He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West

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He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
he Messenger
                                                                   February 2023
                                                                A MONTHLY PUBLICATION OF
                                                                IOWA DISTRICT WEST, LCMS

                             TABLE OF CONTENTS
DISTRICT NEWS

* Partners in the Gospel * - please share in your bulletin and/or newsletter
1. Education, Youth, and Family Life—Rhonda Mohr
2. Mission Possible!—Rev. B. Keith Haney
3. Business Manager—Roger Curtis
4. LCEF—Carole White
5. Mission Central—Gary Thies
6. Amigos En Cristo and Gracia!—Rev. Pedro Lopez
7. Siouxland Lutheran Hispanic Ministry—Rev. Paul Flo
8. The Lamplighter—Rev. Russell Senstad

MINISTRY PARTNERS
   Camp Okoboji
   Lutheran Family Service

ALSO INCLUDED...
   Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization (ILSTO)

On a Mission to Support Christ’s Mission!
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
CALL ACCEPTED
Rev. Trevor Freudenburg, Calvary, Sioux City, to Lord of Life, Chesterfield, Missouri.
CALLS DECLINED
Rev. Adam Barkley, Luther Memorial, Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to Trinity-Algona/St. John-
  Burt.
Rev. Christopher McCarthy, First-Wall, SD/Emmanuel-Creighton, SD, to St. Paul, Aurelia.

COMMISSIONED MINISTERS

CALL RECEIVED
Joel Witt, Lutheran School Association, Decatur, Illinois, to Principal, Clarinda Lutheran
  School.
CALL ACCEPTED
Kathryn Schneider, DCE, Resurrection, Spring, Texas, to Zion, Manning.

 Calendar of Events
 February 9...Circuit Youth Representatives, St. Paul, Carroll
 February 10...District Stewardship Committee, Fort Dodge
 February 10...District Endowment Committee, Fort Dodge
 February 16...District Board of Directors, Fort Dodge
 February 23...Circuit Education Representatives, Fort Dodge

                   Follow Iowa District West on these social media websites.

             www.facebook.com/                 www.twitter.com/                  www.youtube.com/user/
             IowaDistrictWest                  IowaWest                          IowaDistrictWest

                   Iowa District West, LCMS           515.576.7666
                   409 Kenyon Road, Suite B           sue@iowadistrictwest.org
                   Fort Dodge, IA 50501               www.idwlcms.org

Please note: The inclusion of items from outside sources in The Messenger is for information
purposes only. Inclusion of such items does not constitute District endorsement.
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
Heartland Lutheran Singles exists to organize activities and events for
                                                                           LCMS and other conservative Lutheran singles in Western Iowa and sur-
                                                                           rounding states. Our goal is to have positive activities which foster
                                  On a Mission                             friendships, teach biblical values, and encourage one another.

                                     to Support                            Why Should the Church Get Involved in Singles Ministry? Reason #1:
                                                                           The Bible's Guidance. Abraham saw to it that his son did not marry a
                                                                           pagan. He helped Isaac find a fitting bride. (Gen. 24:3) Jesus says the
                                         Christ’s Mission!                 two in marriage become one (Matt. 19:5). A unity of faith is therefore
                                                                           important. Paul said, "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." (2
                                                                           Cor. 6:14) Truly "a prudent wife is from the LORD." (Prov. 9:14) God
                                                                           speaks strongly about who we marry. The Church as God's servant
                                                                           can help brothers and sisters in Christ to meet and encourage one
                                                                           another. More reasons to follow in the future.
                          February 2023                                    If you are interested in joining this group, please complete the brief sur-
                                                                           vey at https://forms.gle/X2ZhsxBd3rDoXj3k7.
           409 Kenyon Road, Suite B — Fort Dodge, Iowa 50501
           515-576-7666 Fax 515-576-2323 www.idwlcms.org                   Results can also be emailed or called to Pastor Mark Kluzek
                 Contact email: sue@iowadistrictwest.org                   (Godcares1000@gmail.com or 712-675-4617). We need to know which
                                                                           church (and town) you belong to, male/female, and age group: 20-39,
                                                                           40-59, 60+. If you would like updates, you can share your contact infor-
Updating your will this year                                               mation.
               2023 could be the year for you to review and update
               your will and estate plan. If you are like many individu-   IOWA LUTHERAN SCHOOL TUITION ORGANIZATION (ILSTO)
               als, you had your attorney prepare your will many years     The Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization raised $902,397 in 2022
               ago.                                                        that will be awarded for the next school year 2023-2024. With your help,
                                                                           we were able to raise 85% of our goal. With changes in enrollment,
               Have you had changes in your assets? Have you had           ILSTO will be able to raise $1,078,184 in 2023. Let's make our goal in
               changes in your family situation? What about making         2023! We need your help so that we can help many more families attend
               plans to transfer your farmland to the next generation?     Iowa Lutheran schools. Make a donation to ILSTO and receive a 75%
                                                                           Iowa tax credit. Call Dewey Torkelson at 712-260-2991 for more infor-
Have you included your local LCMS congregation and your other favor-       mation.
ite LCMS ministries in your estate plan? Maybe you need to change
your executor.                                                             Hospital Chaplains Serving in Iowa District West
Are you minor children now of age since you wrote your last will? Have     Council Bluffs/Omaha: Rev. Michael Petri – 712-309-2622
you included a statement of your Christian faith in your will?             Des Moines: Rev. Donald Boeschen – 515-278-4134
                                                                                         & Rev. Jim Stogdill – 515-240-7700
I can help you get ready to meet with your attorney to update your will
and estate plan. My help comes to you at no cost through your congre-      Calendar of Events
gation’s partnership with Iowa District West. Contact me by phone, text
or email and we can schedule a time to meet.                               February 9...Circuit Youth Representatives, St. Paul, Carroll
                                                                           February 10...District Stewardship Committee, Fort Dodge
Happy New Year!                                                            February 10...District Endowment Committee, Fort Dodge
                                                                           February 16...District Board of Directors, Fort Dodge
                                                         Jim Schroeder     February 23...Circuit Education Representatives, Fort Dodge
                                   Christian Estate Planning Counselor
                                                          515.490.7371               For more information on Iowa District West activities,
                                              jim@iowadistrictwest.org            view The Messenger at www.idwlcms.org/publications.php
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
1

