1. religion and spirituality
2. christianity

From the Senior Pastor
Famous Last Words
“Abide in Me as I Abide in You”
John 15:1 (Jesus said) I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinegrower. 2 He removes
every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it
bear more fruit. 3 You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4
Abide in me as I abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in
the vine, neither can you unless you abide in me. 5 I am the vine, you are the branches.
Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do
nothing. 6 Whoever does not abide in me is thrown away like a branch and withers; such
branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.
Pastor Flater
Last words of famous people are often tragic, sometimes poignant, but usually remembered. Elvis Presley's
early death in 1977, driven by his drug abuse, followed his final words to his fiancé Ginger Alden, "I'm going
to the bathroom to read." Rainer Maria Rilke said, “I don’t want the doctor’s death. I want to have my own
freedom.” Leonardo da Vinci was overly modest, saying, “I have offended God and mankind because my work
did not reach the quality it should have.” I kinda like the Mona Lisa. Don’t you? When Harriet Tubman,
African-American abolitionist and suffragette, was dying in 1913, she gathered her family around and they
sang together. Her last words were, “Swing low, sweet chariot.” 1.
On the night of his betrayal, arrest, and mock trial leading to his crucifixion, Jesus uses another extended
metaphor to explain life lived in his love. He had just washed their feet and explained his new commandment
of love. These words of Jesus are nearly his last words for his dear friends the disciples, I am the true vine, and
my Father is the vinegrower. While his wor ds ar e instr uctional, he announces an all-important theme of
the Gospel of John as he repeats, “Abide in me as I abide in you.” I try to never forget that the way he abides
in us is the centerpiece of the Gospel message. In my estimation, this ranks among his most famous last words.
As I announced my resignation as senior pastor this past week, a dear member offered via email an estimate of
how many sermons I have preached at Holy Trinity. Her gracious words thanked me for what has been said.
They reminded me that I have tried to preach the heart of the Gospel, but now as I plan my last sermons, the
words become all the more precious. The things I want to tell you are many. I know that my list is too long. I
try to remember that in all things Jesus has the last word.
I also prepare for another confirmation weekend on May 3rd and already worry about how the young people
and their families will abide in Jesus. At the second Sunday service this weekend, I will baptize 6 young
children from age sixteen to infant. I worry about how they will remain. We will confirm eight young people
and baptize six and I do worry about how they will abide in Jesus. For that matter, I already worry about how
you, my dear congregation, will abide in Jesus. Knowing full well that times of transition can be a challenge
for congregations as they seek a new pastor, I must admit I worry, how will you abide in Jesus?
When I am honest to God’s promise, I know full well that my question, “How will you abide in Jesus?” is the
wrong question. A corrective answer is the core of what we believe as Lutheran Christians. First and foremost,
it’s not about how well we abide in him. The wondrous good news of it all is that Jesus promises to abide in us!
So no matter what you face in life and no matter what happens, do not forget this truth, Jesus abides in you! Of
course you and Holy Trinity are to continue as his branches. Of course, you are to continue to bear fruit as you
do so well. Never forget that Jesus will not abandon you. Jesus abides in you and me! Those words, beloved
in Christ, are his famous last word for you! Yes indeed, Jesus said, Abide in me as I abide in you.
1.
Note: the source for most of these is the reference book Last Words of Notable People: Final Words of More than 3500 Noteworthy People
Throughout History by William B. Brahms
May Tidings
Page 3
Family Ministry
See what love the Father has
given us, that we should be
called children of God; and
that is what we are.
The reason the world does
not know us is that it
did not know him.
I John 3:1
SARA MCCAW
FAMILY
MINISTER
Rummage Everywhere
One more rummage sale has come and
gone. Praise the Lord! We did extremely
well this year, better than any year past. On
Wednesday through Saturday, the LFC was
transformed with tables and tables of castoff stuff. We used nearly every table in the
church.
As I was sorting the boxes of stuff and
setting up the sale with our very helpful
members, I started to think theologically. It
never ceases to amaze me when and where
that will happen. I thought about rummage
and God.
Consider the old adage, “one man’s junk
is another man’s treasure.” All of the items
that come to the rummage sale are cast-offs.
They no longer held value or purpose for
the people who used to own them. People
come to the sale looking for treasures
among the cast-off items. It is amazing to
see the things that people buy. Some things
that you think will never go out of the door
are the first to go. Some things that you
think hold no value for anyone, are items
that bring joy to the buyers. Sometimes it
takes some imagination to see the value in a
cast-off piece of rummage.
Jesus is like the joyful buyer, and we
are the treasured finds. Jesus takes us
and loves us even though we have parts
missing, are scuffed up, are out-of date,
or need cleaning and fixing. Jesus has
the imagination to see through the flaws.
Like the shepherd who found his lost
sheep, and the woman who searched for
her lost coin, Jesus rejoices when he finds
hidden treasure like us. We may be items
of rummage, but to Jesus we have real
potential.
My youth kept asking what rummage
was, so I looked it up. The definition that
I found said, “a confused miscellaneous
collection,” which I thought was quite
apt. I also thought that it was a great
definition for the church.
