In ThIs Issue

DECEMbEr 2015 • VoluME 28, IssuE 11NortheasterN Iowa

Evangelical Lutheran Church in AmericaStar

>> Continued on page 2

Celebrating Renewal: Jan hus — Bold Leadership

Good intentions turn into service ministriesby Marcia hahn

1 Good intentions turn into service ministries

3 Prince of Peace

6 Synod Assembly Planning

7 Congregations

8 Prayer Calendar

An idea for a special service proj-ect and a response to a family’s immediate need have grown into community-wide service ministries for two Northeastern Iowa Synod congregations.

Thank and Feed the FarmersThis year’s ELCA dedicated day of service on Sept. 13 extended to October for the four congregations of the Cross Roads Lutheran Parish when they delivered free meals and prayers to local farmers and those who work in agriculture.

Parish members prepared home-made cookies and ham sandwiches, packed them in more than 400 sack lunches, and handed them out to staff at five local co-ops and the farm-ers and crews delivering wagon loads of corn and beans to them on Oct. 10. Some parish members also headed to the fields where they surprised farmers with the free meals and words of

thanks for their long hours working on the harvest.

“People couldn’t believe we were out there giving meals to them for no cost and to hear that we were praying for them,” said Pastor Dave Werges. “One young man almost broke down in tears, he was so emo-tional to have someone think of him during this time of year.”

Another farmer invited Werges and his wife, Elayne, who is a diaconal minister for Cross Roads, to stay in the field a little longer to talk. “He shared that he and his family had been looking for a church in the area where they could belong, and he wanted to learn more about us,”

Werges said. “That was powerful to hear.”

Rick Onken worked long hours during the harvest, starting at 7 a.m. and quitting at 10 or 11 at night. He had just driven a grain truck into his yard around 5:30 p.m. when Dave and Elayne pulled up behind him to offer him a meal. As a member of Rock Creek, Onken was aware of the service project, but he wasn’t expecting to receive a meal.

“I thought they were just deliver-ing them at the elevators, so I was kind of surprised to be getting one,” Onken said. “It turns out they drove around and if they saw someone in the field working, they stopped and offered a meal.”

The Cross Roads parish serves a

Elayne Werges delivers a meal to a farmer in the field as part of the Cross Roads Parish “Thank and Feed the Farmers” service ministry.

2 NortheasterN Iowa syNod | www.neiasynod.org

Good intentions turn into service ministries << Continued from page 1

rural, agricultural area near Mitch-ell, Nora Springs, and Osage. Last spring, the parish invited farmers to bring their tractors and seeds to church for blessings to kick off the planting season. This fall, the parish brought closure to the growing season by delivering meals to the farmers and expressing thanks for their work to help feed others.

“In an agricultural-based communi-ty, the work in agriculture is some-times taken for granted and not thought of in the context of feeding the world,” Elayne said. “Deliver-ing these meals was a great way to lift up the important work that our farmers and neighbors do for the larger world.”

The meal consisted of a ham sand-wich, homemade cookie, bag of chips, apple sauce, and a cold bottle of water. Included in each sack was a prayer and a letter, which said that the members and staff of Cross Roads parish were thinking of the agricultural workers and their fami-lies during this harvest time, asking for God’s blessings for a bounti-ful harvest, and praying for their safety. The letter also extended an invitation to worship at one of the parish’s four congregations – Faith, Mitchell; St. Luke, Nora Springs; and Rock Creek and St. John (Rock Township), Osage.

Some 50 ministry volunteers helped with the project. Many of those de-livering meals at the co-ops recon-nected with neighbors that hadn’t seen in a while. Those who helped behind the scenes packing the meals related their tangible act of feeding others to the Gospel lesson of how Jesus fed 5,000 people with loaves of bread and shared the Last

Supper with his disciples.

Karen Brandau helped make sand-wiches, pack lunch bags, and hand out meals at the elevator in Nora Springs.

“We gave away however many lunches they needed to take back to whoever else was working in their fields,” Brandau said. “They were really pleased and thankful. One man said his wife would be happy because she gets a little hungry helping out.”

Brandau says they saw many of the same farmers return to the elevator, but no one ever took another meal. “They commented on how good the lunch was and thanked us,” she said. “A week later we received a check in the mail from some-one who was not a member of the church and wanted us to use the money.”

