NE Kansas

Lutheran Church Partnership

*LCMS*

JULY, 2020

From the Pen of the Pastor

Tell me if you remember this song by Kermit the Frog, introspecting on his color. It's not that easy bein' green, having to spend each day the color of the leaves…When I think it could be

nicer bein' red or yellow or gold, or something much more colorful like that...It's not easy bein' green. It

seems you blend in with so many other ordinary things…And people tend to pass you over cause you're not

standing out like flashy sparkles in the water, or stars in the sky...But green's the color of spring and green

can be cool and friendly like…And green can be big like a mountain, or important like a river or tall like a

tree ...When green is all there is to be, it could make you wonder why. But, why wonder? (why wonder?) I'm

green and it'll do fine. It's beautiful and I think it's what I want to be. It sounds like Kermit was dealing with at least a touch of envy, doesn’t it? For the moment at least, red, yel-

low and gold seemed much more colorful to him, than green was. He sounded also, at least initially, a little

disenchanted with what God made him to be. He had come to view himself as too ‘plain’ and too

‘ordinary,’ and it seemed as if that assumption was having an adverse effect on his self-esteem. Perhaps

you’ve been there, not feeling like you were ‘flashy’ enough...or that you’d stand out in any crowd. But,

thanks be to God, Kermit finally came to the conclusion that his color wasn’t something he should waste

his time wondering about. He was green...and he was beautiful, and he realized that deep down, he was just

the color he wanted to be. Dear friends in Christ,

I believe Kermit was right on, at least, two counts – First, it's not that easy bein' green, and Second, being

green can be beautiful. I can say that because I was green once. I was Marine Corps green…In fact, I’m proud to say I still am. I

can also say I learned to appreciate that distinction. As it turned out, it was good to be ‘green’ and no longer

just ‘white.’ The color green served to unite a diverse group of men, who all set aside their original color

and ethnicity, whatever it was, to become one and the same. You see, we Marines were all green. Just as I

was no longer white, the African American Marines were no longer black,’ and in the same way the Indian

Marines no longer ‘red,’ and the Asian Marines were no longer ‘yellow,’ and so on. We were declared to be

and most of us were determined to be, just that one color - ‘green!’

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Partnership Office Address:

613 S. First, Hiawatha, KS 66434

Phone: 785-740-0268 office@nekpartnership.org

Office hours: 8 am-1 pm Mon & Wed 8 am-3pm Tues & Thurs

Member Congregations: First Lutheran, Sabetha Immanuel, Fairview 311 Cedar 656 240th St. Sabetha, KS 66534 Fairview, KS 66425 785-284-3566

St. Paul, Fairview Zion Lutheran, Hiawatha 110 East Maple 613 South 1st Fairview, KS 66425 Hiawatha, KS 66434 785-467-8816 785-742-3995

Pastor Michael Dunaway Cell 785-285-1714

(Day off-Friday)

Pastor Sean Kilgo

Cell 505-553-4829

(Day off-Tuesday)

continued from page 1 And what a relief that was, especially in a country being pulled apart by skin color, political affiliation and all

sorts of other ‘dividing forces.’ To have such a major obstacle to our working and co-existing together for all in-

tents and purposes, removed was a big thing. By ignoring those superficial differences we could more easily fo-

cus our energy on what we could do in our commonality. What, for example was that? For one thing, we could,

regardless of skin color, share equally the proud heritage we had as ‘green,’ and believe me, that heritage and the

Esprit de Corps that went with it was indeed a beautiful thing. Did our stated intention to all ‘think green’ eliminate all racial tensions and all remnants of prejudice and unfair

treatment that were then so prevalent in American society? Of course not! Satan wouldn’t sit still for that, after

having been so successful in influencing so many people from all racial and ethnic persuasions to be hateful and

prejudicial to anyone who was different from them themselves; but, through education and explicit guidelines,

racial matters were usually addressed long before they became a problem the devil could fully exploit: but please

note the word usually. Yes, being ‘green’ helped, but even the Marne Corps is ill equipped to win wars by themselves, especially when

the enemy is the unholy trinity of - sin, Satan, and our fallen, sinful, flesh. For this battle you need the big

guns...you need Jesus Christ. Your only chance to be one body “in Christ.” Yes, if we...as a people... ever hope to overcome the battle of racial injustice and all things related to that, the

Gospel of Jesus Christ must transform us and our understanding of who we are and whose we are. Once we un-

derstand that through the power of the Gospel we have all been given a new identity in Christ Jesus, then we

must pray for the Holy Spirit to lead us all to understand exactly what being “in Christ” truly means. Listen as

St. Paul explains that definition to the Church of Colossae and consider how his words speak to the issue at hand.