                         Education Youth Family Life
                       Rhonda J. Mohr Assistant to the President 515-573-0010
                                     rhonda@iowadistrictwest.org

            SAY WHAT?! – Senior High Youth Gathering Recap
                       Submitted by DCE Thomas Wilson, Senior Youth Gathering Dean
Iowa District West hosted the 2022 Senior Youth Gathering at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines
on the weekend of November 18-20. Under the theme of “Say What?!” over 200 youth and adults
came together to participate in learning experiences, Bible studies, keynote speakers, fellowship,
and worship. Most attendees were from Iowa District West; but we also welcomed youth groups
from Iowa East, Missouri, and Nebraska.

We were blessed to have Rehema Kavugha from
LCEF as our keynote speaker. She shared with us the
tool kit that we have as she dove into the theme
verse from 1 Peter 3:15, “but in your hearts honor
Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to
make a defense to anyone who asks you for a
reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with
gentleness and respect.”

Participants learned ways to speak to those who
reject our beliefs, how we can respectfully defend
our faith in a culture that tells us “no.” One of the most
impactful sectionals for this year’s gathering was our
servant event. Participants were able to construct
appreciation packages to be distributed to local emergency
agencies. This event helped them understand how they can
spread gentle and respectful speech by caring for others
and saying, “Thank You!”

Throughout the weekend, the youth band at Shepherd of
the Valley led us in song. The weekend ended with closing
worship led by Pastor Alex Sloter of Peace Lutheran in Rock
Rapids with Rev. Mark Kiessling, LCMS Director of Youth
Ministry, giving the message.

                                                              We continue to pray for all the youth
                                                              and adult leaders that they can use
                                                              the tools, resources offered, and the
                                                              Spirit to assist them in showing their
                                                              Christian faith in love and gentleness.
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
Make Plans to Attend the 2023 Gathering!

“Ready, Set, GO!” is currently being prepared for November
17-19 in Des Moines. This year, we will welcome Pastor Travis
Hartjen from Texas to guide us through our theme verse,
Matthew 28:19-20, “Go therefore and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of Father and of the Son
and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have
commanded you.”

                 Save the Dates
   Iowa Lutheran Early Childhood Conference
            Friday, August 4, 2023
             Gloria Dei, Urbandale
        Theme: I Love to Tell the Story
      Keynote Speaker – Dr. Jeff Burkart

         Lutheran Teachers Conference
    Thursday and Friday, October 19-20, 2023
          Sheraton, West Des Moines
              Theme: Made New
      Keynote Speaker – Dr. Micah Parker
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
2

                MISSION POSSIBLE!

        There is Something Special about Rural Ministry
I have spent most of my ministry in big metropolises but have not lived in a community of under
4,000. You know you live in a small town when the closest grocery store is 20 miles away. There is no
Walmart in your city, and there are more cows than cars.

Doing ministry in this context differs from the concrete jungle I left fifteen years ago. There is not
the population density. I had to learn to adapt to living around corn and cows. There are some
essential and unique factors that determine how fruitful your ministry will be in this context.

Study the Church System
Rural churches frequently have a broad sense of community and are generally led by several
principal families. You can upset this delicate church system easily. Take time to master
the unwritten policies that guide the system. Usually, a small group of individuals oversees the
ministry's direction.

Learning the Influencers
They are the permission givers. They will either permit or limit what can and cannot be done. While
every parish has a written set of rules, these permission-givers are the real decision makers.

The pastor seeking to make change needs to sit down with the decision-makers and get their support
before launching into any new ideas. You cannot make any change and survive it until
you carefully define the rules, roles, rituals, and goals, which make up the system.
Skipping this critical step could cause the only change taking place is you.

Take the Time to Learn the Unique Story of the Community
As you are learning how your church system works, you must also learn the community you have
been called to serve. Every town has its own stories. It’s a unique heritage. You need to take the
time to become a cultural detective. Learn how the town’s past, present, and future have shaped the
town’s character. It is in this discovery phase that you may learn to love this community as much as
its lifelong members do.

The Stories are the Heartbeat of the Community
These stories are their identity, they have formed their self-esteem. Don’t minimize those stories.
Honor their past and help them discover the future direction God may lead them. Steady continuity is
important for rural churches. We expect change in the urban areas. But people live in rural areas for
their slow, dependable pace of change.
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
John Mark said, “The most important connection an incoming pastor can make is to sit with
storytellers and understand the history and identity of the congregation they are called to. A
congregation will only journey somewhere new when it is confident that its leaders know its story
and stand in line with its history. Sometimes the gentle embracing of these stories may bring healing
to a painful past.”

Conclusion
The following account proves that very point.

Carl Geary died from a heart attack as he campaigned in a small country town. Despite his sudden
death, he still polled over three times as many votes as his rival in the election in Tracy City,
Tennessee.

