THE MESSENGER

The monthly newsletter for members of Immanuel Lutheran Church of Forest City, Iowa - June /July 2024

Lutheran World Relief

Outdoor Worship by the Waldorf Pond
May 17th Packing Day Results:
6 boxes packed with 52 School Kits
4 boxes packed with 62 Personal Care Kits
3 boxes packed with 12 blankets
23 boxes packed with 103 quilts

Thank you to ALL

the busy hands that June 9 & July 14 9:15am
accomplished these Bring along your lawn chair or blanket
LWR Projects!
(Next Packing Day will (weather permitting)
be in October.) **July 14 ~ PICNIC LUNCH following
Consider getting worship
involved with these
projects! Hosted by Parish Life Board

Puckerbrush Ice Cream Social

Tammy Krieger (R)
presented Emily July 12, 6-8pm, Courthouse Square
Beenken (L) with the
Education Award. Emily Vanilla ice cream sundaes
was chosen by the Board 3 sizes: 2 oz cup for-50¢, 1 scoop-$2, 2 scoops-$3
of Education to receive
the award after spending
multiple years helping Mission & Outreach is asking for your help donating:
the Promiseland and pails of vanilla ice cream, ice cream toppings
Sunday School programs
grow! (items needed are posted at church)
Fundraiser for Missionary Karen Anderson hosted by M&O
Page 2 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

Letter from Pastor Rod Immanuel Kids

I AM!
Civic Life and Faith – A Study
John 8:12 reads, “Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘I am the light of the
world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the
As I feel partially responsible for the light of life.’”
creation of the following material, because
I voted in favor of its creation at the 2019 Light allows us to see and keeps us from stumbling in the dark. Walking
ELCA Churchwide Assembly, I’m inviting in the dark can be dangerous. Have you ever stubbed your toe on
you to join me starting Tuesday June 25 to something while walking in the darkness? I have, and it hurts!
read and complete the study material (see
dates and times below). Walking in spiritual darkness is dangerous too. To walk in Spiritual
darkness is to walk without Jesus in our heart and life. Without Jesus in
In 2019 I had the honor of attending our heart, sin will rule our heart, and we become loveless, directionless,
the ELCA’s Churchwide Assembly in self-centered, and that way of being is dangerous because it leads to a
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. During our time, life of isolation, loneliness, and selfishness.
due to the growing cantankerous nature of
politics in this country, together we voted Jesus is the Light of the world who invites you and me to follow him in his
for a resolution calling for the creation of light. To follow Jesus means we will never walk in darkness. When we sin
a study and a social statement on Civics while following Jesus, we will see our sin and ask for forgiveness. Jesus
and faith. The initial draft of that statement is forgiving, and full of grace, and will show us the good and right way to
is now available for our study and comment. It is accompanied by a study live, over, and over again.
guide. June 20th is the longest day of the year and we have more light than
The ELCA Task Force on Civic Life and Faith released a draft of the study on any other day of the year. With long daylight hours we can play ball,
and a curriculum for use throughout our church. Originally, the Study work in the garden or the field, go for walks, and see the growth of all
included surveys for public feedback on the content. It was a way for the the plants that thrive in the light and in the warmth. I see that same thing
task force to hear from the wider church what a social statement draft in you. As you walk in the light of Jesus, I can see you grow in love, in
should say on civic life and faith. That draft now exists and is available confidence knowing you belong to Jesus, and in selflessness (service
in English and Spanish at elca.org/civicsandfaith. The surveys are now to others). Keep walking in Jesus’ light, and he will keep you safe and
closed. growing.

