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SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Salem Today Volume 22, Issue 10 October 2019 “We are beggars. This is true.” Martin Luther In the early morning hours of February 18, 1546, Martin Luther closed his eyes forever. And the hand that hammered the 95 Theses into the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg on Oct. 31, 1517, penned its final words: “We are all beggars. This is true.” And this is the truth that our Lord says makes you free. Ironic, isn’t it? That, in order to be free, you must be a beggar; you must be utterly dependent and reliant upon God. This makes us uncomfortable – the way we are uncomfortable when someone gets us a Christmas or birthday present when we have not gotten them one. We feel we owe them. And we do not much like being in someone’s debt. But what Luther would remind us is that we are all indeed beggars. But we are not just anyone’s beggars. We are God’s beggars. And this is his legacy to the Christian Church. Christ came for sinners. He came to seek and save the lost. He came to heal the sick and raise the dead. He came for sinners. We must be dependent solely on God and what God gives. And God gives us everything – forgiveness of sins, salvation from death and the devil, and eternal life. This is not because of any worthiness or merit in us, but it is because of God’s divine goodness, mercy, and grace. On account of Christ’s death and resurrection, God forgives you, saves you, and is pleased with you. And you receive. You receive God’s love, God’s righteousness, God’s acceptance, and God’s inheritance. We are all beggars. This is true. This is the heart and soul of Christianity and the life-blood of the Christian Church. God justifies us. God declares us innocent and righteous by God’s grace received through faith for the sake of Christ. This is not because of our works; this is because of God’s work on the cross. We, who once were enemies of God, are reconciled to God and made to be God’s children. This is what Luther would point us to when he took up his pen for the last time and scribbled “We are all beggars. This is true.” We are beggars. But we are beggars of the God who does not ignore us, who does not pass by us on the other side. We are beggars of the One who descended from heaven to make his dwelling with sinners. We are beggars of God who stoops to dwell with us, among us, and in us by grace for Christ’s sake. So inexhaustible are the riches of this grace – the Gospel in sermon and absolution, in Baptism and Holy Communion – that our cups overflow. We, who are God’s beggars, are not only inexhaustibly satisfied but have something to give back in thanksgiving and praise. God’s beggar with you, Pastor Sandra +
2 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Readings for Worship in October 17th Sunday After Pentecost First Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-4; 2:1-4 Patsy Pies, Sharon Jensen, Brad McCaslin, Psalm: Psalm 37:1-9 Roger Spencer, Karen Smith, Sandra Mueller, Second Reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-14 Bartels Family, Aiden Henderson, Jason Steele, Gayle Miller, Jennifer Anderson, Gospel: Luke 17:5-10 Lisa Evers, Kayla Eriksen, Wilson Family, Pam Moore, 18th Sunday After Pentecost Meryl Tieck, Roger Beermann, First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-3, 7-15c Faye Sailers (Helzer), Sara Bliven Naeve, Psalm: Psalm 111 Jen Steele, Kevin Ortmann, Patricia McNaughton, Jan Burns, Kim Bartels, Emmett McGhee, Second Reading: 2 Timothy 2:8-15 Jim Schrader, Arizona Riecken, Kory Eriksen, Gospel: Luke 17:11-19 Liz Peralez, Carol Hitchcock, Salem Lutheran Church in Newman Grove and 19th Sunday After Pentecost Pastor Becky Beckmann, United Asian Lutheran Ministry, First Reading: Genesis 32:22-31 Those affected by disaster, Psalm: Psalm 121 Our Military Men & Women. Second Reading: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 Gospel: Luke 18:1-8 Salem’s Offering/Attendance For September 2019 Reformation Sunday September 1, 2019 $5973 Offering First Reading: Jeremiah 31:31-34 50 Worship Attendance Psalm: Psalm 46 18 Sunday School Attendance Second Reading: Romans 3:19-28 September 3, 2019 (Regency Square Worship) 29 Worship Attendance Gospel: John 8:31-36 10/14 Bobbi Culbertson September 8, 2019 $1570 Offering 81 Worship Attendance 18 Sunday School Attendance October Flowers September 10, 2019 (Regency Square Worship) Oct 6—Open 29 Worship Attendance Oct 13—Open September 15, 2019 $2023 Offering Oct 20—Open 81 Worship Attendance Oct 27—Roger & Nancy Bartels in 18 Sunday School Attendance honor of their anniversary. September 22, 2019 $2243 Offering 110 Worship Attendance 22 Sunday School Attendance The deadline for the September 29, 2019 $1359 Offering November newsletter is 55 Worship Attendance October 23. 25 Sunday School Attendance
