July will be the month of political conventions and the start of what may be the most trying general election season for our country in recent memory. In my social circle, many conversations seem to turn toward the state of our politics, even as people fear potential divisiveness and disagreement. As a country we are more polarized in how we see our nation, certain issues, and the candidates. This month I’m asking, how can Christians be a balm in a divisive time, even as we participate politically as citi-zens?

We can begin by remembering the 10 commandments—which Martin Luther taught that God gave to us to protect both our relationship with him and our relationship with our neighbors.

The first commandment: You shall have no other gods. The small catechism says “We are to fear, love, and trust God above all things.” God rules over all other powers and leaders. Whoever is elected, we don’t need to fear for the future, for God is in control.

The second commandment: You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God. The small cate-chism warns about using God’s name to curse or swear and it encourages its rightful use in prayer and thanksgiv-ing. Are we tempted to curse the opposing party in our anger? Can we remember to use God’s name in prayer for our nation—even for our enemies, as Jesus commanded (see Matthew 5:44)?

The third commandment: Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy. The Sabbath is for rest from routine and renewal—a day given to reset relationships with God and his Word and with each other. I have a friend whose practice is to not discuss politics at all on the weekends. When do we take a break from our worries and our con-cerns? When can we seek out those with whom we might disagree politically and strengthen our relationship?

The fourth commandment: Honor your father and your mother. The small catechism teaches that this com-mandment concerns all authorities, including leaders in government and politics. One habit that is becoming scarce today is the willingness to honor leaders from an opposing party. Can we give thanks for those willing to offer themselves to the political process? Blanket cynicism toward leaders diminishes the effectiveness of our gov-ernment to care for all.

The fifth commandment: You shall not murder. Even now it is rare in our country for there to be outright murder over politics, but Martin Luther taught us to recognize how our words, unspoken intentions, and attitudes can en-danger or harm the lives of our neighbors. Do people see us standing ready to help and support those we disagree with in all of life’s needs?

The sixth commandment: You shall not commit adultery. Now you may be thinking, “What does this have to do with an election?” Perhaps we’ll only see adultery in relation to politics in an episode of “House of Cards,” but the Small Catechism does encourage us to ‘lead pure and decent lives in word and deed.’ Will others see in us some-thing unique and pure as we engage in politics?

The seventh commandment: You shall not steal. People rarely set out to steal from anyone through our participa-tion in politics. But policies can benefit some more than others and we may benefit as well. To keep this com-mandment, the small catechism not only warns against actively taking what belongs to our neighbor, but it also tells us to protect and improve our neighbor’s property and income. Are we willing to think about others as we size up our political choices?

The eighth commandment: You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. This commandment is about lies, slander, destroying reputations—almost the bread and butter of electoral politics it can seem. Are we willing to check our ‘facts’ when they come from partisan sources and avoid arguments that center on destroying reputa-tions? Martin Luther wrote we are ‘interpret everything people do in the best possible light’ in order to keep this commandment.

The ninth and tenth commandments: You shall not covet. Many political appeals often boil down to the idea that “Somebody has got something you don’t.” These can be an invitation to indulge our tendency to covet, to privilege ourselves over others. Are we willing to be mindful of this temptation in our political thought? Can we think as much about the good of our neighbor as we talk politics with one another?

Christians should engage in politics. We should vote and we should talk to others about what we care about. Jesus preached, after all, that his life, death, and resurrection inaugurated the ‘kingdom of God.’ But even we won’t all agree with each other about politics, much less with everyone in our country. God is not for candidate or another—God stands in judgment over all our politics because he loves all people. We should be committed to his great commandment to love of our neighbor as we love ourselves. If we bring the 10 commandments to bear on how we do politics, I think others might notice.

Peace, Pastor Jim

Thank you to the Sewing Group Ladies for making the graduation quilt and thank you to Pastor Jim for the service and message on Graduation Sunday.

Kelsey Strandberg

The Council of St. Paul’s Lutheran and Presbyterian Church convened for a special meeting at 10:00 AM on May 22, 2016. The purpose of the meeting was to take action on the Executive Committee’s recommendation that the Church hire Tim Vavak as custodian for six hours per week, effective immediately (which also included the rate of twelve dollars per hour). Present were: Rusty Farrington, John Olson, Jean Peck, Diane Decker, Connie Pagel, Ron Frerichs, and Rachael Miller. Council President Rusty Farrington explained the purpose of the meeting. John Olson moved the Church affirm the Executive committee’s recommendation. Rachael Miller seconded the motion. With no further discussion, members voted unanimously to confirm Tim as custodian, effective immediately. The Council adjourned at 10:13 AM.