The church is at its best when it is
diverse and has variety. However,
diversity can cause confusion and lack of
focus. As the church, the hope that we
have is that Jesus Christ is at the center.
Jesus gives us our focus and mission.
When we center on Christ, the confusion
goes away, and we can become children
of God and Christ’s servants in the world.
As one of the out-of-date, scuffed up
pieces of rummage, I am thankful that I
have been cleaned and fixed by our
Savior through the waters of baptism.
Because of God’s love given to me in
Jesus Christ, I am a treasure who belongs
to a joyful and very imaginative owner.
AMEN!
In Christ, Sara
May Tidings
From the Intern Pastor
God called to him out of the
bush, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he
said, ‘Here I am.’ Then he said,
‘Come no closer! Remove the
sandals from your feet, for the
place on which you are standing
is holy ground.’ Exodus 3:4-5
Intern Pastor Carter Hill
This is a devotional I wrote for Camp of the Cross
Ministries; a Bible Camp in Garrison, North Dakota. If
you are my Facebook friend, you most likely have already
read this, but it is such an important message.
For me, Camp of the Cross, will forever be deeply
imprinted into my heart. I was a camper from 1995 to
2006, and on staff from 2007 until 2011, and have made
multiple appearances since then. Camp has always been a
part of me — ever since I can remember. (Not only
because I have met my closest friends and my wonderful
wife there). My strongest memory of camp comes from
when my father died in 2001. After his death, I refused to
sit in a church pew and listen to people talking about
God’s love. If God loved me so much, how could my
father have died so young. It was at Camp of the Cross
that forever changed these feeling. It was there that I
witnessed the love of God in action through other campers
and the phenomenal camp staff. They changed my life,
and planted the seed for me to become a pastor within the
church. Even when my mother died last November, I was
in disbelief and kept thinking that a 25-year-old should not
have already lost both of his parents, but again I channeled
those memories from Camp that forever changed my
outlook on death and the love of God — memories that
happened over a decade ago — and yet still heavily
influence my life today.
God tells Moses through the burning bush to remove
his shoes because the ground on which he is walking is
holy ground, and on these holy grounds, God speaks
clearly to Moses. Camp of the Cross, for me, is holy
ground. A place where God speaks to me, and speaks
clearly. A place where I felt called to a life of pastoral
ministry. So where is your holy ground? Where is your
place that you can go to experience God? A place where
you can go to love God more deeply, hear God more
clearly, and experience God more freely. If you don’t have
a place that is holy for you, I encourage you to find one —
it can be forever life changing.
We pray: God of Life, guide us on paths that lead us to
our holy ground — a place to truly experience the
marvelous things that you have done for your creation, and
a place to hear where you are calling us in life. We ask this
in the name of Jesus Christ, our savior and Lord, Amen.
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Council President
Trust in the Lord with all your
heart and lean not on your own
understanding in all your ways
acknowledge him, and he will
make your paths straight.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Dan Wild
By now you know that Pastor Flater has accepted
another call, and his last Sunday with us will be May 31.
Please join us for a fellowship meal and a celebration of his
ministry that afternoon.
What does this mean for HTLC? The leadership will
be working closely with the bishop’s office. We will most
likely get an interim pastor, and then begin the call process.
The good news is that the staff will remain with us. Intern
Pastor Carter will be with us for 2 more months, and then
we will welcome another intern.
Above all else, it is important to remember that God is
in the middle of this transition. God is calling PAF to his
new congregation, and God is preparing another pastor for
us. Whether we like it or not, God intends for a change in
our ministry, and we need to trust in the Lord with all our
heart.
After PAF’s announcement, I began to think back
about all the changes since his arrival. I was fortunate
enough to be on the call committee 11 years ago, and I
clearly remember visiting PAF’s church in Fort Dodge, and
dividing up as we entered the church, so as not to draw
attention to a large group of strangers.
PAF’s primary focus has been worship. The use of
Powerpoints, videos, and guest preachers, such as Moses,
John the Baptist, and Paul have been a way to connect to a
variety of people in the congregation.
Pastoral Care has been another focus. The Stephen
Ministry program was started, and there are over 50
Stephen Ministers commissioned and caring for our
congregation when the Pastor can’t.
We have attracted many families with young children,
and have a vibrant family ministry program. PAF changed
the confirmation program to use a newer curriculum called
Here We Stand, which better engages and teaches the
students.
HTLC will move forward without Pastor Flater. As Jay
Beech’s “The Church Song” states, "The Church, it is the
people living out their lives, Called, enlightened, sanctified
for the work of Jesus Christ. We are the Church, the body
of our Lord. We are all God’s children, and we have been
restored.” I encourage all of you to remain involved during
this transition.
Pastor and Julie Flater will certainly be missed. Please
join me in thanking them, and wishing them all the best.
God’s Peace
May Tidings
Page 5
Stephen Ministry
I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
Cheryl Rose,
Stephen Minister
Coordinator
In 2007, Pastor Flater and the HTLC leadership
made an important decision to expand pastoral care here
at Holy Trinity by starting a Stephen Ministry program
for this congregation. This confidential ministry invites
and encourages those who feel the call to serve others.
They are trained, commissioned, and sent out among our
members and others in the community to become the
ears, eyes, feet, and hands of Christ’s love to people in
crisis. They accompany their care receiver until God
brings the healing that is needed.