The Study remains online to help people learn about these issues. I Crossed in Christ,
invite you to join me to utilize the study resources and walk our way Pastor Rod
through the document. My hope is that as a group we will not only read
the document but respond to the draft social statement as well— giving
feedback is invited through September 30, 2024. The social statement — — — — — — — — — — — — — —
task force will use that feedback to strengthen the draft in anticipation of a
proposed social statement on civic life and faith being considered by the
2025 ELCA Churchwide Assembly.
The curriculum has six sessions. The first is a core introduction, and the
following sessions can be done in any order according to the interests
of the group. Each session comes ready to use, with a teaching video,
prayers, hymn suggestions, Scriptures, group discussion questions,
suggested resources, and case studies taken from everyday life. To learn
more about the task force and its work, visit elca.org/civicsandfaith.
The sessions are as follows: Tuesday evenings: 7:00 P.M. – 8:15 P.M.
Zoom or In person.
June 25 - Session 1: “How Is God’s Invitation to Discipleship Lived Out in
a Democracy?
July 2 - Session 2: “How Do Christians Address Controversial Civic
Issues?”
July 9 - Session 3: “What Are Lutheran Views on Civic Life?” The recently formed community service small group here at Immanuel
chose as one of their projects recognizing the hardworking teachers
July 23 - Session 4: “What Are the Objectives of Democracy in the United from Four Oaks during Teacher Appreciation Week. A small gift to
States? show gratitude for all they do for their students was purchased with the
July 30 - Session 5: “What’s Faith-based Living Got to Do with Civic Life?” proceeds collected when the small group members served one of the
Sunday morning coffees. The teachers were very touched by this gesture.
August 6 - Session 6: “How Do We Go in Peace to Love and Serve the Pictured: on the left is Tina Berg, a member of the service small group,
Lord in Civic Life?” ` the nine fulltime Four Oaks staff, and church staff member, Jaci Thorson,
on the right.
Learning Together,
If you are interested in getting involved with a small group, visit with
Pastor Rod Nancy & Steve Westerberg, or church staff.
Page 3 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

A Great Time for a Campfire

Last month I talked about lighting the fire
in our hearts, and the images of fire that
come from Pentecost have been burning
all month. But they don’t stop there, they
keep on burning throughout the year
bringing new life from Christ alone.
I start that way to keep the image of fire in
the forefront of your mind. This Messenger
is a two-month Messenger, which means
2/3 of Summer. And as I think about
Summer, I can’t help but think once again
about one my favorite summer activities,
and no I’m not talking about Twins
baseball, I’m thinking about the campfire. I love sitting around it, alone
sometimes, but more so with a group of friends or family. There’s just
something about it that draws us to it and mesmerizes us. But I also
think about camping out, and the many places I have travelled to as a
child through today. Really the Summer adventures to the Black Hills,
to Florida, Washington, Itasca, and so many other places in-between.
The past couple years we have had a summer Bible study on Facebook,
and that’s something we are going to do again this year. And it will be a
3-week Summer Adventure in July. It consists of two studies found on
the Bible app, one is called “The Campfire is Calling” and the second is
called “Summer Adventure”. These will go together as we remember
and think about camping, but more importantly the time we have
together as family. And this works not only for those with kids, but all
ages, as we are the Immanuel Family. And the Family adventure has
some ups and downs as they travel together. The second study has us
sit around the campfire and look at it from a place of peace and quiet.
We will listen for God in the quiet and on the summer adventure.
There will be Scripture reading, some devotion and prayer, along with
some opportunity to discuss together what’s on our minds.
As always, not everyone will be able to join via Facebook, but I gave
you the titles so you could find them on the App too. And if you don’t
want to use technology for devotion this Summer that’s totally fine
too. I challenge you to open the Scripture around a campfire now and
then, or sit in your favorite chair if you don’t want a fire, and think
about the Summer Adventures of your past. Where was God, what
could scripture have to say about this, and where is God calling me to
next? Be creative!
So, I invite you to take a Summer Adventure with Christ, who knows
where he’ll take us next. And please don’t ask, are we there yet. I pray
you all have a blessed Summer! And remember Christ goes with you
on your adventure, today and always!
I look forward to seeing you soon, Interlinked in Christ.
Pastor Zech Anderson
G’day from Down Under, Immanuel Family. My adventures south of the
equator have been wonderful so far! You are all in my prayers and I look
2024 WESTERN IOWA SYNOD ASSEMBLY forward to returning to you next month.
Intern Elizabeth
The following individuals represented Immanuel at the 2024
Western Iowa Assembly in Councll Bluffs April 19-20: Pastor
Rod Hopp, Renae Hopp, Intern Elizabeth Carr, Pastor Zech BIBLE CAMPS ~ Immanuel’s Mission Emphasis
Anderson, Ruth Melby and Kathy McEnelly. Mission & Outreach has chosen BIBLE CAMPS as the mission emphasis
The purpose of the WIS annual assembly is to gather the for the months of May, June, & July. Mission gifts received throughout these
community of members from the Western Iowa Synod to months will be divided equally between these 3 camps to help support their
approve the annual budget, approve pastoral compensation ongoing ministry to people of all ages:
guidelines which are generally updated yearly and to vote
Ingham-Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp (okoboji.org)
on any resolutions brought before the assembly. Worship is
Lutheran Lakeside Bible Camp (lutheranlakeside.com)
also a big part of the assembly as well as a keynote speaker.
The keynote speaker this year was Rev. Debra McKnight. She Riverside Lutheran Bible Camp (riversidelbc.org)
injected some good old-fashioned Lutheran humor which was
Immanuel has several young people signed up. Those in Confirmation are
appreciated in the midst of budget and business discussions. attending Lutheran Lakeside the week of June 23.
It’s a great opportunity to see how decisions are made at the
Synod level and also to connect with others from our Synod. If you aren’t familiar with what these Camps have to offer, check out all their
There were 62 rostered leaders at the assembly, 122 lay people events and camp weeks for all ages.
and 31 visitors, for a total of 215 people in attendance.
KATHY MCENELLY A special weekend for Ingham Okoboji is the camp celebrating 100 years of
God’s faithfulness!
Page 4 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

