Fall For Good Magazine

PASTORS

Rev. Ryan Arnold Senior Pastor pastor.ryan@stjohnsdsm.org

Rev. Pam Schroeder Interim Associate Pastor pschroeder@stjohnsdsm.org

STAFF

Kristine Boyer Facilities Manager kboyer@stjohnsdsm.org

Liz Chirch Office Specialist lchirch@stjohnsdsm.org

Lisa DeGroot Nursery Coordinator lisadegroot5203@yahoo.com

Michael Elsbernd Director of Worship & Music michael@stjohnsdsm.org

Mary Hall Financial Specialist mary@stjohnsdsm.org

Judy Geppert Finance Coordinator jgeppert@stjohnsdsm.org

Erin & Donovan Hill Directors of Youth Ministry youth@stjohnsdsm.org

Shannon Keefer Communications Director skeefer@stjohnsdsm.org

Amanda Landers-Each Event Specialist amanda@stjohnsdsm.org

Matthew Peirce Hospitality Coordinator mpeirce@stjohnsdsm.org

Katie Pithan Office Coordinator kpithan@stjohnsdsm.org

Ann Strom Director of Children’s Ministry astrom@stjohnsdsm.org

Bruce Remmey Technology Specialist bremmey@stjohnsdsm.org

In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps. – Psalm 16:9

During a recent vacation to Northern Minnesota –which is simply wonderful this time of year we now know – our family of four hopped into our trusty 2008 Honda CRV and started on our way. We were excited for almost two weeks away.

Thirty minutes into the trip my wife and I heard a familiar refrain from the back seat. Perhaps you’ve heard this chant at some point too…

Are we there yet?

No, not yet kiddos. They were hungry to understand, as best they could glean from us, as much about this upcoming trip as they could. One question led to another, then another –

How much longer? (a bit more)

Where are we going again?

(near Itasca State Park, then Duluth)

The more questions we answered, the more specific the next round of queries became:

What can we do on the way?

How big is the lake?

Do we need life jackets? (yes!)

Are the s’mores marshmallows fresh?

At some point – and it took some time – a hush fell over the car. The air we breathed in had seemingly changed. Curiosity led to understanding. Understanding led to planning. Planning led to the picturing of paddleboats, day trips, reading nooks, enjoying the great outdoors. Once we got on the same page about this shared journey we could relax and enjoy the ride.

Fresh marshmallows and all.

Planning Well

Earlier this year, at a January retreat, your Church Council approved a process for us, moving forward, to embark on a five-year Strategic Improvement Plan. With significant feedback from external consultants, alongside the Congregational Assessment Tool and a bequest survey many of us took, we know, in many ways, where we need to head.

Now just to figure out how to get there.

To help us arrive at this new-and-improved destination for St. John’s well, this Spring, Council created a Strategic Planning Task Force to help us do just that. The group includes myself, Carol Frederich, Ken Kamba, Shannon Keefer and Joel Lunde, giving us representation from Clergy, Council, Property, Communications, Finance and the Foundation. The Task Force draft report has been shared with Council, and soon will be shared with related Ministry Teams and staff. It includes recommended enhancements related to our Asset Management, Communications, Community Building, Education, Facilities, Governance and more.

Later this Fall St. John’s members will be given a chance to review the plan and ask any questions you may have. We will then aim to ratify this 5-year 20242028 roadmap during our December congregational meeting. Feel free to ask any questions you may have, no worries there. We’ll then hop in the car, set our GPS coordinates, and be on our way.

Are we there yet?

No, not yet beloved. But we’re getting there. And our path is becoming clear. So buckle up, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and let Jesus take the wheel. With the Lord guiding our steps, we can relax and enjoy the ride. For with God at the helm we can’t help but head along a good, good path, each and every day.

Rev. Ryan Arnold

6th grade - 8th grade

Confirmation Camp

All Confirmation students are invited to spend a week at Lutheran Lakeside Camp during the summer! Although participation is not required, we strongly encourage it. The week provides a great opportunity for the kids to build lasting friendships with one another, meet confirmation groups from other Lutheran churches, and also get to know their pastors and youth directors. All costs are subsidized by the church and scholarships are also available upon request.

Catechism

6th, 7th, and 8th grade students focus on Luther’s Small Catechism. Luther wrote the Small Catechism as a resource for parents to teach their children about the faith. We now use it primarily in a church setting, and it is what Lutheran churches throughout the world use as the basis for their confirmation programs.