Our Stephen Ministers began making visits in 2008.
They commit themselves to two years of service, making
weekly visits to their care receivers and attending
Supervision meetings twice monthly.
Many have chosen to serve well beyond two years.
Some have walked with their care receiver
compassionately to the end of the care receiver’s life.
Most (well, perhaps all) potential Stephen Ministers
have doubt and fear as they begin the training. Through
the information that is taught, they learn how to be a
listening and caring presence. They soon come to realize
God will do the healing work in the crisis situation as
they continue to be an encouraging and prayerfully
presence. They find the truth in the scripture, “I can do
all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Phil
4:14
Commissioning is the highlight of their Stephen
Ministry training. Please continue to welcome our newly
commissioned Stephen Ministers: Howard Baach, Steve
Hampton, Kayla Hill, Glenn Lichti, Ann McCaw, and
Magi Wehner, as they join our active Stephen Ministry
Team.
Along with Pastor Flater, we thank God for the
opportunity this ministry provided for all of us. This
ministry has helped strengthened our congregation’s
hospitality and faith.
A very special thank you to Pastor for his continuous
support, encouragement, and involvement in this
program, and to all the courageous and compassionate
Stephen Ministers for their dedicated years of service
and their loving presence within our congregation.
SHALOM
Women’s News
DORCAS / MARTHA CIRCLE
The Martha/Dorcas Circles
will meet on Wednesday,
May 20th at 9:30 am in the
church library. Everyone is
welcome!
LUTHERAN WORLD
RELIEF QUILTING
LWR Quilters will meet on
Tuesdays, May 5th and 19th at 9:00 am in the
fellowship hall. We need people to iron, tie quilts,
cut, and sew. Please consider joining this group.
Work days continue on the first and third
Tuesdays of each month. All are welcome!
HOLY TRINITY MULCH DAY
Help Needed
Friday, May 15 at 4 pm
A Thrivent Grant was received to
Fund the purchase of mulch,
grass seed, fertilizer, and plants
for grounds improvement.
Volunteers are needed to spread
wood mulch. Please bring
a shovel and a rake if possible.
T-Shirts are provided. For more
information call Mary Strom
at 563-556-7522.
May Tidings
Sunday School News
Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path.
Psalm 119:105
This is our sixth year using SPARK Sunday School
materials. SPARK materials help us to learn the stories
from the Bible in fun and meaningful ways.
Sunday School meets from 9:45 to 10:45 am.
Preschool—5th grade students meet for our opening
celebration in the Fellowship Hall.
Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin
We finished our unit on the Lost Parables in April. The
students learned about God’s unceasing love for us in the
art center where they made posters reminding them that
they are treasured by God. In the games center they
searched for coins and sheep and loving words from God.
In the cooking center, they made treats and were reminded
that the ingredients are important in God’s kingdom.
Family Service Events
Page 6
Family Events
Family Bowling Party
We had a great time when 28 of
us, ranging in age from 2 to 80+,
gathered at Fischer Lanes for
bowling. No one is ready for the
tour yet, but we had fun. We all
feasted on pizza afterwards.
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, May 17,
9:45 to 10:45 am
Join us for a fellowship event to
celebrate another great year of Christian education
and to welcome new members to HTLC.
The Fellowship Committee will cook and
serve loads of pancakes to make our stomachs
happy as we thank all of the teachers that have
challenged our minds over the year and to
welcome the new members to HTLC.
Teachers and new members are our special guests,
but everyone is welcome and encouraged to come.
May 3 and 10 during Sunday School
May 3: We will make quilt patches that will be sewn
into our mission quilts, and we will tie quilts that our
sewing group has already made.
May 10: Wear your wor k clothes because we will help
refresh our landscaping with new mulch.
Last Day of Sunday School
On Sunday, May 17 we will celebrate a great year of
Sunday School with a pancake breakfast and teacher
appreciation.
Looking Ahead to Fall
Mark your calendars for Sunday, September 13—Christian
Education kick-off and Bible Weekend.
God’s Word—Our Story
Fundraising Updates
Rummage Sale
We had the best rummage sale ever raising $2500
for Family Ministry events and mission projects.
The money will be used this summer for the
Gardens of Grace and the Middle School Mission
Trip to Duluth. Thank to Darrell and Diane Kalmes
and Murlaine Maas for the many hours of service
organizing and running the sale. Thank you also to
Ron Appleby, Heather Klein and Damien Lindsey,
Diane Lichti, Linda Palmer, Julie and Cal Reuter,
Inez Vondran, Grace, Samantha, and Stephanie
Wieland, Emily Wild, the confirmation class for
helping.
Wall of Giving
Thanks to the generosity of the congregation,
we are getting closer to raising all of the money
needed to get our group of five youth and two
adults to Detroit for the ELCA National Youth
Gathering! It is not too late to donate!
May Tidings
Stewardship
He said to him, “ ‘You shall love the Lord your
God with all your heart, and with all your soul,
and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest
and first commandment. And a second is like it:
‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself’.
Matthew 22:37-39
Did you know this verse is about stewardship?