The election results did not surprise his widow, Susan Geary. “The day he passed away, people were
calling with condolences and saying, ‘We’re still voting for him,’” she said. Geary was known for
telling the truth and had served on the city council. He received 285 votes to his rival’s 85.

I will end this article with these simple words. To understand rural America, you need to “understand
the culture.” The rural culture is all about relationships and patience.

Upcoming Event
Title: “The Art of Neighboring”
Date: March 18, 2023
Time: 9am-12pm
Location: St. Paul Lutheran Church in Carroll, Iowa
Content: We will cover the second part of the Great Commandment: “Love your neighbor as
          yourself.” We will look at what it means to be a better neighbor in our community.
Who is this for: Everyone!
A registration link will be shared on the District’s website under “Missions.”

Rev. B. Keith Haney
Assistant to the President for Missions, Human Care, and Stewardship
Blog: http://alightbreaksthrough.org
keith@iowadistrictwest.org
515-573-0053 (cell)
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
3
                                   BUSINESS MANAGER NEWS
                   Iowa District West Congregations’ Mission Receipts

                            Month Ending December 2022
                                   Anticipated Amount                    $116,000
                                     Actual Receipts                     $141,547

                                 Year-to-Date Receipts
                                  Anticipated Amount                   $1,276,000
                                     Actual Receipts                   $1,293,344
                            Over (under) anticipated amount               $17,344

                               Use of Mission Receipts
                               Remitted to Synod (45%)                   $574,200
                        Balance for District programs & ministries       $719,144
                                     Total Receipts                    $1,293,344

                     Mission Receipts Compared with Last Year
                             Month ending December 2022                $1,293,344
                             Month ending December 2021                $1,307,258
                                 Over (under) last year                  ($13,914)

                     Partners in the Gospel - Monthly Mission Moment
What is Iowa District West? Iowa District West is the Synod in this place. IDW is one of 35 districts
in the LCMS. The District consists of 166 congregations in the western half of Iowa which includes
17 circuits, 53,744 baptized members, and 42,592 communicant members. It includes 205 Ordained
Ministers and 92 Commissioned Ministers. We all walk together to achieve the same mission. Your
dedicated District staff encourages and assists to provide numerous services and resources that would
not be accomplished if we were not in a partnership. Because of your monthly District and Synod
support, we are able to serve in all the areas of mission/outreach, disaster relief, human care,
education (early childhood/preschools, elementary schools, family life), youth, stewardship/gift
planning, ecclesiastical administration, and leadership development. With your congregation’s
mission and ministry support, we will continue to work together to carry us forward for which we
have been sent. We are on a mission to support you and Christ’s mission!

     Stewardship Spark - by Ron Chewning - www.StewardshipAdvisors.org – 248.644.6150

          SINCE GOD IS THE CREATOR,
          OWNER, AND RULER OF ALL
          THINGS, HE HOLDS US
          ACCOUNTABLE.

          “But they will give account to Him
          Who is ready to judge the living
          and the dead” (1 Peter 4:5).
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
Financial Quick Notes
   ➢ 2023 Mileage Rate: 65.5 cents per mile for all business miles driven. To read the complete
       IRS announcement, go online to www.irs.gov. Please note that unreimbursed mileage and
       other business expenses will no longer be deductible for employees. More information below.

   ➢ New receipt vouchers were mailed mid-January. Please use these for remittances from
       February 1, 2023-January 20, 2024. Donations for organizations outside the District should
       be sent directly to the organization.

   ➢ Need a Federal W-4 or other IRS form quickly? Several forms are in the Treasurer’s Manual, but you can
       also download the current forms directly from the IRS website. Go to www.irs.gov/Forms-&-Pubs and
       download the PDF file. Note the Federal W4 was completely revised in 2020.

   ➢ Need a Form I-9? Find the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website at www.uscis.gov/i-9.
       All church staff including pastors need a copy on file.

   ➢ State of Iowa Form W-4 (IA W-4 Employee's Withholding Certificate and Centralized Employee Registry
       44-019) is online at https://tax.iowa.gov. All new employees must complete this Centralized Employee
       Registry Reporting Form. Questions, email idr@iowa.gov or call 515.281.3114 or 800.367.3388.

   ➢ The Iowa minimum wage remains at $7.25. State and federal posters are now available from the Iowa
       Workforce Center and can also be downloaded online for free. More information is online at
       www.iowaworkforcedevelopment.gov/required-employer-posters.

   ➢ Tax calendar: January 31 deadline…
       Issue Form W-2 to each employee and complete Copy A of each 2022 Form W-2 Wage and Tax Statement
       and W-3 Transmittal of Wage and Tax Statement to Social Security Administration.
       Issue Form 1099-NEC (Non-Employee Compensation) to all independent contractors/self-employed
       individuals or speakers (those who earned $600 or more during the year 2022).
       Complete Copy A of each 2022 Form 1099-NEC and Form 1096-Annual Summary and Transmittal of U.S.
       Information Returns to IRS (mail to address on summary form or file electronically).

   ➢ Complete Employers Quarterly Federal Tax Return Form 941 (be sure to proof the Form 941 totals with
       W-3 summary statement).

   ➢ Form 944 is designed so the smallest employers (those whose annual liability for social security, Medicare,
       and withheld federal income taxes is $1,000 or less) will file and pay these taxes only once a year instead of
       every quarter.

   ➢ Submit Form W-2 information to GovConnectIowa website – (learn how). The State of Iowa Verified
       Summary of Payments (VSP) to the Iowa Department of Revenue is no longer required but be sure to file
       the final quarter report for 2022 by January 31. Questions call 800.367.3388.

