy, supportive relationships with other moms of all ages and stages; confidently embrace the calling of motherhood as they care for their families in their own unique way. We have one person who joins us by internet connection so if you don't feel you can come to Swedesburg we can connect another way. The books are available on Amazon.com and there is a workbook we do as we watch the video but you don't have to have it. Everyone is welcome, please call Peggy Grothe if you are interested at 319-759-8080.

LentDuring lent we will be having small groups after the Lenten service.

Unbinding Your Soul will be a 6 week session to help us understand how we can deepen our faith and our relationship with God. Part of the study is with a small group and a prayer journal during the week to help us

discover more about ourselves and how we can deepen our faith journey. During Lent we will have a soup supper, worship and then small groups to share about what we have read during the week. More details will be available in the next newsletter. Watch for a sign up sheet for this opportunity soon. Any questions call or email Peggy Grothe.

Soup SupperThere will be a Soup Supper on Tuesday, January 12, serving from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. The Evangelism and Luther League will help sponsor this event that used to be done by the Olds Lions Club. A freewill donation will be received.

Federal Privacy LawsBecause of Federal Privacy Laws (HIPPA), if you or a member of your family are hospitalized and would like the Pastor to visit, please contact the church office at (319) 254-2216, or Pastor Mark at (319) 631-8564.

Weekly Worship Audio AvailableYou may enjoy listening to our service each Sunday morning at 11:30 a.m. on the radio at 105.5 KILJ FM.

Our weekly worship service is available on the church website: www.swedesburglutheran.org. Click on “Online Directory and Media”, and then select “Launch Media Player”. Click on the weekly service you wish to listen to.

Each monthly newsletter is available on our website: www.swedesburglutheran.org. Click on calendar, and then click any month to read it.

Giving Voice for Iowa Children and Families –

Lutheran Day on the HillFamilies living in poverty. Iowa children who go hungry. Former refugees building new lives.

These kinds of issues are rarely the center of attention at the Iowa State Capitol. Let’s change that!

Please consider joining Lutheran Services in Iowa (LSI) and the three Iowa synods of the ELCA for Lutheran Day on the Hill, an annual day of advocacy in Des Moines to uplift the needs of our neighbors. The event will be held on Wednesday, February 17. Visit www.LSIowa.org/advocacy beginning January 6 for event details, online registration and an online toolkit for your congregation, including how to participate in this year’s congregational letter-writing campaign.

If you are new to advocacy, come learn more about the legislative process and your role as a citizen. If you’ve attended before, join us again. We hope this year’s schedule will also allow you more opportunities to connect with legislators. LSI is proud to be an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Learn more at www.LSIowa.org and www.facebook.com/LSI.iowa.

Lisa’s Gifts of Generosity and AdvocacyLisa has the gift of generosity. And that makes her mom proud.

“She is quite a giver with her time,” said her mom Carolyn. “I love that she is generous, and people say she knows half

the county.”

Lisa is an adult living in Ames, and she partners with Lutheran Services in Iowa’s (LSI) daily supported community living services for people with disabilities. Because of that support, Lisa can participate in her community, and she loves giving back to others!

She volunteers at Reiman Gardens, she participates in ACE (Advocacy, Connections, Empowerment) through Mainstream Living and she is the President of the Cyclone County Aktion Club, a service organization created by the Kiwanis for persons with special needs. She’s helped with fundraisers for neonatal maternal health and food drives for local pantries.

When Lisa was in middle school and high school, LSI helped her work on goals such as cooking, taking care of herself and becoming active in the community. Today, she lives with roommates in her own apartment, supported by LSI. She is also an advocate, attending LSI’s Lutheran Day on the Hill to speak with legislators.

“I’m proud to be out in the community and show them I can do this,” Lisa said. “I can be an advocate so that no one puts down anyone with special needs. I appreciate that I can be independent.”

Thank you’s

Thank you all for the food, visits and prayers during my second surgery. Carl and I both appreciate the thoughtfulness of everyone. We are very fortunate to belong to such a caring community.