Doesn’t sound like it, right? Don’t we usually
associate the word MONEY with
STEWARDSHIP? Although that is a common
understanding, stewardship is so much more than
that. It’s really about LOVE! We are called,
actually commanded, to use the resources God’s
entrusted to us to show love to God and others.
Sometimes that means we share our financial
gifts and sometimes it means we just share
ourselves.
As you think about this expanded view of
stewardship, I encourage you to consider
supporting the youth and adults traveling to the
National Youth Gathering in July and the
Mission Trip to Duluth in August. There will be
amazing stewardship happening during these
events through various service projects and I’m
certain those doing the serving will gain much as
well. I can still remember the sweet woman I
met in the hills of Tennessee when I attended a
mission trip in high school. God does use these
experiences to bless those in need, and those
sharing God’s love with them.
Please watch for fundraising opportunities
during the next few months to support these
groups. They need to know that we commend
their good works as they share God’s love to
others. This congregation has a wonderful
history of supporting amazing ministries both in
our congregation and throughout the world and I
have no doubt your generosity will continue!
Wendy Einsweiler, Stewardship Committee
MAY SPECIAL APPEAL
DUBUQUE FOOD PANTRY
Page 7
Holy Week in Review
by Christopher Bode
What a week it was! Holy Week started with Palm
Sunday celebrating our Lord’s triumphant entry to
Jerusalem as the prophesized king of the Jews. The elation
was palpable with shouts of “Halleluia!” filling the air as
palms were handed to everyone for a procession around
the sanctuary. The young members received necklaces
with crosses during the youth message. Nails were given
to all at the end of the service. Sophia really loves this
exciting service as she always comes home with handfuls
of palms to decorate our house and yard.
My favorite service of the entire year is Maundy
Thursday. The reenacting of the Seder Meal with our
church family is enjoyable. But it is the washing of the
feet in the sanctuary that I look forward to every Lenten
season. The unearthly Whoosh! that comes over me each
time cannot be explained by mere words. You simply
have to experience it to understand it. Then we all leave in
silence to ponder the next day.
Good Friday is a powerful, yet emotionally draining
service for me. The reality that we passed judgement on
and crucified our Lord was not lost upon me. The
pounding of the nails into the cross should have been
cathartic to let go of my sins, yet I could not forget the
unimaginable pain Jesus endured for us.
This was the first year we attended Easter Vigil service
on Saturday night so we had no idea what to expect. It
started with a procession of lighted candles from the
Living Faith Center to the Sanctuary. I know our daughters
really had fun with that. In that service we heard stories
from creation to Isaiah’s prophecy of salvation. We even
had our baptismal vows renewed that evening before
hearing John’s gospel of the first Easter.
We concluded our Holy Week celebration by attending
the 8:30 service on Easter Sunday, which is a feat in and of
itself that we got up that early. Still, we were amongst the
last arrivals so we sat in the balcony. Our daughters
actually thought of that as a special treat. I particularly
enjoyed seeing the sea of pastels worn by everyone in our
congregation from purples to yellows, pinks and greens
while listening to the message that Christ is risen indeed!
Halleluia! The brass ensemble and the Trinity Choir
finished off the festivities in a glorious fashion.
The significance of the week was the closeness it
brought to our family despite the occasional grumbling of
“we’re going to church again?!” Joy defined the week as
full of grace and thankful that we could purge our sins.
Victoria said it was an eventful week with every service
being different. Alexandria was disappointed that she still
didn’t “get the bread yet”. For me, it was the needed rest
away from work so that I could recharge for the upcoming
week. And for Sophia, well, those palms are still
decorating the house and yard everywhere I look!
May Tidings
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Church Council Meeting Minutes
April 21, 2015 6:30 PM
Attendance: Council: D. Wild, B. Wild, Henschel, Stier man,
Kalmes, Moeller, Eikamp, O’Rourke, Solberg, Chesterman, Strom;
Staff: Flater, Hill. Absent: none. Guests: Burns, D. Raemisch, S.
Raemisch.
Called to order by President Wild at 6:35 PM.
Orders of the Day:
Proposal to clean pipe organ. Brian Burns submitted a proposal to
clean the organ, at an estimated cost of $7500. Council will discuss
at next month’s meeting.
Introduction of Intern Pastor Dave Raemisch.
Approval of March minutes via email noted.
Pastor’s Report:
We have had a strong start for fundraising for youth to attend the
National Youth Gathering.
7 members finished Stephen Ministry Training, and will be
commissioned the weekend of April 26th.
PAF announced his resignation from HTLC. He has accepted a new
call at the New Hope Lutheran Church in Farley, Iowa, as a mission
developer pastor. His last weekend of worship with us will be May
30-31. There will be a fellowship meal and farewell program after
the 11am service on May 31st. Letters will be mailed to the
congregation Wednesday, April 22, and email notification will be
sent on Friday April 24.
Committee Reports
 Family Ministry (Moeller ) – written report submitted.
Gardens of Grace were tilled on April 18. More participants are
needed for the gardens to be successful. Rummage sale April 24
-25. Family bowling and Parents’ Night Out were both well
attended. Pancake breakfast planned on May 17; this is a
fundraiser for the youth trip.