“Everyone who helped with the project was very moved by the

whole situation,” Werges said. “We’re already making plans for what we can do with it next year.” Good samaritan MinistryIn January of 2012, a group of members from Salem, Lake Mills, learned from a young Sunday school student about a family that was facing extra expenses due to a health issue, so they decided to do something to help. The group asked for donations from the congrega-tion, and the response was immedi-ate and overwhelming. That show of support led the group to form the Good Samaritan Ministry, modeled after Jesus’ parable to reach out and help a neighbor.

“We try to take care of people in any way we can to ease the burdens they are experiencing,” said Sheila Berger, who serves on the Good Sa-maritan committee.

>> Continued on page 3

Rachel Rachut and Karen Brandau of the Cross Roads Parish help pack more than 400 meals to be given away to area farmers and crews as thanks for their work during the fall harvest season.

3deceMBeR 2015

The ministry has provided gas cards for families traveling to the Mayo Clinic for doctor appointments. Funds were used to pay the util-ity bill for a local resident who was injured and had difficulty making ends meet. Another family received assistance to keep the house warm when the price of LP gas had risen. Other families received grocery cou-pons to help with their basic needs.

“We don’t pass any judgment,” Berger said. “We just look at our resources and see how best to help those in need.”

The ministry has served some 50 families this year, including those who recently received winter coats and clothing through the ministry’s clothes closet. The school nurse from the Lake Mills Community School District had been making

sure that students who needed as-sistance had clothes for school and the winter season, but the school did not have room to store the clothing. The Good Samaritan Min-

istry stepped up to open a clothes closet in a former Sunday school room at Salem, which is located

There was a time in my life when I believed that if we just worked hard enough, marched enough, educated enough, created economic justice, held enough workshops on preju-dice, then the world would know peace.

It was its own version of works–righteousness. If we just did enough, the world would be saved from war and violence.

Thankfully, I went to seminary and also learned from life. When Jesus said that the poor will be with you always, he was simply quoting Deuteronomy 15:11. It was such a familiar verse that the people lis-

tening to him knew how the verse ended. “I therefore command you, ‘Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.’ ” Jesus is telling his followers that the poor will be with you always, so care for them.

I think the Prince of Peace could also say something similar about war and violence. The world will

always know war and vio-lence. Be my witnesses for peace and justice.

Maybe that is what made the Baby cry and the angels sing. The only one who brings the peace that passes all understanding calls us to be the ones to embrace that peace and share it.

Peace on Earth. Good will to all.

— Steven L. Ullestad Bishop, Northeastern Iowa Synod

BIshop

prince of peace

“I therefore command you, ‘open you hand to the poor and

needy neighbor in your land.’ “

Rita Anderson coordinates the clothes closet at Salem, Lake Mills, as part of the congregation’s Good Samaritan Ministry.

Good intentions turn into service ministries << Continued from page 2

>> Continued on page 8

4 NortheasterN Iowa syNod | www.neiasynod.org

noRTheasTeRn Iowa synod Bishop Rev. Dr. Steven L. Ullestad – ullestads@neiasynod.org Assistants to the Bishop Rev. Mark A. Anderson – andersonm@neiasynod.org Rev. Stephen Brackett – bracketts@neiasynod.org Linda J. Hudgins – hudginsl@neiasynod.org ELCA Director for Evangelical Mission Rev. Joelle Colville-Hanson – colville-hansonj@neiasynod.org Star Editor Marcia Hahn – hahnm@neiasynod.org

The Star is published 11 times a year by the Northeastern Iowa Synod, 201 20th Street SW, PO Box 804, Waverly, IA 50677-0804; www.neiasynod.org, phone 319-352-1414, FAX 319-352-1416.

Send news for the January issue to Marcia Hahn by Dec. 7. We welcome story ideas related to the 2016 theme, “Celebrating Renewal: St. Elizabeth – Service.”

Articles in this newsletter may be duplicated for use in synod congregations and organizations, with credit to the Star newsletter.

Please notify the synod office with name and address changes. To receive an electronic version of the Star, rather than paper, send your request to hahnm@neiasynod.org. www.neiasynod.org

synod to raise awareness about human traffickingThe Northeastern Iowa Synod has joined an initiative of the Iowa Attorney General’s Office to raise aware-ness about human trafficking in Iowa.

