Dear brothers and sisters in forced from their homes by the creation of the state
Christ, of Israel. From the early 1950s in Hong Kong,
Last month I used this space to
tell you a bit more about the
work done by our primary
mission support recipient, the
Northeastern Iowa Synod. In
coming months I will be lifting
St. Petri up other ministries you have
Messenger elected to support through the
benevolence designations of our
annual budget. This month, I’m
May 2018 happy to tell you about the
work of Lutheran World Relief.
The following is some
information you can find at the
LWR website:
In 1945, World War II left an
estimated one-fifth of the
world’s Lutherans homeless.
Here in the United States,
Lutheran churches in at least 20
states mobilized to help in
Europe through a new agency
called Lutheran World Relief.
The recipients of LWR’s aid
have changed — as has much of
our operations — but in
thousands of congregations, in
millions of offerings and in
Our Mission: uncounted prayers, US
We are disciples Lutherans have supported
of Jesus Christ, LWR’s work ever since.
called to grow
in Christ, Initially prompted by sending
aid to their German and
and to invite all
Scandinavian kin, American
to follow him. Lutherans soon realized that aid
could be shared fairly only on
the basis of need. Hungry
refugees all over Europe cried
out for help. Service to all
suffering people became a vital
part of Christian witness. Local
partners were responsible for
using the shipments wisely.
A growing expertise, the will to
help, and ties to overseas
missions soon called LWR
farther afield. In the late 1940s,
800,000 Palestinians were
Korea and Bangladesh, Asia was a continent of
considerable strife. During the 1970s and ’80s, civil
wars and drought made Africa the new concern.
With over 100 local partners, LWR works to
improve harvests, health and education in some 35
countries each year. LWR partners train local
women and men to produce local foods, dig low-
cost wells and protect and restore their local
environments. Some partners are small village
groups on the edge of the Sahara. Others are
nationwide programs that may reach across the
Andes.
We have learned that the future in health,
agriculture and education often lies with the hearts
and hands of women. We have learned that disaster
can sometimes be prevented or withstood by
effective development programs and that, when
disasters do occur, LWR partners may be on the
spot well before the world notices and still needed
long after the crisis no longer commands front-page
headlines.
In a survey on the eve of LWR’s 50th anniversary, a
sample of U.S. Lutherans told LWR that they saw
the agency as a reliable and efficient way to put
their Christian faith into action. They said they trust
LWR overseas to express their Christian love for
neighbors and that its way of working through those
neighbors instills confidence in the organization.
One of the primary themes of modern missionary
and relief work is accompaniment. LWR and other
relief organizations connected to the ELCA have
come to believe that God is calling us to be faithful
friends and neighbors to all people around the
world, to seek the benefit of all, rather than focusing
primarily on Christian societies or requiring some
type of religious indoctrination before giving aid.
While LWR certainly does not hide its Lutheran
Christian roots, the support we give to LWR is
shared around the world with people of many faiths,
nationalities, and cultures. I’m proud of the work
we do as a church through our partners in Lutheran
World Relief, and I invite you to discover more
about this work.
A blessed May to you all!
Pastor Scott
 A SPECIAL THANK YOU to Paul Ness for helping
load the quilts and Ordean & Liz Johnson for
Hospitalized in April delivering our LWR quilts to Resurrection Lutheran
Dylan Rivers Les Mathre Church in Ankeny.
In Memoriam Volunteers and donations are essential to keep our
tie quilt making successful! If you have time to give
(whether at church on work days or doing prepar-ation
Prayers of Ongoing Concern: work at home) and/or fabric, thread (full or part spools
Gloria Severson, Tammy Horness, Anne Howard, –any color), crochet thread, yarn (any color), flat
Charlotte Hill, Carolyn Bostwick, Dennis Sills, sheets, sheet blankets, or old blankets to donate,
Kay Disbrowe, Jim Phillips, Bob Severson, Cooper please come to our quilt making days! The next time
Leeman we meet will be May 21-23 from 9am-noon, with a
10am coffee/snack break, in the Fellowship hall. No
Prayers for those not near to us: experience necessary!
Patrick & Jacqueline Bencke, ELCA Missionaries,
Japan Northeastern Iowa Women of the ELCA
31st Annual Gathering
Soldiers, Peace Workers, Humanitarian Aid at Wartburg College in Waverly, Iowa
Workers June 16, 2017 at 8:15 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Theme & Verse: Blessed are the weary…