 Parish Education (B. Wild) – written report submitted. VBS
June 21-25. Adult volunteers are appreciated for this event.
 Worship (Kalmes) – oral report.
 Stewardship (Solber g) – written report submitted.
 Property (O’Rour ke) – written report submitted. Alley work is
underway. Total assessment is $29,066.87, including
improvements. Payment will be about $200/month. Tenant at
1670 University passed away; the family is in process of
cleaning out the unit. We will be looking for a new tenant.
Rental property task force met on 4/18 and their
recommendations will be submitted to council at the May
meeting. HVAC system is a potential issue; only 2 people know
how to program it and we need more people who know how to
operate this system.
 Fellowship (Stier man) - oral report. Seder Meal was a success.
Parents’ Night Out free will offering went to support Chris
Bode’s classroom. Pancake breakfast on May 17. A new
refrigerator may be needed in the future, as one does not
regulate temperature well.
 Outreach (Str om) – oral report. Blue Grass service banner is
complete and hanging outside. Working with Kim and
Nathaniel Wagner for a grant for mulch and landscaping
supplies. Martha/Dorcas Circles are hosting a luncheon on
April 22 for HTLC staff.
 Personnel (D. Wild)- no report
 Finance (Henschel) – written report submitted. HTLC is
currently experiencing a cash flow situation. Motion by Kalmes
to authorize Tom Henschel to transfer up to $10,000 as needed
Page 8
from Ora Gremmel’s fund into our general checking account, for
current expenses. Second Solberg. Motion passed.
 Mary Lou Turnbull from Steeple Accounting was in the office
April 14-15 and helped the staff learn how to better utilize our
accounting software, and offered recommendations for the
system. Motion by Henschel to separate out the Noah’s Ark fund
balance from the HTLC general operating fund on the balance
sheet. They will be separate line items on the balance sheet going
forward. Second Moeller. Motion passed.
 Council appreciates the openness and willingness of staff to work
through these changes, and affirms their efforts on this project.
 Loan refinance has been finalized; our new rate is 2.95% for 2
years. US Bank reduced our closing fees from $750 to $150, and
Tony Quinn prepared the legal documents free of charge. Tom
noted his appreciation of these actions.
 Motion by Kalmes to show YTD pledged/unpledged giving,
loose plate, seasonal, and LFC church debt giving actuals vs.
budget, weekly in the bulletin. Once a month the Stewardship
committee will put together a more detailed giving summary for
the Tidings. Second B. Wild. Motion passed.
Treasurer (Henschel): wr itten r epor t submitted.
Financial Secretary (Eikamp): or al r epor t. Significant changes
upcoming in the next year: potential changes in rental properties, PAF’s
departure and incoming interim pastor, deficit concerns. We will be
looking for strong council and financial leadership during the changes
during the next year.
Office Manager (Kopp): wr itten r epor t submitted.
Family Ministry (McCaw): wr itten r epor t submitted. Fundr aiser
update for the youth gathering: total cost is $7336 for all 7 people to
attend. From the envelopes that were taken from the donation wall this
weekend, the funds raised would be $3300.
Stephen Ministry (Rose): Tidings column ser ves as r epor t.
Announcements/Correspondence: none
Bible Study: none
Business
Old Business: r eview of the r eceipt for gifts given in-kind.
Darrell will email copies to council members.
New Business: notice of public hear ing on a var iance fr om
zoning requirements in our neighborhood, for Unity Point
Health to install a large temporary sign.
Adjournment: Motion to conclude meeting by Henschel, second
Stierman. Adjourned at 9:29 with the Lord’s Prayer.
ADULT EDUCATION
Sundays at 9:50 a.m.
Join us in the conference room!
May 3--Bible Study
May 10--Bible Study
May 17--Sunday School teachers' appreciation time
plus informal discussion.
May Tidings
Worship Committee
FROM EASTER -ASCENSION PENTECOST – HOLY TRINITY
Assignment for 23-24 May:– Plan to wear
something red to church to celebrate Pentecost
Sundays & Season Year B 2015 - Images in the
Readings:
Vineyar ds – Perhaps because Palestine has
abundant vineyards, the vineyard is an image for
the Promised Land in the Old Testament and an
image of the kingdom of God, in the synoptic
gospels.
Commandments can have a mor e negative than
a positive connotation. Yet, the commandments
display God’s love, serve to hold the community
together in God’s love and provide the way that we
can live as Christ did.
The fruit that comes from a life that abides in God
is fruit that lasts.
Ascension Day – Christ ascends into heaven. In the
Bible “heaven” is often a synonym for God. In
Acts, the ascending Jesus is covered with a cloud
which in the Hebrew Scriptures usually refers to the
elusive presence yet cosmic power of God. It is
important that today’s references to heaven not
suggest that it is a place that is far away. The risen
Christ is here in the assembly of believers.
The Hebrew noun ruach can be translated into
English as spirit, breath, or wind. “ In Christian
theology, the Spirit that we experience is the Spirit
of the risen Christ, a spirit of service, a spirit of
love, a spirit of resurrection beyond death.
When we say God is the triune God, we are saying
something about who God is beyond, before, and
after the universe; that there is community within
God. When we pray to God as Jesus prayed to his
Abba (an intimate parental address), the Spirt prays
within us, creating between us and God the same
relationship Jesus has with the one who sent him.