The synod hosted its first workshop on the topic in November at St. Petri, Story City, with some 40 community mem-bers attending. Michael Ferjak, leader of Iowa’s Operation Detour Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prosecution Initiative, shared with the group stories of human trafficking in Iowa and what people should do if they suspect someone is a possible victim.

Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery in which children and adults are illegally traded and ex-ploited for sex or forced into labor for money. The av-erage age of entry into trafficking is 11 to 14 years, for both boys and girls. Victims are often runaways who were lured by conversations on the Internet or in public locales, such as restaurants and shopping malls.

“As a church that offers so many ministry opportunities for our youth, it makes sense to reach out to help these vulnerable children and youth in Iowa who desperately need our ministry, too,” said Pastor Mark Anderson, as-sistant to the Bishop.

People who suspect a human trafficking situation should call 911, and then call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888. In 2014, the hotline fielded 24 reports of human traf-ficking in Iowa. Ferjak tells people that even if they are wrong, they should call and report that they think they see something that might be trafficking.

The Northeastern Iowa Synod plans to continue work-ing with Ferjak and the Attorney General’s Office to host additional workshops at Northeastern Iowa churches in 2016.

“The Attorney General’s Office has the information our local law enforcement, citizens, and people in the hos-pitality industry need,” Anderson said. “Our congrega-tions have the space to offer these workshops and the relationships in their local communities to invite peo-ple to attend.

pre-Retirement seminarGet Answers to Retirement Planning Questions Monday, Jan. 25, 2016 Lutheran School of Theology, Chicago

This pre-retirement seminar is hosted by Portico and a certified Ernst & Young planner who will an-swer questions about retirement planning, such as:

• How much money will I really need in retire-ment?

• How can I avoid common retirement traps?• How can I protect my assets to ensure the

money is there when I need it?• How can I create lifetime income?• What steps can I take to ensure a smooth tran-

sition into retirement? The seminar is most relevant to people age 50-plus or who are within 15 years of retirement. The seminar runs from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $35 per person and $70 per couple, which includes break-fast, lunch, and snacks.

Register at https://www.porticobenefits.org/NewsEvents/Events/Pre-RetirementSeminars.

Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888

5deceMBeR 2015

Gifts to Lutheran charities offer good return by pastor Mark anderson, assistant to the Bishop

The Washington Post, Huffington Post and National Public Radio reported last June that an international relief organization that is a household name collected $500 million for the relief of the people of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. To date, that organization has built six homes. Obviously, the story is more complicated than the headlines suggest, but, in contrast, the four congregations in the Cross Roads Parish led by Pastor David Werges and Elayne Werges, Diac. Min., have built 15 “Sukup homes” in Haiti for a cost of $90,000.How can congregations in Northeastern Iowa accomplish more than a giant international aid organization? When Lutherans respond to disaster, we start by asking the victims what they need, then we use existing staff who know the language and culture to guide our work. Finally, we use volunteers and structures already in place to keep our administrative ex-penses to a bare minimum.

If you want to give a gift to celebrate Christmas or an end-of-year gift, remember that your congregation, synod, and the ELCA offer efficiency and transparency that is the envy of most other charities.

To download this article or other stewardship resources, visit www.neiasyn-od.org/stewardship.

sTewaRdshIp

One Year to Live Retreat Feb. 19-21, 2016 Camp Ewalu, Strawberry Point

Men of all ages are encouraged to register early for the “One Year to Live” men’s retreat set for Feb. 19-21 at Ewalu Camp and Retreat Center, Strawberry Point.

Presented by Lutheran Men in mis-sion, the OYTL retreat is an opportu-nity for men to rethink how they set their priorities and discover how God has equipped them to live.

Early registration is open through Jan. 20 with a fee of $175. After that date the fee is $200. The fee for men age 18-24 and seminarians is $125.

Learn more and download a regis-tration bro-chure at www.neiasynod.org/ministries/mens-ministry.

Register early for Men’s Retreat

words of Thanks“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The Lord your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” Duet. 31:6

I share this verse with you as it resonated with me and carried me through a cancer journey. These are pow-erful words of strength and companionship. God placed these words in my heart and body, giving me courage and trust and renewing my faith dur-ing the last months.