                                 IRS Increases 2023 Business Mileage Rate
                       Beginning January 1, 2023, the standard mileage rate used to reimburse workers’ business
                       miles under an accountable reimbursement arrangement will INCREASE 3 cents to 65.5
                       cents per mile. The accountable reimbursement is the most favorable because the
                       congregation does not have to report the reimbursement as compensation paid to the
                       employee on Form W-2. The employee should document the amount, time and place,
                       business purpose, and business relationship. Employees should substantiate miles at least
                       every 60 days. The standard medical and moving mileage rate will continue at .22 cents per
mile. The rate used for charitable deduction purposes, set by statute rather than IRS, remains unchanged at 14 cents
per mile. Note - unreimbursed employee business expenses (including mileage) are not deductible.
Churches may choose to reimburse a lower rate without any tax consequences. If the church chooses to reimburse
at a rate higher than the IRS approved rates, the church must add the excess amount to the employee's taxable
income. To read the complete IRS announcement, go online to www.irs.gov (and click on News).
He Messenger February 2023 - Iowa District West
Biennial Report for an Iowa Non-Profit Corporation
If not done already, it is time to complete the 2023 Biennial Report for an Iowa Non-Profit Corporation (required
for every congregation). The registered agent contact at every congregation should have received an email (from
business.filings@sos.iowa.gov) in early January from the Secretary of State (SOS) business services office. Go to
filings.sos.iowa.gov to update your registered agent and officers (President/Director, Secretary, Treasurer). To
keep your incorporation status active, you must complete this form every other year. It is important to complete
this form to provide legal protection for your leaders. The final filing deadline is due March 31, 2023. For more
information, contact the SOS at 515.281.5204, 888.767.8683, or email sos@sos.iowa.gov.

                           New Concordia Plan Services Resource - Shareboard
Concordia Plans has announced an exciting new online resource to help treasurers and other leaders in the church.
    •   An online platform where ministry lay leaders can connect to share questions, answers and resources
    •   An opportunity to educate and support lay leaders, helping them to better run their ministries, care for their
        workers and learn from each other
    •   Who will use Shareboard: Congregational president, treasurer, elders, volunteer coordinator, parish nurse
        or wellness leaders, and school leaders
    •   Shareboard provides lay leaders a valuable resource by helping them connect with others in similar
        ministry roles across the Synod to ask and answer questions, as well as discuss various topics: Ministry
        finances, Human resources issues, Supporting ministry workers, Managing the Call process, Board
        mentorship and training, Fundraising and development, and anything important to them!

The tentative release date is February 15, 2023. Concordia Plans will be sharing more information soon!

                                    Submit your LCMS Statistics Report
Important! It is that time again to submit your congregation’s end-of-year statistics and update your current list
of lay leaders at the following website: https://lc.lcms.org. The LCMS Department of Rosters and Statistics is
sending information soon (last week of January) via email regarding completing the 2022 statistics report. The
report includes membership data, gains/losses, education enrollment figures, and financial information. Please be
sure to share this information with the person in your congregation responsible for completing this report.

If you have not received the statistical information or have questions, please email rosters.stats@lcms.org or call
the LCMS Church Information Center at 888-843-5267. This statistical information is used to calculate
congregational assessments for District and Synod Conventions. It also assists a wide variety of ministry efforts at
the national level, as well as fulfilling the expectation of membership set forth in Bylaw 1.3.4. The deadline to
submit your congregation’s information to the LCMS Office of Rosters and Statistics is March 31, 2023.

                                  The Lutheran Witness Subscription Rate
The rate (including the insert) for The Lutheran Witness for May 2023-April 2024 increases to $26.16. The LW is
available as an app, online, and in print. The flagship magazine of the LCMS, The LW is a monthly publication (11
issues per year) that offers Synod news, features, columns, Q & A, and more. The deadline for changes is March
1. If you have any questions, contact Concordia Publishing House circulation at 800.325.3040 option 2 or email
LWSubscriptions@CPH.org. For more information or to read web-exclusive stories, you can also go to
www.lcms.org/witness.

                                            Thrivent Choice Update
Thrivent Choice dollars for 2022 will be expiring soon! If you are a Thrivent member, you may be eligible to
participate and direct Thrivent Choice dollars to Iowa District West and other LCMS organizations. Simply go to
www.thrivent.com/thriventchoice or call 800-THRIVENT (800-847-4836) before March 31 and say “Thrivent
Choice.”
If you have a specific ministry you want to support (a mission in the District, Joy in Ministry Scholarship Fund,
IOWAY, Disaster relief/LERT, Youth Gathering, etc.) let me know the ministry and the amount. Thank you to the
many members who have already supported IDW!
6

  AMAZING MISSIONARIES FROM WESTSIDE, IOWA ARRIVE AT THE
                 LORD’S MISSION CENTRAL!
The Lord truly calls totally “NOT NORMAL” people to visit HIS Mission Central. This was the
case on Tuesday, December 27 when we welcomed missionaries Nate and Jessie Blackford
and their children Vivian, Naomi, and Garrett from Westside, Iowa! They came to see what
God is doing with an old set of farm buildings in the middle of nowhere!

This family was able to tour the office, the Ministry Center, the Lord’s Creation Theater, and
the Barn Museum. We finished with a special prayer in the little wayside prayer chapel. They
also had the chance to see the “resurrection spot” of
old Missionary Gary! It was a very wonderful time to
see how a young Christian family has been able to
provide a true Christian education at home for their
three children. Missionary Gary quizzed the children
about our Jesus and was encouraged when they
answered every question correctly! Home Christian
education is where mission work really starts!