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the

right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. 3 For you

have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you

also will appear with him in glory. 5 Put to death therefore what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, im-

purity, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of these the wrath of God is

coming. 7 In these you too once walked, when you were living in them. 8 But now you must put them all

away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, see-

ing that you have put off the old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being re-

newed in knowledge after the image of its creator. 11 Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and

uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all. 12 Put on then, as God's cho-

sen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one

another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you,

so you also must forgive. 14 And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect

harmony. 15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.

And be thankful. (Colossians 3:1-15).

Being called in one body (verse 15) is a biblical way of ‘being green;’ and as was stated so eloquently by Kermit,

‘It's not that easy bein' green.’ Only through the power of the Gospel can our understanding of race, ethnicity,

and belonging to the family of God be completely understood and realized. Paul’s inspired writing to the

Church of Rome helps us see though what it looks like once realized. He writes...

continued to next page...

...Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with

brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent

in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13

Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute

you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be

conceited. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of

all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge

yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay,

says the Lord." 20 To the contrary, "if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him

something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head." 21 Do not be over-

come by evil, but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:9-21).

I once read a quote from Nelson Mandela that said, “No one is born hating another person because of the

color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to

hate, they can be taught to love.” I agree with his assertion that we are not necessarily born hating another because of our differences,

however, I humbly disagree with his contention we must learn to hate; because, we are all, since the fall,

born with original sin. Consequently, our very nature has been turned inward on our ‘self’ and our sinful

self-interests. I do agree however with his statement that we can be taught to love, but only once we are

baptized, forgiven of our sins and filled with God’s love. Then, and only then, can we be taught to love.

Only if we are, as Paul just said, “in Christ,” can we love one another with brotherly affection. Once

again we turn to Holy Scripture and through the words of Saint John received more guidance on our abil-

ity to learn to love:

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister

is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love

God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God

must also love their brother and sister (1 John 4:19-21).

Let us Pray:

Dear Heavenly Father, You are our refuge and strength; our present help in time of trouble. Preserve us

in the midst of the overwhelming decay so prevalent right now in our society. It seems that Your church

is under attack and thus, we are under attack. You are our only hope. We shamefully confess that we

have all too often been silent to the injustices we see around us and to proclaiming loudly and proudly

the hope of the gospel. We have been too quick to defend our own name amidst allegations of indiffer-

ence; but, slow or negligent in lifting up your name as the only source of hope and healing for mankind.

Forgive us and lead us, as Your people and as a country, back to you. Comfort those outraged by the un-

justified death of anyone in police custody, regardless of their color. Preserve and protect the good police

officers out there doing an often thankless and dangerous job and bring justice to those who have be-

trayed the trust of these men and women and the public they were called to serve. Help us, as members

of Your Church be peacemakers in all this, and remind us to always point people to the One who will

one day make all things right, the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives with You and the Holy Spirit,

One God now and forever. Amen.

Yours In Christ, Pastor Mike

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:

Military: (F) Kelsey Blum, Aaron Foist; Allan Feek, Kevin Remmers; (I) Tristan Knott, Chad O’Brien,

Daniel Wheeler, Paul Reynolds Jr.; (SP) Kyle Vanness, Mary Burkett, Spencer Ernst, Bert Ernst. Care Facilities & Shut-Ins: (F) Stan Kohlmeier, Eldon Schwant, Gerrianne Heim, Rosemary Scher, Don

Windle, LaVonne Thieme; (I) Emma Middendorf, Eunice Bass, Curly Wenger, Clifford Hawk; (StP) Leo

Kruse, Harold Bauer, Bob Kleopfer; (Z) Clarence Middendorf, Darlene Covert, Connie Kneisel, Lawrence

Thonen, Virginia Noon, Mark Dunavan, Judy Clay. Also in our prayers: (F) Lisa Riekenberg, Sara Clements, Thurlene DeVilbiss, Larry Strahm, Karen

Randall, David Randall, Crystal Kinkler, Loren Criss, Marjorie Perry, Carol Ann Lock, Gabriel Cook,

Melonie Creek, Darrel & Sharon Cohoon, Megan McConnauhey; (IMM) Adrian Worthington, Gene Rice,

Loretta Hartter, Kylar Daily, Betty Kolbek, Fred Meeks, Roger Pusch, Abigail McFall, Janice Backer;

