Winter For Good Magazine

For Good Winter 2023

A Magazine of St. John’s Lutheran Church

Contents

From our Pastor | ³

Welcome New Members & Youth Fundraiser | 4-5 Prepare for Advent | 6-7 2024 Stewardship | 8

Tech Update & The Arts | 9

RIC @ St. John's & Poinsettia Fundraiser | 10 Nativity Offerings | 11

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

Blue Christmas Join us on December 10, 2023 at 3pm in our Chapel, for our Blue Christmas Worship Service. All are welcome to this special service of comfort acknowledging our suffering in a season where others seem so joyful. You are not alone. Come be blessed and reassured by the love of Jesus Christ. Invite a friend or family member to attend with you.

A reception with soup and bread follows.

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Katie Pithan Office Coordinator kpithan@stjohnsdsm.org Ann Strom Director of Children’s Ministry astrom@stjohnsdsm.org Bruce Remmey Technology Specialist bremmey@stjohnsdsm.org

The Ligh t Returns The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it. – John 1:5 Most weekday mornings, at 6:45am, my cellphone alarm rings, rousing me out of bed. Standing now, I groggily meander over to my ten-year-old son Graham’s room to get him out of bed too. Good morning, lil dude, I’ll say in a soft voice. Time to get up. Sometimes my wife Kathi comes over to sing a silly song. Then we’ll mention the lights will be turned on in 3-2-1, illuminating his room.

Graham then gets up, puts on his clothes, takes the dog outside, unloads the dishwasher, has breakfast. We’ll then soon head out the door, walking the half mile to school, talking, meeting up with friends, other parents. We do this to prepare, as best we can, to have a great day.

Earlier this Fall, as October turned to November, I noticed something. As the days got shorter, and it became darker at 6:45am, it was also getting more difficult to get Graham out of bed. It’s so dark! he’d exclaim. It really was.

Everything is so much harder when you can’t see where you’re going.

But then an aha: Hey Graham, I mentioned to him one morning, good news, daylight savings time is coming up! Soon we’ll be able to see better when you awake. That makes everything easier.

The big day came, November 5, and overnight, the light returned. Our morning routine quickly got back on track. But now, a few weeks later, darkness once creeps in on our mornings.

We now find ourselves looking toward the winter solstice on December 21, biding our time for when more light will inevitably appear. It’s just a few weeks more now. We’re getting close. And then, day by day, bit by bit, the routines we rely on to prepare for the day will come with more ease. Less struggle.

And then, a few days after that, amid the humble beginnings of a starry sky, shepherds and a babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, we look, once again, for the light to guide our way.

Good news beloved! A savior, born in Bethlehem, will be here soon. He is the light that shines in the darkness, illuminating our way. The light always returns when we need it most.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.

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Get to know our new Members of St. John’s Rachel Danielson, Susan and Bill Flemr, Gary and Kay Kinkel, Sarah and Evan Lembke, Stephen ValbrachtMarvella Heyl, Michelle Blackburn, and Mary Nesmith!

Rachel Danielson I am originally from Mason City, IA. I went to school at Grand View University where I studied nursing and played on the women's basketball team. I currently work as a Pediatric Nurse in Ankeny. I have been involved in the Lutheran Church since I was very young and I am excited to be a part of this congregation!

Lembke Family Sarah Lembke lives in Des Moines with her two children Luca (3 years old) and Liam (10 months old), along with her husband Evan. The couple met at Iowa State University and then lived in St. Paul, Minnesota while Sarah pursued her Master's degree in Historic Preservation Architecture. She enjoys running around the city, notably Gray's and Easter Lakes. She often has the boys with her in the double jogging stroller. Luca enjoys playing with cars, trains, and airplanes. Liam enjoys beginning to eat solid foods, and so far is a real foodie!

Sarah is excited to join St. John's for the opportunity to raise her two boys in the faith community and for the fellowship of the congregation.

The Flemrs _ Bill and Sue Sue and Bill both grew up in the Chicago area. They make a joyful return to St. John's after an absence of 50 years!