This special family is pictured in the office with our
Boss in the background. It was a day that Old
Missionary Gary will never forget!

 MORE “NOT NORMAL” PEOPLE COME TO VISIT MISSION CENTRAL!
Who would drive 4.5 hours to visit a place called MISSION CENTRAL in the hills of Western
Iowa? That’s what our dear friends, Hugh and Marie Schaffer, did on Tuesday, December
6. These folks live in Ohio and had traveled to Minneapolis to be with family. Realizing it was
“only 4.5 hours” away, they drove to Mission Central for a tour of this MIRACLE place.

The Lord provided a beautiful day for their trip. It was a JOY to have these long-time friends
come to see what the Lord is doing here in the middle of nowhere!

                                  Hugh and Marie are
                                  pictured in front of our
                                  Boss in the office of old
                                  Missionary Gary and in the
                                  little chapel with Jesus! It
                                  was a day we won’t forget.
AMAZING GROUP COMES FROM MT. CALVARY AT INDIANOLA, IOWA
                   FOR SPECIAL TOUR!
It was cold, oh so cold, on December 3! Who would come out on such a cold morning? Who
would get up at 4:30 a.m. and drive to a place in the middle of nowhere called MISSION
CENTRAL? It was such a long trip, but God truly “calls His NOT NORMAL people.”

Under the direction of Missionaries Jeret and Caroline Koenig, a large group from Mt. Calvary
Lutheran Church of Indianola, Iowa came to spend the day touring the Lord’s Mission
Central.

The full tour included a noon lunch prepared by Maxine and her helper Joan Chandler. The
pizza was donated by some very special friends. It was certainly a day that these folks will
never forget!

                          Mission Central – LCMS World Mission
                  40718 Highway E16
                                                     Gary Thies (gary.thies@lcms.org)
                  Mapleton, IA 51034
                                                         www.missioncentral.us
                    712-882-1029
MISSION CENTRAL EVENTS
             PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

                                  Rev. Gustavo and Ruth Maita Family
                                             Puerto Rico
                                        Saturday, June 3, 2023
                                                1 PM

   Rev. Walter & Robyn Steele
        Kenya East Africa
     Saturday, June 10, 2023
             1:30 PM

                                    Rev. Dr. Gerald & Heidi Paul
                                          Cayman Islands
                                      Saturday, June 10, 2023
                                               1 PM

Rev. Jonathan Clausing & Family
     Tanzania East Africa
     Saturday, July 8, 2023
             1 PM
Rev. Dr. Steve Oliver & Family
                                        Taiwan
                                Saturday, July 15, 2023
                                         1 PM

Rev. Michael Paul & Family
         Taiwan
 Saturday, July 22, 2023
          1 PM
6
          !AMIGOS EN CRISTO and GRACIA!
           News from Las Iglesias Evangélicas Luteranas
        Amigos en Cristo in Denison and Gracia in Storm Lake
                         Pastor Pedro Lopez

                                  Hello everyone, Feliz Año Nuevo! Happy and blessed New
                                  Year to all, it is a great pleasure and privilege to write about
                                  our efforts and plans for outreach to the Hispanic commu-
                                  nity in this new year, same challenges new opportunities!

                                  We are gearing up to continue the ESL classes in different
                                  parts of our District to meet new people and invite them to
                                  be part of our Hispanic ministries. We are putting every-
                                  thing together with God’s help and His children around our
                                  churches to develop our second session with the ESL pro-
                                  grams, start citizenship classes, so that we can meet new
                                  people in the different places where God is opening new
                                  opportunities.

                                  Last year was a great time to revive some of the events that
Rev. Pedro Lopez                  had taken place years ago in the Hispanic Ministry, oppor-
                                  tunities to get together as congregation and people of God,
Assistant to the President
Missionary at Large               to work together in helping others, to meet new people
                                  from different churches and have fellowship as we did
pedro@iowadistrictwest.org        events and programs to serve the less fortunate, to visit
571-606-7600 (cell)
                                  great churches and their members that were eager to hear
                                  and learn more about the ever growing Hispanic communi-
                                  ty and the challenges it brings to our church at large.
This year we plan to work harder and help places and regions around the
District to see and take the opportunities God is bringing to us in the form
of new immigrants coming to our land. Remember if we don’t do it, others
will, and as sad as it is, even non-Christians. Therefore, we have to be
ready, so please join us as we pray and work together in how we will do
that.

We are inviting you all to be part of possible new committees around the
district to help us think and put into action our outreach in new areas
where Hispanic ministries will take place. Remember, this is our Hispanic
Ministry. Thanks for everything you have done and for what you will con-
tinue to do. Please pray for the Churches in Denison, Storm Lake and the
new contacts in Hartley, Carroll, and Harlan. Again, “gracias” for your
prayers and support.