Jan Alvine

Thank you all for the prayers that were offered up on Ginny Olson’s behalf and all the prayers of sympathy we have received since her passing. Church family meant a lot to Ginny and reminds us that church family is a blessing to all of us.

Keith & Lana Zihlman and Family

Our family would like to thank everyone for their prayers, food, and memorial donations during my recent hospitalization as well as Roger’s hospitalization and passing. We would like to especially thank Pastor Mark for his visits and guidance, and the Sunday School children for my care package. Thank you also to the ladies for serving the luncheon after Roger’s funeral.

Shirley Swanson and the families of Doug, Kathy, David and Scott

Swanson

Pictures of Smorgasbord 2015

We will continue to pray for all our church members throughout the year. Each week we will pray for about five church families. Please pray this month for:

January 3: Kirk & Leah AllimanCarl & Janet AlvineKaren AlvineKent AlvineKurt Alvine

January 10:Malcolm & Glenda Alvine, Arvid & Joan AndersonDennis & Janet AndersonGary & Sally AndersonKim Anderson, Aaron, Hannah, Hayley, Madecyn and Hunter

January 17:Mathew & Mirra Anson and Lena;Luke & Heather Applegate, Kayleigh and Hannah,Joe & Bounmy Baccam

Roger & Marjorie Beckman and AnnaDane & Kari Beichter

January 24:Dustin & Kari Beichter,Khloe, and NorahEldon & Lennis BeichterBradley BensonMarc & Carmen Benson,Cole and KatieMary Benson

January 31:Margaret BergstromVicky BergstromWaldo BloomMarilyn BoalJohn & Dawn Bodenham,Adam and Aaron

January BirthdaysWe wish the following people a very happy birthday on their special day: 2 Waldo Bloom Hannah Anderson 3 Renee Ridinger 4 Lynn Graf Joni Manske Hannah Applegate 5 Susan Hult 7 Jaci Peterson10 Peggy Grothe Mike Lund Jean Molander11 Tara Mullin12 Dawn Bodenham13 Kristofer Hult

Aurora Hummell15 Rachel Johnson16 Jennifer Ehrlich17 Gwen Richardson

Derek Rodgers

20 Dennis Anderson Suzanne Hult21 John Bodenham22 Ellie Caboth

Jeff Olson24 Aani Bourassa Lori Daniel Maverick Kerr26 Jackie Brawner Cyndthia Schrader27 Charlie Frary

Megan Jacobson28 Malcolm Alvine30 Tom Miller Marvin Johanson Jessica Renken31 Bob McClure Melanie Simpson

Beth Wells

January AnniversariesWe wish to offer these couples a happy anniversary:4 Tom and Karen Wenstrand11 Dan and Lori Hanze25 Jim and Janey Lauer

Please help the church office update their records by submitting any birthday, anniversary or any other corrections. Thank you.

CONGREGATION REFLECTIONS

PRAY FOR: the family of Larry Cook upon his passing.ELCA missionary Rev. Brian Palmer in Liberia, supported by this congregation. for Bishop Mjema of the Pare Diocese, Rev. Elisa Mrutu and people of Ngaeni Lutheran Parish, our partner congregation in Tanzania. We especially pray for rain for them.friends and loved ones experiencing health concerns.

THANKS ARE DUE . . .to the all volunteers for putting in many hours of service to ensure the 2015 Smorgasbord was a success by doing various jobs.to Betty Molander for overseeing the folding and stuffing of the latest 150th Anniversary mass mailing. She and her crew of helpers mailed over 450 letters!to the congregation for being patient during the renovation process.

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1897 140th StreetP. O. Box 88Swedesburg, IA 52652

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Everyone is welcome to attend:Wartburg Castle Singers January 23 @ 7:30 p.m.Annual Meeting January 24 after worship

Sunday Worship begins at 10 a.m. Join us!

website: www.swedesburglutheran.orgemail: office@swedesburglutheran.org