3 THE SERVING TABLE SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Note to our Worship Assistants: If you are unable to serve on the day assigned, please swap with another worship assistant to cover that day. If you have any problems, contact the office. October 6 October 13 October 20 October 27 (Welcome New Members) (Reformation Sunday) Communion Pastor Gary Panko Jane Hubbard & Pastor Beverly Tori or Tristin Gaarder Assistant Rautenberg-Panko Acolyte Brode Claassen Brennan Eriksen Brode Claassen Cross Bearer Tori or Tristin Gaarder Molliann Heikes & Kayla Eriksen & Connie Schoenberner Altar Guild Jane Hubbard Alana Scott Juanita Steele & Kathy Matthews Lector Gregg Cruickshank Chuck Beermann Amy Brand Gayle Rohde Roger Bartels & Roger Bartels & Roger Bartels & Roger Bartels & Ushers Chuck Beermann Chuck Beermann Chuck Beermann Chuck Beermann Gregg & Lynda Greeters Finck Family Brand Family Claassen Family Cruickshank Projectionist Hubbard Girls Kassie Claassen Kassie Claassen Coffee & Evangelism Boals Family Fellowship Devotionals Available Prayer Partners “Christ in our Home” and Do you have a passion for supporting “Portals of Prayer” are others with prayer? We have a ministry available in the basket in at Salem for supporting and upholding the Narthex near the those in need of prayer. front door, for you to take If you would like to serve in this ministry, contact: Kay home. Shelly at 712-301-8359 or Pastor Sandra at pastor@salemdakotacity.org
4 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Blessing of the Animals—Saturday, October 5 at 9:30 AM Bring your furry family members and friends to the front lawn of the church to receive a blessing! Crop Hunger Walk hosted by the Dakota County Ministerial Alliance When: October 6, 2019 Where: First Lutheran Church, South Sioux City Register at 3:00 PM Walk at 3:30 PM Listening to Veterans Program—October 9 at 1:30 PM at Dakota County VA Information about this program is located in the narthex and on the bulletin board in the fellowship hall. Disaster Recovery Nebraska Bound Mission Trip—October 16-19 You are invited to the Nebraska Bound Mission trip to Lynch, NE on October 16-19, 2019. Lynch and Bristow residents will provide meals and lodging at the community building. Work may include: Hanging sheet rock, painting, etc. More specific work plans will be shared at a later date. For more information, please contact Rev. Becky Beckmann at (402) 841-1063 or dbbeckmann@cableone.net. For more disaster-related volunteer opportunities, please go to https://nebraskasynod.org/ learn/nebraska-floods.html. Funeral Planning Workshop—October 27 at 11:00 AM at First Lutheran Church Lunch provided, Short presentations and Q&A session. Contact Pastor Doug at pastordoug@flcssc.org if you plan to attend. Electronics Recycling: Homer—Saturday, October 26th from 9:00-11:00 AM
5 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Friday, November 1 “That’s when we get together to freeze our collective tuckuses off this year. We do it every year.” Did you know that there were around 250 or 300 homeless people in Siouxland on any given day last year? There are entire families living on the streets. Women, children. It’s not a good situation. Another little-known fact is that slightly over 25% of Siouxland’s homeless are veterans, ranging from those who served in Vietnam to the Iraq/Afghanistan war. Realizing this, off to the park went the volunteers last November. They took pledges, packed up their tents (and cardboard boxes in a few cases) and away they went. It was such a success that they’re going to do it again in 2019! We’re gonna have an auction and a box contest, all sorts of stuff! We will even have entertainment, including music, hot chocolate, bonfires and more. Hey, we’re in the news! Read all about Willie HERE. What You Can Do The problem of homelessness in the Sioux City are can feel overwhelming. But there are ways you can help! Here are three ideas: Donate: —The easiest way for many people to help is to donate a few dollars, either through pledges or direct donations. Either way, it's fantastic! Participate: Many people will be volunteering to spend a night at the Explorer Stadium this November 2nd. Feel free to take pledges and join us! It's cold, but it's fun! Sponsor: The Siouxland Sleep-Out depends on corporate sponsors. Talk to your employer, see if they'll help alleviate homelessness here in Siouxland. For more information, go to siouxlandsleepout.com.