Darrell and Diane Kalmes
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Noah’s Ark
Preschool
Celebrating over 35 years
of offering Dubuque area
families a quality Christian
Early Childhood Program!
It is time to register your child for the 2015-2016 school
year. Classes are on a first-come, first-served basis.
Forms are available outside the church office.
4 year old Free State Funded Preschool
Must be 4 yrs. old by September 15, 2015
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
8:45-11:45 a.m. or
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
12:45-3:45 p.m.
3 year old Preschool
Tuesday & Thursday from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
or
Monday & Wednesday from 9:00-11:30 a.m.
Noah’s Ark Preschool also offers extended care for
families who are in need of quality child care. We
provide child care from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. We are small, quaint and high quality.
We are licensed for 10 children.
For more information, please visit our website at
htlcdbq.com or call (563) 557-8629.
May Tidings
HTLC Family News
Happy Birthday
05/01 Jonathan Brown
05/01 William Harry
05/01 Shannon Droessler
05/01 Andrew Lindenberg
05/02 Carly Stork
05/02 Joshua Nilmeier
05/03 Nancy Neumeister
05/03 Sydney Block
05/04 Miriam Hoffman
05/04 Alyssa Kruse
05/04 Seth Eberlin
05/04 William
Neumeister
05/05 Angie Nilmeier
05/05 Krista Stork
05/06 Marilyn Herold
05/06 George Miner
05/07 Saige Paulson
05/08 Ron Hunt
05/08 Bob Schnoor
05/08 Linda Craig
05/08 Elizabeth Hinders
05/08 Justin Powers
05/08 Johnny Dohner
05/09 Ken Buesing
05/09 Jennifer Lippert
05/09 Jason Lewis
05/11 Basant Persaud
05/11 Carol Robinson
05/12 Jennifer Potts
05/12 Andrea Zozaya
05/12 Lucas Larsen
05/13 Spencer RoseTolstedt
05/14 Erica Foht
05/14 Kate Schmerbach
05/15 Ann Homan
05/15 Aidan Obermueller
05/15 Max Moeller
05/16 David Stork
05/16 Katina Busch
05/18 Mary Strom
05/18 Angie Olson
05/19 Debra Stork
05/19 Kevin Buesing
05/19 C.J. Tiernan
05/19 Logan Jasper
05/20 Benjamin Gessner
05/21 Bruce Klein
05/22 Tom Henschel
05/22 Joan Schmerbach
05/22 Soren Obermueller
05/22 Caleb Lee
05/23 Gretchen Fuerste
05/23 William Hinders
05/24 Mark Phalen
05/24 Kate Stierman
05/25 Tami Ernster
05/25 Steve Hampton
05/25 Olivia Harmon
05/26 Marsha Britton
05/26 Randy Glass
05/26 Daniel Gessner
05/27 Harvey Frye
05/27 Leah Norton
05/28 Dorothy Fritz
05/28 Daniel Philippi
05/28 Maren Phalen
05/29 Samuel Goldsmith
05/30 Bonnie Mihm
05/31 Robert Smart
05/31 Bob Johnsen
The flowers in the front
garden are donated by
Mary Strom in memory
of Ruth Maclay Flatt.
Page 10
Happy Anniversary
05/04/1996 James & Carol Wissing
05/07/1950 Eugene & Gerda Chappell
05/08/1982 John & Shirley Metz
05/10/1958 Clarence & Ruth Guler
05/11/1996 Dean & Susan Fair
05/12/1973 Daniel & Connie Harry
05/15/2011 Marian Walker & Gary Conlon
05/16/1959 Jack & Sharlene Waskow
05/23/2008 Harlyn & Opal Turner
05/27/1978 Craig & Char Homan
05/28/1980 Burt & Pamela Goffinet
05/28/1994 Randy & Amy Naumann
05/30/1981 Mark Liaboe & Gretchen Fuerste
Congratulations

Congratulations to Anna & Cole
Chapman on the birth of their
son, Jude Michael, on 4/26/15.
(Grandparents are Gary & Linda
Sewell)
Our Sympathies to



the family and friends of Gary Hennen who died
March 29, 2015. (friend of Nathaniel and Kim
Wagner)
the family and friends of Marty Ruhter who died
March 29, 2015. (friend of Glenn Litchi)
the family and friends of Marion Burton who died
March 28, 2915. (aunt of Carol Baumann)
The Food Pantry is in
need of canned goods
and many other nonperishable
foods.
Also remember that
food stamps do not
buy paper products, diapers, detergent, or
toothpaste. Any way you can help would be
appreciated.
Our Food Pantry Blessing Barrel is
at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for
being a good neighbor.
May Tidings
Alexandria Bode
Ryan Borchert
Page 11
Michael Wlochal
Nessa Brooks
Saige Paulson
2015
Walker Tart
Ryleigh Bakey
Tony Zuccaro
Jacob Bakey
Mavrick Paulson
Paige Kruse
Wil Quinn
Brooke O’Brien
Carson Prehm
Gardens of Grace — Preparing and Planting!