Even though these words were before me, my friends and fam-ily nourished each one. Every day and in every way, silent or visible, friends were giving me the boosts I needed. It takes great courage to face a life-changing diagnosis. It takes every ounce of strength to continue medical treatments. My thoughts were of those who have survived before me and I knew I could be among a great group of saints.

I’ve felt so blessed throughout this time. It is beyond humbling! I am thankful for all those who offered kind words, prayers, visits, person-al gifts and unspoken thoughts. I know God gave me the greatest support network in each of you. I don’t know what the future holds, but I do know if I have a future need, I can shout loud and clear calling on my warriors.

Thank you.

—Syd and Randy Brinkman

Syd is vice president of the Northeastern Iowa Synod Council. She recently

completed chemotherapy and radiation treatments for breast cancer.

6 NortheasterN Iowa syNod | www.neiasynod.org

SYNOD ASSEMBLY“Celebrating Renewal: St. Elizabeth-Service” will be the theme of the 2016 Synod Assembly. The assem-bly will take place June 10-12 at Wartburg College in Waverly.

As we prepare to gather in Assembly around word and sacra-ment, it’s important to be aware of the process that brings business items to the Assembly.

All business brought for action to voting members of the Assembly is presented in resolution form. Resolutions submitted to the Resolutions Committee may come from a voting member of a congre-gation in the Northeastern Iowa Synod, a congregation, or a confer-ence.

ELECT SYNOD ASSEMBLY VOTING MEMBERSRemember to elect synod assem-bly voting members at your annual meeting. Constitution *C5.04. states:

“This congregation shall choose from among its voting mem-bers laypersons to serve as voting members of the Synod Assembly as well as persons to represent it at meetings of any conference, cluster, coalition, or other area subdivision of which it is a member. The number of persons to be elected by the congregation and other qualifi-cations shall be as prescribed in guidelines established by

the Northeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.”

The synod council has approved the following lay congregational representation for the 2016 Synod Assembly:

• The total lay delegation from any congregation be as nearly as pos-sible 50 percent male and 50 per-cent female.

• Two voting members elected by each congregation,

• Plus one youth voting member elected by each congregation (must be eligible to vote in their congregation),

• Plus an additional voting member for every 750 baptized members, i.e., 750=1 additional, 1500=2 additional, 2250=3, etc.

You can make a difference as you elect your congregation’s Assembly voting members. At your Conference Assembly, individuals are nominated for the synod coun-cil and committees. As you do so, please pray for the planning and preparation of the Synod Assembly.

COMPENSATION GUIDELINESTo assist your budget planning for 2016, the 2016 Compensation Guidelines adopted by the 2015 Synod Assembly are available on the synod website at www.neiasynod.org/wp-content/up-loads/2014/02/Compguid16.pdf.

MILEAGE RATEAs of this writing, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has not an-nounced the business mileage rate for 2016. Check the IRS website at www.irs.gov for updated informa-tion.

TREASURERS MEETINGCongregation treasurers will be gathering to learn and share on Saturday, Jan. 9, 2016, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Redeemer Lutheran Church, Waverly. Guest speakers will be:

•KeithD.Oltrogge,CPA,Denver,on W-2s and related forms, church payrolls, and contributions

•JenniferL.Prinz,regionalrepre-sentative, Region 5 (Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Upper Peninsula of Michigan), Portico Benefit Services, discussing and answering ques-tions about the ELCA health and re-tirement plans for sponsored em-ployees and what congregations need to know.

Pastors, financial committee mem-bers, and others are welcome to attend. To reg-ister, contact Linda J. Hudgins, Assistant to the Bishop, 319-352-1414, or hudginsl@ neiasynod.org by Thursday, Dec. 31.