6 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Continuing Education with God’s People of the United Evangelical Lutheran Churches in Argentina & Uruguay Did you know that The United Evangelical Lutheran Church in Argentina and Uruguay (Iglesia Evangélica Luterana Unida—IELU) and the Nebraska Synod have enjoyed a companion synod relationship dating back to 1990? IELU and the Nebraska Synod Companion synod relationship nurture and strengthen one another for life and ministry through prayer, study, communication, exchange of visitors and sharing of resources. IELU has more than 10,000 members in congregations and missions, 30 pastors and 2 deacons distributed throughout Argentina and Uruguay and divided into 5 districts (Plata River District, West District, District of Patagonia, Southern District, and Northern District. IELU is deeply committed to education, diakonia, ecumenical relationships and human rights. On October 14, I will embark on a two week Nebraska synod vision trip as my continuing education with 3 other Nebraska Synod pastors to Argentina. We will be traveling throughout Argentina visiting congregations and ministries of the IELU. Our relationship with the IELU will be rooted in “accompaniment” which promotes the values of mutuality, inclusivity, vulnerability, empowerment and sustainability. It is these values where we can strengthen one another for life and mission within the body of Christ. As Christians, we are not fully one holy and catholic church without a global perspective. Our companion relationship with IELU enlarges our world view. Global connections help us see the world’s challenges in a new way and examine our own problems and joys through new eyes. These connections also strengthen God’s mission in the world. I ask that you keep Pastor Justin, Pastor Megan, Pastor Steven, and myself in your prayers. If you have pastoral needs while I am away, please contact Pastor Patti Meyer at (623)910-7859 or prdpmeyer@gmail.com. Pastor Sandra +
7 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Banner to Remember All the Saints on November 3 "...So great a cloud of witnesses..." Hebrews 12:1 You are all invited to participate in creating a special Banner to be used in worship on All Saints Sunday, November 3. The Banner will be in the narthex on October 13, 20, and 27 and next to the banner will be a basket with bells in it. You are all invited to pin a bell on the Banner in memory of departed family members and friends you want remembered. Please write the name of the person(s) on the card provided and then place it in the basket. The Banner will be in the sanctuary on All Saints Day. The names in memory of someone will be posted in the bulletin insert. The Banner will be a visual reminder of all the saints. Please take time to stop in the narthex and share a name or names, then, join us for worship on November 3.
8 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Improving Your Health by Improving Mental Health It is so important to remember that mental health is a part of your overall health. The following are some suggestions to improve mental and emotional health: 1. Value yourself: Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language. 2. Take care of your body: Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to eat nutritious meals, avoid cigarettes and drink plenty of water. Exercise helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods. Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression. 3. Surround yourself with good people: People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group. 4. Give of yourself: Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it's a great way to meet new people. 5. Learn how to deal with stress: Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Deep breathe, stretch, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet, or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress. 6. Quiet your mind: Try meditating, mindfulness and prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy. 7. Set realistic goals: Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't over- schedule. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. 8. Break up the monotony: Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant. 9. Avoid alcohol and other drugs: Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems. 10. Get help when you need it: Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives. Submitted by Laura Phen, Licensed Professional Counselor Adapted from the National Mental Health Association
9 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Christian Education & Faith Formation Sunday School/ESL: Children’s Sunday School and ESL Classes meet each Sunday at 9:00 AM. Lutheran youth of Nebraska (LYON) Assembly in Fremont, NE is November 22-24 for grades 9-12. Registration deadline is October 23. Go to https://nebraskasynod.org/ ministries/faithformation/youth/programs/lyon.html for more information and to register. Confirmation: Confirmation Class meets each Wednesday evening at 6:30. The class is using the Collaborate: Lutheran Confirmation curriculum that invites students to ask tough questions and work together to find answers. Tori and Tristin Gaarder will be confirmed during worship on Sunday, October 27. Ladies Bible Study: REJOICE Bible study group meets on the first Thursday of the month. Men’s Bible Study: The men of the church meet at 8:00 AM on the second Saturday of the month. Adult Faith Formation: Between the demands of family, work and much more, it’s difficult to find intentional time to deepen your faith. Sullivan Hills Camp will offer stand-alone classes to enrich your faith. Classes are from 9AM to 4PM, and include lunch. The