And let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due
season we shall reap, if we do not lose heart. Gal 6:9
Join us for a day of laughing, learning, leadership, and
loving the Lord!
Monday, May 28th Gathering Directory
Opening/Closing & Business sessions-McCaskey
St. Petri church office Lyceum
will be closed. All day coffee/tea – Den
Luncheon – banquet room
Shopping area – Lyceum foyer
Interest sessions – Whitehouse business center and
Student Center
All convention facilities are air conditioned.
Lunch menu: Chicken with lemon sauce
Basmati Rice, Green Beans
Mandarin Orange Salad
Chocolate Chip Cookie a la mode
Registration is available online at the NE IA WELCA
website.
In effort to reduce our carbon footprint, we are asking
participants to bring their personal portable devices,
reusable water bottles, coffee mugs, and a totebag to
collect goodies!
Gathering Offerings will be designated:
50% church-wide WELCA
WELCA Report 50% LSI WELCA Challenge Project, Spirituality
IN-KIND OFFERINGS Bars of Soap for LWR (4-5
May 10 2:00 p.m. WELCA Bible Study oz) and Rolled Bandages for Global Health Ministries
May 21-23 9 a.m. to noon - Quilt Making If you’ve never attended an SWO Convention, you
June 2 8-11am WELCA Bake Sale may qualify for a “first-timer” scholarship to pay for
your attendance at this year’s convention. Go to
www.neiasynod.org/women-of-the-elca for
applications. Please submit by Tues., May 15, 2018.
St. Petri’s WELCA Bake Sale for Scandinavian LWR TOUR IN MINNEAPOLIS
Days will be at the Story City Community Center July 30-31, 2018
(on the corner of Elm Ave./Washington St.) on Join us for a trip to Minneapolis July 30-31 to tour the
Saturday, June 2 from 8:00am – 11:00am (or until Lutheran World Relief and Global Health Ministries
we run out). Please help make baked goods & bring warehouses and Mary’s Place, along with a stop at the
them to the Story City Community Center before Hmong Village for some shopping. An optional Twins
8:00am. All baked items are appreciated, especially game is also available.
kringla, lefse, and potato cakes. Please price your Cost is $125 per person, which includes transporta-
items from this list. tion, and one night’s hotel stay (3-4 per room). Add
2018 ST. PETRI $25 to attend the Twins game. Registration is due by
Wednesday, June 20. To register, go to:
SCANDINAVIAN DAYS BAKE SALE
www.neiasynod.org/women-of-the-elca
PRICE LIST
Angel Food Cake - $6.00
Berliner Kranse - $3.00 dozen
Bread - $4.00
Cookies - $3.00 dozen
Bars - $2.00 ½ dozen
Cupcakes - $2.00 ½ dozen or .50 each
Dinner rolls - $5.00 dozen
Fattigmand - $3.50 dozen
Fruit Soup - $6.00 pint
Haglatta - $3.00 pint Congratulations to Erin Hanson (Marilyn Hanson’s
granddaughter) and Tim Herschberger who were
Kavring - $3.00 dozen
united in marriage at St. Petri on April 14th.
Krumkake - $3.25 ½ dozen May God’s love hold your marriage together.
Lefse - $1.50 each
Pies - $8.00 - $9.00
Potato Cakes - $3.50 ½ dozen THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
Puppy Chow $2.00 1 qt. Dear Pastor Scott & members of St. Petri Lutheran
Rosettes - $3.50 ½ dozen Church,
Thank you for allowing us to roll out potato cakes
Sandbakkels - $3.50 ½ dozen in your kitchen for the Palm Sunday Brunch Bake
Spritz - $3.00 dozen Sale. They sold out quickly and are a great part of
the success of the day.
Sweet Breads The residents of the Bethany Life will benefit from
$3.00 lg., $2.00 med., $1.50 sm. it. Thank you again,
Maripat and the Volunteer Advisory Board of
Sweet Rolls - $.75 - $1 each (depends on size) Bethany Life
Tea Rings - $10.00 and up (depends on size)
Thanks to the April C.A.R.E. group for
Kringla - $5.00 dozen
pitching in to make this month go so
Pizzelle - $4.00 dozen smoothly. You make our job easy!
Angie and Valaree
Muffins - $3.00 dozen (depends on size)
Jam - $5.00 pint and up Rev. May 2018
 ST. PETRI IS MAY C.A.R.E. GROUP 2018
RESPONSIBLE FOR CARE Group Leaders
THE DELIVERY OF Cheryl Hoffman, Wanda Holm
MEALS-ON-WHEELS Cory & Jaye Anderson Hailey Anderson
for the month of May. A Zach Anderson Doug & Kendra Braucher
sign-up calendar is on the Ben Chelsvig Irene Chelsvig
table outside the Joe & Kim Chelsvig Mark & Susan Clarridge
Spencer Clarridge Mickie Franklin
office. Meals are picked up at St. Petri at 11am, or
Verlyn & Barb Frohling Vivian Gossel
shortly after. Questions, contact the church secretary. Ray & Donna Guard Charlotte Hill
Please sign up for one day, or several. Thank You!  Paul Hjortsvang Ron Hoffman
Al Holm Darrel & Mary Ellen Hubby
Scott Ihle Ordean & Liz Johnson
Marilyn Lekwa David Murken
Pat & Mari Jo Murken Jim & Karen Nelson
Curt & Deb Olive Alberta Olson
Jason Patterson Kevin & Peg Patterson
Tim & Abby Patterson John Satre
National Gloria Severson Jake Severson
Day of Prayer Dave & Gail Sporleder Scott & Shelly Stevenson
Zac Thiessen Gayla Thompson
May 3rd Ted Tostlebe & Marilyn Hanson