Mission & Outreach

Board notes McEnelly, Keith Walker, Laura Winter, Matt Welp, Steve
Keith Walker Westerberg, Carter Benson, Pastor Zech Anderson, Pastor Rod
Hopp. Absent: Elizabeth Carr, Danielle Niess. Devotions were
Mission & Outreach met via Zoom on Wednesday, May 8th at shared by Ben.
4:45pm. Six members were present; devotional from Ben. Old Business
Update – Pentecost on May 19th. 100 geraniums, selling for $6 a A motion to approve the April meeting minutes was given
piece. Plans were discussed to wrap and set up on Saturday, May by Steve and passed unanimously. A get to know you activity
18. Thrivent card from Ken Korth for help with purchasing the was shared by Kathy and cards were sent to lift up and thank
geraniums, and profits for Missionary Karen Anderson. members of the congregation.
May, June, and July Mission Emphasis is Bible Camps. Council reports were reviewed by the group. A motion to
Planning for July 12th, 6-8pm Ice Cream Social on the Courthouse support Bible Camps as a May-July mission emphasis came from
Square during Puckerbrush. Will be offering ice cream in a cup the M&O Board and was passed unanimously by Council.
with toppings in 3 sizes: 2oz-$.50, 1 scoop-$2, 2 scoops-$3. The shared pastor between Waldorf and ILC was discussed.
Will be asking for donations of toppings and ice cream from Pastor Rod and Kathy are meeting with Waldorf leadership to
members. This fundraiser is also for Mission Karen Anderson. finalize the Call documentation. A 10 person Call Committee has
April Mission Emphasis for the Western Iowa Synod offering been established, including Steve Westerberg, Danielle Niess,
totaled $580.17. Three-fourths of this project is for the Youth Pastor Rod, Kathy McEnelly, Nic Determann, Carter Benson,
attending the National Youth Gathering and one-fourth for the Steve Smith, Bob Alsop, and a couple of Waldorf Students.
pork project.
M&O will be serving the Monday, June 10th VBS dinner at 5pm. New Business
Serving pulled pork sandwiches, cole slaw, desserts. Council continued discussion on the book “Piloting Church”.
Proposed to Church Council for a August 4th Back to School Pool Kathy tallied up scores Council members provided regarding
Party. the current state of the church based on descriptions starting
on page 23 of the book. Council discussed the journey of the
Trustees Church and talked through how Council scored our congregation.
Through discussions, Council aligned that, while we all have
Bink Keller differing beliefs, experiences, and thoughts, the one thing
that connects our Church body is Christ dying for us. We owe
The Board of Trustees met on May 13, 2024 at the church. April it to Christ to give and receive grace with those that we don’t
income was $53,395.08 and expenses were $46,607.99 with agree with in order to create a well-rounded, inspiring church.
a positive $6,787.09 for the month of April. YTD is a negative Council plans to dive into chapters 4 and 5 for the June meeting.
(13,881.35) compared to a negative ($26,352.83) for 2023. Other Business Financials
income included $6,500 from ELCA Connect through Food Grant, April month to date income was $53,395.08, month to date
Four Oaks rent for $1,344.75 and Salary Reimbursement of expenses totaled $46,607.99. Income minus expenses was
$2,949.00 including Bethany. $6,787.09. Year to date income was at 29.26% and expenses
Endowment: $7,940 is non-allocated in disbursement, $3,300 is were 31.43% of budget. Please note that $6,500 came in as
tagged for camperships. The Laser Projector proposed funding “other income” (included in the $53,395.08) from Year 2 of the
of $13,045.98 is Endowment $5,000, Interest earned on savings ELCA Connections through Food Grant funding.
$178.84, Forrie Buffington Memorial $2,139.00, Memorials Upcoming Events
$2,723.37, On Firm Foundation $3,004.77. $6,180 is still left in Next Council Meeting is June 10th, Laura has devotions. Closing
memorials. Prayer offered by Ben. Meeting Adjourned by Kathy at 8:20pm.
Property Committee: Tim Severson will repair front step
tuckpointing, involving removing the front bushes. Update:
Elevator annual inspections, fire alarms were checked, Boilers
were turned off, A/C turned on, door strikers fixed, concrete Parish Life
repaired for the back grill. Angel Zamora replaced Roland Russ
as part time custodian. Fertilizer application will be coordinated. Kathy Leuwerke
Personnel Committee: Will meet May 30.
New Business: Dedicated Savings was $65,917.98. Up to $25,000 The Board of Parish Life met on Tuesday, May 7th.
was approved for 6-to-12-month CD investments. May baskets were handed out after Sunday service April 28th
Old Business: Four Oaks update: up to 10 students. Students will and were well received.
be on summer break. July 1 they will add one more classroom Parish Life and Mission & Outreach served coffee on May 5th will
and Katlin will repaint the room. the donations split between the two boards.
Our board will be hosting the summer picnic at the Waldorf
Parish Coucil Pond on July 14th. We will be contacting Waldorf Food Services
to inquire about pricing for the meal.
Ben Arentson, Secretary Planning for the Waldorf Block Party is underway. The date will
probably be either August 22 or 29. We will ask members of the
Council : met on Monday, May 13, 6:30pm. Members Present:
congregation to provide chips and dessert.
Ben Arentson, Lisa Chisholm, Linda Ferjak, Jen Jenkins, Kathy
Page 5 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