Sacraments—Saturday, October 5 What are the Sacraments? What are they good for? What do they do? During this course, you will dive into these questions about the Sacraments in the Lutheran Church and in our faith. The Apostles’ Creed—Saturday, April 25, 2020 What are we actually saying when we profess the creed? How do I put the words to my own faith? During this course, participants will dive into these questions in the context of the Apostles’ Creed. Visit SullivanHills.org to learn more and register. A Prayer for the Gifts of Agriculture God our creator, you have ordered seedtime and harvest, sunshine and rain. Give to all who work the land fair compensation for the work of their hands. Grant that the people of this and every nation may give thanks to you for food, drink, and all that sustains life; may use with care the land and water from which these good things come; and may honor the laborers who produce them; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Confirmation (Affirmation of Baptism) - Not a Graduation On Reformation Sunday, two of our youth, Tori and Tristin Gaarder, will make a public profession of their faith. They will declare for themselves that they will live out the promises made for them by their parents and sponsors in their baptism. Confirmation is now commonly called Affirmation of Baptism. At their Affirmation of Baptism, confirmands will be asked to make these promises for themselves: Do you intend to continue in the covenant God made with you in holy baptism: • To live among God’s faithful people • To hear the word of God and share in the Lord’s Supper • To proclaim the good news of God in Christ through word and deed • To serve all people, following the example of Jesus • To strive for justice and peace in all the earth This affirmation of baptism statement of faith that each of these confirmands declare is in the hope and trust that God will continue to lead and guide them in all aspects of their lives now and in the future. These confirmands will declare that they will continue to live out their faith in the church. Making this affirmation of baptism statement of faith is not a graduation, but a promise to continue to live out their baptism in their daily lives, to love and serve their neighbor, and to be the church. Reformation Sunday & Confirmation Day Tori Gaarder & Tristin Gaarder will be confirmed during the worship service on October 27.
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15 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Thank you to all who participated in God’s Work, Our Hands! We will bless the blankets on October 13th during the service. The blankets will then be sent to Lutheran World Relief!
16 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Salem Council Meeting Minutes— August 20, 2019 Present: Jane Hubbard, Charlie Steele, Chuck Beermann, Darrin Brand, Emma Caskey, Terry Eriksen, Lynda Cruickshank, Nathaniel Eriksen, Pastor Sandra Braasch, Gina Rawlings, Ron Bottger, Danny Rager Jane called the meeting to order. Kyle Walker from Walker Brothers presented a bid and information on replacing the roof. Discussed doing a panel drive to raise money. Charlie will check into other bids. Tabled for future discussions. Lynda led the devotion. Terry motioned/Nathaniel second to approve June minutes as presented. MSC. Updated church calendar. New Business: • Discussed replacing garage door on parsonage before winter. Charlie and Jason Steele will replace. Nathaniel and Charlie will get bids. Terry motioned/Charlie second authorizing up to $1500 to replace door and opener. MSC. • Parking lot is tabled. No bids have been received. • Rummage Sale will be September 13-14. Items can be left on the stage or in the Sunday School Room. There is a sign up sheet for people to help price, sort and work the sale. Discussed a tithe be given to Habitat for Humanity from proceeds. Any left over coats/hats can be donated to the schools, and approved soft covered books can be donated to the jail. Committee Reports: • Faith Formation: Christian ed and teachers meeting is scheduled to plan activities. Rally Day is scheduled and will have a celebration to kick off the 150th anniversary. Scheduling an activity for each month to engage families and connect parents. Children will sing in church each month. • Evangelism committee is calling members who haven’t been in church. • Worship & Music has a meeting scheduled in September. • Property: Charlie has made many repairs to the parsonage. He will check the roof to see if it needs to be replaced at the same time as the church. • Stewardship: Nothing to report. • Health Ministry: Blood pressure checks will be available during the rummage sale. • Confirmation Students will present their essays to the council on either September 22 or 29th at 6:00 PM. Pizza will be provided and families will be invited. • Finance Committee: Terry and Pastor met with Pastor Soriya regarding United Asian’s finances. Pastor Soriya plans to continue preaching after funds are depleted. Discussion was held on the mission investment funds. Soriya suggested that the money should be split between the synod and Salem. Finance committee is reviewing the finance statements via email and meeting as needed. Discussed reclassifying some expenses and decided against. We have a deficit in the Explorers account. Terry said he will cover this amount. Charlie motioned/ Lynda second to approve Finance report as presented. MSC. Terry and Nathaniel excused themselves for a discussion of Salem supporting Merrie Eriksen in the PMA program. Pastor will get more information on the cost and council can decide the amount of support to give her. Discussion tabled for future discussion. Meeting adjourned with Lord’s Prayer.
