LIFE IN COMMUNITY                                                                             May 2009

I think those who were present for the first Open Forum would consider it a “good start” to Shepherd of the Hills attempt to open up communications within the congregation. In case you weren’t present here are the topics we covered:

• Feedback on the stained glass window which was created by Maxine Dittmar in memory of her husband John. All comments were POSITIVE!! Thanks to the Stain Glass Window committee who worked with Maxine to put something together that reflected Shepherd of the Hills and still allowed light to come into the Gathering Center.

• Pastor Barb gave an update on her plans for her sabbatical which is June 15 - September 15, 2009. Three weeks of the sabbatical will be spent touring the Holy Land and In the Footsteps of Paul.

• Feedback on constructing a Picnic Shelter and a children’s play ground on Shepherd of the Hills Property. Plans will come back to the congregation before we begin any type of construction on either of these. The picnic shelter will be paid for from Hank Thomssen’s memorial money. We will need several committees to work on these. Ray Israel is looking into the picnic shelter. If you want to help out, let him know. If you would like to chair or serve on a committee to plan the children’s play ground, let Pastor Barb or Terry Crandall know.

• Ron Schultz gave an update on the Community Garden, which is located between Grebner’s house and the church (close to the road). The potatoes, with the assistance of the confirmation students, were planted on Good Friday. Other items will be planted as the weather permits. All proceeds from the produce of this garden go to world hunger. Get ready to enjoy all this fresh produce as it matures and is harvested.

• Leigh Stoewer gave an update on the fund raising for the Youth Trip to New Orleans. They have enough money to cover the registration, transportation, and hotel for the 8 youth and 2 adults who are attending. They are now working to replenish the fund so that the next group who will go in 2 years will have a head start. Most of these youth: Carlene DeCoster, Clint Anderson, Ben Stoewer, Bryce Hesselbacher, Tyler Hesselbacher, Liza Crandall, Selina Carlborg, and Christine Frey have been working toward this trip for many years, helping raise money. Terry and Rich Crandall are the adult sponsors going. All of those from Shepherd of the Hills attending will be involved in daily work projects, forums and worship during their time in New Orleans. We look forward to a few more fund raisers and at least 10 reports when they return.

• Leigh also updated the congregation on Vacation Bible School (VBS). Usually Leigh and volunteers have put together a camp out which starts on Friday night and ends on Saturday around noon. It seems that it would be best to combine with the Scales Mound churches in a community sponsored event which will probably be held sometime in June. We will still need volunteers to help teach, bring treats, etc. Look for more information about this in upcoming newsletters and bulletins.

• Thanks were extended to Karen Redfearn, Alana Turner and Goldie Foley for their work in putting together the financial reports. The new reports were sent out with April 19 announcements via email or with the bulletin on Sunday April 19, 2009. If you have any questions about the reports, check with one of these folks. We want to make sure they are clear and easy to understand.

• Thanks were extended to the congregation for their continued financial support of ministry at Shepherd of the Hills.In these hard economic times many congregations are struggling, but we continue to give generously toward current expenses, mission and building fund accounts. We have also been blessed because on April 19, before the congregational meeting to vote on insulating the sanctuary attic, an anonymous donor stepped forward and said they would pay for the insulation. Thanks be to God for God’s unbelievable grace!!

• Feedback was received on use of the Power Point for worship. There were many positive comments with helpful feedback given to further enhance its use, i.e., use of font color, using familiar hymns when power point is utilized since music is not provided via power point, dimming of lights. Some even had to admit they didn’t like the idea of Power Point when we began to use it, but have been moved by some of the powerful ways it has been used.

• The Landscaping Committee will meet and decide if other landscaping is needed.  It was discussed that trees where need to provide a wind block.  Ron Schultz has been working on this and will continue to do so.

• Praise was given to the Sunday School Staff who are providing an excellent education to our children.  They are Mona Jordan, Penny Folks (Eva Folks has been helping too) and Barb Hendren, Superintendent.

