April 2026
Easter: A Season of New Life and Unstoppable Hope
"Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!" This ancient greeting is the heartbeat of our faith, especially during this season. While the world may move quickly past the chocolate bunnies and lilies, we as a community of faith are just beginning a 50-day celebration of the Resurrection. In the ELCA, we recognize that Easter is a season, not just a day, because a miracle as life-changing as the Resurrection requires time to truly honor and understand.
Rising in a Wounded World The promise of Easter does not ignore the realities of our world—the pain, division, and uncertainty that often fill the news. Instead, Easter speaks directly into those dark spaces. We celebrate that neither the depth of the tomb nor the laws of nature could separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. As we gather, we trust that "love comes again like wheat arising green," even when we feel at the end of our own resources.
Signs of New Life During these 50 days, we are invited to practice "looking" for the Risen Christ in our daily
lives. You might find these signs in:
• Creation: The budding grass and singing birds that remind us of God's ongoing work of renewal.
• Community: The way we walk with one another through trials, seeing the face of Christ in our neighbors.
• Service: Living out our faith by providing for those in need, such as participating in the ELCA World Hunger initiatives.
Living the Story The women at the empty tomb were the first to hear the news, and now it is our turn to live it. We are called to be a people of "Easter confidence," moving forward with courage and compassion to bring new life to a world in need of hope. May this Easter season empower you to see the "beautiful mosaic" God is creating out of the brokenness of our world. Join us as we continue to sing our "alleluias" and bear witness to the God who is heaven-bent on overcoming death with life.
Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!
APRIL VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
April 2 Pastor Jane Granzow (MT) Jaxon Verba
April 3 Good Friday worship
April 5 Pastor Jane Granzow Madi Muhlenbruch
April 12 Casey Simmons
April 19 Stan Watne
April 26 Steve Schwendemann
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
Brad & Kim Brinkman Jeanie Agena Kim Brinkman
DEACON BREAD BAKER
Craig Russell Cheryl Jass
COMMUNION Thursday, April 2nd at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, April 5th at 9:00 a.m.
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, April 1st – 6:00 p.m.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
Serving Wednesday, April 15th from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Menu will be BBQ meatballs Cheesy potatoes, veggie & bars
ALL ARE WELCOME
THE LAST SUPPER
The Belmond United Methodist church will be presenting a reenactment of The Last Supper on Thursday, April 2 nd. The performance will begin at 8:30 p.m. to allow people to first attend their local services. It is an inspirational and enlightening presentation that will hopefully begin at 8:30 p.m. to allow people to first attend their local services. It is an inspirational and enlightening presentation that will hopefully be a truly moving experience for those attending.
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL
March 4, 2026
President, Kathy Thelke, opened the meeting with 11 members present. A motion to approve of the agenda presented was made by Mary Anderson and seconded by Mary Haugen. Motion carried.
DEVOTIONS: Kathy Thelke read a reading from “Our Daily Bread”.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Kathy Thelke Kathy said that she, Larry and Tammy Klatt attended a Riverside Conference meeting in Hampton Feb. 22nd. A letter from Bishop Jones will be given to Shelly to put in the next newsletter. Craig Russell said that he had talked to Pastor Steve Brackett and he would be willing to come on April 26th and talk to our congregation about doing a video to attach to our profile on file with the Synod office.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Jeanne Russell Jeanne read the minutes from the February 4th meeting. Kathy Thelke said that the $250 Thrivent grant she received is being spent on paper products for Lenten suppers and will also be used for products for Easter breakfast, not on food items. With that correction noted, a motion by Jean Swanson to accept the secretary’s report was seconded by Tammy Klatt. Motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Shelly Howard Shelly mentioned that 900 gallons of LP need to be put in yet from W&H. January’s 2% of benevolences was added to the February report due to not being included in time in January. The Boiler inspection was done, and all is ok. The Riverside Pastors met and the Rostered Supply cost is now $200. That change went into effect on January 1st. A motion by Mary Anderson to accept the Treasure’s Report was seconded by Mary Haugen. Motion carried.
DEACON’S REPORT: All our members that are home-bound, or in a care facility, have been visited this month and received Communion.
TRUSTEE’S REPORT: David Ziesman reported that the lights and ceiling fans for the chapel and the vanity for the women’s restroom have been purchased and will be installed soon by Dave Fulk.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT: Tammy & Larry Klat Tammy will talk to Pastor Brackett and discuss doing a video of our church.
OTHER OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: Last Day of Sunday School: May 17th High School Senior Sunday - May 10th- (5 seniors) Kathy Thelke will purchase the trees that will be given.
Summer worship hours – starting on June 7th service will be at 9:00 a.m. and will switch back on September 13th to 10:00 am service/Sunday School at 9:00 a.m./Coffee Hour-9:00 a.m.
April Meeting: First Lutheran Council will meet at 6:00 on Wednesday April 1st.
CGD Service Learning: A letter was received by the office requesting a service learning opportunity for 5-15 students to be done in October. The students would come and perform the tasks we request. It could be anything in the community. The Council agreed to have them come and will be thinking of projects.
Memorial: A beautiful grandfather clock donated to the church in memory of Shari Moss Bral was discussed. A motion to accept the gift was made by Tammy Klatt and seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried.
Other New Business: None Motion To Adjourn: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Craig Russell and seconded by David Ziesman. Motion carried.
Lord’s Prayer: We closed with the Lord’s Prayer.
Submitted by Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
EASTER BREAKFAST
Breakfast will be served starting at 8:00 a.m. Menu includes Egg Bake, Pancakes, Sausage Patties, Fresh Fruit, and Cinnamon Rolls. Please have ingredients at the church by 10 am on Saturday, April 4th . Any questions, ask, call, or text Kathy at 515-571- 4012. Thanks!
THANK YOU
We want to say thank you to everyone who helped with the Lenten suppers and Easter breakfast. It is great that we can do this and get together for great food and a time of fellowship.
Thanks also for the personal hygiene donations for D/SAOC! Every item helps greatly!
THRIVENT Congratulations! In 2025, First Lutheran Church received $570 through the Thrivent Choice® program — and that’s worth celebrating! 🎉 Your work strengthens communities, and we’re grateful for the impact you make every day. With the March 31, 2026 deadline approaching, now is a great time to direct any remaining 2025 Choice Dollars® before they expire.
LOOKING AHEAD Just a few things to put on your radar for the upcoming months.
On Sunday, May 10th our graduating high school seniors will be presented with a tree.
Sunday, May 17th will be the last day of Sunday school this year.
June 7 th we will switch worship time to 9:00 a.m. for the summer. Hard to believe that I am already talking about summer!