JUNE C.A.R.E. GROUP 2018

CARE Group Leaders
Betty Grinde, Patty Hoversten
Lorene Anderson Audrey Bauer
Duaine & Carolyn Bostwick Garrett & Riya Brown
Grant & Joni Brown Gary & Hope Brown
John & Nancy Carlson Bev Christenson
MAY BIRTHDAYS John & Linda Fevold Kiersten Fevold
Michaella Fevold Carl & Evelyn Fink
May 1: Aurora Cruz Clark & Betty Grinde John Grinde
May 4: Maritza Cruz Erik & Lara Gustafson Megan Gustafson
May 5: Brian Jacobson, Seth & Willow Hill Sawyer Hjortsvang
Jennifer Holdredge Paul & Karen Jacobson
Scott Johnson
Lisa Kalamaja Adam & Jane Lande
May 8: Spencer Dedic,
Lowell & Becki Lande Matthew Lande
Mark Minnick Robert & Maxine Lekwa Brent McCaskey
May 9: Dave Sporleder Jody & Roxane McCaskey Weston McCaskey
May 10: Janice Horness Mark & Pat Minnick Janet Mitchell
May 11: Joe Chelsvig, Darlene Patterson Janet Mortvedt Paul Ness
May 13: Paul Olsan, Sheri Severson Randy & Kelsey Olson James & Connie Phillips
May 14: Nolan Rasmusson Howard Reisetter Sheri Severson
May 16: David Nuetzman Shirley Stakey Rick & Angie Stover
May 17: Brooke Hermanson Chuck & Patty Van Patter Paul & Heidi Vanden Hull
May 18: Caden Henrichs Tim and Judy Watson Wayne Williams
May 20: Jen Lamoreux, Steve Phillips
May 21: Phil Peterson
May 23: Adam Holm, Judy Watson
May 24: Kiersten Fevold
May 26: Carson Williams
May 27: Roger Hermanson, Robert Horness, HAPPY MOTHER’S
Tom Wynia DAY!
May 28: Nancy Carlson, Virginia Egemo MAY 13th
May 29: Tyler Lamoreux
May 31: Calvin Hill, Olivia Hill, Randy Olson
 Loaves & Fishes/Story City Market
Matching Program
Loaves & Fishes and Story City Market have begun a
matching program. When a case of advertised Best
Choice brand product is purchase for Loaves and
Fishes, Story City Market will match this donation
with another case. Sales must be completed through
store management. These case donations will be
stored at Story City Market until the food pantry is in
need of the items. Story City Market ads can be found
in the Story County Sun or online at
www.storycitymarket.com. Contact Judy Miller at
515.520.1593 or Sue Bohner at 515.290.5905 with
questions. Thank you for your donations.
St. Petri Evangelical
Lutheran Church
Approved Council
Meeting Minutes
March 14, 2018
Members present Abby Patterson, Megan Gustafson,
Mark Helland, Barb Frohling, Ann Healy, Larry
Reisetter, Linda Fevold, Pat Murken, Pastor Scott
Johnson, Kevin Patterson, Kristin Johnson, Larry
Reisetter, Secretary.
President Fevold declared the meeting open at 8:02.
Pastor opened with Prayer.
Linda asked for comments on or changes to the agenda.
Barb requested to move the discussion of Benevolences
from new business, to her opening.
Linda asked for comment on the last meeting minutes.
Previous secretary Abby Patterson presented the January
minutes. Barb requested a correction of the term
“propane” to “Natural Gas” wherever it was used in the
minutes. Barb moved approval as corrected, seconded by
Pat Murken.
Barb presented the financial statement. We are about
$11,000 down already for the year. She also raised the
issue of how we are going to handle Benevolences
month to month. Kevin Patterson moved to pay all
Benevolences line items at 100% of their monthly share
except ELCA. Second by Pat Murken. Considerable
discussion followed, including questions about how to
handle the “Quarters” offerings that had been going to
the ELCA. This issue was not addressed by the original
motion. Motion passed.
The ELCA line item is currently paid at 4.5% of the
monthly (weekly) contributions. Abby P moved that we
divide the ELCA line item budget by 12 months and pay
that much each month. Second by Pat M. Discussion
followed. Vote failed 4 to 3. Considerable further
discussion followed. A second vote was requested by
general consensus. Linda F called for a vote. After
considerable discussion to clarify what we were voting
on, Linda called for a second vote. Vote passed. Barb
again raised the question of how to handle the
“Quarters” offerings. Discussion followed. Consensus
was that we will pay them to the ELCA above and
beyond the ELCA line item, as we have been doing.
Pat M moved and Ann seconded approval of the
Treasurers Report. Motion carried.
Linda presented information on several issues. These
