NorthEast Kansas

Lutheran Church Partnership

*LCMS*

DECEMBER, 2017

From the Pen of the Pastor

As I write these words, Thanksgiving is less than a week away ( 5 days) and there are 36 days, four hours

and six minutes until Christmas. It seems like only yesterday I was celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas

2016. Where does the time go?! Yet, I knew these days would come, as they have come, without fail, for

the last 65 years of my life. And I am quite certain they will continue to come as long as the Lord leaves me

in this world. I find such assurance comforting, don’t you?

I know St. Paul certainly does. In fact he says so, and quite eloquently, in verses 31 through 38 of the eighth

chapter of Romans, where he speaks in great depth about our Christian assurance. The question with which

Paul opens up this section of Scripture, “What are we then to make of all of this,” is intended to sum up the

discussion presented throughout the entire 8th Chapter of his letter to the Romans: the surety of God’s

Grace. And following his introductory sentence, Paul expounds on that theme with his famous rhetorical

question, ‘If God is on our side, who, or what could possibly mount any effective threat against us?’ The

demonstration that He is on our side is, of course, the gift of His Son for us. If God was willing to grant us

that, is there anything He would withhold from us? The resounding ‘NO’ Paul provides is perhaps the most

comforting of all the ‘NOs in all of Scripture!

Listen to Paul’s words: “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give

us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn?

Christ Jesus is the one who died- more than that, who was raised- who is at the right hand of God, who in-

deed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or

persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, "For your sake we are being

killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered." No, in all these things we are more

than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rul-

ers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all crea-

tion, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

continued to next page...

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 Kilgo-office hours on

Friday by appointment.

Pastor Michael Dunaway Cell 785-285-1714

(Day off-Friday)

Pastor Sean Kilgo

Cell 505-553-4829

(Day off-Tuesday)

continued from page 1

Here is the proof for our assurance. Here we readily see that the only ones who have the power to accuse or con-

demn us - God or His Son – are in fact the very ones who protect us! If the only potential accusers of any signifi-

cance are in fact our benefactors, then truly we have nothing at all to fear from any direction. In that case, what-

ever happens to us that we might construe as showing God’s rejection, such as tribulation, anxiety, persecution or

famine, poverty or war, has lost its power to mean that, because, God IS on our side! Gone forever is the tempta-

tion to assume ill fortune is evidence of God’s rejection! On the contrary, God is FOR us, and therefore, nothing

can prevail against us. In the last two verses Paul gives us the most compelling reason for our Christian confi-

dence, when he clearly says that there is no dimension of reality one can imagine that has the power to frustrate

God’s care and love for us.

This is what we have to be thankful for…this year and always: no matter what may happen. This is part of what

makes our Christmas ‘Merry!’ No matter what sufferings or afflictions may come upon us, we have the assur-

ance that God is for us and that He has not and will not ever abandon us. Evil and affliction are the result of the

fall, but they do not have the last word – God does; as His raising Christ from the grave aptly demonstrates. That

act of God alone assures us that our destiny is irrevocably in His hands. This is our assurance. Yes, assurance is

a ‘wonderful’ thing!! Merry Christmas!

Pastor Mike

CHRISTMAS CAROLING

The LYF is planning to go Christmas caroling on December 17 at the AC Home.

We will meet at First Lutheran in Sabetha, and then head to the AC Home at 4:00.

Cookies and refreshments will be provided at the church following the caroling.

All are welcome to attend!

SUNDAY SCHOOL

We invite all kids to come and join us for Sunday School!

Sunday School meets each Sunday morning at 9:15am at First and Zion.

Sunday School at Immanuel and St. Paul starts after the service at 9:30am.

The Zion Adult Bible Class and the First Adult Bible Class meet

on Sunday mornings at 9:15am. Please come join us!!

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.

BIBLE STUDIES The following Bible Studies are available each week:

9:15am Sunday @Zion & First

10:00am Wednesday @Zion (Ladies)

6:30pm Wednesday @St. Paul -

(This will follow the Advent schedule location)

PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS:

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

Reynolds Jr., Wade Reynolds; (SP) Kyle Vanness, Mary Burkett, Marjie Ernst, Spencer Ernst; (Z) Robert

Rahe.