(St.P) Kinsley Costlow, Vauncille Barrett, Doug Barrett, Betty Allen, Sidney Doane; (Z) Sara Bauer, Don

Robidoux, Mike Ogden, Sherry Hartley, Brittany Fritz. We Remember the blessed saints who now rest in the Lord and we pray for their families

that they remember all who die in the Lord live with the Lord. (Romans 6:5)

JULY BIRTHDAYS

July 1-David Bauman, July 1-Chuck Sjulin, July 1-Ruth Swart, July 2-Ken Georg, July 3-Tim Bianchi,

July 4-Stuart Manche, July 5-Harold Bauer, July 5-Jennifer Cavin, July 6-Karen Aeschliman,

July 6-Holden Bass, July 7-Lily Pearson, July 7-Hadlee Schuette, July 8-Eric Manche,

July 9-Michael Moreno, July 10-Mark Meyer, July 10-Aydan Bass, July 13-Jim Risinger,

July 13-Donna Gormley, July 13-Sadie Meyer, July 14-Jenna Smith, July 17-Michael Bachelor,

July 17-Remington Killman, July 17-Gary Oswald, July 18-Mike Bosworth, July 19-Tyson Detweiler,

July 19-Cindy Schilling, July 19-Greg Remmers, July 19-Sharon Vogel, July 19-Kelby Ryan,

July 21-Linda Middendorf, July 21-Cooper Sullivan, July 23-Gene Rice, July 24-Helen Hoppe,

July 24-Nellie Brockhoff, July 25-William Sheik, July 25-Lela Middendorf, July 25-Jordan Sprick,

July 27-David Davidson, July 27-Taryn Schuette, July 27-Carolyn Schneider, July 28-Jordan Huneke,

July 29-Karson Kleopfer, July 29-Julie Lowe, July 30-Peg Rahe, July 30-Doug Spellmeier,

July 30-Eunice Bass

JULY ANNIVERSARIES

July 3-Scott & Jessica Gigstad, July 4-Wes & Linda Duesing, July 7-Dwight & Sue Meyer,

July 7-Galen & Karen Bauman, July 9-Levi & Theresa Manche, July 10-Kyle & Kortney Stallbaumer,

July 12-Charlie & Nellie Brockhoff, July 14-Patrick & Tammy Cochran, July 14-Gene & Beth Perry,

July 21-Jim & Lori Risinger, July 21-Doug & Sarah Kleopfer, July 21-Scott & Heather Schremmer,

July 23-Mark & Becky Meyer, July 30-Phil & Arika Ryan, July 30-Tim & Jackie Bianchi,

July 30–Clif & Kathy Heiniger,

VISIT THE PARTNERSHIP WEBSITE

Our website, (www.neklutherans.org), contains the history of the partnership and partnership churches,

a calendar of events, recent happenings and a hint of what will be happening in the future. There is an

activity page to look at and new pictures are added frequently. It has past copies of the newsletters

and the calendar for you to reference. Special announcements are also placed on the website.

Go to www.neklutherans.org.

A NOTE TO ALL CONGREGATIONS:

Please make sure the Partnership office has your current address,

current home phone number and cell phone number. If you have an

e-mail account, please send your e-mail address also! You can e-mail

the office at office@NEKpartnership.org or call 785-740-0268.

The office would also like the names and addresses

of any members who are at college. Thank You!

Due to the Covid-19 virus,

the 125th Anniversary celebration at Zion

has been postponed.

A new date will be planned.

MEETINGS JOINT ELDERS – July 13th @ 7:00pm

JOINT COUNCIL – July 20th @ 7:00pm

-LWML Meetings- First LWML: July 1st @1:30pm

St. Paul Dorcas: July 1st @7:00pm

Zion LWML: August 11th @7:00pm

BIBLE STUDIES Sunday Bible Study - We are currently studying the book of Revelation. This is broadcast on Facebook

live at 1pm on Sunday's. You are also invited to attend in person at St. Paul! You can also find the

study after the fact at Pastor Kilgo's YouTube Channel. Just search his name in YouTube and you'll find

the right spot. Wednesday - Brothers Under the Cross: This is a weekly study with other pastors in Kansas where we

walk through a book of the Bible. We're currently walking through the book of Hebrews. The study airs

on Wednesday's at 7pm. You can find it at the YouTube channel as well.