included information from Bethany Life regarding their
Building program, and the excellent health and growth
of its ministries and programs. It was also a Thank You
for all those who have so generously participated in
supporting them.
It also included a letter from The Luther Seminary
announcing that as of this fall, all MDiv, MA and PhD
students admitted to the Seminary will receive a full
tuition scholarship. They requested financial support
from the congregations to continue to assist students in
covering additional financial costs including books,
room & board, health insurance…
Also included was a letter from the NE IA Synod
detailing our financial gifts to several Mission programs
of the ELCA in 2017. These gifts included $500 to the
American Mission Fund, $2,145.05 to the Designated
Missionary gift Fund, $10 to the Domestic Disaster gift
Fund, $800 to the General Disaster gifts Fund, $50 to the
Global Mission gifts Fund, $625 to the Lutheran World
Relief Gifts Fund, $800 to the Misc. Outreach gifts
Fund, and $2,650 to the World Hunger gifts Fund,
totaling some $7,580!!
New Business
Finance committee has had 2 resignations, and 2 new
volunteers Shirley Stakey and Karen Jacobson Barb F.
moved approval of the new volunteers, Abby seconded.
Motion carried.
We still need two Synod Lay delegates. Megan
Stevenson has volunteered to be the Synod Youth
delegate. Ann Healey moved to accept Megan. Abby
seconded. Motion carried. The council and President will
strive to fill the other 2 positions.
Bethany Life will be baking potato cakes at St Petri
March 16th.
God's Work Our Hands needs coordination By
Stewardship and Outreach & Fellowship.
Discussion was raised about grants per yr. to
seminarians. In the past we have given $3000 per yr. per
seminarian. Kevin moved to raise that to $5,000 per yr.
for any ELCA Seminarian. Barb seconded. Discussion
followed. Linda called for a vote on the motion. Motions
carried.
Emma Grinde will be starting Wartburg Seminary to get
an MDiv and has requested financial assistance. Abby
moved to give Emma Grinde a $5000 grant for 2018
seminary expenses. Pat Murken seconded. Discussion
followed. It was noted that Megan Gustafson will be
applying for a grant for seminary expenses again this
year. Linda called for a vote. Motion passed.
Committee reports.
Ann Healey presented the Music & Worship Committee
report. Highlights: Support for Emma, pianos have been
tuned, Palm branches, have been ordered, Easter lilies
are available from Story City Floral for $20.00 ea.
Schedule for pianists and organist for Easter Sunday
have been covered.
Diana Keech presented the Outreach & Fellowship
Committee report. Highlights: Bacon Fest was discussed
but not yet scheduled. They are compiling an “Over and
above” List for Care Groups.
Kevin P presented the Property & Trustees Committee
report for Pat M. Highlights: They are addressing the 2
sections of curbside sidewalk that need replacing, and
grinding down a ridge in another section that needs
attention. The concrete around the curb box for the water
service needs attention. Between the Municipal Electric
Company and Arbor Monkeys Tree Service, the ash tree
on the corner of the property at 8th and Grand will be
removed this summer. An Emergency Defibrillator
(AED) has been acquired and installed in the hallway
outside the steps from the chancel to the hallway.
Training will be scheduled.
Megan presented the Spiritual Life Committee report.
Highlights: They still need another committee member.
They discussed home visits, adding a Stephens Ministry
Workshop, setting up further Adult Ed subjects.
Kevin P presented the Stewardship Committee report.
Highlights: Discussed items for the “God’s Work Our
Hands” projects and the Barnyard Gift Event.
Mark Helland presented the Youth Ministry and the
Youth Education Committee reports. No written reports
presented.
Scott presented the Staff Report.
Kristin presented her report.
Exec committee met to set the agenda for this meeting.
No other business was presented.
President declared the meeting adjourned at 9:24.
Meeting closed with the group praying the Lord's Prayer.
Submitted
Larry Reisetter
Secretary
From Lutheran Services in Iowa