Care Facilities & Shut-Ins: (F) Eldon Schwant, Esther Lukert, Gerrianne Heim, Darlene Rison, Rosemary

Scher, Shirley TenEyck, Don & Georgia Windle, Dale Bosse, LaVonne Jaros-Thieme; (I) Gene Rice, Eunice

Bass, Leon Ball, Curly Wenger, Wilma Hawk; (StP) Betty Allen, Bob Kleopfer; (Z) Clarence Middendorf, Jo

Harnish, Luther Anderson, Allen Meyer, Alvin Backhus, Clifford Lowe, Darlene Covert, Connie Kneisel Also in our prayers: Carrie Reinhold, (F) Bettye Bosse, Fred Feek, Suzie Jones, Roger Hanni, Dallas & Katy

Lee, Richard Gress, Sue Otos, Mary Lyn Darrah, Carol Ann Lock, Jonathan Heim, Shirley Fanger, Pam Rison,

Brenda Rodvelt, Gabriel Cook, Melonie Creek, Darrel & Sharon Cohoon, Megan McConnauhey; (IMM)

Marty Martinson, Fred Meeks, Roger Pusch, Abigail McFall, Janice Backer; (St.P) Harold Bauer, Leo Kruse,

Elizabeth Bauerle, Joni Aue, Ernie Hoppe, Larry Kruse, Sidney Doane; (Z) Esther Koerperich, Dawn Klein-

schmidt, Bob Lehew, Marcia Wilson, Donald Robidoux, Judy Clay, Sherry Hartley, Brittany Fritz. We Remember the blessed saints who now rest in the Lord (Harold Hartter, Jo Carver, Donna Aeschliman) and

we pray for their families that they remember all who die in the Lord live with the Lord. (Romans 6:5)

SERVERS FOR DECEMBER

FIRST LUTHERAN

(Please trade if you have a date conflict)

Dec 3rd: Elders–Marv Kohlmeier & Michael Bachelor, Acolytes-Memphis Cochran & Naomi Pearson,

Ushers-Shaun Pearson & Mike Poe, Greeters-Steve Huneke Family, Counters-Stan Remmers & Allan

Spellmeier. Dec 10th: Elders–Patrick Cochran & Kurt Detweiler, Acolytes-Madison Bulk & Tabor Bachelor,

Ushers-Eldon Schwant & Mike Bulk, Greeters-Shane Schuette Family, Counters-Sue Schuette & Shane

Schuette. Dec 17th: Elders-Allan Spellmeier & Gene Perry, Acolytes-Katie Poe & Paul Pearson,

Ushers-John Feek & Les Trentman, Greeters-Steve & Karen Aeschliman, Counters-Steve Aeschliman &

Patty Remmers. Dec 24th: JOINT PARTNERSHIP SERVICE @ZION—Children’s Christmas Program—10:00am

Dec 31st: Elders-Kurt Detweiler & Patrick Cochran, Acolytes-Trinity Detweiler & Chloe Detweiler,

Ushers-Steve Aeschliman & Dwight Edelman, Greeters-Patrick Cochran Family, Counters-Ken & Joyce

Meyer.

Altar Guild for December: Sue Schuette, Julie Bauman, Tammy Cochran, Heather Lehwald.

Trustees for December: Patrick Sheik & Paige Strahm.

ZION LUTHERAN

(Please trade if you have a date conflict) Dec 3rd: Elders-Kurt Killman, Acolyte-Brady Killman, Ushers-Leon Wissmann & Richard Schilling,

Greeters-Scott & Jessica Gigstad, Lector-Randall Noon, Sound System-Shelley Dunaway. Dec 10th: Elder-Dale Strobel, Acolyte-Paige Stover, Ushers-Richard Clay & Clint Meyer,

Greeters-Scott & Jessica Gigstad, Lector-Sue Meyer, Sound System-Bob & Virginia Freese. Dec 17th: Elder-Scott Gigstad, Acolyte-Corey Dunaway, Ushers-Randy Noon & David Middendorf,

Greeters-Bob & Virginia Freese, Lector-Matt Sprick, Sound System-Dwight & Sue Meyer. Dec 24th: Elder-Steve Stoller, Acolyte-Brady Killman, Ushers-Bob Freese & Larry Walter,

Greeters-Bob & Virginia Freese, Lector-Richard Clay, Sound System-David Middendorf. Dec 31st: Elder-Mike Ogden, Acolyte-Paige Stover, Ushers-Leon Wissmann & Richard Schilling,

Greeters-Richard & Judy Clay, Lector-Virginia Freese, Sound System-Leon Wissmann.