Respectfully submitted: Rusty Farrington

May 22, 2016

Spend July in Worship with “Jesus at the Lake”Spend July in Worship with “Jesus at the Lake”Spend July in Worship with “Jesus at the Lake”

July 10: Storm at Sea

July 17: Demons and Pigs

July 24: Walking on Water

July 31: Healing the Deaf Mute

Is summer when you spend time at the lake? Our worship themes for July will focus on stories from the Gospel Mark about Jesus near the Sea of Galilee. Come as you are and be

renewed by the water—the living water of Jesus.

Our VBS this year is very exciting! As I sit here writing

this, Rockwell City’s VBS is over and Lytton’s is coming

up in a few days. In Bible School this year we follow Joseph’s story. We pick up Joseph’s story right after he

lands himself in prison and then get to experience with

Joseph the lessons that God teaches through Joseph’s life. We learn that God gives us hope, special abilities, forgive-

ness, and a family. We have had a wonderful interest in Vacation Bible School this year! We do a combined

Bible School with The United Methodist and St. Paul’s Lutheran and Presbyterian Churches. This year in Rockwell City we had 46 students and 23 total volunteers. We also had many people donate food and supplies to these kids. The most exciting part about 46 kids is about 1/3 of these kids are “unchurched”. That means that for more than a dozen children, this might be the only time they are in church all year. What an amazing opportunity this gives for us to help God work in their lives.

Emanuel-St. John’s has not had their VBS program, as of now, but is scheduled to start this coming Monday. When I left ESJ last night we had 62 kids registered and I expect several more students to sign up the day of and as the week continues. It’s going to be a fun week!

I ask that you pray for our Bible School students and the volunteers who helped. In both communities, it is a week of spiritual growth. It is so much fun to play with the children but more than that, we get to watch them solidify their faith. Please pray that the students remember what they heard their week of Bible School and that they live their lives for the ‘One True God’.

Leah Rosado, EPIC Youth Leader

Dates to remember: June 27 – EPIC Board Meeting – 7pm at ESJ

July 5 – Required parent meeting for Mission Campers; 7pm at SPP

July 10-15 – Junior High YOSM Camp – leave from SPP at 7:30am

July 17-22 – High School YOSM Camp – leave from SPP at 7:30am

Pastor Jim being installed

on the Synod Council

The Western Iowa Synod Assembly is the primary decision-making body of the Western Io-wa Synod and gathers every year. Voting members are chosen from local congrega-tions. Together with other leaders of the ELCA and guided by the Holy Spirit, they discuss the work of the church in the world and make decisions reflecting the challenges we face and the strengths we all bring to loving and serving our neighbors — locally and globally — in the name of Jesus Christ. This years event was held June 10th-12th in Omaha and the theme was “We are Church To-gether”. Pastor Jim, his daughter Jennifer, and Council President Rusty Farrington attended the event.

Pictured left to right are those who assisted with worship at Sunday's closing assembly wor-ship: Bishop Rodger Prois, Rev. Dr. Gabriel Nduye, Bishop Isaya Mengele, Southern Dio-cese of Tanzania; Bishop Izani Bruch, Chile; Rev. Denise Parrello, Scandia Parish; Bishop David Brauer-Rieke, Oregon Synod.

Jennifer, Pastor Jim & Rusty at Assembly

Rusty Farrington is a Professor of Art History at Iowa Central Community College and our Council President at St. Paul’s. He was inspired by “We are Church Together” at Synod Assem-bly and drew this picture as he thought of the scripture “I will make you fishers of people.” Rusty notes that in the picture “Nothing is obvi-ous-that makes art that is predictive and dull to look at. The viewer is rewarded for discovering elements that have to do with the overall theme.”

NOTE FROM RUSTY… The event was full of opportunities to consid-er what God is doing in our lives and the lives of others that celebrate his blessings. We had bishops from Africa, South America, the Methodist Church, The Presbyterian Church, the United Church of Christ, our sister Synod in Oregon, and others that I'm sure I am missing. Each bishop... was able to articulate, beautifully, ways in which we are "Church Togeth-er," the theme of the assembly. The concept of Church Together doesn't just refer to shared ministry, but anytime we are doing God's work in the world. Each attendee was asked to take the ideas and inspiration back to their churches. I hope that St. Paul's Lutheran and Presbyterian Church can maintain its modeling of this idea for the inspiration of others. Let us continue to show the way.