Grand Prize Winners

Library
News
June/July
2024
Promiseland Reading
Contest 4th Grade Winner: Garrett
Wilson with parents Josh
K/1st Grade Winner: Cooper
Benson with parents Chad
The 2023-2024 Promiseland Reading Contest concluded on and Amy Wilson and Quincey Benson
April 24th. Each student who checked out and returned
seven or more books/DVDs was a prize winner of a T-shirt.
The Grand Prize winners for each of the four groups earned a
new book. This year a total of 364 books/DVDs were
checked out and returned by the Promiseland students.
Great job and CONGRATULATIONS to all of our
Promiseland students.

Prize Winners

3/4-Year-Old Winner: Kirby We do have some checked out

Arentson and 2nd/3rd Grade books/DVDs that have not been
Back Row: Cooper Benson, Hannah Emme Callow Winner: Dex Arentson returned. Please check your
Walker, Ellie Abels. Front Row: Jaelynn with their dad Ben shelves for any of our missing
and Garrett
Welp, Kirby Arentson, Aaron Thorson, materials. Remember, the
Wilson Arentson. Mom is Nikki
library is open to use all year
and Asher Determann. Not pictured: Arentson.
including the Summer months.
Jovie Wooldridge, Kinsley Wooldridge,
and Jace Wooldridge.
Brantley
Determann,
Mila Abels, Dax
Arentson, Fitch
Anderson. Not
pictured:
Delaney
Harriman

Treasury’s Report Tr ea|s uImmanuel

r er ' s R ep o r t Lutheran Church
FY April 2024
Im m an u el L u t h er an Ch u r c h
F Y A p r i l 2024
Ap r i l Mo n t h l y Year -t o -d at e A n n u al P er c en t o f Ap r i l YTD
A c t u al 2024 B u d g et A c t u al B u d g et YTD B u d g et A c t u al 2023 A c t u al 2023
In c o m e 33.33%
Regular Offerings & Envelopes 36,965.14 41,169.33 137,215.48 494,032.00 27.77% 36,958.44 134,232.67
Other Income 16,429.94 12,227.33 50,262.38 146,728.00 34.26% 7,528.53 24,511.12
To t al In c o m e 53,395.08 53,396.67 187,477.86 640,760.00 29.26% 44,486.97 158,743.79