Gracias and bendiciones,
Pastor Lopez
Pastor Paul Flo              pastorpaulflo@gmail.com                         February 2023

  SIOUXLAND LUTHERAN
    HISPANIC MINISTRY
                                    Epiphany

                         W
       Prayers                           ith the
                                        busyness of
• For the success of                   the holidays
  Rolando’s                           behind us,
  foundation, which      things are returning to
  would provide          their normal pace, which
  wheelchairs to         gives us a chance to catch
  Peruvians in need.     our breath and reflect on
                         the significance of the
• For Valia as she
                         Epiphany season.
  prepares to return
  from Cuba.                 Epiphany is a Greek
                         word that means
• For Carmen’s kids,     revelation or
  Teresa, Luis, and      manifestation. This leads
  Leo.                   us to ask, “What, exactly,
                         is being revealed?”
• For Yessenia’s son
                         Answer: Jesus reveals himself as God. His humanity needed
  living in Mexico,
                         no proof—that was obvious to all who saw Him. That this
  Juan Carlos.
                         young man from Nazareth was God in the flesh, however, did
 For the Calendar        need proving. And so, through the Epiphany season, we
                         highlight the signs and wonders performed by Jesus, which
  Our next quarterly     revealed His true identity as Savior of the world.
  Siouxland Hispanic
                              The story of the Magi has, for some time now, been
 Ministry meeting will
                         associated with The Epiphany of our Lord (which always falls
 be Tuesday, March 7
                         on January 6). Gentiles come from the east to worship Jesus as
     at 6:30 pm.
                         the King. Throughout His public ministry, Jesus increasingly
     Add it to your      reveals the truth that He is God not only of the Jews but also of
  calendar and come      the Gentiles—from the east and all directions. As St. Paul
       join us!          writes, the true sons of Abraham are not those who share his
                         genetics, but his faith in the promise. “So then, those who are of
                         faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith”
                         (Galatians 3:9). Thank the Lord for this Epiphany!

Hope Lutheran Church            218 West 18th Street              South Sioux City, NE 68776
Pastor Paul Flo              pastorpaulflo@gmail.com                          February 2023

                                                                         Pictured on the
     Supporting                                                          first page is Jorge
 Siouxland Hispanic                                                      and his family
      Ministry                                                           from Nicaragua.
                                                                         They invited me to
 Thank you to the many                                                   a baptismal party.
                                                                         Even though they
   congregations and
                                                                         are members of the
     individuals who                                                     Catholic Church,
 continue supporting us                                                  they have been
   with such generous                                                    asking me more
                                                                         questions about the
    gifts. If financially                                                doctrinal
  supporting a specific                                                  differences and
  ministry is something                                                  why they matter.
                              They have become good friends and I look forward to seeing
       you or your
                              how our Lord uses this relationship and these conversations to
   congregation have          clarify the Gospel for them.
    been considering,         Pictured above are Imelda and brother Daniel from
 please keep us in mind.      Guatemala. I have been teaching them the Bible stories for
                              some time now and am always surprised by the deep
 Don’t forget to add us       questions and connections that Imelda makes even though
  to your daily prayer        she’s only 12 years old. Daniel is usually more interested in
                              sitting by my side on the couch and playing with the cross
          list!               around my neck, but he enjoys listening to the “big people”
                              learning.
       Interested in
                              To the right is the beautiful
       Supporting?            lady that the Lord has sent
  If you’d like to support    my way and who has said
                              “yes” to my proposal! Jenna
 our Hispanic ministry in     and I are getting married in
  Siouxland, please send      May of 2023. Her parents,
   aid to the address on      Joe and Julie, threw a lovely
                              engagement party at a local
 the bottom of the page.
                              wine bar. In spite of the bad
   You can make checks        weather, many showed up to
      payable to Hope         support us. We are excited to
   Lutheran Church with       get started with life together!
  “Hispanic Ministry” on        That’s it for now. Until
       the memo line.          next month, may our Lord
        Thank you!               bless you and keep you!
                                                 —Pastor Paul Flo—

