News release From St. Paul Lutheran Church
Dear Friends in Christ,
In John chapter 10 Jesus said, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” While we do not know all the details, Pastor Al Henderson walked in the steps of Jesus last evening. As the pastor and shepherd of St. Paul Lutheran Church, Fort Dodge, Iowa he laid down his life for his sheep. Pastor Henderson began each of his worship services, regardless of the time of year, with the same words, “Christ has risen!”—and his congregation faithfully responded, "He has risen indeed alleluia!” Our hope today is in the Good News of Jesus Christ that pastor Henderson faithfully proclaimed for over 30 years of pastoral ministry. He is now seeing his Lord face to face in glory. He will be deeply missed by his family, members of St. Paul Lutheran Church, law enforcement, first responders and firefighters of the Fort Dodge region as well as members of the community. Pastors of Iowa District West are at St. Paul’s today in the sanctuary to comfort anyone who wishes to stop by. There will be a prayer service at 6 pm in the sanctuary with an outdoor candlelight vigil at 7 pm.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Steve Turner
President, Iowa District West
The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod
Church & Clergy Finance/Treasurer Workshop
Saturday, November 2, 20199 am to 3 pm
Camp Okoboji, Milford
Saturday, January 18, 20209 am to 3 pm
Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson
Complete the registration form or go online at
www.surveymonkey.com/r/treasurer_wrkshp. Please register at least five days in advance.
Operation Barnabas Conference
Saturday, October 12, 2019
9:30 a.m. — 3 p.m.
(Enjoy coffee and rolls from 9 to 9:30 a.m.)
St. Paul Lutheran Church
1844 Highland Drive, Carroll, Iowa
The conference is hosted by the Iowa District West Operation Barnabas, along with Lutheran Church Extension Fund. There is no charge for the conference. Lunch will be provided.
Join us as we work together to serve our military families. Hear presentations from national Operation Barnabas leaders and learn how churches can be “called to serve.”
Register online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P2QSQ7Q.
Pre-Retirement Workshop
Iowa District West and Concordia Plan Services are offering you an opportunity to attend a pre-retirement workshop! This workshop is designed to help you plan for that very important transition in your life: RETIREMENT! We encourage you to attend and start learning what you’ll need to know about making plans for your future.
Friday, November 8 (7 – 9 PM)
Saturday, November 9 (9 AM – 3 PM)
St. Paul Lutheran Church
610 15th Street
Ames, IA 50010
Ordination Anniversaries – 2019
We share with the leadership of our congregations the names and ordination dates of Iowa District West pastors who will celebrate “special” ordination anniversaries in 2019. Congregations are encouraged to observe these ministry milestones with an appropriate celebration.
If we have erred or failed to include someone who is observing an anniversary this year, please contact Jill Davis at the District office.
We rejoice and give thanks to God with these gifts to His Church.
IDW Planned Program Bible Studies
The Human Care Committee shares the following Bible studies to help carry out resolution 2-04 from the 2015 district convention: Resolved, that the congregations, schools and other ministries of Iowa District West be encouraged to incorporate at least one intentional act of Christian mercy into their annual ministry plans with the goal of serving especially the citizens and institutions of their local community. May it make your congregation aware of the opportunities in your local community to share God’s mercy.
Leader Guides | Participant Guides
Transitioning Leadership
Preparing Congregational Leadership for Ministry with Christ.
Ministry Excellence Fund - Education Debt Assistance
The purpose of this Fund is to provide assistance to rostered pastors and professional church workers in Iowa District West in addressing financial issues which undermine the effectiveness of their ministries
Scholarship Announcement
The Student Financial Aid Committee is pleased to announce that scholarships in the amount up to $5,000 are available for any student from a Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregation in Iowa District West who is currently a full-time student at one of the synodical universities. This scholarship is for non-church work students (provided by the District’s Kouhns Endowment).