Capstone Project

Confirmation for our 8th graders culminates with a final project designed by each student. Some students may choose to organize a volunteer project, others may want to preach or compose a song, and yet others may decide to organize a community art exhibit. With guidance and supervision, students are encouraged to put together a project that is uniquely them. Towards the end of their 8th grade year students will work with the pastors and director of youth ministry to identify a suitable capstone project and develop a plan of action to successfully complete that project. Students often present their projects during the educational forums in the weeks leading up to Reformation Sunday.

October 31st, while many people are focused on Halloween and sugary treats, Protestants have a different reason to celebrate. This day marks the commemoration of Reformation Day, a pivotal moment in the history of Western society. The events that unfolded on this day in 1517, when Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the church door in Wittenberg, Germany, sparked a debate that eventually led to the Protestant Reformation. Luther challenged the authority of the church of Rome and argued for the primacy of the Bible over church tradition. He also emphasized the importance of faith over good works in our salvation. Luther's teachings had a profound impact on Christian theology and society as a whole, shaping many of the beliefs and practices that we take for granted today. As we reflect on Luther's legacy this Reformation Day, let us strive to be knowledgeable defenders of biblical truth and to share the good news of the gospel with the world!

Join us at St. John's Lutheran Church on October 29th to celebrate a special high holiday! During our Sunday morning Worship Service at 10am, we will be highlighting the achievements of 9 confirmation students. This event is seen by many as the start of the Protestant Reformation, and we invite you to join in the reforming spirit by wearing Red. Let's celebrate the work of the Holy Spirit in reforming and energizing the church in every age!

Join us on the Farm

Reformation Sunday is an extraordinary day for our youth as they become adult members of St. John's Lutheran Church. This year, one of our Alumni Preachers, Erik Christensen (Pastor to the Community & Director of Strategic Initiatives LSTC Seminary), will help us congratulate our Confirmation students on this important milestone!!

6th - 8th Grade Confirmation classes meet on Wednesday nights September - May. Students begin Confirmation in 6th grade and continue through 7th and 8th grade completing the program with a celebration and special service on Reformation Sunday in the fall of their 9th grade year. Contact our Directors of Youth Ministry Donovan and Erin Hill at youth@stjohsdsm.org for more ways to get involved!

2023 Confirmation Students -

Walt Johnson

Abe Kiernan

Tommy Madden

Vaughn McIver Cruz Each

William Ludwig

Landon Knutzon

Other Upcoming Guest Preachers!

St. John’s has been the birthplace and home to many individuals who have received the call to ministry. Join us as we celebrate some of their distinct contributions to the world! A reception to honor guest Pastors will follow each Worship service in the Fireside Lounge. Mary Nesmith Previous St. John's Associate Pastor 1987-1995 September 9, 2023 | 5pm

September 20th | 6pm - 8pm

Come and join us for a wonderful night at the farm! We will be learning new things and having a great time. The best part is that the food we pick will be donated for free to food pantries all over Iowa. It's a wonderful way to give back to the community. If you know of any organizations that could use fresh produce, please let us know. Thank you for trying something new with us and making a difference in the lives of others!

A slice of Summer

"Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other." –

David Spangler

As the summer ends and we look forward to the leaves changing, chilly weather and shopping for school supplies, we also ponder the experiences and joys of the warm months we leave behind. St. John’s Lutheran Church welcomes all people to experience the good news of God’s grace, forgiveness, and unfailing love, and with that sentiment in mind we kicked off the summer by participating in the 44th Annual Capital City Pride Fest celebration!

There is a long history in our community of walking in the Pride Parade and this year we were privileged to partner with the St. John’s Reconciling In Christ (RIC) Team, (faithfully committed to deepening and expanding the many ways the church cares for those who have been “othered” by the church and society) to empower and grow this effort. This tradition continued with record-breaking participation from members, friends, friends of friends and more. The St. John’s presence sent a clear message of love and inclusion, welcoming ALL to the community at 600 6th Avenue.