May 2018
Happy Mother’s Day!
Mother’s Day is a time to
celebrate the strong, loving
women in your life. At
Lutheran Services in Iowa
(LSI), we see thousands of
Iowa moms through their
journey to build the bright-
est future for their children.
We see moms turning to LSI’s Mental Health or
Behavioral Health Intervention Services to ensure their
child is receiving the coping skills & behavioral supports
they need to thrive. In our Early Childhood Services, we
see young first-time moms who are eager to join our
parenting education classes & support groups. In 2016,
LSI’s Early Childhood programs provided support to
552 first-time parents. We’re so inspired to hear their
stories & see their hard work pay off as they raise our
next generation.
As you celebrate Mother’s Day this year, remember
how many Iowa moms are being empowered because of
your support. If you are looking for a way to honor your
mother this year, please consider giving a gift in her
name at LSIowa.org.
Thank you for standing alongside our Iowa families.
“LSI has been a Lifesaver”
No parent should feel alone or hopeless when it comes
to caring for their children’s health. But those emotions
were common for Judy four years ago.
It started when her son began seeing a litany of dif-
ferent doctors & specialists. Judy needed to coordinate
his many appointments & medications, but it was
difficult to keep track while still caring for her three
other children as a single parent.
Judy found LSI’s Pediatric Integrated Health services,
which were a shoulder for her to lean on. Judy’s LSI
worker, Wyndolyn, coordinated medical appointments &
counseling sessions. When Judy’s daughter required an
Individualized Education Program (IEP) at school,
Wyndolyn was there to keep in contact with the school
& attend IEP meetings with Judy. When Judy’s child
began attending school at LSI’s Bremwood Residential
Treatment Center, Wyndolyn checked on him & provid-
ed updates to Judy. Wyndolyn also helped Judy to set up
respite care through LSI’s Services for People with
Disabilities. Now, Judy can get a much-needed break
while her children receive quality care from an LSI
respite provider.
“We’re one team now, we’re on the same page,” Judy
says. “LSI has been a backbone for me when I wanted to
give up. Wyndolyn talks to me when I’m stressed &
ready to call it quits. She’s really an advocate for my
family. LSI has been a lifesaver.”
 Confirmation Paper by Jacob Van Brocklin
I believe that Jesus Christ is the son of God and came down from heaven to
help us. He died for our sins. He means a lot to me because of the sacrifices
he made to save me. I make it a priority to pray to him every night and thank
him for everything in my life.
Being confirmed is a great thing. It allows me to be fully committed to Christ.
When I was baptized as an infant, my family promised to lead me in God’s
way. They have done an excellent job so far in my life and I know that they
will continue to help me on my faith journey. As a confirmand, I am showing
my other fellow Christians that I am dedicated to pursuing learning more
about Christ and being fully committed to my faith.
The reason I want to commit myself to following Jesus is to show my love towards him. Once again, he
has done so much for me in my life and this is one way of giving back to him. I still don’t even realize just
how much my life has been blessed from his love. I am truly lucky for all the people in my life.
The relationships I have made from being in this church are priceless. I feel it is important to be with other
people who share the same interests as you, and all the people at St. Petri have the same passion as I
do: learning more about Jesus Christ. I feel like we are a big family and always look out for each other,
and I just think that is really cool and I enjoy being a part of it.
After I am confirmed, I plan to help the church in any way I can. I enjoy videotaping the church services.
The feeling of helping out the church is great. I want to continue helping out the church because of
everything this church has done for me. I am very excited to continue in my faith journey by being
confirmed and I cannot wait to see what God has planned for me!

