May/June 2026
As we turn the calendar to May and June, we find ourselves at one of the most vibrant intersections of the church year. We are moving from the exuberant "Alleluias" of the Easter season into the transformative power of Pentecost, and eventually into the steady, growing rhythm of "Ordinary Time."
The Breath of Pentecost
On Sunday, May 24, 2026, we celebrate Pentecost. This is the day we remember the Holy Spirit descending like tongues of fire, empowering the disciples to speak in many languages so that everyone could hear the Good News. Pentecost is often called the "birthday of the church," but it’s less about a cake and candles and more about a commissioning. It reminds us that we are a community shared by God’s grace, sent out into the world to do God’s work in Christ’s name. Wear your red to worship on the 24th as a visual reminder of that holy fire that still burns within our mission today!
The Mystery of the Three-in-One
Just one week later, on May 31, 2026, we observe Trinity Sunday. This is a unique festival in our calendar because it celebrates a doctrine—the nature of God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—rather than a specific historical event. While the Trinity is a profound mystery, it ultimately speaks to a God who is relational, loving, and ever-present in our lives.
Growing into Ordinary Time
Following Trinity Sunday, we enter the long season of Ordinary Time, marked by the color green in our sanctuary. Don’t let the name "ordinary" fool you; it comes from the word "ordinal," meaning we count the Sundays after Pentecost. In June, as school lets out and the pace of life shifts toward summer vacations, it can be tempting to let our faith life take a "break" as well. However, this green season is specifically designed for growth. Just as the gardens around us begin to bloom, this is our time to:
• Nurture our daily prayer life.
• Serve our neighbors through local outreach.
• Remain connected to our community, even if you are traveling.
Whether you are joining us in the pews or connecting with us online from a campsite or a beach this June, remember that God’s Spirit goes with you.
Peace be with you
MAY & JUNE VOLUNTEERS
SUPPLY ACOLYTES
May 3 Steve Schwendemann
May 10 Casey Simmons
May 17 Pastor Steve Smith May 17 Madi Muhlenbruch
May 24 Steve Schwendemann
May 31 Steve Schwendemann
June 7 Mark Echelberger
June 14 Mark Echelberger
June 21 Casey Simmons
June 28 Pastor Steve Brackets June 28 Madi Muhlenbruch
USHERS ALTAR GUILD
May – Loren & Angie Lienemann May – Jeanie & Kim
June – Maynard & Shannon June – Jeanie & Kim
DEACON BREAD BAKER
May – Tammy Klatt May – Mary Anderson
June – Bev Weidemann June – Wanda Glade
COMMUNION
Sunday, May 17 @ 10:00 worship
Sunday, June 28 @ 9:00 worship
FIRST COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, May 6th – 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 3rd – 6:00 p.m.
FREE COMMUNITY MEAL
Wednesday, May 20th from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Menu will be tater tot casserole/salads/bars
Wednesday, June 17th from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Picnic in the park!
Hamburgers/hotdogs/baked beans/potato salad/ice cream
ALL ARE WELCOME
FIRST LUTHERAN CHURCH COUNCIL APRIL 1, 2026
Kathy Thelke opened the meeting with 10 members present. A motion to approve the agenda as presented was made by Jean Swanson and seconded by Bev Weidemann. Motion carried.
DEVOTIONS: Kathy Thelke Kathy read a devotion PRESIDENT’S REPORT: Kathy Thelke Kathy mentioned that Vernon Church was in the process of being sold. On 3/1/26, Kathy participated in a Zoom meeting put on by the NEIA Synod. It pertained to the “role of the President of the Congregation”. Judy Moss was called and Shari’s grandmother clock is going to the church Shari attended in Ottumwa. Easter breakfast is all planned – helpers need to be there by 7:45 am.
SECRETARY’S REPORT: Jeanne Russell Jeanne read the minutes from the March 4th meeting. A motion to accept the minutes as read was made by Mary Haugen and seconded by Shelly Howard. Motion carried.
TREASUERER’S REPORT: Shelly Howard After Easter, the distribution of funds donated to the Dows Grocery Store, Senior Citizen’s and the ‘Creme will be done. W & H were at the church for a fill and with our credit, there is 15 cents left. The vanity in the ladies restroom, ceiling fan/lights and installation costs, were taken out of the “Project Fund”. The CD #716923 which is due on 5/04/2026 will be rolled over with the best interest rate we can get from UB&T. Jean Swanson made a motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report and Mary Haugen seconded the motion. Motion carried.
DEACON’S REPORT: Members that are homebound are being visited and receiving communion on a regular basis.