With the goal of broadening our reach throughout the Pride festivities, my Special Events Team and I were honored to be charged with the coordination and planning for the addition of a St. John’s Pride Booth, in collaboration with RIC. The St. John’s booth included a plethora of branded swag such as t-shirts, rainbow pencils, sidewalk chalk and more. Welcoming new friends was the goal, and the many volunteers worked tirelessly to be outward facing and greet and meet using our give-away items as an introduction and conversation piece regarding St. John’s. We were successful in our mission of making personal connections with passers by, resulting in the disbursement of every giveaway and volunteers and staff that were touched and inspired by the expressions of gratitude, joy and hope. As attendees picked their rainbow pencil, decided on their t-shirt or giggled in anticipation of

creating art with their chalk, we were thanked and embraced repeatedly! It was such a pleasure to have my team join forces with the RIC Team in making this a truly exceptional event today and in the future as we grow in our outreach to the community at large.

Another highlight of the summer was the church Tailgate and I-Cubs game at Principal Park! The Special Event Team plans three independent events a year with this being a part of their ongoing portfolio. A record number of people signed up for the Sunday post-church event. The day was warm, but the spirit of all those in attendance, was full of life and love to share. The gathering, with music, drinks, hotdogs, brats and other traditional tailgate grub was a hit, and the large shade trees were a definite bonus with the record high temps. The I-Cubs lost, but nevertheless it felt like a win with the conversation, laughter and meeting of new friends and old.

As an Events Specialist at St. John’s, I manage various multi-generational events with my team and collaborate with several other ministry groups. Some upcoming events to look for include the Friends of The Arts Patron Party on September 10th and the Stewardship Celebration on November 3rd.

We invite you to attend one of our events so we may know you better and together welcome all that need a community to call home.

Event Specialist Amanda Landers-Each

St. John’s Ministry Teams

At St. John's, we believe in involving all members of our congregation in worship, learning, witness, service, and support. Our Council works tirelessly to ensure that every member feels valued and included. ey also oversee the administration of the congregation and maintain supportive relationships with our pastor(s) and sta . We have a wide range of ministries that we hope you will consider, and join in the fun.Together, we can make a positive impact on our community and beyond.

Human Resources

Responsible for keeping the Sta handbook current, Managing job descriptions and making recommendations on employee pay and bene ts

Congregational Engagement e team aims to make St Johns a welcoming congregation through weekly fellowship and follow-up gatherings

Faithful Friends

Volunteers who call homebound parishioners in need of socialization, emotional support, communion, scripture, or prayer

CISS Meal Sign-up

Prepares and serves meals for Central Iowa Shelter & Services on the 18th and 19th of every month

Special Events is group fosters fellowship through community-based events that are open to all

Arts Visioning is committee encompasses musical and visual arts at St John's.

Helps plan mid-week musical events and artists of the month, and courtyard beauti cation

Finance

Provides oversight in nancial reporting, investment, and budget planning

Stewardship

Oversees the annual stewardship campaign and regularly communicates how the congregation's generosity supports its mission and ministry

Children & Youth is team plans activities for children's ministries (ages 3-12) and youth (ages 13-18)

Property

Assists with maintaining our church property, including prioritizing repairs and providing help or advice on building/grounds upkeep. Assist with projects, cleaning, or handy-person activities

Companion Parish

is group serves as a liaison with the Mramba parish in Tanzania, our sister congregation

Global Mission

Leads global ministry e orts outside our immediate community. Purchase/donate items for school kits, fair trade items, and clothing drives. Sew or tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief

Worship Ministry Team

Includes representatives from all the worship leadership groups – musicians, worship guides, sound technicians, altar guild, clergy, etc. and works to support St. John's liturgical, musical, and welcoming worship life

Altar Guild

e Altar Guild is entrusted with the privilege of preparing the chancel and its furnishings for worship—both to glorify God and to provide a setting which enables the congregation to worship in a meaningful way

Welcome to St. J ohn'S!

Meet Joey

Hi, my name is Joey Vazquez and I'm 38 years old. As a Virgo, I'm constantly learning to love myself and be a helpful person to those around me. Growing up in poverty with 4 siblings, I often felt like I didn't belong. This led me to turn to alcohol and drugs at a young age, but now I am in an active recovery program and helping others who are struggling. I believe that God has brought me to Des Moines for a reason and I am grateful for the Church of St. John's where I feel welcomed. Through my faith in Jesus and the inspiration I find in music, I feel free on the inside and have the assurance that God has my back. I'm excited to be a part of the community at the Church of St. John's and look forward to making new connections here in Des Moines.

H i Grant Family!