I think that just about covers it. We plan on having another Open Forum in three to four months and hope you all can attend. Life in Community is further enhanced when we join together in conversation about what is going on at Shepherd of the Hills. We don’t have to agree on everything, but it is so much healthier to share our thoughts and views on matters rather than keep them inside or complain to others where nothing can really be resolved.

AND THE GOOD NEWS IS: It looks like spring is really here. Enjoy!

--Pastor Barb

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Gina Koester and Waylon Kretchmer who were united in marriage at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church on Saturday, April 25, 2009. Gina is the daughter of Marian Koester and the late Jim Koester. Gina and Waylon live in Elizabeth, IL.

Carlene DeCoster who was crowned Prom Queen at Scales Mound Prom on Saturday, April 18, 2008. Carlene is a member of Shepherd of the Hills and will be traveling with the other Youth to the ELCA Youth Assembly in New Orleans in August.

SYMPATHY EXTENDED

We extend our sympathy to Tony and Karen Winter, Chad and Chris Winter and Lucas and Stacy Winter at the death of Tony’s brother Jim Winter. Jim was a member of Zion Presbyterian Church in Schapville. He is survived by his wife Simone.

TRAVEL TO GERMANY IN THE SUMMER OF 2010

Just a quick note to let you know that the new price on our 10 day trip is $3,893.  This includes the registration and departure fees.  The biggest cost saving factors are the elimination of the Berlin portion of the trip. Nothing in the core program of the trip has been sacrificed. Although we are not at our needed 15 travelers, we have new enrollees, and we are keeping enrollment options open until June 15. Early enrollees will get the best prices, but all will benefit from discounts that will soon be applied. Watch weekly announcements for updates.

OBITUARY

James “Jim” H. Ehrler

March 30, 1945 – February 25, 2009

James “Jim” Henry Ehrler was born March 30, 1945 in Dubuque, IA to Melvin and Mary Ehrler. He married Victoria E. Hesselbacher on Sept. 23, 1972 at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville, Ill. He graduated from Scales Mound High School in 1963. He lived and farmed in Guilford Township his entire life and had a great love for farming and for animals. Another passion in his life was his ever growing family. Jim loved to spend hours out in the yard playing with his grandchildren or teaching them something new on the farm. He was a member of Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Schapville where he served on the church council, enjoyed singing in the church choirs, taught Sunday School for many years, served as the Youth Leader and participated in as many of activities of the church as he could. The church was a very important part of his life and he devoted a lot of time and energy to it.

He was also active in many community organizations including, serving as the Guilford Township Clerk, Multi-Township Assessor Clerk & as a leader in the Scales Mound 4-H Club. He also was employed, for a number of years at the Luther Manor Nursing Home in Dubuque. Jim loved all people, but he had a special place in his heart for the elderly. He enjoyed bowling, dancing and during his days at Iowa Hospital displayed quite a talent for drawing and sketching. He is a man that will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his wife, Victoria; one son, Nathan (Amanda) Ehrler, Galena; three daughters, Jessica (Rick) Roberts, Aurora, Alana (Todd) Turner and Kirstin Ehrler, both of Galena; five grandchildren, Zachary, Abby, McKayla, Brady and Sean; three brothers, Ron (Connie) Ehrler, Galena, Mel (Deb) Ehrler, East Dubuque, Ill., and Lavern Ehrler, Dubuque; and five sisters, Janice Radabaugh, Marie (Jim) Moser and Kathy (Marv) Gerlich, all of Galena, Kay Hesselbacher, Apple River, Ill., and Nancy (Steve) Petsche, Lena, Ill.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, George and David. He died February 25, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the University of Iowa Hospital, Iowa City, surrounded by his family. He was 63 years old.

Burial was in St. John's Cemetery in Guilford.

BLESSED BE THE MEMORY OF JIM EHRLER

 

Visit our Web Sites: www.shepherdofhill.com or our historical site www.shepherdofhill.tripod.com

Questions or comments, please e-mail SOTHoffice@jcwifi.com or call us at 815.845.2061