Sue first became a member when her dad, Louis H. Valbracht, became senior pastor here in 1962. Sue and Bill returned to Des Moines with their 1-year-old twin sons and joined St. John's in1969 as Bill completed his college work at Grandview and Drake.

Sue worked as a registered nurse with the Des Moines Public Health Nurses and got to know the city well.

The family moved again as Bill completed college and went on to the Lutheran School of Theology and was ordained at St. John's in 1975.

Bill's ministry took the family to a number of places in Iowa and Arkansas.

Sue was able to find fulfilling nursing positions in all those places. In 1998 Sue left her nursing career and entered Wartburg Theological Seminary, with 4

Bill's full support. This was a call to pastoral ministry that she first experienced as a 13-year-old..but needless to say there were no women in the Lutheran denomination in 1956. Sue was ordained in 2002 and has served several congregations.

Both retired, they are thrilled to be back in Des Moines at Scottish Rite Park senior living facility and back at St. John's.

They feel the energy of the Holy Spirit at worship both in perso and online and look forward to the joy of getting to know the congregational members and participating as able in the ongoin transformation of this beloved community. We are grateful for the "Welcome Home."

Kay Kinkel I am glad to return to the Des Moines area, more specifically St. John’s, after an 18-year hiatus. I was a member here from 2003-2005, before I married and joined my husband, Gary at his church(es), which most recently included St. John’s Lutheran Church in Shakopee, MN. We returned when he retired last spring to be closer to adult kids and grandchildren in Des Moines and Ankeny. I continue to work as a Licensed Independent Social Worker, and I provide mental health therap via telehealth from my home office. I came to social work later in life after serving for 25 years as an Associate in Ministry (a roster now called Deacon) in the ELCA, including three parish in youth and educational ministries, and 6 years as Assistant to Bishop Philip Hougen. Between us, Gary and I have 5 children I have 2 adult daughters, Claire (Sabin) Koenig, Meghan (Sabin Hammond who lives in Ankeny with her husband, Dave and 10-year-old son, Adam and 7-year-old daughter, Audrey. Whe not working or spending time with family, I enjoy cooking and bread-baking.

Gary Kinkel I am glad to be at St. John’s Lutheran Church, though I never would have imagined that this is where I would be at this point in my life. I am deeply glad to be able to be near two of our children and five of our grandchildren. I grew up in the Moravian Church in the Minneapolis, MN area. After an experience at the age of 14 in which Jesus encountered me, I began carrying a Bible with me everywhere I went (including school). When I wasn’t playing a sport, I was reading the Bible, or a book about the Bible. After college I attended Moravian Seminary in Bethlehem, PA. Following graduation from Seminary with my M.Div., I went on to Union Seminary in Richmond, VA for another degree in theology.

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During the one year in which I completed that degree, I also was the founding pastor of a new Moravian congregation in Richmond. From there I moved on to the University of Iowa, where I earned my Ph.D. under the direction of Dr. George Forell. I taught for three years at Simpson College and at the University of Northern Iowa in full time but non-tenure track positions. I then served two Moravian congregations in Wisconsin for five years. At that point, Simpson College offered me a tenure track position and I accepted. For about 15 years I was the Matthew Simpson Professor of Religion there. I taught all the Bible courses, everything theological, and some philosophy. In 2001 I transferred my membership and my clergy orders from the Moravian Church into the ELCA. In 2008, for a variety of reasons, I left the college and returned to parish ministry. I have written some books and numerous scholarly essays and book reviews. Having retired May 1, I continue to research, think, and write.

Mary Nesmith's love of the intercultural was embedded at an early age. Her father was in Higher Education and held positions such as Dean of Students at Vanderbilt University, Cairo American College, Stephens College, and the University of Dayton. The five years her family lived in Cairo afforded trips to many places in Europe. As a child she remembers seeing Michelangelo’s David, the Sistine Chapel, the Lippizaner horses, the Acropolis, and the clear blue of the Aegean Sea. She chose the Lutheran School of Theology because of its strong emphasis in taking classes from other denominational seminaries within the LSTC consortion. Her hunger for continued inter-cultural exposure led to her internship at the American Lutheran Church in Brussel’s Belgium. After graduation in 1987, she joyfully received the call to serve as Associate Pastor under Pastor Jerry Schmalenberger and alongside Pastor Bob Dotzel. Pastor Mary remembers telling herself, even during those 7 and a half years, that “these will always be the good old days of my ministry.”