Mary Voith was honored as our "Unsung Hero" and one of God's shining stars in our community, at the Assembly.

The June unofficial, written Council Minutes are subject to review & approval at the

July 2016 Council Meeting.

St. Paul’s Council Meeting—June 14, 2016

Pastor Jim, Deb Judas, Rachel Miller, Jim Anderson, Rusty Farrington, Jean Peck, John Olson, Tim Vavak, Ron Frerichs, Connie Pagel, Mar-sha Berner, and Diane Decker were in attendance.

Members not present: Phil Heinlen and Roni Yetmar-Henry.

The meeting was called to order by Rusty.

Pastor Jim led in devotions.

The May Council Minutes were approved on motion.

The special Council Meeting Minutes held on May 22 were approved on motion.

The special Council Meeting Minutes held on June 5 were approved on motion.

The Treasurer’s report was presented by Diane. She noted that we were able to pay all outstanding bills, except for missions, in April and May. The report was approved on motion.

Committee reports:

EPIC: Leah submitted a written report. Forty-six children attended VBS. Twenty-three adults and EPIC students volunteered to make this event possible. Thank you to all who volunteered their time and talents and donated supplies and food, with special thanks to Kandi Berner for serving as “point person” for volunteer recruitment. Small group leaders are sought for the fall. Pastor Jim decided he wanted to take on the role of preparing the main course of the EPIC meal on Wednesday afternoons in St. Paul’s church kitchen. Food costs will be covered by EPIC program funds. Volunteers will be asked to donate side dishes and desserts. Pastor Jim will no longer be a small group leader for EP-IC. These changes will begin in the fall.

WELCA: No report.

Property: Tim reported that the parsonage needs a new microwave. The Mossman’s will be purchasing the microwave that will be an over the counter unit. Swanson’s Appliance will install the microwave. It was approved on motion to accept this change to the parsonage. It was noted that there is a condensation problem in the sanctuary with water dripping from the beams. It was also brought to the committee’s atten-tion that there is a shim that is showing on one of the beams. It will be looked at to determine if it needs to be tucked back into place. A leak was found in the basement. It has leaked in this location in the past. Hahn Roofing came and took pictures of the distorted shingles. There is still a major need for the vents to be installed in the attic due to the summer heat. The lack of proper ventilation causes heat to build up and creates problems with the heating and cooling units. An estimate will be sought from Hahn Roofing to repair the leak and install the vents.

Stewardship: Pastor Jim reported that a Consecration Sunday is being planned for early October.

Worship: Rachel reported that it was suggested that during Communion, the organist play a selection of music, rather than having the Con-gregation sing a hymn. This would take place during the summer months on a trial basis. The Communion hymn could then be sung follow-ing Communion or omitted from the service. It was also suggested that at least two of the three hymns sung during worship, be hymns that are familiar to our church members.

Parish Ed: Connie reported that a parent’s meeting was held on May 25th. Angie Kalkwarf will be leading the Christmas program. Jamie Ridgley will be taking a leadership role for the service Sundays which will take place on the second Sunday of the month. “Person of the month” will also be included in the plans for the fall. Darcy Lightner has looked at curriculum options, with one being chosen for the fall. The same format will be followed for Sunday School as was done in the past. Evangelism: Jim reported that more thank you notes were received for the care packages sent to college students. Welcome packets have been well received.

Old business: None.

New business: None.

President’s report: Rusty reported that the Synod Assembly was very interesting. The theme was “We are the Church Togeth-er.” It was inspiring to hear from various denominations about how we are all “a Church Together.” He learned about how our missions work together. Rusty also noted that Pastor Jim was inducted to the Synod Council.

Pastor’s report: Pastor Jim reported that there were three funerals during the past month. He noted that pulpit supply is in place for his vacation later this summer.

Rusty adjourned the meeting.

Pastor Jim led in the Lord’s Prayer.

Respectfully submitted, Deb Judas, Secretary

Happy summer everyone! VBS is over, what a fun time, hope all children can experience it, looking forward to next year! In our summer Bible Study we will share a 3-session study on learning to deal with conflict through the ministry of reconciliation. July session 2: “Seeking God” (Jeremiah 29).