SERVERS FOR JULY

FIRST LUTHERAN

(Please trade if you have a date conflict)

July 5th: Elders–Steve Huneke & Scott Schremmer, Acolytes-Tyson Detweiler & Tabor Bachelor,

Ushers-Paige Strahm & Steve Aeschliman, Greeters-Mike Bulk Family, Counters-Darrell Schuette &

Steve Aeschliman July 12th: Elders–Allan Spellmeier & Shane Schuette, Acolytes-Lily Pearson & Jethro Steiner,

Ushers-Bud Bauman & David Bauman, Greeters-David & Julie Bauman, Counters-Heather Lehwald &

Stan Remmers July 19th: Elders–Gene Perry & Michael Bachelor, Acolytes-Chloe Detweiler & Phoebe Kilgo,

Ushers-Darrell Schuette & Ed Hathaway, Greeters-Les & Sharon Trentman, Counters-Allan Spellmeier &

Jason Steiner July 26th: Elders-Scott Schremmer & Steve Huneke, Acolytes-Isaiah Kilgo & Hadden Bachelor,

Ushers-Shane Schuette & Jordan Huneke, Greeters-Bud Bauman Family, Counters-Chuck Sjulin &

Patty Remmers

Altar Guild for July: Karen Kohlmeier, Patty Remmers, Carole Feek, Julie Bauman

Trustees for July: Les Trentman & Matt Bosworth

ZION LUTHERAN

(Please trade if you have a date conflict) July 5th: Elder-Kurt Killman, Acolyte-Brady Killman, Usher-David Middendorf,

Greeters-Darlene Atland & Michelle Moreno, Lector-Richard Clay, Sound System-Dwight Meyer July 12th: Elder-Scott Gigstad, Acolyte-Corey Dunaway, Usher-Bob Freese & Larry Walter,

Greeters-Darlene Atland & Michelle Moreno, Lector-David Middendorf, Sound System-David Middendorf July 19th: Elder-Steve Stoller, Acolyte-Marcus Hinton, Ushers-Leon Wissmann & Chad Hinton,

Greeters-Jeremy & Traci Stover, Lector-Marcus Hinton, Sound System-Leon Wissmann July 26th: Elder-Dale Strobel, Acolyte-Brady Killman, Ushers-Richard Clay & Clint Meyer,

Greeters-Jeremy & Traci Stover, Lector-Kurt Killman, Sound System-Jr & Jeanne Lowe

Altar Guild for July: Sharon Lowe, Barbara Lay, Lela Middendorf

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN

(Please trade if you have a date conflict) July 5th: Greeters– Mike & Marlene Bosworth July 12th: Greeter– Carolyn Schneider July 19th: Greeters– Dennis & Kim Kleopfer July 26th: Greeter– David Bauerle

Altar Committee for July: Rosalie Mellenbruch, Carolyn Schneider, Doug Kleopfer

FIRST LWML

The meeting on June 3, 2020 of First Lutheran LWML was called to order by President Martha Pearson

with 3 members present. Martha had the opening devotion taken from a Mustard Seed 2 Timothy 1:7 -

a spirit of power, of love and self-discipline.

The Bible lesson "Thy Word" was taken from the "Lutheran Woman's Quarterly, Summer 2020, and

was shared with the ladies present, Martha Pearson, Lorene Strahm and Ruth Swart. The lesson spoke

of Faith, Love, Joy and Forgiveness.

Martha had collection plates out for our dues and mites. A written treasurer report from Carole Feek

was read by Martha.

Roll call was answered with your favorite food. Ruth, secretary, read the minutes from our last meet-

ing, which was in March. They were approved as read.

Communications; Martha read an invitation from the Gideon’s. They would like to show a short video

to our group. We will see about our August meeting. Martha had received a newsletter from Michael

and Naomi Ersland. We will discuss it at the next meeting.

Martha will place the large mite box in the back of church for those LWML members that have their

collection of Mites.

Thanks, Martha, for keeping the outdoors planter so beautiful!

A motion was made, discussed and passed to send $50 to Daily Bread and to buy a roll of stamps for

whoever sent out the copies of "Portals of Prayer" and "Daily Bread"

Ruth had a devotion on "ABC's of God's Promises”. Closing was saying The League Pledge.

Brenda Meyer had brought by cookies and miniature candy bars. Lorene shared some chocolate coco-

nut zucchini bread. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday, July 1st.

Ruth Swart, secretary

Partnership Ladies Bible Study

The Ladies Bible Study will plan to start back on

Wednesday, July 1st, at 6:30pm.

This is held at Zion Lutheran in Hiawatha.

They are currently in the book “Bless These Lips”,

(Step 3, Day 3).

Please plan to join us! Social distancing will be practiced!

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