May Tidings
Page 12
Seder Meal
Commissioning
April 25-26
Front row:
Ann McCaw,
Cheryl Rose,
Stephen Leader,
Pastor Flater,
Stephen Leader,
and Emily Wild.
Dixieland Services
Back Row:
Glenn Lichti,
Howard Baack,
Kayla Hill,
Magi Wehner, and
Steve Hampton.
May Tidings
Announcements
Page 13
Sunday School Teacher
Appreciation Day
to The Dubuque
Rescue Mission…
HTLC March
Serving Team
Sunday, May 17
@ 8:30 & 11:00 am service
Pancake Breakfast at 9:45 am
Congratulations!
High School Graduate
Recognition
May 9 & 10
HTLC is pleased to introduce our next intern, Dave Raemisch, who
will serve with us in ministry in the 2015-2016 academic year.
Dave is a second career pastoral candidate, having worked for many years for
a Fortune 50 corporation in the agri-chemical industry. After growing up
near Madison, WI and earning his B.S from UW-Madison, Dave moved
around the country quite a bit for graduate school and career advancement.
Before entering the corporate life, Dave earned an M.S. from South Dakota
State University and a Ph.D. from Purdue University.
Dave is entering service as your intern pastor as a “Lutheran Year” student at
Wartburg Theological Seminary. Dave has already completed his Master of
Divinity degree and will be entering directly into service in ordained pastoral
ministry following his service as an intern pastor.
Dave and Shelley were married just over six months ago in the Wartburg
Seminary Chapel. Shelley has been a resident of Dubuque for nearly thirty
years, while working for an advertising agency here in town. Both are very
excited about being part of Holy Trinity!
May Tidings
Page 14
Book and Bake Sale
Thank you for supporting the Book and Bake Sale. $600 was raised for People In
Need (P.I.N.). Thrivent will match with $300 for a total of $900.
Parents Night Out– A free will offering raised $122 for a third
grade class at Audubon School.
Family Bowling
May Tidings
Announcements
Page 15
New
Lenten Offerings for the
Crescent Community
Health Center totaled
$1,769.41
Thank you to everyone
who help with the
Rummage Sale. Whether
you donated items, time,
or shopped, we thank you
very much. We raised $2500 to support our youth.
Thursday, May 7 at 6:00 pm OR
Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm
New Member
Weekend
May 16 & 17
Baptismal and Informational Meetings
A Baptismal Meeting will be held Tuesday,
May 5, 2015 at 5:30 pm. Baptismal sessions are required for all baptisms at Holy Trinity.
A New Member Informational Meeting will be held Tuesday, May 5, 2015 at 7:00 pm for anyone
looking at becoming a member or to learn more about HTLC. Both meetings will be held in the
library. Please call the church office to register by Sunday, May 3, 2015.
HTLC Vacation Bible School 2015
Peter’s Journey From Fisherman to Apostle
Sunday, June 21—Thursday, June 25
Supper-5:00 p.m.
Program—5:30-8:30 p.m.
Follow Peter, a common fisherman, on his journey of discipleship,
where he is called by Jesus to fish for people.
Registration forms are available on the ushers’ table.
May Tidings
HTLC Information
Page 16
Staff & Council
Pastor:
Intern Pastor:
Family Minister:
Stephen Ministry Leader:
Minister of Music:
Music Leaders of the
Living Faith Service:
Office Staff:
Noah’s Ark Staff:
Maintenance:
Pastor Arnold Flater
Carter Hill
Sara McCaw
Cheryl Rose
Brian Burns
Bill & Cindy Rowley
Brian Burns
JoAnn Kopp
Tammy Wehrspann
Cathy Nolan
Jenny Goodno
Sherri Miller
Cindy Muehleip
Melanie
Allan Pline
Saturday
Worship
Sunday
8:30 a.m.
Worship
9:45 a.m.
Sunday School & Adult Ed
11:00 a.m. Worship
5:30 p.m.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
1755 Delhi Street
(563) 582-3228
Office Hours: 8 am - 4 pm
holytrinluth@gmail.com
Website: htlcdbq.com
Pastor Arnold Flater
paflater@gmail.com
Cell:(563) 542-5434
COUNCIL
President:
Vice President:
Secretary:
Treasurer:
Financial Secretary:
Fellowship:
Outreach:
Parish Ed:
Property:
Stewardship:
Family Ministry:
Worship:
Dan Wild
Kari Chesterman
Tom Henschel
Adam Eikamp
Kate Stierman
Mary Strom
Betsy Wild
Chris O’Rourke
David Solberg
Erich Moeller
Darrell Kalmes
Thank you to those who
submitted articles and
information for this issue of
the newsletter.
If you would like an article
and/or picture in the June
Tidings, please email them to
htlcdbqsecretary@gmail.com
by May 20th.
Tidings Editor: Tammy Wehrspann
Holy Trinity’s Mission Statement
Empowered by the Holy Spirit, we know Christ
and make Christ known through courageous
and changed lives.