— Linda J. Hudgins Assistant to the Bishop

planning for 2016: synod assembly, annual Meetings

7deceMBeR 2015

deCeMBeR eVenTs3 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.3 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., St. John, Sumner4-5 Meeting, Candidacy Committee20 Meeting, LYON, 2-5 p.m., Synod Office21-25 Office Closed, Christmas

JanuaRy eVenTs1 Office Closed, New Year’s Day7 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.7 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Trinity, Mason City9 Meeting, Treasurers, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Redeemer, Waverly16 Meeting, Synodical Women’s Organization Board and Clusters, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.18 Office Closed, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day23 Snow Date: SWO & Clusters24 Meeting, LYON, 2-5 p.m., Synod Office

FeBRuaRy eVenTs4 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.9 Meeting, Assembly Planning Committee, 4-6 p.m., Wartburg College11 Meeting, Endowment Fund Investment Committee, 9-10:30 a.m.19-21 Event, “One Year to Live” Men’s Retreat, Ewalu, Strawberry Point21 Meeting, LYON, 2-5 p.m., Synod Office26-27 Retreat, Candidacy, American Martyrs, Cedar Falls

MaRCh eVenTs3 Meeting, Interim Colleague Group, 9:30-11:30 a.m.3 Meeting, Youth Ministry Network, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Holy Trinity, Dubuque5 Meeting, Synodical Women’s Organization Board, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.12 Meeting, Synod Council, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m.13 Meeting, LYON, 2-5 p.m., Synod Office17 Event, Day of Renewal, 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Nazareth, Cedar Falls19 Snow Date: SWO Board (from March 5)

ConGReGaTIonseVenTs

InsTaLLInGRev. Jeffrey Blank, Trinity, Waterloo, Nov. 22

InTeRVIewInGArlington, One in Faith Parish (staff)Lake Mills, Salem, Rev. Peter Soli, interim Strawberry Point, Emanuel, Rev. Jim Adix, interim Sumner, St. John (Buck Creek) & Oran, St. Peter Waterloo, St. Ansgar, Rev. Alan Schulz, interim West Union, Zion

seLF-sTudyAllison, St. James Alta Vista, Zion and Lawler, Immanuel (Crane Creek), Rev. Vincent Fricke, interim Belmond, St. Olaf; Coulter, Nazareth; and Hampton, St. John’s (New Hope Parish)Calmar, Calmar and Decorah, Springfield, Rev. Phillip Olson, interimCharles City, St. John, Rev. Bill Odermann, interimClermont, West Clermont Cresco, FirstDecorah, Decorah (staff) Decorah, Luther College (staff) Decorah, St. John’s and Hauge Decorah, Washington Prairie, Rev. April Larson, interim Dubuque, Holy Trinity, Rev. Lanny Westphal, interim Elgin, Elgin & Elkader, Highland Farmersburg, St. John Frederika, St. John Greene, St. PeterHampton, St. Paul Hawkeye, Trinity, Rev. David R. Nelson, interim Jesup, American, Rev. Tom Jones, interim La Porte City, Zion (Jubilee) Mason City, St. Paul McGregor, First Osage, Our Savior’s (staff)Postville, St. Paul, Rev. John Gannett, interim Sumner, St. John, Rev. Norman Bauer, interim Waterloo, Our Savior’s Waverly, Bartels Lutheran Retirement Center Waverly, RedeemerWaverly, St. Paul

2016 day of service setThe ELCA’s dedicated day of service — “God’s Work. Our hands.” — will take place Sunday, Sept. 11, 2016. The day is an opportunity for congregations to extend the work they do in their communities every day. The 2016 event will also mark the 15-year anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2011, terrorist attacks on the United States.https://www.facebook.com/neiasynod

pRayeR CaLendaR

DeCeMber 2015sUN MoN tUe weD thU FrI sat

Rev. Dennis D.

Niezwaag, Charles City

1

Alice O. Hansen,

WaverlyDiane V. Kvamme,

Decorah

2

Rev. Cindy S. Krause, New Hampton

Jean M. Swiggum, Cedar Falls

3

St. Sebald, Strawberry

Point; Emanuel, Strawberry Point;

St. John (Buck Creek),

Sumner

4

St. Peter, Oran; St. Peter (Richfield),

Sumner; St. John, Sumner

5St. John (Stapleton),

Waucoma; St. Paul, Thornton;

Grace, Tripoli

6

Rev. Judith R. Converse, Northwood

7

St. John (Crane Creek), Tripoli; St. Paul, Volga

8

Redeemer, Washburn;

First, Waterloo

9

Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd,

Waterloo; Our Savior’s, Waterloo

10

Zion, Waterloo; St. Ansgar, Waterloo

11

Rev. Gregory L. DeBoer,

Independence

12Selma Klemesrud,

OsageRev. Ronald M.