Hope Lutheran Church           218 West 18th Street                South Sioux City, NE 68776
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish,   was headed for a cross, and they would have to be prepared to go
I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one          with Him. Instead, these three were ready to shoot it out in the
for Elijah.” While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered         streets.
them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I               We’ve come to think of these three as Jesus’ favorite disciples,
love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” Matthew 17:4-5         His most faithful disciples. His closest friends. But they were also
                                                                         the disciples who were most in conflict with Him. That doesn’t
A Godly Interruption                                                     mean they didn’t love Jesus. We know what that’s like. We know
    He was interrupted. Peter was in the middle of saying some
                                                                         what it is like to love Jesus and yet conflict with Him. You know
things when he was interrupted. Was he interrupted because he
                                                                         what it’s like to be fully aware of what God expects you to do and
was simply talking too much? Peter was a talker. He was chatty. I
                                                                         yet not follow through with doing it. Or, you know the feeling of
bet his wife had to interrupt him a few times. You know,
                                                                         questioning God’s Word on certain things. You may be wondering
lightheartedly. Is that what happened here? Did someone just
                                                                         whether what you believe is really in agreement with what Jesus
suddenly turn off Peter’s mike, lightheartedly? No. This was a
                                                                         teaches and thinking that maybe it’s not. Or, you know how it feels
serious interruption. We’ve seen this type of thing before in our
                                                                         to question His judgment, to ask why, to second guess the
own life. Think of events like; Pearl Harbor, President Kennedy’s
                                                                         decisions He’s made in your life. You know what it is to love Jesus
assassination, the Space Shuttle Challenger, the Fall of the Berlin
                                                                         and yet be in conflict with Him. It calls for a serious interruption.
wall, the 9/11 attacks, and the list goes on. Those were serious
                                                                             Imagine being there with Peter, James, and John. In the middle
interruptions in our day-to-day life.
                                                                         of all their busyness, Jesus interrupts His ministry. He interrupts
    This interruption of Peter was that kind of serious and more.
                                                                         His teaching and healing. He interrupts what He’s doing. He
We have come to think of Peter, James, and John as Jesus’ three
                                                                         interrupts what you’re doing. He interrupts everything to lead you
favorite disciples. His three most faithful disciples. Perhaps they
                                                                         four, Peter, James, John, and you, up a high mountain. On the
were. But maybe there was a different reason that Jesus wanted
                                                                         high mountain, it’s as if a curtain is pulled back. You see Jesus’
them to see His transfiguration. Not that they didn’t love Jesus.
                                                                         face radiant as the sun and His clothing dazzling white. Peter and
But Peter, James, and John had begun to “protect” Jesus. The
                                                                         the others may not get it, but you do. He’s pointing you to the
plan was for Jesus to go to Jerusalem with every intention of His
                                                                         cross. Here on the high mountain, the Son of God is revealed in
being killed and raised from the dead in three days. Jesus had just
                                                                         glory, but there on the cross the Son of God is revealed in shame.
announced this to the disciples right before the climb up
                                                                         Here on the high mountain, His clothing is dazzling white, but
Transfiguration Mountain. What was Peter’s reaction? Both
                                                                         there on the cross He is stripped of all clothing. Here on the high
Matthew and Mark report that Peter, the same guy who later
                                                                         mountain, He is flanked by Moses and Elijah, but there on the
would take up a sword to defend Jesus in the Garden of
                                                                         cross He has criminals on either side of Him. In that moment you
Gethsemane, then rebuked Jesus, “This shall never happen to
                                                                         see it. You get it. You have an inkling of how far God will go to
you!” Shortly after the Transfiguration, Jesus and the disciples
                                                                         finally get you home and your loved ones and your enemies. That
were heading through a Samaritan village. The Samaritans would
                                                                         enables you to listen to Him. Not necessarily end your conflict with
not let Jesus pass through their village. James and John, the
                                                                         Jesus right away. But His death and resurrection for you enable
same guys who would later ask Jesus if they could be on His right
                                                                         you to listen to Him. To continue to seek in His Word for what He
and on His left. They asked Jesus, “Do you want us to call down
                                                                         wants you to do, for what He wants you to believe, for what He
fire from heaven to destroy these Samaritans?” They weren’t
                                                                         wants you to accept.
getting it. Peter, James, and John were just not getting it. Jesus
THE LAMPLIGHTER
    This listening to Jesus was the second glorious interruption
that Peter, James, and John experienced. The first one, Jesus’
Transfiguration, almost blew right past Peter. He starts yammering
about building three tents, so God interrupted him, coming in a
cloud of glory. This is not just another prophet, God told Peter.
This is not someone you have to protect. “This is My Son. My
Chosen One. Listen to Him.” It would not be the last time Peter
would need for God to interrupt him. There would be the rooster
crowing to interrupt Peter’s denials. There would be the glorious
interruption of Peter’s grieving on Easter morning when Jesus
rose from the dead. There would be the glorious vision of a
special picnic to encourage Peter to go and eat at the home of an
unclean Gentile centurion and receive that man and his family as
fellow disciples. There would be the glorious interruption of Paul
getting in Peter’s face when later Peter would again not sit down       Theme: “A Godly Interruption” Matt. 17:4-5
to dinner with Gentile Christians. In other words, there would be
yet other times in his life when Peter found himself in conflict with
Jesus.
                                                                                            February 2023
    That does not mean you will never be in conflict with Him. It
                                                                          A Publication of The Lutheran Service Auxiliary,
means that when you come into conflict with Jesus, He will
interrupt you. He will point you to His cross and resurrection to                         Sioux City, Iowa
remind you of the very depth of how serious He is about getting
you and yours home.
                                                                            The Good Shepherd Hour airs every Sunday
                                                                              morning on the following radio stations:
Prayer: “I thank you, my Heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ,
Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm
and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also             KSCJ – 1360 AM & 94.9 FM        Sioux City at 8 a.m.
from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please         KLEM – 1410 AM & 96.9 FM        Le Mars at 8 a.m.
You. For into Your hands I commend myself, my body and soul,
and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe       KAYL – 101.7 FM                 Storm Lake at 8:30 a.m.
may have no power over me. Amen.”                                       KVFD – 1400 AM                  Fort Dodge at 8 a.m.
Pastor Russell Senstad                                                        Main Street Living airs Sunday mornings on KCAU
Redeemer Lutheran Church, Sioux City, IA                                      Channel 9 at 10:30 AM & Programming at 10 AM.

                                                                                                                                8
Register
 Youth & Family
  for Camp this
   summer at
campokoboji.org
Administrative Office
                                                           409 Kenyon Road, Suite C
                                                               Fort Dodge, IA 50501
                                                     info@lutheranfamilyservice.org
                                                          LutheranFamilyService.org

P r o c l a i m G o d ’ s Tr u t h f o r L i f e !
                                             It’s official—2023 is the Year of
                                             Jubilee! Just as the 50th year was
                                             a grand year for God’s people of
                                             Israel, January 2023 marks the
                                             50th anniversary of the Roe v.
                                             Wade decision. Thanks be to God
                                             the Supreme Court overturned
                                             that ruling! Sound the trumpet!

                                             Join fellow life advocates in cele-
                                             brating and praying at the 2023
                                             Prayer Rally for Life Feb. 6 in the
                                             Iowa Capitol Rotunda. Rev. Dr.
                                             Jim Lamb is the featured speaker
                                             at 12PM, and optional lobbying
                                             training provided at 11AM. No
                                             registration needed; hope to see
                                             you there!

                                             The 2023 LCMS Pastors’ Day on
                                             the Hill event is Feb. 23 at 9AM
                                             at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in
                                             Urbandale and the Iowa Capitol.
                                             Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison,
                                             and life advocates from Lutheran
                                             Family Service, will speak to
                                             God’s truth for life and current
                                             legislative issues impacting Iowa.