ST. PETRI AND BERGEN LUTHERAN CHURCHES 2018 CONFIRMATION CLASS

May you continue to grow in your faith in God and walk in His way.
Back Row: Pastor Scott Alan Johnson (St. Petri), Jacob Van Brocklin (St. Petri),
Jayden MacDonald (Bergen), Lay Pastor John Sheahan (Bergen)
Front Row: Emily Ruben (Bergen), Addisen Popp (Bergen)
(Confirmation photos by Pete Tekippe Photography)
2018 HS Graduates
Austin William Hobbs will be attending Wartburg
College in Waverly, Iowa to major in Business
Marketing while also playing football.

Jenna Rose Riedemann will be attending Mercy

College of Health Sciences in Des Moines and will be
majoring in Nursing (BSN).

Megan Stevenson will be attending Luther College in

Decorah, IA to study Art Education.

Landon Greiner will be attending St. Ambrose

University to pursue a degree in Physical Therapy.
 Youth Group End of the Year Party
Wednesday, May 2nd 6:30-9:15pm
Our MS and HS Youth Groups will be headed to Perfect Games in
Ames. Meet at St. Petri at 6:30pm. You’ll be back by 9:15pm. The
cost will be $10. You’ll get pizza, pop, a round of mini golf, a
round of bowling and a $5 game card.
So bring a friend and come join us for what will be a great time.

So bring a friend and

Graduation come
Sunday, join
May 27thus for what will be a great time.
Come join us as we celebrate our graduates
during our 9:15am worship service.
Then following worship, we invite you to join
them and their families in the Fellowship Hall
for cake and coffee.
Our Class of 2018 Graduates are:
Austin Hobbs
Jenna Riedemann
Megan Stevenson
Landon Greiner

8th-9th Grade Sunday, May 6th

Confirmation @ St. Petri 6-7:30pm
 Cross+Generational VBS

With St. Petri and Grace United

WHEN:
 Friday, June 15th from 6pm-8:30pm: includes a meal
Saturday, June 16th from 9am-11am
 Sunday, June 17th Celebration Service during worship
WHO:
Everyone!!
This is for ALL ages, the young and young at heart. Bring your
children, grandparents, neighbors and friends.
ALL are invited to participate in the fun.
WHERE:
At St. Petri.
COST:
There’s no cost, other than two hours a day for some
FUN with your family and friends.