Intern Pastor Carter Hill
htlcdbqintern@gmail.com
Cell: (701) 425-7041
Sara McCaw
sara.mccaw@gmail.com
Cell: (563) 451-6874
Cheryl Rose
roses4iowa@gmail.com
Cell: (563) 590-1989
Brian Burns
htlcdbqmusic@gmail.com
JoAnn Kopp
holytrinluth@gmail.com
Tammy Wehrspann
htlcdbqsecretary@gmail.com
Cathy Nolan
htlchurchfinance@gmail.com
Our Vision Statement: We believe God has called us to
reach out to our surrounding community through close,
personal relationships and to invite people to “Come and
See!” As members of the body of Christ, we intend to
welcome everyone into our fellowship and worship, to love
one another, and to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus
Christ. We welcome all into the family of God through
baptism and discipleship, to encourage maturity in Christ,
and to discover and live out our God-given ministries. As
members we further intend to strengthen our ability to
reach people for Christ by being a vision driven church
(Matthew 22: 37-40).
Special points of interest:
 Confirmation News, page 2
May
2015
 Service Opportunities, page 2
 Fellowship Opportunities, page 2
HTLC FAMILY MINISTRY PAGE
A
NEWSLETTER
FOR
THE
FAMILIES
AND
FRIEND S
OF
HTLC
Peter’s Journey
the shore. He knew that Jesus
had great powers, but healing a
fever and knowing about fishing
were two very different things.
Peter answered Jesus’ call to
follow, and his life was never the
This summer, during Vacation
same. Peter was not the perfect
Bible School, we are going to
disciple, but he tried to be. He
learn about Peter, Jesus’ disciple, spoke bravely of his faith and
whom he called “the rock.” Peter intentions, but often pulled away
was greatly transformed through
when he was confused or
his relationship with Jesus. He
frightened. Sound familiar?
journeyed from being a common
During Vacation Bible School,
hard-working fisherman to being
we will follow Peter on his
a leader of the church.
journey as a disciple. We will
Peter’s journey is not
hear his story as he is called
unlike our own as we
to follow, witnesses amazing
struggle with faith.
miracles, hears profound
On one surprising day,
teaching, and experiences the
Peter had been out fishing
horrific death of the teacher
with his partners, and they
that he called the Messiah,
were not having much
the promised one.
luck. Then Jesus came
Please join us the week of
along and told Peter and the other June 21-25 to travel with Peter on
tired fishermen to take their boats the road to discipleship. Children
out and cast their nets again.
and youth are invited, as well as
When I imagine the story, I think
adults, who can help as leaders
that the fishermen probably
or be part of an adult Bible study.
looked at Jesus with skepticism.
It will be an exciting week of
He was not the experienced
learning and celebration as we
fishermen; they were. Why would enter the fishing village on the
he know how and where to fish?
lake to find a famous fisherman.
However, something made them
Peter will be waiting to meet you.
do what Jesus said.
See you in Galilee!
In the gospel of Luke, Peter
In Christ, Sara
had seen Jesus heal his mother-in
-law’s illness before the events on
And I tell you, you are Peter,
and on this rock I will build my
church, and the gates of Hades
will not prevail against it.
Matthew 16:18
Confirmation
6th—7th Grade
Classes: Wednesdays from 6:00 to 7:30 pm
 May 6: The Philippians and Love Hymn
 May 13: Last class; party and awards
Looking ahead to fall—mark these dates!
 Wednesday, September 9, 6:00 pm—parent
and student orientation meeting.
 Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 pm—
classes begin.
 Friday, September 18, 6:00 pm to Sunday,
September 20, 8:00 am—Confirmation
Retreat for 6-8 grade students.
8th Grade
Congratulations to our eighth grade students who
will Affirm their Baptism on Sunday, May 3:
Zach Bierman, Christopher Clarke, Maddy Day,
Jack Einsweiler, Gabby Montgomery,
Tim Pergande, Logan Wersinger,
and Grace Wieland.
It has been an honor walking with you on your
journey. We are excited to see what God has in
store for you.
Gardens of Grace
Hey people who like to dig in the dirt,
grow good food, feed hungry people,
and enjoy the warm sun—sign up to help take
care of the Gardens of Grace this summer.
The gardens are tilled and planted. Now we care
for them as they grow and produce.
Please help us. Sign up in the narthex.
Fellowship and Service
Opportunities
Sunday School Service Projects
Sundays, May 3 & 10, 9:30 to 10:45 am
We will end our Sunday School year with family
service projects.
On May 3, we will make quilt patches and tie quilts
that will be given to Lutheran World Relief.
On May 10, we will help to spread mulch and
clean up our church grounds.
Mulch Day
Friday, May 15, 4:00 pm
Help refresh the landscaping and gardens with
some new mulch. All ages invited to help.
Wear your work clothes and bring gloves.
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday, May 17
9:45 to 10:45 am
Join us for a fellowship event to celebrate another
great year of Christian education at HTLC and to
welcome new members.
The Fellowship Committee will cook and serve
loads of pancakes to make our stomachs happy
as we thank all of the teachers that have
challenged our minds over the year.
Teachers and new members are our special
guests, but everyone is welcome
and encouraged to come.
Congratulations Graduates
On Sunday, May 10 we will recognize our high
school graduates:
Emily Bierman, Marie Ernster, Olivia Harmon,
Karin Kragenbrink, Hannah Lembke,
Laura Lindecker, Sam Naumann, Maren Phalen,
and Drake Stierman.