                                             Meet Iowa’s LCMS legislators and
                                             State Treasurer, and other legisla-
                                             tors to discuss life matters, uplift
                                             and pray with them. Encourage
                                             your Pastor to attend. God is
                                             good and the author of all life!

                 LutheranFamilyService.org
Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization
                             2023 ANNUAL REPORT (Year 2022)

                                        The Iowa Lutheran School Tuition Organization is the Student
                                        Tuition Organization (STO) created by Iowa District East and
                                        Iowa District West in 2007 as part of the Educational
                                        Opportunities Act passed by Iowa Legislature. ILSTO consists of
                                        14 Lutheran schools located in Iowa providing a faith-based
                                        education to over 1,300 students each year. ILSTO awards
                                        tuition grants to eligible families while providing donors with an
                                        Iowa income tax credit certificate worth 75% of their gift.

                                 $902,396.94
  Total amount raised in 2022 was 85% of our goal for tax credits.
Please consider a gift today so families can attend a Lutheran School.

         In 2021, ILSTO awarded $766,536 in tuition assistance
                  These funds were awarded to families for 2022-2023
      School        Number of          Dollars    School           Number of           Dollars
                    Recipients                                     Recipients
       IDW                                         IDE
       Boone            43             $28,570     Cedar Falls           78           $113,485
       Clarinda         52             $76,929     Cedar Rapids          67            $87,839
       Denison          52             $27,829     Davenport            137           $155,829
       Fort Dodge       56             $45,420     Latimer               24            $21,429
       Paullina         22             $15,195     Newhall               51            $70,336
       Sioux City       16             $13,377     Readlyn               14             $3,644
       Spencer          43             $67,902     Williamsburg          44            $38,752

                             Total Distributed $766,536

        424                           699                  $1,097                    $1,500,000
     Number of                    Number of              Average $               Total demonstrated
     families                      students               awarded               need throughout ILSTO
     receiving                     receiving             with ILSTO               Lutheran Schools
     ILSTO funds                 ILSTO funds                funds
2022-2023 Enrollment in ILSTO                                Other Ways to Give
     Lutheran Schools in Iowa                   RMD IRA Distribution
                                                • For those 70½ or older or 72 depending on birthdate.
Trinity Lutheran School                         • Satisfy some or all of your required minimum distribution for the year.
Boone, IA                          95           • Make sure to consult your tax professional before you make your
                                                 distribution.
Valley Lutheran School
Cedar Falls, IA
                                   118          Stock
                                                • Donor or broker notifies the ILSTO program manager of their intent to
Trinity Lutheran School                           donate stock.
Cedar Rapids, IA                   190          • Donor or broker initiates transfer of the stock after obtaining
                                                  ILSTO account information for transfer.
                                                • ILSTO assumes ownership of the stock and sells it for market value.
Clarinda Lutheran School                        • The donor receives an Iowa tax credit equal to 75% of the average
Clarinda, IA                       80             value of the stock on the date of donation.
                                                • Generally, the donor does not recognize the gain from the sale of the
                                                  stock for federal or state income tax purposes.
Trinity Lutheran School
Davenport, IA
                                   279          • Donor receives appreciated stock value for the 25% federal itemized
                                                  deduction and the 75% Iowa tax credit.

Zion Lutheran School                            Grain
Denison, IA
                                   76
                                                • A donor gifts bushels of grain by completing a “Transfer of
                                                  Ownership” form available from the ILSTO.
St. Paul Lutheran School                        • Program Manager will open an account with the elevator in
Fort Dodge, IA
                                   74             anticipation of the grain donation.
                                                • The farmer must deliver grain to the elevator or currently hold grain
                                                  in their name to provide proof of production.
St. Paul Lutheran School
Latimer, IA
                                   31           • Contracted grain sales will not be accepted as a grain donation.
                                                • The farmer must transfer ownership title of the commodity to ILSTO.
                                                • The ILSTO staff must make the final decision to sell the grain.
Central Lutheran School                         • The donor receives an Iowa tax credit equal to 75% of the value of

Newhall, IA                        116            the grain on the date of donation.
                                                • The donor does not recognize the income from the sale of the grain
                                                  while also receiving Iowa tax credit from this program
Zion-St. John Lutheran School                   • Donors are encouraged to contact their tax accountant for further
Paullina, IA                       57             clarification.

Community Lutheran School                       Thrivent Choice Dollars
Readlyn, IA                        29           • ILSTO can now accept Choice Dollars from Thrivent Members
                                                • No tax consequences

St. Paul Lutheran School                        Donor Advised Fund
Sioux City, IA
                                   32
                                                • ILSTO cannot accept contributions from donor advised funds.

Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School
Spencer, IA                        94
Lutheran Interparish School
Williamsburg, IA                   92
                                                          TOTAL NUMBER OF
                                                           DONORS IN 2022                       235
TOTAL NUMBER OF ILSTO                                            Largest Gift: $125,000
                                   1,363
LUTHERAN STUDENTS                                                  Smallest Gift: $50
                                                How much did donors donate in 2022?
                                                                          $20,001+ = 4
                                                                   $10,000 – $20,000 = 20
Total                                   1,361                       $5,000 – $9,999 = 20
                                                                   $1,000 – $4,999 = 129
                                                                     $500 – $999 = 23
                                                                     Below $500 = 39
     Box 176               DEWEY TORKELSON
                                                        (712) 260-2991               Iowalutheransto.com
  Terril, IA 51364         PROGRAM MANAGER
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