E x p en s e
Staff Support 30,637.96 31,983.83 127,522.54 383,806.00 33.23% 31,600.21 127,567.64
Administration 8,368.44 12,887.83 43,891.07 154,654.00 28.38% 5,837.57 40,460.87
Ministry Areas 7,601.59 8,525.00 29,945.60 102,300.00 29.27% 6,607.58 27,068.11
Loan re-payment/contingency 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00% 0.00 (10,000.00)

T o t al E x p en s es 46,607.99 53,396.67 201,359.21 640,760.00 31.43% 44,045.36 185,096.62

In c o m e L es s Ex p en s e $6,787.09 $0.00 ($13,881.35) 0.00 $441.61 ($26,352.83)

Page 6 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

Volunteer July

Laundry
June
July
Ellen Olson/Jan Buffington, Betty Olson, Mary Farland, Mary
Paulson

Laurel Erickson
Mary Kingland

June/July 2024 June Song Leaders

June 2..........................................................................Mark & Joy Newcom
June 9.....................................OUTDOOR Zech Anderson, Cindi Lehmann
June 16...................................Steve Olmstead, Renae Hopp, Olivia Banta
Assisting Ministers June 23........................................................Steve Olmstead, Jaci Thorson
June 2..................................................................................Kathy McEnelly June 30..........................................................Scott Bertelsen, Renae Hopp
June 9...............................................................OUTDOOR Kathy McEnelly
June 16......................................................................................Patti Strukel

Worship on the Radio

June 23...........................................................................................
June 30.........................................................................................
July 7.........................................................................................Patti Strukel
July 14................................................................OUTDOOR Cynthia Ryder
July 21.......................................................................................... Sunday morning worship over KIOW 107.3 FM airs at 11am.
July 28................................................................................. Kathy McEnelly We have many open dates in the next four months. Consider
sponsoring a broadcast for $100 of this important radio
ministry.
Scripture Readers
Available dates:
June 2.........................................................................................Ellen Olson
June 9..............................................................OUTDOOR Steve Olmstead June 16 Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
June 16....................................................................................Shelby Korth Oct. 6, 20, 27
June 23.................................................................................Scott Bertelsen
June 30...............................................................................Steve Olmstead Call or email the office to reserve a date (585-3152,
July 7........................................................................................Tasha Banta jaci@immanuelfamily.com).
July 14.....................................................................OUTDOOR Ellen Olson
July 21...................................................................................Mary Kingland
July 28...................................................................................John Chisholm
Let us do the cooking for you on
Altar Care Wednesdays!
Join us for a delicious, church-cooked
June 2.......................................................................................Jean Yeager meal served 4:15-6:15pm in the dining
June 9....................................................................OUTDOOR Joan Beebe room. Take-outs are always available. This
June 16...............................................................................Kathy Leuwerke is a free community meal funded with the
June 23........................................................................................Mary Lund Wednesday help of the Iowa Food Bank, grants, and
June 30.....................................................................................Jean Yeager donations.
July 7...................................................................................Kathy Leuwerke Meals If you are interested in helping anytime in
July 14....................................................................OUTDOOR Joan Beebe the kitchen, just talk to me in the kitchen or
July 21.................................................................................Kathy Leuwerke Jaci in the office.
July 28.........................................................................................Mary Lund Kathy McEnelly, Cook

Ushers
June........................Jim Lund, Gary McCarthy, Tina Berg (OUTDOOR 6-9)
July 7...........................................................Chad & Quincey Benson family
June/July Menus:
July 14........................................OUTDOOR Chad & Marcy Hanson family June 5 Pork chops, cheesy hashbrowns, green
July 21.............Keith & Emily Walker family & Mike & Elizabeth Bohl family beans, brownies & ice cream
July 28..............................................................Joe Strukel, Jacob Beenken June 12 Thrivent meal – Kathy McEnelly, VBS
week: Grilled cheese sandwich, tater tots,
Communion Servers carrots/celery/ranch dressing, pudding
June 19 Thrivent meal – Mark Melby: Grilled brats
June 2................................................................Steve & Nancy Westerberg & hot dogs, baked beans, chips,orange Jello
June 9..........................................................OUTDOOR Dick & Vera Hynes June 26 Lasagna, garlic toast, corn, lettuce salad,
June 16...........................................................Marlene Faircloth, Matt Welp blueberry & strawberry crisp
June 23...................................................................Joan Beebe, Bink Keller July 3 Sloppy joes, chips & salsa, red/white/blue Jello
June 30...................................................................Laura Winter, Kelli Welp dessert
July 7.........................................................................Liz Wilson, Leah Boyd July 10 Grilled pork patty or warm shredded chicken on a
July 14..................................OUTDOOR Harlan Rodberg, Andy Buffington bun, potato salad, fruit mix, confetti cake
July 21...........................................................Carolyn Korth, Mary Kingland & ice cream
July 28......................................................Katherine Squier, Sandy Lillquist July 17 Chicken enchiladas, seasoned rice, watermelon,
applesauce Jello
Offering Counters July 24 COOK’S CHOICE (leftovers/clean out freezer,
June Ellen Olson/Jan Buffington, Anna Harringa, Mary Rodberg, etc.)
Carol Merritt July 31 Spaghetti, bread, lettuce salad, peaches &
pineapple, vanilla pudding
Page 7 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

