February 2026
A MESSAGE FROM PRESIDING BISHOP YEHIEL CURRY
Dear friends in Christ,
As Lutherans, we are set free to love our neighbors and seek justice. In Colossians 2, we read: "As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving" (6-7).
I am abounding in thankfulness for you, church. You are an integral part of this mission as we envision a world experiencing the difference God's grace and love in Christ make for all people and creation. The ministries of congregations including yours, our synods and the ELCA churchwide organization are all working together today and every day so more people may know the way of Jesus and discover community, justice and love. From providing food to people experiencing hunger, to helping train the next generation of leaders that will lead this church, your support is at work here at home and around the world.
Your generosity to each of the three expressions of the church-your congregation, your synod and the churchwide organization has made it possible for us to do this work together. Your financial resources, your time volunteering and accompanying others, and your voices are so valued.
As we look ahead to the coming year, I encourage you to continue to walk in Christ, remembering you are rooted and established in faith, and free to love and serve your neighbors. Thank you, church, for the ways you connect with and support our siblings across the ELCA and in our communities.
In Christ, The Rev. Yehiel Curry Presiding Bishop Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, continue to walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving." -Colossians 2:6-7
FEBRUARY VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
February 1 Steve Schwendemann
February 8 Casey Simmons
February 15 Steve Schwendemann
February 18 Pastor Steve Smith Jaxon Verba
February 22 Pastor Steve Smith Madi Muhlenbruch
USHERS ALTER GUILD
Curtis Dow Linda Dow
Ruth Reingardt
David Ziesman
DEACON
Kim Brinkman BREAD BAKER Pat Meek
COMMUNION Wednesday, February 18th at 6:30 p.m. service
Sunday, February 22nd at 10:00 a.m. service
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, February 4th at 6:30 p.m.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
NO community meal but look for information
On Lenten meals elsewhere in the newsletter
PRAYER REQUESTS for the Moss family on the death of their daughter, Shari Bral, whose funeral was held in Ottumwa on January 7th. For Phyllis Wesenberg who is currently residing at Scenic Manor in Iowa Falls, for Pastor Bob Edwards and Pastor Ron Nelson who are dealing with health issues. To all our care center residents and those who are home-bound.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 4, 2026
President, Larry Klatt, opened the meeting with a motion from Mary Anderson to approve of the agenda as presented. That motion was seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried.
Devotions: Larry read a devotion to begin the meeting.
New Business: Supply: Steve Schwendemann would like to do another Sunday each month or 3 times, if needed. He also mentioned the possibility of a Bible Study during the week. It was discussed that we would pay $150+ mileage, as per our supply cost. The Council agreed to this.
President's Report: Larry Klatt Larry read two Thanks You's from the Library and the Grocery Store for the donations given in November from our Harvest Festival giving. He also mentioned that the Dows Convention Center was opened during the last blizzard we had for over 40 people to get out of the bad weather. The people who were at the building were very thankful to have a place out of the weather that day. Discussion was held about the possibility of opening the Church if that happens again and the council members agreed that it could be done.
The sink and stool repairs will be done soon. There are a couple of lights that need to be replaced also.
A list of Krystal Muhlenbruch's duties will be done up so it is easier for her to follow each month.
Secretary's Report: Jeanne Russell The minutes from the December 3, 2025 meeting were gone over and a motion by Tammy Klatt to approve the minutes as presented were seconded by Kathy Thelke. Motion carried.
Treasurer's Report: Shelly Howard Council members looked over the report and a motion by Jean Swanson to accept the report was seconded by Kim Brinkman. Motion carried.
Deacon's Report: All our members that are home bound or in care centers, are being called on each month and are receiving communion. If there are any members who are not able to get to Church and would like to have a Deacon visit them, please contact the Church office.
Trustee's Report: The sink, stool & lights will be taken care of as soon as possible.
Stewardship Report: Tammy & Larry Klatt - nothing new to report
Annual Meeting Agenda/Ballot Nominating Committee is still working on a few more people to fill the ballot. Discussion was also held about changing the Church Constitution to need only 30%, plus 1, of the Council for a quorum instead of 50%, plus 1. That would have to take place at the Annual Meeting.
Other Old Business: None
NEW BUSINESS: Budget: The 2026 Budget for $99,000 was presented by Shelly and discussed by the Council. A motion by Mary Anderson to accept the budget presented at $99,000 for 2026 was seconded by Mary Haugen. Motion carried.
LENT: Shelly said that we would be joining the "Round Robin" from the Conference for our Lenten Services. We would be having a meal prior to each of the 5 services.
Installation of Officers: Feb 1st will be the Sunday for the installation of Officers. This will also included all ushers, altar guild, bread bakers, musicians and Sunday school staff who help make the Church function.
The next Council Meeting will be held on February 4th at 6:00 p.m. A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Mary Anderson and seconded by Tammy Klatt. Meeting adjourned.
We all closed with the Lord's Prayers.
Submitted by, Jeanne Russell, Council Secretary
LENT INFORMATION
Ash Wednesday service will be held on February 18th at 6:30 p.m. Holy communion and an imposition of ashes will be offered during this service.
We will once again be serving a meal on each of the five Wednesday's of Lent. The first meal will take place on Wednesday, February 25th. Serving will begin at 5:30 p.m. and worship will be held at 6:30 p.m. A sign-up sheet is posted in the narthex for any who would like to help with a meal.
First Lutheran will be part of the Riverside Conference round robin group so each week we will host a different speaker from somewhere in our conference.
LENTEN MEALS AND SCHEDULE
February 25 meal -Spaghetti (beef/chicken), Green Beans, Bread, Salad, & Desserts
Serving of the weekly meals begins at 5:30 p.m. worship at 6:30
INSTALLATION OF CONGREGATION LEADERS
On Sunday, February 1st, we will be installing our newly elected officers and recognizing the ushers, altar guild members, bread bakers, musicians and Sunday school staff for this year. Thank you to everyone who helps make our church function!
Greetings,
Our members have actively enjoyed supporting many of the churches in Wright County by attending special activities, events and services and we now look forward to welcoming everyone to our country church in Holmes, Iowa with an uplifting hour-long worship & praise service on Sunday, February 8 at 9:30 am. During our cold winter weather, we hope you will enjoy the warmth of family and friends in Christ while listening to the FLBC Proclaim Choir and Women's Ensembles as they share the gospel through music, personal conversations, and fellowship with this year's theme The God of Hope.
Warmly,
Darla Thompson, Church Secretary
Holmes Evangelical Lutheran Church