Dates to Remember: July 10th: Coffee Fellowship (Group 3) July 13th & 27th: Sew & Quilt Day

July 25th –29th: Meals on Wheels (Group 3) July 19th: 7:00 PM Dorcas Cirlce @ ? (TBD) July 20th: 9:00 AM Ruth Circle @ ? (TBD) July 20th: 2:00 PM Sarah Circle @ St. Paul’s

SAVE THE DATE - Dorcas Cluster Fall Retreat, Wednesday, September 14th @ Twin Lakes Christian Center

Remember Wednesday, August 3rd @ 9 AM we are having Unison Bible Study at the church. All ladies are WELCOME!! We will have Bible Study, Election of Officers, and coffee and cakes.

Friends in-Christ, WELCA Co-Presidents, Peggy Hildreth & Margaret Berner

GALA DAYS COMMUNITY CHURCH SERVICE AND MEAL

The RC-L Reentry-Aftercare Team hosted the Gala Days community meal to about 150 people at Emanu-el-St John’s following the outdoors community service. Broasted chicken was the main entrée with church mem-bers supplementing the side dishes and desserts. The free-will offering and a silent auction of prison inmate items were to generate monetary funds that will assist future ex-offenders as they reintegrate back into the community. This ministry has helped eight men in the last ten years to start a new life outside of prison. Beautiful weather enhanced a beautiful outdoor worship. Pr. Worley presided while Brian, Kari & Micah Lantz, Cory Waller, Steven McKinney and Wendy Miller provided inspiring music. A special vocal selection was contributed by Ron Frerichs, who is an RC-L Aftercare member. Brian Underwood, an ex-offender from Alta, spoke from his heart as he shared his criminal past and how important CoDR is to prisoners and aftercare teams to those exiting the system. The church council voted to allow the offering to be a donation to RC-L Aftercare unless checks designated differently. Emanuel- St. John demonstrated the importance of the aftercare. The team was overwhelmed at the generosity shown which provides much needed funds to continue their mission. Thank you to each one and continue to keep the ministry in prayers. God is good.

RC-L Team Members: Paul & Haley Abbott, Diane Vavak, Ron Frerichs, Nancy & Dale Bruns, Dennis & Candace Booth

Amo

unt n

eede

d to

mee

t the

bud

get:

2,83

1.00

per

wee

k

Tithing May 22nd

May 29th

June 5th

June 12th

Total June 19th

Current Offering 2,925.00 968.00 1709.00 938.00 7,843.75 1,303.75

Non ELCA 160.00 430.00 360.00 940.00 2,030.00 140.00

Major repair 20.00 25.00 220.00 0 290.00 25.00

World Hunger/Missions

0 0 0 0 0 0

Special Offerings 0 0 0 0 0 0

Sunday School 0 0 0 0 0 0

EPIC 0 0 0 0 0 0

Memorial 0 25.00 0 1,623.00 1,808.00 160.00

Simply Giving 0 0 758.50 0 1,377.00 618.50

Simply Giving Non ELCA

0 0 150.00 0 675.00 525.00

Totals 3,105.00 1,448.00 3,197.50 3,501.00 14,023.75 2,772.25

Missions, Budget, & Financial Giving

St. Paul’s Serving Group 3

Tim & Diane Vavak 297-5201 / Rachel Miller 297-7158 or 712-830-3220 Jon & Kim Olson 712-464-3289

Each one, should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10

Members: James & Betty Anderson Al & Shirley Berg Duane & Carol Bangston Karen Casey

Jon & Rhonda Clark Jack & Mary Clearwater Marilyn Collins Tony & Robin Doster

Deb Foster Al & Pixie Hepp Peggy Hemness Charolette Isaacs

Diane Isaacs Clayton & Linda Layman Gary & Jan Nobbe Elmer Prescott

Shirley Roby Lenny & Chris Sedlacek Mike & Becky Sexton Bob & Deanne Strandberg

Mike & Jennifer Strandberg B. J. Ukena Rod & Darci Walters

Garry & Sharon Williamson Gaylene Zehr

Responsibilities: Fellowship Sunday ~ July 10th

Meals on Wheels ~ July 25th-29th

Funeral Serving ~ Group 2

Members:

Worship Hosts Group 3 If you are unable to serve, please switch with someone in your Group & notify the Office Manager.