Altar Guild for December: Virginia Freese, Joan Stoller, Sue Meyer, Jessica Gigstad

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN

Altar Committee for December: Karen Bauman, Kathy Heiniger, Becky Meyer,

Doug Spellmeier

-Meetings- First LWML: December 6 @ 1:30pm

St. Paul Dorcas: December 3 @ 2:00pm

Immanuel Dorcas: December 12 @ 12:00pm

Zion LWML: December 12 @ 7:00pm

JOINT OUTREACH – December 11th @6:00pm

JOINT ELDERS – December 11th @7:00pm

JOINT COUNCIL – December 18th @7:00pm

IMMANUEL DORCAS The Immanuel Lutheran Dorcas met November 14, 2017, at the Fairview Community Center with Nancy Brockhoff

as hostess. Shelley Dunaway led the devotions using “Surprises” as the theme. Scripture was Luke 13:22-30, The

Narrow Door”. Devotions were closed with prayer. Sue Brockhoff, President, called the meeting to order. Roll call was answered by five members and one guest, Hazel

Steely. Minutes of the October 17 meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer’s Report was given by Doris Rice,

Treasurer. Sue presented a bill in the amount of $60.23 for supplies for the last funeral dinner and family night. Joyce moved to

allow the bill. Shelley Dunaway seconded the motion and it carried. Our Christmas dinner was planned for December 12 at 12:00 noon. A special offering will be taken. The offering for the day was collected. As there was no further business, Sue adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be December 12 with Sue Brockhoff as hostess. Nancy Brockhoff will have the devotions. Nancy served delicious refreshments during the social hour.

Joyce Brockhoff, Reporter

Zion LWML

The regular monthly meeting of the Zion Lutheran LWML was held Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at the

church. Lela Middendorf, president, called the meeting to order. Lela Middendorf led the opening devotions entitled, “How Long is Forever?” and led the Bible study centered around

“Journaling the Word” where the participants learned how to incorporate visual resources into ones Bible study and

prayer life and were reminded of the three R’s – Read, Reflect and Respond. Five members answered roll call, and the minutes of the October meeting were read and approved. The treasurer’s

report was given by Diane Davis Judy Clay, Christian Life Chairman, shared several prayers and inspirational notes from a prayer calendar. Carol

Walter, Caring Service Chairman, reported that we will be hosting the monthly birthday party at Maple Heights in

January. Worship greeters for next month will be: Dec. 3 and 10: Scott and Jessica Gigstad; Dec. 17 and 24: Bob and Virginia

Freese; and Dec. 31: Richard and Judy Clay. Chancel workers for the month of December include: Sue Meyer, Virginia Freese, Joan Stoller and Jessica Gigstad. Diane Davis, Martha Circle Chairman, thanked everyone for their assistance with the Reformation celebration held at

Zion on October 22. Carol Walter will lead the Bible study for the next regular meeting on December 12. Goodie bags for shut-in members

will be assembled at the December meeting. Members were reminded of the annual soup luncheon fundraiser to be held in conjunction with the General Assembly

meeting when it becomes scheduled in January. Judy Clay closed the meeting with prayer. Respectfully submitted,

Lela Middendorf, Interim Secretary

First LWML The November 1, 2017 meeting of L.W.M.L., First Lutheran was called to order at 1:30 pm by President Martha Pearson

with all saying The League Pledge. Opening devotion by Ruth Swart was a "Mustard Seed" devotion "Bring on the Smiles". Martha led the Bible study,

"Jesus Christ Above All" taken from the Lutheran Woman's Quarterly, Fall 2017. God knows our every thought and holds

each and everyone near. Roll call was answered by 8 members for what they were thankful for. Ruth Swart, secretary, read the minutes from the

October, 2017 meeting They were approved as read. Kay Holden, co-treasurer, gave the treasurer's report, also collecting

mites and dues. Carole Feek passed out outlines for our meetings in 2018 and asked for ideas for roll call. Martha told of the new issue of

"SONSHINE" with some of the highlights---the Kansas convention will be in Hutchison, April 20-22,2018. The applica-

tions for the young lady representation must be in by January, 2018. There will be a box in the church during the month of

November for supplies for the food pantry. Several brought snacks to be packaged for the college students to have during

their semester exams. Kathy Steiner made a motion to give $50. to the preschool for their annual soup day, Karen Aeschliman made an amend-

ment to the motion to $100. second by Lorene Strahm, motion passed After much "campaigning" the same officers will be for 2018 that held office in 2017. Martha will check with the AC Home for the annual Christmas luncheon. She will ask for our regular meeting date.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017. Evelyn Goodman and Carole Feek passed snacks with coffee for our social time.