Mathews, Denver

13

Rev. Lynn G. Groe, Waukon

14

Trinity American, Waterloo; St. John

(Bennington), Waterloo

15

St. John, Waukon; St. Paul’s, Waverly

16

Middle East Fern J. Rotto,

Portland, N.D.

17

Rev. Gale M. Chilson, Rochester,

Minn.

18

Rev. Donovan L.

Hommen, Decorah

19

Cornelia Backman, Osage

20

Rev. William Odermann, Austin,

Minn.

21

Rev. Erwin C. Franke, Owatonna, Minn.

Rev. James L. Cherry, Ventura

22

Rev. Keith Sievers, Cedar Falls

23

Rev. Joan E. Haug, Dubuque

Rev. Linda L. R. Reichstadter, De Pere, Wis.

24

Rev. Paul H. Schaedig, WaverlyRev. M. DeWayne

Teig, Dubuque

25

Rev. Michael W. Massa, Marshalltown

26

Redeemer, Waverly; St. Paul, Wellsburg

27

Jane Lechner, Guttenberg

Rev. Calvin C. Fick, Allison

28

Zion, West Union; Peace Lutheran

Fellowship, Parkersburg

29

Rev. Lisa A. Dietrich, Cedar Falls

30

Rev. David A. Werges, Osage

31

across the street from the school.

Donations of new and gently used clothing, along with financial donations, have helped the clothes closet grow into a program that served 30 families this year. A special back-to-school shopping day distributed bags of clothing to students in coordination with a free summer lunch program.

A core committee of six members from Salem coor-dinates the Good Samaritan Ministry, which receives donations from throughout the community. Committee members pay attention to leads about anyone who may need some type of help and follow up on referrals from pastors or the school nurse. Area congregations that belong to the local ministerial association have also contributed to the ministry, and pastors bring sugges-

tions of families in and outside of the community who may need a helping hand.

All referrals and the names of families served through the ministry are confidential. Some families who were offered help have declined assistance, saying they would rather have the money help someone else.

Berger says that the families who have received help have been very grateful, and the committee receives numerous thank you notes from them. One family fol-lowed up and asked to have their children baptized.

“Word is slowly spreading that this opportunity for as-sistance is there, and the congregation continues to bless us with generous giving.” Berger said.

Using the mission statement, “Following the example of the Good Samaritan, we exist to respond to those in need with the compassion of Jesus Christ,” the group continues to reach out with the love of Jesus.

Good intentions turn into service ministries << Continued from page 3

“We just look at our resources and see best how to help those in need.”

As a community of women created in the image of God, called to discipleship in Jesus Christ, andempowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to grow in faith, affirm our gifts, support one anotherin our callings, engage in ministry and action, and promote healing and wholeness in the church, thesociety, and the world.

December2015

Volume 28Number 11Good News

Mission Area: StewardshipJust a note to all of our Women of the ELCA units ofNortheastern Iowa. There are many ways to givegenerously through our organization to those whostruggle every day to survive. Our purpose statement says we shall “promotehealing and wholeness in our church, the society andthe world.” Women of the ELCA has a grant applicationprogram for those whose projects meet the criteria.These grants generally are in the range of a fewhundred dollars to about $3,500.www.womenoftheelca.org has all the details about it.Look under “OUR WORK.” In the past, help has beenprovided to refugee women, victims of sexual assault,teenage mothers and the homeless, as examples. Proposals should be sent electronically to Women ofthe ELCA between December 15, 2015 and February15, 2016 for consideration. This might be a source of funding for whatever isyour passion for helping others! Submitted by NancyPoppe, your Synod Women Organization Treasurer.