Serving the Lord

July 3rd

Communion

July 10th

Fellowship Sunday

July 17th

Communion

July 24th

July 31st

Acolyte Alayna Murley Ashley Strand-berg

Ashley Strand-berg

Faith Wagner Faith Wagner

Altar Guild

Pam Heimdal Caroline Sayre

Pam Heimdal Caroline Sayre

Pam Heimdal Caroline Sayre

Pam Heimdal Caroline Sayre

Pam Heimdal Caroline Sayre

Greeter Usher

Tim & Diane Vavak

Al & Shirley Berg

Marie Schwarm

Murley Family

John & Kim Olson

Harold Barkley

Jim & Betty An-derson

Tim & Diane Vavak

Clayton & Linda Layman

Gary & Sharon Williamson

Scripture Reader

Diane Vavak Ron Frerichs Kim Olson Diane Vavak Linda Layman

Sermon Ministries

Jean Zinnel Jean Zinnel Jean Zinnel Jean Zinnel Jean Zinnel

Worship Host on Communion Sunday will serve Communion as well as Greeter / Usher

Is God tugging at your heart strings to be a Worship Host?

If so…

Contact the Office Manager to volunteer your time or to be placed in

our Worship Host group rotation.

Organists

My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music

with all my soul. Psalm 108:1

Saturday, July 2: Acappella Sunday, July 3: Becky Haberl Saturday, July 9: Katelyn Decker

Sunday, July10: David Ahlrichs

Saturday, July 16: Acappella

Sunday, July 17: Rachel Miller

Saturday, July 23: Katelyn Decker

Sunday, July 24 Rachel Miller

Saturday, July 30: Acappella

Sunday, July 31: Becky Haberl

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1

Pastor’s

Sabbath Day

2

5:30 PM Worship &

HC

3

9 AM Worship

& HC

4

5

6 7

7:45 AM -Men’s Bible Study

8

Pastor’s

Sabbath Day

9

5:30 PM Worship

10

9 AM Worship

10 AM - Fellowship

11

12

9:30 AM

Devotions @

Sunny View

6/6:30 PM

Committee/ Council Mtg

13

9 AM Sew/ Quilt Day

14

7:45 AM -Men’s Bible Study

15

Pastor’s

Sabbath Day

16

5:30 PM Worship &

HC

17

9 AM Worship

& HC

18

19

7 PM Dorcas Circle

20

9 AM Ruth

Circle

2 PM Sarah

Circle

21

7:45 AM -Men’s Bible Study

22

Pastor’s

Sabbath Day

23

5:30 PM Worship

24

9 AM Worship

31

9 AM Worship

1:30 PM Church @

Sunny Knoll

25

26

27

9 AM Sew/ Quilt Day

28

7:45 AM -Men’s Bible Study

29

30

5:30 PM Worship

If your name does not appear on the Birthday List, please contact the church office. JULY

July 10-15 - JH Mission Trip in Illinois

July 17-22 - HS Mission Trip in Illinois

July 25-29 - Meals on Wheels (Group 3)

ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH

527 MAIN ST. ROCKWELL CITY IA 50579

FORWARD SERVICE REQUESTED

NON PROFIT ORG

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

ROCKWELL CITY IA 50579

PERMIT # 157

St. Paul’s Lutheran & Presbyterian Church

527 Main Street Rockwell City, Iowa 50579

712-297-8511

Email: stpauls@iowatelecom.net

Worship Services

Saturday Evening 5:30 pm

Sunday Morning 9:00 am

Communion

Served 1st & 3rd Sunday

2016 Church Council President: Rusty Farrington

Vice President: Ron Frerichs

Secretary: Deb Judas

Treasurer: Diane Decker Bookkeeper: Judy Olson

Pastor

Pastor Jim Mossman

Parsonage 712-297-8381

pastorjim5@gmail.com

Office: Justine Baker, Office Manager

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am - 12:00 pm

Custodian

Tim Vavak

Sunday School & Confirmation

(Suspended for Summer)

EPIC ~ Wednesdays

(Suspended for Summer)

~ Join Us ~

Love God … Like Us On Facebook

Website: stpaulschurchrc.org

Epic: studentministryepic.com

2016 Council Members

Jim Anderson

Marsha Berner Phil Heinlen

Roni Henry

Rachel Miller John Olson

Connie Pagel Jean Peck

B.J. Ukena

Tim Vavak

DAVE & DAWN CLARK

3985 JENNINGS AVE

LAKE CITY, IOWA 51449