Christopher (Chris) was born and raised in Des Moines and attended college at Drake University. Carissa was born and raised in Northern Iowa and attended college at the University of Northern Iowa. After graduating, Carissa accepted a job at KDSM Fox 17 and moved to Des Moines while Chris was working as an Assistant Manager at the Hy-Vee on Fleur Drive. This is where they met, finding each other on opposite sides of the express checkout lane. With a little help from a mutual friend and co-worker, they went on a first date to Fongs Pizza in the Fall of 2010. A year later, on a carriage ride down Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, Chris popped the question. They were married in 2013 here at St. Johns. The next year, they moved to Ankeny to start their life together.

Chris works at Principal as a Product Owner and Carissa works as a Business Manager at Dotdash Meredith. They have 3 children, Hudson and Jaxson age 8, and Theodore(Teddy) age 1. For hobbies, they enjoy being active and outside (gardening, walks, parks, pools, waterparks and amusement parks), movies, county fairs, road trips around Iowa, and local ice cream shops.

Welcome Kenn!

Before presenting my bio as a new member of St. John’s Lutheran, let me express my sincere thanks for the warm welcoming I’ve received from many of the members and from Rev. Ryan.

I grew up in southwestern Kansas as a Presbyterian, moved to Topeka for high school and college, got married and had two beautiful daughters, and moved to Des Moines in 1970 after graduate school. Later in life, my wife Colleen led me to become an Episcopalian at St. Luke’s in Des Moines. When our children became the only ones in Sunday School, we transferred to St. Timothy’s Episcopal in West Des Moines. Both Colleen and I served on the boards and several committees of both churches, as well as teaching in their Sunday Schools.

Academically, I received a bachelor’s degree from Washburn University in Topeka, KS, a master's degree from Kansas University in Lawrence, KS, and a doctorate degree from Ashbourne University in London, England. I was a professor for several years teaching business courses at Grand View University (where I was helped very much by Ron Taylor), and then became a Clinical Associate Professor at Des Moines University’s Graduate Program in Healthcare Administration.

Business-wise, I began my career as an executive at the Kansas State Health Department, and after graduating from KU, joined the Iowa State Health Department. Later, I became a Sr. VP at the Iowa Hospital Association (where Colleen and I worked together with the Latessa’s and have remained their friends for many years). After six years as an executive at Wellmark BCBS, I established my own consulting firm, dealing with healthcare providers (hospitals and medical clinics), and health insurers. My last client was developing and administering an association of independent rural hospitals.

I’ve authored quite a few books, mostly non-fiction history. After teaching Sunday School for 20 years, I authored a book titled “Bible Stories for Young Children” and will give a copy of that book to St. John’s Sunday School.

I’m looking forward to being a participating member of St. John’s (serving meals at the homeless shelter, joining the book club, participating on the strategic committee, and enjoying the camaraderie at coffee before Sunday service).

Nice to meet you, Liz!

Liz is the primary contact for our office and is already helping us modernize our approach to inventory management, room reservations and administrative support here at St. John’s. Liz brings with her significant experience in other office environments including Archer Daniels Midland and Interstate Batteries, and was both a teacher and Director of a local childcare center too. Her office hours are Monday through Thursdays each week, feel free to pop in to introduce yourself and give her a hearty hello. Welcome to St. John’s, Liz, we’re just thrilled to have you on the team!

Youth ATST.JOHN'S

All Programming runs September - May

Children

3 years old - 5th Grade

Sunday School – Sundays 9am - 9:50am | Room 205 (on the 2nd Floor) Kid’s music will happen during the Sunday School hour during Advent and Lent

Youth

6th - 8th Grade

Weekly Confirmation Group

Wednesdays 6:30pm-7:30pm (In Neumann Hospitality Center)

6th-12th Grade

Youth Hour (Middle School/High School

Aged Youth) – 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month 9am -9:50am

Multipurpose Room (on the 3rd Floor)

9th-12th Grade

High School Youth Group –

1st Wednesday of each month 7pm -8pm Offsite or DDI

St. John's Inaugural Blessing of Pets

Come celebrate the bond between you and your furry friends at St. John's on Saturday, October 7th, starting at 11am! The Blessing of Animals will be a new heartwarming tradition demonstrating God and the Church's love and care for all of creation. By recognizing our interdependence with animals, we strengthen our witness of stewardship of creation. This year, why not honor St. Francis of Assisi's love for all creatures by bringing your pet to the west parking lot outside the courtyard for a special service? This is also a great chance to teach your children about the importance of helping endangered and abused animals. Consider donating pet food or gently used blankets and towels to your local animal shelter to make a difference in their lives. Don't miss out on this opportunity to show your appreciation for your furry friends!