Mission Area: JusticeThe Polaris Project is a leader in the global fight toeradicate modern slavery and restore freedom tosurvivors. Their website is www.polarisproject.org.The National Human Trafficking Resource Centerphone number is 1-888-373-7888 and there is also aPolaris Be Free texting Helpline. Text BeFree(233733). Please put the NHTRC ph# in your cellphone. If you notice something not right, call and theywill investigate. For more information on the signs oftrafficking see the website above. Human Traffickingis still considered low-risk and high-profit. The PolarisProject is trying to turn that around to make it high-riskand low-profit. If there is no demand, then there is no

From the PresidentBe still and know that I am God. Ps. 46:10This has been my centering verse for the last yearand I think it is especially fitting for the Adventseason. It is so easy to get wrapped up in thepreparations for the arrival of family and friends.Is the houseclean; isthere enoughfood; did Iget the rightpresent; arethedecorationsup, etc….My questionfor you is, doyou spend asmuch timeon yourpreparation for the arrival of the Baby Jesus? Doyou take some quieting moments? Do you spendtime in prayer? I have been blessed the last sixyears to be a part of a wonderful Advent traditionat my church in Sheffield. On the first Sundayevening of Advent the women of our churchgather, dressed in our Christmas best, for Adventby Candlelight. We marvel at the creative MarthaStewarts in our midst, share fellowship and thenquiet worship time with a well-prepared programthat always speaks to my heart. I think it is themost important part of my Advent preparations.This intentional quiet helps me to focus on themost important part of Christmas! I pray that eachof you will also find the Baby Christ in thisChristmas!Blessings, Diane Wills

This two-part Advent program can be used by agroup of any size. You’ll discuss various customsand explore the biblical figures of Advent (Zechariahand Elizabeth, Simeon and Anna, Joseph and Mary,and more). You might use it with your regular studygroup or as a special Advent Bible study group.Each part takes about 20 to 45 minutes and includesprayer, hymns, Scripture, narration, and discussion.

The Colors of Christmas: A Reflection on Preparingfor ChristmasOur celebrations are often sprinkled with seasonaltraditions that bring us joy and remind us of timesgone by or people who have graced our lives. Doyou know where or when your traditions began andthe meaning behind them? This resource takes alook at the some of the customs around Christmas.

See more at:http://www.womenoftheelca.org/liturgical-year

Submitted by Jan Harbaugh

From Linda BushkovskyMost, if not all of you, should have received BoldConnections. In there you would have seen the post-board meeting summary that describes the variousactions taken by the churchwide executive board atits meeting last weekend. You’ll find the newsarticle on our website athttp://www.womenoftheelca.org/november--board-meeting-oct-2015-news-377.php?category-id=6Please share this meeting summary with your boardmembers and encourage unit leaders to read it too.

NEIA Women of the ELCA website:neiasynod.org/womenoftheELCA

Good NewsEditor Jan HarbaughP. O. Box 68Renwick, IA 50577515-825-8068 jan.harbaugh@gmail.com

Articles are due the 1st of the month for the next month'snewsletter (e.g. April 1 for May issue). Please put WELCAin your subject line. (You can also send paper copies by“snail” mail.)

NEIA Women of the ELCA TreasurerNancy Poppe2656 Gilmore Ave.Ionia, IA 50645641-435-2231Popcan@exede.net

Contact Women of the ELCA at:773.380.2730 or 800.638.3522, ext. 2730http://www.womenoftheelca.org/8765 W. Higgins RoadChicago, IL 60631-4189

CALENDAR2016

Jan. 16 SWO & Cluster Leaders, Waverly, 9-3(snow date Jan. 23)

Mar. 5 SWO, Waverly 9-12 (snow dateMar. 19)

May 14 SWO at Wartburg 9-12Jun. 17 Pre-convention SWO meeting at

Wartburg, 5pmJun. 18 NEIA Women’s Synodical Convention,

Wartburg College, WaverlySep. 9–10 Three Rivers Fall Retreat, Camp Ewalu

need for supply. What action can you take to helpremove the demand? Submitted by Anna Jetson

Mission Area: DiscipleshipThe NEI women's synod board cordially invitesthe cluster presidents to our January 16th boardmeeting from approximately 9-3. We will talkabout plans for the new year and the upcomingconvention in June. The presidents will have achance to see how the board carries out businessfor our women. It is also a time for our leaders toget acquainted with the officers. We will have asoup lunch at the office and then finish up anyunfinished business from the morning session. Thesnow date for this meeting will be January 23. Wehope as many of you as possible can attend and welook forward to seeing you and learning what youare doing in your clusters.. Submitted by CindyPogge, SWO Vice President

Resources from the Women of the ELCAwebsite:Advent: A Season for All Generations The blessings of the season be

with you and yours.

