September 2012 - St. Paul Lutheran Church - Anamosa, Iowa

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Page 2 St. Paul Lutheran Church │ 201 N. Ford St. Anamosa, IA 52205 │ (319) 462-4841 │ stpaulanamosa@gmail.com Pastor’s Message Pastor Katie Lowe Lancaster Greetings Sisters and Brothers in Christ, This is the time of year when the ending days of summer intertwine with the beginning days of fall. This year however the seasons appear to be confused as fields have turned brown long before their time and the temperatures seem to dip down more than the typical expectations of hot August nights. History will record the summer of 2012 as a summer of drought. As we look back somehow all of us have been touched by the lack rain and the longing for the renewal of the fields of grains and grasses. Interesting that only a few years ago our headline in the news focused the floods and the abundance of the rains and the every lasting witness to the power of racing water. I visited a member of our congregation in recent weeks and he shared with me the challenges of farming in the 1930’s. The nation was in crisis and the fields went dry. He said that they had planted seed in ground in April only to never see a drop of rain until July 4. On that day the seed germinated and sprouted all in one big surge only it was too late and the harvests were lost. I asked him how he survived those difficult times. He said ever so calmly and with a smile, it’s all part of the journey and you don’t get to know how it all is going to turn out until you have the chance to look back. I am mindful that we have an opportunity to name the possible feelings of anxiety as we face a whole host of challenges that are different for each family. Maybe it is the challenge of a new job or seeking to find employment, maybe it is a serious health concern, maybe it is going back to school and wondering about classes, sports and friendships, maybe there is tension in your home or work or maybe it is wondering about the unknown, and that wonder instead of exciting you, keeps you awake at night. I find great comfort in several passages that I want to share with you about surrendering our anxiety, surrendering our fear of change as well as the unknown while embracing God’s profound love. When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your unfailing love, LORD, supported me. When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.” Psalm 94:18-19 NIV 4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to every person. The Lord is at hand. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:4-7 These passages were written to give peace to the listener in those days but just as importantly to give peace to the listeners today; you and me. It is a huge request to say, “Do not be anxious about anything…” but the statement does not stand alone it is attached to the message of hope – “but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” and the then closes with the promise… “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” The passage of hope was written by Paul who was in prison at the time…and he says there is peace that goes beyond our understanding but we are confident that this profound peace comes from the love of God. Well PRAISE GOD – we are not alone and the Lord God is with you and me all our days! Each of us experience joy, encouragement, anxiety, change, fear, or challenges that seem overwhelming. But we believe that God is good indeed! Together may we all take in a huge sigh and give our thanks to the One who created us, loves us and forgives us all beyond our understanding! Peace, ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH 201 N. FORD ST. ANAMOSA, IA 52205 (319)462-4841 PASTOR BILL’S EMAIL: pastorbill.nielsen@gmail.com PASTOR KATIE’S EMAIL: k.lowelancaster@gmail.com
Page 3 St. Paul Lutheran Church │ 201 N. Ford St. Anamosa, IA 52205 │ (319) 462-4841 │ stpaulanamosa@gmail.com Baptisms Welcome to our church family Anna Lou Minnie, daughter of Josh & Emily Minnie who was baptized August 5th at St. Paul by Pastor Katie Lowe Lancaster. Sponsors were Shaun & Tim Lambertsen & Tricia Kinnamon. Weddings Congratulations to Josh & Jessica (Tipton) Hora who were married at St. Paul on Saturday, August 18th. May God bless your marriage and support you in your new life together. Pray For Our Military Please pray for our military: • Alec Embree • Jeremy Fall • Joel Downing • Allen Gilbert • Kalib Seeley Please notify the church office to be added or removed from this list. Women’s Circles Martha Circle will meet on Wednesday, September 12 at 9:30am in the church basement (coffee served at 9:00). Mary Circle will meet on Tuesday, September 11. Hostess will be Verna Lewison and Marty Rowland will lead bible study. Sarah Circle will meet on Wednesday, September 12 at 1:30pm at Woodland Park. Elnora Day will be hostess. September Work Group Chairs: Dan & Marilyn Lambertsen Richard & Brenda Carpenter Brian & Jill Darrow Wayne & Becky Embree Doug & Jody Fairbanks Dennis & Kathy Hansen Don & Debbie Hardersen Patsy Hardersen Jolene Keeney Donna Martensen Janel Martensen Russ & Jean Postel Myra Powell Jeff & Barb Switzer Aaron & Deb Zumbach Celebration Singers Choir practice will begin on Wednesday, September 5th at 7pm at the church. Anyone interested in joining the choir is welcome and encouraged to join us! St. Paul Bell Ringers A few duties include: Taking care of the family care room; (wipe off crib & little table, pick up and straighten room) over-see kitchen (*Launder towels on counter, check & clean refrigerators & stoves when needed) keep supplies stocked (paper towels, dish soap in kitchen, kleenex for the bathroom, plastic wrap & baggies etc.). *It is very important that Work Groups select someone to check on the kitchen. It's time to get our bells ringing again! This year there will be only one bell choir. It will be comprised of students in grades 2-4. Rehearsal time will be every Tuesday at 5:30 in the church basement. Rehearsal time will be approximately 30 minutes. Our first rehearsal will be Tuesday, September 18. The St. Paul Ringers will be sharing their music on the first Sunday of each month at the end of the 8:00 service and on the third Sunday of each month at the beginning of the 10:30 service. It's important for students to attend rehearsals, as well as attending the church service in which we are playing. In case of an absence, please contact Nancy Stout so the necessary arrangements can be made to cover the missing musician. If you have any questions, please phone or email Nancy Stout at 462-4055 or nancyannstout@gmail.com We look forward to hearing the music of the bells!
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September 2012 - St. Paul Lutheran Church - Anamosa, Iowa

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