Indeed they were. Pastor Mary went on to serve parishes in Norcross (Atlanta).

Georgia. Southeast Florida, and several interim positions in Alabama and Southwest Florida. Her penchant to serve those who were hurting led her to a five year employment with Hospice of Palm Beach County. She found this as a truly holy calling as she sat with many dying patients until their last breath and ministered to their grieving families.

A ti t t le child....

Join us for a sizzling celebration on Saturday, January 6th, 2024, after Saturday night service as we spice up Epiphany with our annual Chili Contest!

Bring your tastiest, most mouthwatering chili concoctions to the table, and let your culinary prowess shine.

Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home kitchen enthusiast, this is your chance to showcase your unique chili masterpiece. The competition will be fierce, but the flavors will be even hotter! Take advantage of this opportunity to tantalize your taste buds and be crowned the Chili Champion of Epiphany. So, dust off your aprons, fire up those pots and get ready to bowl us over with your chili expertise. Let's make this Epiphany an unforgettable feast for the senses! Contact Erin and Donovan Hill at youth@stjohnsdsm.org if you have questions or want to enter the contest. Get ready to vote with your proceeds and indulge in the ultimate chili showdown! These dollars will help support youth heading to the Youth Gathering in New Orleans in the summer of 2024.

The years added up and 30 years later she became the victim of Hurricane Michael, a category 5 hurricane. She watched her ceilings and all the insulation fall in, no power or water for weeks, and the growth of mold. It took its toll.

After prayerful consideration, Pastor Mary submitted her retirement papers and officially retired after 30 years of active ministry. She bought her retirement home in Crawfordville, Florida which is 40 miles south of Tallahassee. She lives with a dear friend and three furbabies! They keep her happy and busy.

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Bring Advent Home!

December 3rd, First Sunday of Advent Stir up your power, and come! The psalmist's plea in Psalm 80:2 has become familiar to us in the Advent prayers. Isaiah wants God to rip the heavens open. Both cry out for an apparently distant, angry God to show up, to save, to restore. When we hear Jesus describing the coming of the Son of Man with stars falling from heaven, it can sound dire and horrible, not like anything we would ever hope for. But when we really look at the suffering of people God loves, we can share the hope that God would tear open the heavens and come We commemorate Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, died 1552 Francis Xavier (sayv-yehr) was born in the Basque region of northern Spain. Francis's native Basque language is unrelated to any other, and Francis admitted that learning languages was difficult for him. Despite this obstacle he became a missionary to India, Southeast Asia, Japan, and the Philippines. At each point he learned the local language and, like Martin Luther, wrote catechisms for the instruction of new converts. Another obstacle Francis overcame to accomplish his mission work was a propensity to seasickness. All his travels to the Far East were by boat. Together with Ignatius Loyola and five others, Francis formed the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Francis spoke out against the Spanish and Portuguese colonists when he discovered their oppression of the Indigenous people to whom he was sent as a missionary.

Prayer for the lighting of the first candle Use this blessing when lighting the first candle. Praise to you, O God, our salvation who is near. You hold us in our waiting and keep us awake to the world.

You show up in our lives at unexpected times. Bless us as we light this candle to keep vigil for your arrival. We trust that even though we do not know the day or the hour, you hurry to gather all people to your peace. Amen.

December 4th, We commemorate John of Damascus, theologian and hymnwriter, died around 749.

Born to a wealthy family in Damascus and well educated, John left a career in finance and government to become a monk in an abbey near Jerusalem. He wrote many hymns as well as theological works.

Foremost among the latter is a work called The Fount of Wisdom, which touches on philosophy, heresy, and the orthodox faith. This summary of patristic theology remained influential for centuries.