STEWARDSHIP REPORT: Tammy & Larry Klatt In October, we will be having a group of teens from the CGD High School coming to Dows to do some community projects. Tammy & Larry mentioned that the week following VBS, they would have one day specifically for the teens, as there would not be a teen group this year at VBS. Pastor Stephen Brackett will be coming sometime in May to do a drone/video of our church. This video would then be attached to our church’s profile with the Synod office. He will be interviewing some of our members that day.
TRUSTEE REPORT: The sink in the Pastor’s office, vanity in the ladies restroom, lights with fans in the chapel were all done this month. The south door switch, inside the door, needs to be checked out.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bug Spraying – will be done around the church in May Food Pantry-The Food Pantry which is now in the Sefton Center, must be moved. Discussion was held on this and it was decided to move the food pantry into the room across from the elevator downstairs. The Community Meal items/supplies, will be moved back to the Sunday school room at the end of the hall. A motion to move the Food Pantry to our church was made by Craig Russell and seconded by Shelly Howard. Motion carried.
Light Request – A request was made to see if it was possible to leave the lights on in the sanctuary at night, in which it would showcase the beautiful stained-glass windows. The Council discussed it, and it would not be feasible to do so.
God’s Work Our Hands” – September 13th We tabled discussion on this until the August meeting.
Ordination Gift – Beth Hurt has graduated from seminary, and her ordination is scheduled for April 25th in Charles City at St. John’s Lutheran Church. An ordination gift will be selected by a committee of 3 from the Council. A motion to that effect was made by Mary Haugen and seconded by Craig Russell. Motion carried.
Other New Business:
Ron Meyer, who lives just north of the Church, asked if he could make a sculpture of praying hands on a tree stump on his property. Everyone on the council agreed that it would be nice to do that. Motion to Adjourn: A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Craig Russell and seconded by Tammy Klatt. Motion carried.
We closed with the Lord’s Prayer. Submitted by, Jeanne Russell Council Secretary
May Worship Information
On Sunday, May 10th we will be honoring our 5 graduating high school seniors. Ruby Coldiron, Kolton Hefti, Matthew Hurt, Brandon Stein and Kali Wharton. There will be baskets in the narthex on this day if you would like to leave a card.
Sunday, May 17th will be the last day of Sunday school. The students will sing and receive their certificates on this day. Please join us in thanking all the students and staff for another great year then stick around after church for cake and ice cream provided by the Board of Ed!
Also on this Sunday, Pastor Steve Brackett of the NE IA Synod office will be at our worship service to take some drone footage and pictures to add to our congregational profile.
June Worship Information Please note that starting on Sunday, June 7 th, our worship time will switch for the summer to 9:00 a.m.
PLEASE NOTE: This newsletter is for May and June so please make sure to keep for 2 months!
THANK YOU’S
The family of Robert Edwards wishes to thank you for your love and support and thoughtful expressions of sympathy. It is deeply appreciated and will always be remembered. -Kris Edwards
Thank you for the memorial gift for Ron. It was very special that he was remembered by one of his congregations. Even though we weren’t with you very long, there are many memories. God be with you all. -Chris Nelson
Prayer requests for Ron Larson. He and Anne are currently residing at Bethany in Story City. If you would like to drop them a card, the address there is: 212 Lafayette Ave., Story City, IA 50248.
GRADUATION ANNOUNCEMENTS
Dear First Lutheran Family, Scott & Deb are proud to announce that Ruby is graduating from Eagle Grove High School, and we invite you to share in our joy! Commencement will take place May 17 at 2:00 PM at the Eagle Grove Elementary School gym, 425 N Fort Ave, Eagle Grove, IA. A come & go reception will follow the ceremony at 815 1st Ave SE, Clarion, IA.
This fall, Ruby will attend Iowa Central Community College and plans to transfer to the University of Northern Iowa to study Secondary Education. She hopes to become a high school English teacher.
We are also happy to share that Deb is graduating from the University of Northern Iowa on May 15 with a degree in Elementary and Special Education. She will be teaching at CGD this fall.
Kolton Dennis Hefti, son of Shane & Taunya Hefti, will graduate from CG-D on Sunday, May 17. All are invited to a graduation reception in his honor on Saturday, May 2nd from 2-6 at the Dows Community Center.
FREE
Are you looking for a Singer sewing machine? We have one here at the church that is looking for a new home. If you would like to look at it, it is in the old quilting room across the hall from the elevator downstairs. Please let the office know if you are interested.
CONGRATULATIONS
eth Hurt will be Ordained on Saturday, April 25, 2026 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Charles City and graduate from Wartburg Seminary in May. She will start her new position in Eldorado and Ossian at the beginning of June. Well wishes may be sent to Beth at 405 W. Shepherd St., Dows, IA 50071 There will be a livestream of the service on YouTube at 2 p.m. for those who may not be able to be there in person. That link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCcFDBkOOj0