August

West Prairie Council met on
July 9, 2014. Members that were
present from the meeting were
Misty Juveland, Lanette Branstad, Judy Norstrud, Jan Reiman , Pastor Steve, Carol Carson and Lou Nath.
Lanette gave devotions. Misty
gave Secretary's Report. The
members not present at the
meeting this month were Steve
Reiman, Robb Jacobs and Denise Holst.
Carol gave Treasurer's Report. We will be paying the bill for
the furnaces/AC and we are
sending in for a rebate of $310.00
from the power company. June
2014 Income: $6,024.85; Expenses: $7,547.98.
Pastor Steve's Report the
prayer chain is moving along
smoother now. He is doing his
best on visiting and being in contact with the shut ins. Lanette
moved and Jan seconded.
It is time to get the LP ready
for the winter months. Carol is
checking into the various providers. Ron's LP has the lowest rate
based on a contract. Lanette
moved and Jan seconded to go
with them if they are still lowest.
The copier maintenance contract has been finalized with Advanced Systems.
Parsonage is slowly moving
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forward. A pest audit was performed in the last few weeks and
it passed.
It is undecided at this time as
to where the offering taken at the
Anniversary service will go.
Lou is still checking into the
highway signs; where should we
put them. This was tabled for
now.
Another clean up date is set
for Aug 9 at 9 a.m. and lunch will
be served.
There are things that need to
be done in the old church basement. We need someone to look
at the windows, assess the condition and get these items repaired.
Attendance/communion registration clipboards will be set out
in the pews. We have done
something like this before. We
will do this for a trial time and see
if it helps to get an accurate attendance numbers, visitors and
those receiving communion.
Lanette moved to adjourn the
meeting, Misty seconded it.
Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Next Council meeting is set for
Aug 13, 2014.
Respectfully submitted by
Misty Juveland, secretary.
West Prairie Lutheran Church
LCMC-Lutheran Congregations in Missions for Christ … August 2014
Steven Bang, pastor
THE PASTOR’S PEN by Rev. Steve Bang
West Prairie July Council meeting
Recently, during a hot and steamy Iowa day, this comment was heard: “You don’t like the weather? Just wait a
day. It will change.” As summer time winds down and
cooler temps arrive, the changes will become evident. Enjoy the end of summer and embrace the changes coming not only for the weather but also as school starts again and
then Sunday School, confirmation, and other small group
activities begin in September.
Change is not a dirty word even though we may not like
it very much. God helps us handle change. Those who
travel, move, or face challenges know what it is to be uprooted. It’s been a year ago this month that Jonie and I
made the move from Missouri to Iowa. Big changes. Life
is full of changes and few things remain stable.
The Israelites in Moses’ day were constantly moving
through the desert. They were able to handle change because God’s presence in the tabernacle was always with
them. The portable tabernacle signified God and His people moving together. For us, stability does not mean lack
of change, but moving with God in every circumstance.
Outside changes occur daily in our lives. God desires
to change people on the inside. We work hard to keep
our outward appearance attractive but what is in our hearts
is even more important. The way we are deep down matters much to God. God will continue the process of
change inside us if we desire His will to be done. Just as a
fruit tree is expected to bear fruit, God’s people should
produce a crop of good deeds that come from a changed
heart. We are of little value to the kingdom if we are
Christians in name only. Desire God’s will to be done in
your life and change is inevitable.
West Prairie has seen many changes in the past 125
years. We come together to celebrate all that God has
done in our church on Aug. 31 at 10:30 a.m. followed by a
Continued on page 2
August Ushers...
Caroll Carson
August Lesson Reader...
Jill Holland
August Acolyte...
Halle Johnson
August Altar Flowers...
Louise Nath
August Birthdays!
Happy Birthday to the following:
2 — Taila Jacobs
13 — Bjorn Juveland
20 — Blake Jacobs
21 — Ceara Fjeld
22 — Cody Reimann
25 — Caitland Fjeld
28 — Whitli Reimann
29 — Robin Peterson
Communion Set Up...
August 2rd and 31st — Julie
Reimann and Janell Carson
Coffee Servers...
Aug. 3 — Helen Finer and
Marlas Reimann
Aug. 10 — Denise Holst and
Betty Williams
Aug. 17 — Jill Holland and
LeAnn Peterson
Aug. 24 — Janell Carson and
Shirley Hanson
No Fellowship August 31
Sarah Circle
Wednesday, August 6: 7 p.m.
with Shirley Hanson
Naomi Circle
August 14: 7 p.m. with Lanette Branstad
Couples Club
August 17: 6 p.m. at the
home of Phyllis Disque. Phyllis
and Candy Johnson are hosts.
LCMC WOW
August 13: 11:30 a.m. Retreat/picnic at Crystal Lake
Park.
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Wedding Anniversaries
August 2 — Bruce and Nancy
Buffington
August 4 — Brian and Crystal
Nelson
August 9 — Bob and Louise Nath
August 22 — Andrew and
Keneisa Branstad
PASTOR’S LETTER
Continued from page 1
dinner and afternoon program. (Note the ‘change of
time’ for that day). See you
there!
Pastor Steve
Upcoming events…
School begins (yeah!) and so
does school at church.
Just to get you prepared — Sunday School kicks off Sunday, Sept.
14th. Adult classes also begin that
day. Caroll Carson has agreed to
lead the adult class, but if anyone
would like their turn at this privilege, “feel free to jump in” says Caroll.
ON TO COLLEGE
Continued from page 10
Holst will be at NIACC beginning this fall preparing for a career in the ag industry; Haley
Schutter is going to continue at
ISU in animal science.
You’re urged to keep our
school and college students in
your prayers. Life is full of challenges and choices and our role
as parents and mentors is to teach
and guide them. All our students
know the Lord and we trust them
to rely on Him as their Savior.
A man took his Rottweiler to
a veterinary clinic and told the
doc, “My dog is cross-eyed. Is
there anything you can do for it?”
“Well,” said the vet, “let me
take a look at him.” So he picked
up the dog and took a look at its
eyes. “Well, I’m going to have to
put him down.”
“What? Just because he’s
cross-eyed?” questioned the dog
owner.
“No,” responded the vet,
“he’s too heavy.”
While at a pizza parlor, I observed a man ordering a small
pizza to go. He appeared to be
alone and the cook asked if he
would like it cut into four pieces
or six.
The customer thought about it
for some time before responding,
“Just cut it into four, I don’t think
I’m hungry enough for six.”
Read any good books?
Haven’t had any response
from this question last month. I
know summertime can get busy,
but we all have some down time.
My choice of reading material
is generally military/espionage,
and I can honestly say that a lot
of stuff in these novels are factual.
Most of those authors have had
real life experiences in that realm.
I found that Joel Rosenberg
has a real grip on what really transpires in the Mideast. He has authored both fiction and nonfiction books.
I found a quote by Tom
Clancy interesting: “The difference between reality and fiction?
Fiction has to make sense.”
And that brings me to a new
study Bible I just purchased —
The English Standard Version.
Nearly every verse is referenced;
maps of that time period are included on the pages where it talks
about travels; explanations of literal translation (i.e. Gen.
26:8 ...saw Isaac laughing with
Rachel, is not laughing “funny”
but “to laugh” implies laughing
while being affectionate.
For example: Reading Genesis 26:3-5, God tells Isaac that He
will restore the oath He gave to
Abraham, it references chapter
22, verses 16-18, so you can go
back and read what the Lord said
to Abraham.
As a Study Bible, I will find
this irreplaceable. (L. Nath)
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College? Already? Why, it seems that just yesterday...
Save the date — Sunday, August 31st . . .
Yes, it was only yesterday they
started Sunday School, then were
confirmed, and now … high
school graduation and off to college and a whole new world.
Cousins, Garrett and Logan
will both be attending ISU in
Ames. Caitlyn will be heading to
Mankato State and Taila will be
The theme for the 125th Anniversary of West Prairie Lutheran Church is “Lift High the
Cross,” and was composed by
Sydney Nicholson in 1916. The
lyrics were written by George
Kitchin in 1887.
Christ’s death on the cross
was torturous and horrendous,
but, it wasn’t the end. It opened
the way to Jesus’ victory over sin
and death; two realities that have
plagued man since the fall in the
Garden of Eden.
No matter the time, day or
season, the cross requires continual reflection as we look upon it
and recognize its profound impact on our lives.
starting her college days at
DMACC in Ankeny.
Let’s not forget our other college students: Ceara Fjeld who
will be starting her first year in the
Veterinary College in Ames; Joran Durby will finish up her studies in dietetics also at ISU; Kiley
Continued on page 11
Lift high the cross, the love of
Christ proclaim, till all the world
adore His sacred name.
GARRETT FJELD
TAILA JACOBS
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CAITLYN HELFTER
LOGAN WEST
SUNDAY, Aug. 31st at West
Prairie begins with Worship Service with Holy Communion at
10:30 a.m. with Pastor Bang officiating.
A catered dinner (after worship service) will be served in
both the Fellowship Hall and the
old church basement. This
should eliminate a long waiting
time.
The dinner menu is: Chicken
breast, pork loin, green beans,
mashed potatoes w/gravy, cole
slaw, fresh fruit salad, dinner roll
and beverage. Prices are: $10Adult, $5-children ages 6-10, children under 6 are free. Reservations are required by August 15
so an ample amount of food can
be prepared. Church members
can prepay their meals to Janell
Carson or Lanette Branstad.
Our afternoon program will
be held in the church with overflow in the fellowship hall. We
will have music by the ladies
choir, Faith Finer, children’s bell
choir, the resurrected Sunbeam
choir and Blake Jacobs.
Former pastors will give us a
brief synopsis of their life since
leaving West Prairie, and past
church council presidents and
confirmands will be recognized.
The afternoon culminates with
cake and coffee.
Also, if you plan to provide a
memorial arrangement/plant for
that day, please advise Marlas
Reimann or Candy Johnson.
Please inform all your guests
that we are collecting recipes for a
cookbook to be available in Dec.
West Prairie Lutheran Church
Steven Bang, pastor
35205 220th Ave., Forest City
641-581-2868 … 417-249-0063
www.westprairiechurch.com
Email: info@westprairiechurch.com
Or westprairie.lc@gmail.com
Church Council
Judy Norstrud, president;
Misty Juveland, secretary;
Steve Reimann, vice president;
Lanette Branstad, Denise Holst,
Robb Jacobs, Jan Reimann
Caroll Carson, church treasurer
Louise Nath, office assistant
Organists
Ruth Sheldon, Melissa Knutson,
Gene Fjeld, Janet Vinson
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Spreading the word of West Prairie’s celebration
What’s in this month?
A group gathered at the home
of Jan and Julie Reimann to construct a float to enter in local town
parades. Getting this project done
at the home of Jan and Julie Reimann was headed up by Lanette
Branstad. Thanks to all who
helped with this project.
Impending rain did not halt
the parade in Lake Mills during
their July Jubilee celebration.
However, a bright and sunny
day allowed Pastor and Joni to
August may seem like a blah
month as no single event jumps
out, except the Iowa State Fair.
However, some significant historical items did happen. For instance:
 The first Lincoln penny was
issued on August 2, 1909.
 Congress enacts the first income tax on August 2, 1861.
 The Coast Guard was established on August 4, 1790.
 Neil Armstrong was born on
August 5, 1930 in Ohio and
is noted for being the first
man to step foot onto the
moon.
 The U.S. dollar was created
on August 8, 1786.
 Herbert Hoover, the — president of the U.S. was born
August 10, 1874 in West
Branch, Iowa.
 Designated left-handers day
on August 13 for all those
who claim to be in their right
mind!
 Remember Davy Crockett?
— born August 17, 1786 in
Tennessee.
 On August 24, 79 A.D.
Mount Vesuvius erupted.
 Global Forgiveness Day and
International Forgiveness
Day held August 27th.
In Christian religions, the first
Sunday before Lent is called
“Forgiveness Sunday.”
Quote of month: “To err is
human; to forgive is divine.”
ride the route in Forest City with
the top down on the convertible.
Loosing part of the float on the
way into town did not deter us —
just picked up the pieces and put
it back together on the fly!
With all the original parts and
pieces back on the float for the
Thompson fair parade, we had
an outstanding representation
with over 35 men, women and
youth riding and walking the parade route.
A rainy day did not dampen the spirits of West Prairie members riding
on the float during the Lake Mills Jubilee on Saturday, July 12. The banner along the side of the float read: We will not get lost in space if we
“Lift high the Cross!” Lost In Space was the theme of Forest City’s Puckerbrush Days, so the banner was most appropriate! All in all, the float
made its appearance in Lake Mills, Forest City and Thompson.
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Sarah
Circle
will be
studying
Parables
of the
Bible
Beginning with the September meeting, members
of the Sarah Circle will be
having lessons on parables
of the Bible.
Jesus used parables to
illustrate a central point,
that God’s authority encompasses everything on this
earth. His values and standards contrast sharply with
the secular world.
This should be an interesting and valuable 12lesson study of parables.
LESSER FESTIVALS
Continued from page 8
Christian. Not ordained in the
Anglican Church, he was arrested
and charged with “teaching men
to worship God contrary to the
law” and spent more than 12
years in prison. It was during his
imprisonment that he wrote The
Pilgrim’s Progress.
***
Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for
He is good; His lovingkindness
continues forever. Psalms 136:1
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Lesser Festivals and Commemorations
The following names are
listed in the LBW for the month
of June:
August 10: Lawrence, deacon,
martyr, 258
August 13: Florence Nightingale, 1910; Clara Maass, 1901;
renewers of society
August 15: Mary, Mother of
our Lord — Young, poor and female, these qualities made her
unsuitable in the eyes of her people to be called by God for the
honor of being the mother of
Jesus. But the all-knowing God
knew that Mary was a woman of
rare strength and obedience and
would willingly serve God.
Mary was the only human
being to be with Jesus throughout
His entire life — from birth until
His death.
Little is known of Mary’s personal history. She was of the tribe
of Judah and lineage of David.
She connected by marriage with
Elisabeth, who was of the lineage
of Aaron.
August 20: Bernard, Abbot of
Clairvaux, 1153
August 24: St. Bartholomew,
apostle — One of the 12 Apostles,
Bartholomew is identified as Nathaniel in the Gospel of John. In
the Gospels of Matthew, Mark
and Luke, Bartholomew is
named in the company of Philip.
Bartolomew is described as
being initially skeptical about the
Messiah coming from Nazareth
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and is quoted saying, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”
He was one of the disciples to
whom Jesus appeared at the Sea
of Galilee after the Resurrection
and also one of the witnesses at
Jesus’ Ascension.
Some historians state that Bartholonew went to India serving as
a missionary after the Ascension.
He is also credited with bringing
Christianity to Armenia.
August 28: Augustine, Bishop
of Hippo, 430
August 31: John Bunyan,
teacher, 1688 — Not to be confused with the mythical Paul Bunyan of woodsman fame
(especially in Minnesota), John
Bunyan was an English Christian
writer and preacher.
He is best known as the author of The Pilgrim’s Progress,
and is regarded as one of the
most significant works of religious
literature. It has been translated
into more than 200 languages and
has been continuously in print
since its first printing. You can
read this allegory online or find it
at your local library. (An allegory
is a story in which people, things
and happenings have another
meaning, often morally instructive as in a fable.)
Bunyan was described as a
Baptist and a Puritan, but he preferred to known simply as a
Pastor and Joni preceded the float during the area parades. Riding in a “hot”
convertible on a nice day — every job has to have a few good perks!
Thanks to Denny and Judy
Norstrud for the loan of their
truck to pull the float and the use
of their convertible, and thanks to
Jan Reimann for the use of his hay
rack. Also thanks to Lanette Branstad for organizing this project.
Continued on page 9
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