December 6th, We commemorate – Nicholas, Bishop of Myra, died around 342. Though Nicholas is one of the church's most beloved saints, little is known about his life. In the fourth century he was a bishop in what is now Turkey. Legends that surround Nicholas tell of his love for God and neighbor, especially the poor. One famous story tells of Nicholas secretly giving bags of gold to the three daughters of a father who was going to sell them into prostitution because he could not provide dowries for them.

Nicholas has become a symbol of anonymous gift giving.

December 7th, We commemorate – Ambrose, Bishop of Milan, died 397. Ambrose was a governor of northern Italy and a catechumen when he was elected bishop of Milan. He was baptized, ordained, and consecrated a bishop within one week's time. While bishop he gave away his wealth and lived in simplicity. He was a famous preacher and is largely responsible for the conversion of Augustine. He is also well known for writing hymns. On one occasion, Ambrose led people in a hymn he wrote while the church in which they were secluded was threatened by attack from Gothic soldiers. The soldiers turned away, unwilling to attack a congregation that was singing a hymn. Ambrose is credited with authorship of three hymns in Evangelical Lutheran Worship, including "Savior of the nations, come" (ELW 263).

December 10th, Second Sunday of Advent John calls people to repent, to clear the decks, to completely reorder their lives so that nothing gets in the way of the Lord's coming. The reading from Isaiah gives the context for this radical call: the assurance of forgiveness that encourages us to repent; the promise that the coming one will be gentle with the little ones. Isaiah calls us all to be heralds with John, to lift up our voices fearlessly and say, "See, your God is coming!" We say it to one another in worship, in order to say it with our lives in a world in need of justice and peace.

Prayer for lighting of the second candle Praise to you, O God, who gives us courage to start again. You fasten righteousness around your waist and baptize with the Holy Spirit’s fire. Bless us as we mirror your mighty fire in these simple flames, and teach us to mirror your justice in the paths we prepare. We ask that peace abound, until none hurt or destroy over all the earth. Amen.

December 13th, We commemorate – Lucy, martyr, died 304. Lucy was a young Christian of Sicily who was martyred during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian. Apparently she had decided to devote her life to God and her possessions to the poor. Beyond that, however, little is known for certain about Lucy. However, her celebration became particularly important in Sweden and Norway, perhaps because the feast of Lucia (the name means "light") originally fell on the shortest day of the year.

A tradition arose of a girl in the household, wearing a crown of candles, bringing saffron rolls to her family early in the morning on the day of Lucia.

December 14th, We commemorate – John of the Cross, renewer of the church, died 1591. John was a monk of the Carmelite religious order who met Teresa of Avila when she was working to reform the Carmelite Order and return it to a stricter observance of its rules. He followed Teresa's lead and encouraged others to follow her reform. He was imprisoned when he encountered opposition to the reform. His writings, like Teresa's, reflect a deep interest in mystical thought and meditation. In one of John's poems, "The Spiritual Canticle," he cried, "Oh, that my griefs would end! Come, grant me thy fruition full and free!"

December 17th, Third Sunday of Advent "Rejoice always," begins the reading from 1 Thessalonians. Isaiah and the psalmist make clear that God is turning our mourning into laughter and shouts of joy. "All God's children got a robe," go the words of a spiritual. It is not so much a stately, formal, pressed outfit as it is a set of party clothes, clothes we are happy to wear. We receive that robe in baptism, and in worship we gather for a foretaste of God's party.

Prayer for lighting of the third candle Praise to you, O God, who holds our joy and sorrow. You bring water to parched ground and life out of death. Bless us as this light grows, and send sorrow and sighing to flee away.

Give us strength and patience, trusting that you are true to your promises. Transform the lives of all who suffer with your wonders near at hand. Amen.

December 20th, We commemorate – Katharina von Bora Luther, renewer of the church, died 1552. Born to an impoverished nobleman, Katharina (Katie) was five when her mother died, and she was sent to live in a convent. She later took vows as a nun, but around age twenty-four she and several other nuns who were influenced by the writings of Martin Luther left the convent. Six children were born to Katie and Martin. Though initially Luther felt little affection for Katie, she proved herself a gifted household manager and became a trusted partner. She was so influential that Luther took to calling her "my lord Katie."