WE LovE our vo Lunt EErS

Beloved Community

First Wednesday monthly, September 2023 - May 2024

A favorite of many at St. John’s and our neighbors, St. John’s Beloved Community meal blends multigenerational feasts, education, and music and is available to all! This coming fall, the Beloved Community will convene on the first Wednesday of each month. The dish will be posted on Facebook the Tuesday prior, and a vegetarian/gluten-free option will be available. If you’re interested in volunteering in this special group, contact Carol Lunde, this season’s Beloved Community Coordinator at carolmlunde@gmail.com! Thank you Carol!

This Season’s Beloved Community Schedule:

September 6, October 4, November 1, December 6, February 7, March 6, and May 1

• 5pm – 6pm | Adult Handbell Choir Rehearsal

Fuller Music Room

• 5:30pm - 6:30pm | Beloved Community

Weertz Fellowship Hall

• 6:30pm – 8:30pm | Nursery Care

Ages Birth through Age 3

• 6:30pm – 7:30pm | Bible Study

Neumann Hospitality Center

• 6:30pm - 8pm | Cathedral Choir Rehearsal

Chapel

• 6:30pm - 7:30pm | Weekly Confirmation Group

Weertz Fellowship Hall

• 7pm- 8pm | High School Youth Group

Offsite or Do Drop In

Volunteer Recognition Event

September 16th &17th | After Worship Service | Weertz

The compassion our cherished volunteers show to the people we serve is truly inspiring. It's heartwarming to see how much of a difference their words and actions make in the lives of those who find themselves in need of the services we provide, both at and beyond St. John’s. We understand how stressful it can be, and that's why we're so grateful for the volunteers who go above and beyond.

We're excited to announce our upcoming Volunteer Recognition Event this fall. This event is to highlight the amazing work our volunteers do and the impact they make on the community. We want to recognize their selfless contributions, which are the best and greatest assets of our society. We hope this event will show how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication.

Our volunteers generously dedicate their time and labor to various charity programs, such as CISS, The Bridge, Connection Cafe, and Faithful friends, and to keep our weekly worship services running smoothly, and so much more! We cannot thank them enough for the wonderful, inspiring job they do. May God bless them for their tremendous initiative.

Thank you, volunteers, for all that you do!

FRIENDS OF THE ARTS

Patron Party

Connect with Friends

Arts Program Highlights

Hors d’oeuvres & Beverages

Sunday, September 10, 2023 | 4-6 pm

Raccoon River Park Nature Lodge

2500 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines

MIDWEEK Music Series

We're excited to announce that the Fall 2023 Midweek Music Series is starting Wednesday, November 1st! As always, these concerts are free and open to everyone, and they will take place at 12:05 pm in the St. John's Sanctuary.

But wait, there's more! Following each Midweek Music Series performance, we'll be serving lunch. For just $8 per person, you can enjoy a delicious meal in Neumann, which is located on the same level as the Sanctuary. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones, all while enjoying some great food. We can't wait to see you there!

Join

November 1, 2023

November 8, 2023

November 15, 2023

November 22, 2023

November 29, 2023

St. John's Faithful Friends

At St. John's Lutheran Church, we believe that taking care of each other is an important part of being a community. This is especially true for those who may be feeling isolated or alone, such as our elderly and sick parishioners. We understand that missing out on companionship and conversations can be difficult, so we've created the Faithful Friend Group to offer support.

Our weekly live-streaming services and communion visits are just a few of the ways we bring the church to those who can't attend in person. We keep our homebound members connected to our community, as they miss their friends and interactions with other church members.

We're always looking for volunteers who want to make a difference and bring joy to someone's day. Let's work together to create a community where everyone feels valued and cared for. If you're interested in joining the Faithful Friend Group and spreading friendship with St. John's Lutheran Church, please get in touch with our Business Office at 515-243-7691 or email mail@stjohnsdsm.org. We'd love to have you with us!

St. John’s Lutheran Church

600 Sixth Avenue

Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1606

515-243-7691

Return Service Requested

St. John’s Lutheran Church

In the City for Good

We invite and welcome all people to experience the Good News of God’s grace, forgiveness and unfailing love. This church participates in God’s mission to bless, save, restore and reconcile the world through meaningful worship and faithful witness in the city of Des Moines and around the world.

Sign up for our quarterly For Good Magazine, by visiting the link or scanning the QR code below: stjohnsdsm.com/updates