Ruth Swart. Secretary

ST. PAUL DORCAS The November meeting of St. Paul Dorcas Society was held on November 1 at 7 PM at the church. Karen Bauman

opened the meeting by thanking those that helped with the food and serving at the funeral of member Mary Bauerle. Nine members answered roll call. Minutes of previous meeting were read and approved. The Treasurer’s report was pre-

sented and approved. Report was given on the 2017 LWR pickup in Topeka: 749 boxes, weighing 15,986 pounds were collected and sent from

this area of the state. Applications for the Young Woman Representative need to be sent to the Zone president, Cindy Manche, by January 15,

2018. A Zone banner for the state convention in Hutchinson in April 2018 is needed. If interested, contact Cindy. Cindy Manche, Kathy Heiniger, Sadie Meyer, Lela Middendorf, Esther Ideker, and Michelle Kilgo attended the Spring

Retreat in McPherson. Cindy Manche and Becky Meyer completed the financial audit of our 2016 books and found all in order. Kim Priest

moved that we contribute to the same 10 charities as last year. Motion seconded and carried. Kim Priest gave a devotion based on a publication from Luther College at Decorah, Iowa. This article, “Faith Builds on

the Rock: Romans 3:28 and Romans 1:17.” She also showed a You Tube video: “Treasures of the Reformation.” It was noted that Leo and Bertha Kruse will be celebrating their 74th wedding anniversary on November 7. Helen Bauerle and Becky Meyer served pumpkin dessert, snacks, coffee and tea. The meeting closed with the Lord’s

Prayer.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Duesing, Secretary

ST. PAUL PRESCHOOL We all had an excellent time at Renyers Pumpkin Patch and

made great memories with all our friends. The last couple of

weeks we have been learning about dinosaurs and volca-

noes. We made dinosaur eggs and a class volcano. We

erupted the volcano which was extremely fun. Next month we are going to be talking about what Christmas is

all about and have

some fun ideas to

celebrate.

Regina Rygaard,

Preschool

Teacher

FIRST PRESCHOOL The preschoolers have learned about God’s faithfulness studying Jonah and the Whale; Shadrach, Meshach, and

Abednego in the Fiery Furnace; and Daniel and the Lion’s Den. What a joy to share God’s Word with the children! We are also making great progress on letters, sounds, and numbers. Each week we learn a new letter and number.

We are working hard learning songs for the United Bank and Trust’s Open House on December 7th with our Christ-

mas Program at the church to follow that night! We’ll be busy getting our room ready for the parents and families

to visit after the program. We would like to thank everyone for preparing and attending our Soup Dinner. We appreciate everyone’s support.

We are thankful and blessed. Denise Huning & Keremy Bachelor, Preschool Teachers

HOLIDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Joint Advent 1 - Wednesday, December 6

at Zion - 7:30pm

Joint Advent 2 - Wednesday, December 13

at First - 7:30pm

Joint Advent 3 – December 20

at Immanuel – 7:30pm -----------------------------------------------------------------

The Joint Partnership Children’s Program

will be on December 24th at 10:00am

at Zion.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Christmas Eve Services, December 24

Immanuel & St. Paul - 6:00pm

First & Zion - 8:00pm

CONFIRMATION CLASS

Please note: The Confirmation Class will follow the Advent schedule.

They will meet at 6:30pm prior to the Advent Services at 7:30pm.

December 6th at Zion

December 13th at First

December 20th at Immanuel

FIRST LUTHERAN PRESCHOOL SOUP DAY

First Lutheran Preschool would like to thank all who

donated ingredients, donated desserts, helped to set up,

worked at the Soup Day, as well as those who attended

and/or made financial donations.

We thank God for continuing to bless the Preschool and

we thank each of you for any part you play.

NATIVITY DISPLAY

The Northeast Kansas Lutheran Church

Partnership Outreach Committee

will be hosting a Nativity Display

at the Fairview Community Building

on December 14th.

This will be from 6:00pm-8:00pm.

If anyone would like to display a nativity scene, or if you have

questions, please contact Kathy Heiniger at 467-3772.

Everyone is welcome!

CHRISTMAS CANTATA

The choir of Zion Lutheran Church, Everest, along with several members of the community,

would like to invite you to the performance of the beautiful Christmas Cantata,

Noel & Alleluia!, arranged by Tom Fettke.

The cantata will be at 2:00pm on Sunday, December 3, at the Zion Lutheran Church

1521 Prairie Road, Everest.

JOINT PARTNERSHIP CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PROGRAM

“From Heaven Above”

Children’s Christmas Program practice

will be at Zion

on Sunday, December 3rd,

Sunday, December 10th

and Sunday, December 17th

starting at 1:00pm.

Lunch will be served from 12:00pm-12:45pm.

American Heritage Girls

American Heritage Girls Troop KS2315 has had a busy fall!

The troop served their community by packing 33 shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.

They honored their country by walking in Horton's Veteran's Day parade.

We thank you for supporting our coffee fundraiser and look forward to

Christmas Caroling with the Partnership in December!

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