JUNE 2024
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
26 27 28 29 30 31 1
2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9:15am- Worship, 2:30pm- Forest Plaza 7am-8pm- PRIMARY 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH 9am -Women’s Bible Study, 1-3pm- Shower, FH
communion Communion Service ELECTION, FH Polling Lounge
10:15am- Coffee, FH w/pastor Location
3:30pm - Intercessor
Prayer Group, zoom
4:30pm- Parish Life,
Lounge

9 10 11 12 13 14 15
9:15am- OUTDOOR 2:30-5pm- VBS 2:30-5pm- VBS 2:30-5pm- VBS 9am -Women’s Bible Study,
Worship by Waldorf 5pm- VBS Family Meal, 3:30pm- Intercessor 4:15-6:15pm- Meal/ Lounge
Pond, communion FH Prayer Group, zoom VBS Family Meal, FH 2:30-5pm- VBS
(weather permitting, 5pm- Trustees, Shalom 5pm- VBS Family Meal, 4:45pm- M&O, Zoom 4:45pm- VBS Program
bring your lawn chair) 6:30pm- Council, FH 5pm- VBS Family Meal, FH
Shalom 6:30pm- Good Grief Group,
Shalom

16 17 18 19 20 21 22
9:15am- Worship, 2-4pm- Prayer Shawl 3:30pm- Intercessor 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH 9am -Women’s Bible Study,
communion Ministry, Shalom Prayer Group, zoom lounge
10am – Martha Circle, Shalom
10:15am- Coffee, FH
10:30am- Good Sam Comm
service
HAPP Y FATHERS’S DA Y
1:30pm- Rachel/Sarah,
Lounge

23 24 25 26 27 28 29
9:15am- Worship, 1p m- LWR Quilting Do 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH 9am -Women’s Bible Study,
communion Day, FH Lounge
3:30pm - Intercessor 6:30pm- Good Grief Group,
10:15am- Coffee, FH
Prayer Group, zoom Shalom
7-8:15pm – Civic Life &
Faith, Session 1,
Shalom/Zoom

30 1 2 3 4 5 6
9:15am- Worship,
communion
10:15am- Coffee, FH
1:30am- Timely Mission
Worship, B.C.

JULY 2024
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
30 1 2 3 4 5 6
2:30pm- Forest Plaza 3:30pm - Intercessor 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH 4th of Jul y ~ c hurc h
Communion Service Prayer Group, zoom clos ed
w/pastor 4:30pm- Parish Life,
Lounge
7-8:15pm – Civic Life &
Faith, Session 2

7 8 9 10 11 12 13
9:15am- Worship, 5pm- Trustees, Shalom 3:30pm- Intercessor 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH 9am -Women’s Bible 11am-1pm – Salad
communion 6:30pm- Council, Prayer Group, zoom 4:45pm- M&O, Zoom Study, Lounge Luncheon, FH
10:15am- Coffee, FH Shalom 4:30pm- Ed Board, 6:30pm- Good Grief 6-8pm – Ice Cream
Kitchenette Group, Shalom Social, Courthouse Sq
7-8:15pm – Civic Life &
Faith, Session 3

14 15 16 17 18 19 20
9:15am- OUTDOOR 2-4pm- Prayer Shawl 3:30pm- Intercessor 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH 9am -Women’s Bible A UGUST M ESSE NGER
Worship by Waldorf Pond, Ministry, Shalom Prayer Group, zoom Study, lounge DEADLINE
communion 10am – Martha Circle,
10:15am- PICNIC lunch by Shalom
Waldorf Pond 10:30am- Good Sam
ELCA National Youth Comm service
Gathering week to New 1:30pm- Rachel/Sarah,
Orleans Lounge