Sunday, December 24th, Fourth Sunday of Advent God keeps the promise made to David to give him an everlasting throne. The angel tells Mary that God will give David's throne to her son Jesus. She is perplexed by Gabriel's greeting and by the news of her coming pregnancy, but she is able still to say, "Count me in." We who know that Jesus is called king only as he is executed still find it a mystery hard to fathom, but with Mary today we hear the news of what God is up to and say, "Count us in."

Prayer for lighting of the fourth candle Praise to you, O God, who lives with us, sharing our flesh and bones. As Mary waited and Joseph dreamed, so we dream and wait for you. Bless us and let your face shine upon us, more radiant than these candles, and more dear than all else we seek. Restore us when we fail to refuse the evil and choose the good, and banish all our fears. We pray in the name of Emmanuel, your promised child and our Savior. Amen.

S tewardship St. John’s Lutheran is a congregation known for being In The City For Good, sharing the love of Christ with all we encounter. Our mission is to bless, save, restore and reconcile the world, through meaningful worship and faithful witness in Des Moines and beyond.

Our congregation is known for memorable traditional worship in a space that inspires, music that soars, and preaching that relates. We are passionate about impacting the lives of marginalized people, in Godhonoring ways, in our city, country and across the globe.

We’ve been doing all this since 1865 – over 158 years now – and are so grateful for your role in helping us along the way.

With an energetic new Senior Pastor and talented programming and support staff now in place, we are excited to partner with you, the members of our beloved St. John’s, to take on the challenges of modern ministry in the coming years.

Modernize Our Communications Technology: With a new app-based church database tool for members, upgraded financial reporting software, and a new user-friendly website. To do this we’ll need an additional $300 each week.

Increase Outward Benevolence: Back to pre-pandemic levels for important ministry partners including the Bridge, the Southeastern Iowa Synod, After School Arts Program and Central Iowa Shelter & Services. To do this we’ll need an additional $300 each week.

While that sounds like a lot, fear not beloved, with God’s help we can do it! If you would, please pray for St. John’s, that God continues to show us how best to meet the needs of our community through our varied ministry initiatives.

Bless are bles

Eliminatethe Our2024 Budget Deficit If you have not yet received Stewardship appeal materials through mail to contact our Finance With your help we cut our annual budget deficit in 2023, as Office at finance@stjohnsdsm.org. highly adopted, by over 50% compared toWe 2022, wow!

With your help we can balance our the first time in 8 years, appreciate your partnership inbudget the for coming year and ensuring valued ministries like worship, youth and family, our look forward to being "In The City For Good" with facilities and our staff have the resources needed to help us you, welcoming serve all of God's children everyone God calls us to care forinto well. Tothe do thisbeloved we’ll need an additional $900 each week. community of St. John's that we call home.

ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCH RANGE OF GIF TS GIVEN AND HOPED FOR

Our goal is lofty: $100,000 of additional giving in 2024. And we have some great plans that will help see us into our future at 600 6th Avenue for years to come.

With your help we plan to:

Number of Current Givers

Number of Hoped for Givers

GIFT LEVEL WEEKLY RATE

320 Total

As you look over the c prayerfully ask yourse following:

This graph displays two charts of our giving. The first shows how many gifts are currently being given at the indicated weekly amounts. The other shows how many gifts are needed in each level to reach our goal.

As you look over the charts, prayerfully ask yourself the following:

• How does my giving level compare with other ways I use my money?

• How adequately does my giving reflect my gratitude to God for all the blessings I have received?

• Where would I be if I doubled my offerings? And can I consider doing that?

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This graph displays tw our giving. The first sh many gifts are current given at the indicated amounts. The other sh many gifts are needed level to reach our goa

• How does my giving l compare with other w money?

• How much more could I give if I really wanted to?

Eliminate Our Budget Deficit: With your help, we cut our annual budget deficit in 2023, as adopted, by over 50% compared to 2022, wow! With your help, we can balance our budget for the first time in 8 years, ensuring valued ministries like worship, youth, and family, our facilities, and our staff have the resources needed to help us serve everyone God calls us to care for well. To do this we’ll need an additional $900 each week.

320 Total

Number of Hoped for Givers

Fully Fund Our Associate Pastor: We are currently relying on the generosity of a onetime bequest to launch this vital role for the first four years. With your help we can bake 100% of funding for this position into our budget right now. To do this we’ll need an additional $500 each week.

280 Total

GIFT LEVEL WEEKLY RATE

• How adequately does reflect my gratitude to the blessings I have re

• Where would I be if I my offerings? And can doing that?

• How much more could really wanted to?

Tech update There is an exciting initiative underway at St. John’s. We are in the initial stages of implementing an integrated Church Management Software (ChMS). St. John’s is moving from RDS (which is no longer meeting the needs of St. John’s) to a new church management system called Shelby Next. This web-based system helps churches track, manage, and organize visitors, members, volunteers, small groups, and ministries. It includes a financial module, organizes mass communications, and streamlines administrative tasks such as service support, reporting, and work coordination.

It also includes a website module, mobile application, attendance tools, and allows for congregational interaction and provides self-serve options.

During the Fall of 2023 we will be implementing the database and financial module, with the goal of completion prior to the end of 2023.

In the spring of 2024, we will be introducing the mobile application and database to the congregation. In the fall of 2024, we plan to deploy our new Shelby-based website.

Once we have converted to the new database and launched the application in the spring, the congregation will be invited to training sessions to assist in updating profiles, utilizing the mobile application, and performing other functions within Shelby Next.

If you are interested in taking a sneak peek at Shelby Next, feel free to go to… https://www. shelbysystems.com/church-management/ We look forward to connecting with you in the coming months as we implement this new Church Management Software at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Bruce Remmey Technology Specialist

Fall 2023 Midweek Music Series November 8

Lyric Winds, Simpson College affiliate faculty members

November 15 Joel Gettys and Grace Johnson, vocalists; Michael Elsbernd, piano, perform Broadway tunes

Fall 2023 22 Midweek Music Seriesinstrumental music November Bruch Trio featuring November 8 Lyric Winds, Simpson College affiliate faculty November 29 Joshua Boggs, countertenor, offers a program of members early music; Boggs currently serves as the Director of Musical Grand View University November 15 Joel GettysArts andat Grace Johnson, vocalists; December 6

Michael Elsbernd, piano,Brass perform Broadway Scott Davis and Festival shares the sounds tunes of the season

November 22spring BruchMidweek Trio featuring Dates for the Music instrumental Series season music are April 3, 10, 17, 24 and May 1. Stay tuned for more information!

November 29 Joshua Boggs, countertenor, offers a program of early music; Boggs currently serves as the Director Performing Arts/Concerts St. John’s of Musical Arts at at Grand View University December 6 Scott3,Davis Sunday, December 2023,and 4:00Festival pm Brass shares the sounds of the season Julefest — Grand View University’s Choir and Wind Ensemble bring Holiday Cheer to St. John’s Lutheran Church Dates for the spring Midweek Music Series season are April 3, 10, Friday, February 2024, 7:00for pmmore information!

17, 24 and May 1.2,Stay tuned Luther College Nordic Choir — honoring the Lutheran choral tradition while also featuring new and innovative choral works, the Performing Arts/Concerts at St. John’s Nordic Choir showcases versatility, artistry, and technical mastery across many genres of music; Nordic Choir is Luther College’s Sunday, December 3, 2023, 4:00 pm principal choral ensemble Julefest — Grand View University’s Choir and Wind Ensemble bring Holiday Cheer St. John’s Church Sunday, February 25,to2024, 2:30 Lutheran pm Annual February organ recital with Dr. Elsbernd at the bench Friday, 2, 2024, 7:00Michael pm

Luther College Nordic Choir7:00 — honoring the Lutheran choral traSaturday, March 2, 2024, pm dition while alsofilms, featuring and innovative choralHeart” works,(1913) the Two short silent D.W.new Griffith’s “The Mothering Nordic ChoirChaplin showcases versatility, artistry, and technical and Charlie in “The Rink” (1915); watch the films mastery and across manyBenoit’s genres original of music; Nordiccompositions Choir is Luther College’s enjoy John musical performed principal choral orchestra ensemble with a 17-piece February 25, 2024, 2:30 pm Sunday, April 21, 2024 Annual organ recital with Dr. Michael Elsbernd at the bench Madrigal Dinner — Springtime!

Renaissance-style!

Lords, ladies, common folk, masters of revelry, fools, jesters and musicians will Saturday, March 2, 2024, 7:00 pm gather ‘round the festive hall; food and drink will grace the tables Two short silent films, D.W. Griffith’s “The Mothering Heart” (1913) and the rafters will resound with songs, andfilms silliness! and Charlie Chaplin in “The Rink” (1915);stories watch the and

enjoy John Benoit’s original musical compositions performed with a 17-piece orchestra The Midweek Music Series is funded by Friends of the Arts at St. Sunday, April 21, 2024 John’s. For more information on this and other Arts programs, Madrigal — the Springtime!

Renaissance-style!

Lords, ladies, including Dinner Artist of Month and the common folk, masters of or revelry, fools,a jesters and musicians will Performing Arts Series, to make gather ‘round food and drink will grace the tables donation to the Thefestive Arts hall; at St. John’s, and thevisit rafters will resound with songs, please stjohnsdsm.org/arts.

If you stories and silliness! would like to receive emails about the Arts at St. John’s, please send an email The Midweek Music Series is funded by Friends of the Arts at St. to arts@stjohnsdsm.org.

John’s. For more information on this and other Arts programs, including Artist of the Month and the Performing Arts Series, or to make a Lutheran Church donation to The ArtsSt. at John’s St. John’s, 600 Sixth Avenue  Des Moines, Iowa please visit stjohnsdsm.org/arts. If you  stjohnsdm.org 9 would like to receive 515.243.7691 emails about the Arts at St. John’s, please send an email

The Arts at S t. Johns

All Are Welcome

Becoming a Reconciling In Christ Congregation ALL ARE WELCOME! Familiar words, indeed. These words are what we believe as Lutheran Christians. These words are part of our communion liturgy. These words are on the marquee at the corner of 6th Avenue and Watson Powell Way. ALL ARE WELCOME! The St. John’s community has traditionally been a welcoming place, but we’ve been encouraged…even challenged…to become more intentional in how we welcome and affirm each other and those who might be different than us.

At its annual retreat last January, the St. John’s Congregational Council approved a process to become more welcoming and affirming; in particular, to become an official “Reconciling In Christ” (RIC) congregation. What does that mean? It means that St. John’s, as a faith community, is committing itself to be more intentional in welcoming and affirming ALL of God’s children…whether they are LGBTQ+, black, white, multi-ethnic, whatever the difference. ALL ARE WELCOME! Early this year, 34 St. John’s members, representing a wide spectrum of the congregation, came together to form the RIC Core Leadership Team. Utilizing tools and curriculum available through Reconciling Works, the Core Team met monthly to discuss, discern, and pray about what the RIC process would could look like here at St. John’s. The process has involved engaging many members individually in conversation about what it means to be “welcoming and affirming.” It included hosting forums to discuss pronouns and terminology frequently applied to often-marginalized communities. It has included a deep study of scripture passages that have been weaponized against those who are different. Over 175 people were involved in these engagement opportunities. The next significant step will be when the Congregation considers and, hopefully, approves, a new Statement of Welcome.

There has been a lot of heavy lifting these past many months, for sure! It could be argued that the heaviest lifting lies ahead…as the St. John’s faith community fully commits to welcoming and affirming ALL of those in our midst…and becoming a recognized “Reconciling In Christ” (RIC) congregation!!

Jim Swanstrom RIC Task Force Chair

“ALL ARE WELCOME.” It’s not just a saying or jingle. These are familiar words. Words that will be backed by our actions in welcoming and affirming ALL of God’s children, regardless of any our differences.

Poinset tia Fundraiser You're cordially invited to participate in beautifying the sanctuary this Christmas season. You can contribute by purchasing a poinsettia for $16 or making a donation to the Connection Café, which is a 501(C)3 organization that helps feed the most vulnerable members of the community during this time of year. Any amount received over and above the cost is directed to the Altar Flowers restricted fund, and you also have the option to donate to the Café. The poinsettias can be dedicated in honor or in memory of a family or individual, and all who contribute are listed in the Christmas Bulletin. Please make sure to print legibly on the form, so we don’t miss any of your special details! There are a variety of ways to submit your form, leading up to December 19th. The poinsettias will decorate the sanctuary from December 24th to January 1st, and you are welcome to pick up your purchased poinsettias on December 25th and January 1st after the worship service.

• Mail to 600 6th Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309 • At the Office, Mon – Thurs 9am – 4pm • Drop in the offer plate during Worship Services • Church dropbox outside Valbracht 10

Nativity Offerings For Central Iowa Shelter and Services St. John’s Lutheran Church is more than just a place of worship. For many of us, it feels like home where children run and laugh in the halls, meals are shared, and memories are made in our sacred spaces. However, we cannot ignore the people outside our doors who seek refuge from the harsh winter weather. That's why we're inviting you to contribute to Central Iowa Shelter Services this holiday season.

They are one of our vital partners in spreading the love of Christ throughout Des Moines.

Starting on Christmas Eve, a donation box will be placed in the Nativity Scene in the courtyard, which will be available for your kind donations through January 6th’s Epiphany of our Lord.

You can also make an online contribution by scanning the QR code below. Your generous donations will go a long way in providing shelter and support to those in need. As we celebrate the birth of a child who was born outdoors amidst humble beginnings, let us remember to spread kindness and love to those who need it the most.

Thank you for your contributions.

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Call for more info!

515-243-7691

Every 18th and 19th of the month from 5:30pm - 7:30pm- St. John’s parishioners prepare, provide, and serve dinner at Central Iowa Shelter and Services (CISS); located at 1420 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, IA 50309. Whether you are interested in serving, donating items, or helping to prepare the food, all are encouraged to participate! This is a wonderful chance to see the difference you can make in our community while enjoying fellowship among friends. To learn more or sign up, visit stjohnsdsm.com/sheltersignup.

We hope to see you there!

Sign up at: stjohnsdsm.com/sheltersignup 11

St. John’s Lutheran Church

Non-Profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Des Moines, Iowa Permit No. 2401

600 Sixth Avenue Des Moines, Iowa 50309-1606 515-243-7691

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Join us during Advent and Christmas

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.

Worship

SATURDAYS @ 5:00pm SUNDAYS @ 10:00am Sunday service streamed at: stjohnsdsm.com/worship

Midweek Music Series

Wednesday, November 29 & December 6, 2023 | 12:05pm 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! For just $8 per person, you can enjoy a delicious meal too!

Beloved Community Meal & Worship Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 5:30pm Weertz Fellowship Hall | St. John’s

Youth Christmas Party

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 | 6:30pm Do Drop Inn | St. John’s | 6th - 12th Grade

Beer & Carols

Friday, December 8, 2023 | 6:30pm Twisted Vine Brewery 112 SE 4th St. Des Moines, IA 0309

“…bringing you good news of great joy for all the people” 600 - 6TH AVE.

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DES MOINES, IOWA 50309

Blue Christmas Worship Service Sunday, December 10, 2023 | 3pm Chapel | St. John’s

Christmas Eve Worship Services Sunday, Dec. 24 | Sanctuary | St. John’s 5pm | Children’s Service 8pm | Pre-Service Music 8:30pm | Candlelight & Communion Service 10:30pm | Pre-Serivce Music 11pm | Candlelight Service with Choir & Orchestra

Christmas Day Worship Service Monday, Dec. 25 | 10:00am Sanctuary | St. John’s

Epiphany Chili Cook-Off Fundraiser Saturday, January 6, 2024 | 6pm Weertz Fellowship Hall | St. John’s

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515.243.7691

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STJOHNSDSM.ORG