Please RSVP by June 10th with Kristin Johnson

@ 733-4623
Or stpetriyouthmin@gmail.com
 The Bencke Family in Japan
April 2018- 69番
(Left) Cherry blossom
season in full bloom!
(Right) Hannah doesn’t
think of dandelions as
Some of the
weeds, so they are put
together with cherry prayers of our
blossom branches in hearts…
her bouquets.


We are grateful
for the new
students who are
entering Kyushu
Lutheran College
this year. May
The EASTER spirit in Kumamoto, they be
challenged to
in 3 different forms learn, grow,
question, and
receive the gospel
during their four
years.


For our children,
Hannah and
Emilie, as they
prepare for the
new school year.
We ask for kind
friends for them,
for supportive
teachers, and for
Entrance ceremony 2018! On April 2nd, the day after Easter, Kyushu
joy and
Lutheran College celebrated the entrance ceremony for this year’s new
enthusiasm to
incoming freshmen. A total of 189 students, including 5 graduate
dwell within their
students, were officially welcomed to the college. While “Entrance
hearts.
ceremonies” are commonplace in Japan, and they always happen in
early April, congruent with the arrival of spring, the ceremony at KLC is
unique in that it takes place as a worship service. Hymns are sung
(“My shepherd will supply my need” and “God be with us ‘til we meet
again”), a Scripture passage is read, a prayer is offered, and a
blessing bestowed. For most students, it is their very first exposure of
any sort to those practices of Christianity. A new life awaits them!
 Our mailing address:
Bencke Family
KUMAMOTO SHI
KITA-KU
SHIMIZU MANGOKU 5-17-17
861-8068
JAPAN
Phone from U.S.
011-81-96-344-2642
Email:
jacqueline.bencke@gmail.com
ELCA— Global Mission
If you are interested in learning more
about the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America’s global mission and/or
opportunities to serve, please visit:
www.elca.org/globalmission
Missionary Sponsorship
The spirit of Resurrection seemed to even touch
For more information on ELCA the chapel organ. We recently had some repairs
missionary sponsorship, please contact done on our dying Benedikt organ. While we
Charlotte Flynn at: didn’t have to say a eulogy quite yet, we were
Global Mission Support
8765 W. Higgins Road given the word that this instrument will not have
Chicago IL 60631 much longer. Organ repairs are certainly not
(800) 638-3522, ext. 2769 unique to mission in Japan, but it’s not often that
www.elca.org/missionarysponsorship
normal humans get to glimpse inside the guts of
Earthquake Support an organ. I thought some of the church
(Updated: January 2018) musicians out there might find this interesting.
It has only been in the past few
months that private homes have been
able to retain the services of building
contractors to repair or rebuild their
homes. Now that the public buildings
and structures have been dealt with,
many more homes in our immediate
neighborhood have recently been
demolished and in most cases either the
land will be sold or a home will be built
on the existing lot.
If you are interested in
providing financial assistance toward The best Easter
earthquake recovery efforts, please surprise was finding out that the principal of Emilie’s high
consider contributing cash donations. school, who was also her P.E. teacher in kindergarten, and
Donations are used for building and who is also a longtime friend and colleague of ours, was to
repairing Lutheran churches, Lutheran celebrate his baptism! At the same church where both of
schools, the Lutheran orphanage, the our daughters were baptized, Hayashida-sensei took his
Lutheran nursing home, and baptismal vows, and afterwards, during the Easter potluck,
scholarships for students of Lutheran he explained the journey of the 35 years between the time
schools who lost their homes in the 7.3 he was introduced to Christianity as a first-year teacher at
magnitude earthquake on April 16th, Luther all the way to the day he knew it was time to take
2016. Many students who lost their the leap of faith.
homes and who attend the junior high,
senior high, and college rely heavily on The video of the water being poured over his head is here:
these scholarships. Contact me for https://youtu.be/IW_CFwLOg50
further details if you are interested in
Please celebrate with joy and thanksgiving for this life-
providing such specific support.
changing, life-giving moment in his life.

April 2018 ● 69 ● Bencke ● (96) 344-2642