21 22 23 24 25 26 27
9:15am- Worship, 1pm- LWR Quilting Do 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH 9am -Women’s Bible
communion Day, FH Study, Lounge
10:15am- Coffee, FH 3:30pm - Intercessor 6:30pm- Good Grief
Prayer Group, zoom Group, Shalom
7-8:15pm – Civic Life &
Faith, #4

28 29 30 31 1 2 3
9:15am- Worship, 3:30pm - Intercessor 4:15-6:15pm- Meal, FH
communion Prayer Group, zoom
10:15am- Coffee, FH 7-8:15pm – Civic Life &
Faith, #5
Page 8 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

NEW MEMBERS
Get to know these New Members & Welcome them to Immanuel!

Brandon Beenken
Brandon joins his family—Emily, Katelyn, Jacob, and Ella—as
an official member transferring from St. John’s Lutheran,
Woden. He is a self-employed farmer raising corn, soybeans,
and pigs. Brandon’s hobbies include spending time with
family, attending kids’ activities, camping, traveling, hiking,
and sightseeing. And some interests for him are classic cars
and old tractors.

Christa Frank
Christa lives in FC and has returned as an official member
of Immanuel, and she considers the members of Immanuel
as her family. She enjoys helping around church with
Promiseland and VBS. Christa has plenty of experience
with children from working as a Teacher’s Assistant at Little
Angels Daycare. She also enjoys doing crafts.
Page 9 THE MESSENGER JUNE/JULY 2024

Bryon & Denise Holst

Transferring from West Prairie Lutheran Church, Bryon &
Denise joined ILC and ready to get involved. Bryon grew up
at Immanuel (son of Ralph & Lois Holst), and Denise grew
up in the catholic church. They have two adult daughters,
Kylie West and Rachel Holst. Denise works for MercyOne as a
Patient Services Rep. and Bryon just retired after 42 years at
Winnebago Ind. They live on a farm rural Forest City so always
plenty to keep busy with, and maybe a little golfing too.

Sarah Leichsenring
Sarah has been sharing her singing voice in the Immanuel
choir this year and is now a member. Her church background
was at St. John’s Catholic Church in Clarion. She is the Forest
City Middle School Principal. Hobbies include reading,
gardening, riding bike, spending time with family (especially
her 6 nieces & nephews), and cheering on the Hawkeyes and
Indians. Sarah and her significant other, David, live rural Forest
City.

Taylor Nelson
Transferring from Salem Lutheran Church, Lake Mills, we
welcome Taylor as an official member. Taylor and his wife,
Sarah (Nelson), who grew up at Immanuel, have been
worshipping with us for a while now. They live on his
grandparents’ farm located between Lake Mills and Forest
City. Taylor works in agriculture and farming. He enjoys
hunting, fishing, and snowmobiling.
 246 South Clark Street, Forest City, IA 50436
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUEST

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH

Member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
246 South Clark Street, Forest City, IA 50436
TELEPHONE
641-585-3152
Elizabeth Bohl-Children’s Ed
Website:
ChildrensEd@immanuelfamily.com
www.immanuelfamily.com
Facebook pages: Gene Lopes- Worship Personnel
MISSION STATEMENT
Immanuel Lutheran Church lopes.gene@gmail.com
Building community in the
Immanuel Lutheran Church Library Pastoral Intern Elizabeth Carr
Name and likeness of
Immanuel Lutheran Quilters elizabethcarr630@gmail.com
Jesus Christ.
Staff:
WORSHIP SCHEDULE Rev. Rod Hopp – Senior Pastor
pastorrod@immanuelfamily.com
Sundays – 9:15am
home: 641-581-2150 President: Kathy McEnelly
In Person & Livestream
Rev. Zech Anderson-Associate Pastor Vice-President: Steve Westerberg
Office Hours zanderson001@immanuelfamily.com
Treasurer: Jen Jenkins
M-F : 8am – 4:30pm parsonage home: 641-585-3501
Secretary: Ben Arentson
Kim Severson-Finance
kim@immanuelfamily.com Representatives: Carter Benson, Lisa
Jaci Thorson-Administrative Assistant Chisholm, Linda Ferjak, Danielle Niess,
Keith Walker, Matt Welp, Laura Winter
jaci@immanuelfamily.com