17 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday 1 2 3 4 5 10:00 AM 5:30 PM 9:30 AM 9:30 AM Pastor Text Choir REJOICE Bible Blessing of the Study at Salem Study Animals 6:30—8:00 PM 2:00 PM Confirmation 6:30—8:00 PM Worship at By Heart Regency Square 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 9:00 AM 1:30 PM 5:30 PM 8:00 AM Sunday School & ESL Listening to Vets Choir Men’s Bible Study 10:00 AM Salem Worship 7:00 PM 6:30—8:00 PM United Asian Bible Study Health Ministry Confirmation 11:00 AM Fellowship & Coffee 11:30 AM United Asian Worship NSWO Convention at 3:00 PM Camp Carol Joy Holling Crop Walk |---- - Pastor Sandra to THEO-Con- - - - - | 6:00 PM Boy Scouts 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 9:00 AM 7:00 PM 5:30 PM Sunday School & ESL Council Meeting Choir 10:00 AM Salem Worship— 6:30—8:00 PM Blessing of the Tie Blankets Confirmation United Asian Bible Study 11:00 AM Fellowship & Coffee |- - - - - - - - - - - - - -Pastor Sandra to Argentina for Continuing Education 11:30 AM United Asian Worship 6:00 PM Boy Scouts 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 9:00 AM 5:30 PM Sunday School & ESL Choir 10:00 AM Salem Worship 6:30—8:00 PM United Asian Bible Study Confirmation 11:00 AM Fellowship & Coffee 11:30 AM Pastor Sandra to Argentina for Continuing Education- - - - - - - - - - - | United Asian Worship 1:30-4:30 PM Real Colors Workshop 6:00 PM Boy Scouts 27 28 29 30 31 9:00 AM All Day 12:00 PM Sunday School & ESL Pastor Day of DCMA Meeting 10:00 AM Sabbath Salem Worship— Reformation Sunday United Asian Bible Study 11:00 AM Fellowship & Coffee Health Screenings 11:30 AM United Asian Worship 6:00 PM Boy Scouts
18 SALEM TODAY: OCTOBER 2019 Birthdays 10/1 Bev Hubbard 10/17 Patsy Pies 10/1 Paisyn Ross 10/18 James Bliven 10/2 Jane Hubbard 10/18 Chance Eriksen 10/6 Terri Beermann 10/20 McKinzie Schlotman 10/6 Emily Brewer 10/22 Lisa Elsberry 10/7 Saralynn Noteboom 10/22 Gracie Tucker 10/8 Bryce Anderson 10/23 Danny Rager 10/12 Ronald Bottger 10/26 Samuel Heikes 10/13 Lana Davis 10/26 Courtney Anderson-Lane 10/14 Bobbi Culbertson 10/29 Kaylee Bisson 10/15 Matthew Benton 10/31 Barb Blackwell Anniversaries 10/7 JD & Kristy Claassen 10/16 Bryce & Luanne Anderson 10/27 Roger & Nancy Bartels If we have missed a birthday or anniversary, or have incorrect information, please contact the office! Salem Lutheran Church 1753 G Avenue Dakota City, NE 68731 Leadership at Salem Rev. Sandra L. Braasch Council Members President Jane Hubbard………...(402)987-3712 Vice President Terry Eriksen………...(402)632-4545 Office……………………...(402)987-3582 Treasurer Darrin Brand…………(402)380-1841 Email Address…………….office@salemdakotacity.org Secretary Emma Caskey………..(712)490-5840 Pastor Email………………pastor@salemdakotacity.org Lynda Cruickshank…..(402)404-1923 Nathaniel Eriksen…….(712)212-1739 Pastor Sandra L. Braasch.(904)316-4645 Charlie Steele………...(712)266-6993 Asian Pastor Soriya Roeun…….(402)494-8701 Committees: Office Administrator Gina Rawlings…...(712)870-4180 Call Committee Gayle Rohde..………..(402)987-3146 Choir Director Mike Dailey……..(402)494-4573 Christian Education Emma Caskey………..(712)490-5840 Musician David Ewoldt……(712)274-1036 Evangelism Ron Bartels…………..(712)301-8950 Sun. School Super. Jim Hubbard……..(402)987-3712 Finance Darrin Brand………….(402)380-1841 Taylor Cemetery Ken Baker ………(712)259-9236 Ron Bottger…………..(712)490-5380 Memorial Committee Bev Hubbard………….(402)987-3751 Altar Guild Women of the Church Property: Nathaniel Eriksen…….(712)212-1739 Women of Church Phyllis Birkley…...(402)632-4410 Social Ministry WELCA—Salem Women Marci Bartels…….(712)251-2827 Stewardship Lynda Cruickshank…..(402)404-1923 Prayer Partners Kay Shelly……….(712)301-8359 Worship & Music Kristy Claassen……….(712)899-1718
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