Living Faith

This information is prepared for you by the Northeastern Iowa Synod-Home Life Network for use by families and local congregations.

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Dear Faith Shapers, During this season of Advent I invite you and your family to take a journey togeth-er—every night. You won’t need to leave your home, you won’t even need to leave your couch. But it’s a journey by which blessings will over flow. The jour-ney is called Faith5. In this months is-sue of Living Faith I am excited to share with you information about the Faith5 because I believe in its ability to draw a family closer together. And I’ve learned this from first-hand experience of prac-ticing the Faith5 with my own family. The Faith5 is NOT about SPENDING more time with your kids. Rather it’s about INVESTING in your kids. Be-cause when you invest you see results.

For families with young children – look ahead in time. What would it be worth to you to have a teenager one day who wouldn’t go to sleep without talking to you? Praying with you? Blessing you? Would it be worth five minutes? Every night?

For families with teens – what would

happen to your family over time if you

were able to keep open, caring commu-

nications going every night throughout

adolescence?

So take the next 6 weeks of Advent and

give the Faith5 a try. I promise you that

the time with your family will be well

spent.

Kristin Johnson

Associate In Ministry

1. Share

Share the high and low of your day

2.Read

Review the Bible verse or story of

the week

3.Talk

Talk about the Bible verse and story

4.Pray

Pray together as a family, thanking

God for your highs and asking God

to help you with your lows

5.Bless

Make the sign of the cross on each

other’s foreheads as you give a

blessing

Every Night in

Every Home!

FAITH5 (Faith Acts In the Home) - When done over time, FAITH5 carries the power to enrich communication, deepen understanding, aid sleep & promote mental, physical & spiritual health.

SHARE: Sharing your highs and lows with a loved one has a very important and healthy psychological effect. Doing this provides a safe place for us to identify, name, and work through our emotions. Individuals will learn that “I am not alone.” Incredible empathy will develop as children and parents learn that when you hurt, I hurt. Sharing highs doubles our highs and sharing our lows reduces that burden as we carry it together. READ: The power of God’s word is not realized if it is just a leather bound book that collects dust on the shelf. The inspired Word of God has power and strength only when we open it. The easiest way to read/teach scripture to young children is through words and motions. Make the motions up if you like or use it as an opportunity to learn sign language. Teaching your children motions and gestures to go with Scripture will help it become cemented in their minds and hearts (and yours too!) As we create and become families who live in God’s Word we are strengthened, renewed, enriched, balanced, grounded, and refreshed.

TALK: In Advent we hear the name of God—Emmanuel. The literal meaning is “God with us.” As we share our highs and our lows, read a bible verse, and then talk about how they connect, God is incarnational—He comes to us and lives with us. Talking about the verse and our day is a way for all of us to begin to look for God in everyday. God becomes real and these bible verses begin to ap-ply to my life—not just some people who lived 2,000 years ago. Connecting the text of scripture to the context of our lives is a constant reminder that God values us. We see that we are loved by God and by our family. With practice this can become the most significant time.

PRAY: Prayer is the glue that holds it all together! Prayer is the catalyst for God’s activity. It is here, as we pray for one another, that God’s presence is evident. As we listen to one another—as we have heard the sharing of our days, our being informed by the scriptures and seeing the connections—we have the privilege and the opportunity to place our hearts before God.

BLESS: Blessing one another as families is a kiss from God as we turn out the lights. It helps us to recognize that God is in the midst of our everyday lives. It will not take away our pain. It won’t pay the bills. But blessings do inform those pains. Blessings shape families and people. They shape our attitude and shift our perspective. You can make up your own blessing, or use one of the following: as you make the sign of the cross on their forehead say ‘Remember you are a baptized child of God”. Or “Remember God loves you and so do I”. And then have your child do the same to you. As you can see from the side picture, even a baby can give a blessing.

HELPFUL TIPS/LINKS

Whoever goes to bed first calls the family by saying, “Faith5 time”!

Choose a central location or alternate children’s bedrooms.

Keep a record of your family’s highs and lows and look back over them once

a year as a way to remember the journey your family has taken.

Find more at www.faith5.org or at www.faithink.com