.

WEEKLY NEWS

Updated every Wednesday

 

 

 

 

RESPONDING TO U.S. TORNADOES

A two-mile wide tornado ripped through Moore, Okla., claiming many lives and leaving behind a devastating trail of destruction. Plaza Towers Elementary School stood right in the path of the storm’s 166-200 mph winds.

Many homes are damaged or destroyed as tornadoes touched down throughout Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Illinois and Iowa. As strong winds and warm fronts continue to move across the nation, the threat for future tornado outbreaks is looming.

Your help is needed to bring hope to our sisters and brothers in need. Lutheran Disaster Response affiliates are already on the ground, assessing the immediate and long-term needs of those affected by the tornadoes. We already know it will be a long road to recovery, and your gifts are needed now to begin coordinating volunteers, rebuilding homes and offering spiritual and emotional care to those in need.

Gifts designated to “U.S. Tornadoes” through Lutheran Disaster Response will be used entirely — 100 percent — to help survivors of tornadoes rebuild their lives and livelihoods. Our church is reaching out in response to these devastating storms and assessing the needs — working together for as long as it takes. Thank you for your gifts, your prayers and your partnership. To give, visit www.ELCA.org/disaster.

 

 

 

A Note from Pastor Jeff...

May 20, 2013

 

Dear Friends in Christ:

 

I have called you friends, because I have made known to you everything that I have heard from my Father. God appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last, so that the Father will give us whatever we ask him in Jesus’ name. God gave us these commands so that we may love one another. John 15: 14-16

If there had been time we would have liked to have had many personal conversations so we could share why I am resigning my Call at Kinsmen to accept a Call to serve Kountze Memorial Lutheran Church in Omaha, Nebraska. This decision has been very difficult. The last three years have been the most meaningful and enjoyable since ordination nearly thirty years ago. Pastor Mark England has been a full partner in the ministry we share, and the rest of our staff is outstanding. They are spiritually gifted, committed to their Lord and Kinsmen, and full of integrity. All staff, including Pastor Mark whose Call is not co-terminus with mine, may continue to serve Kinsmen indefinitely.

Three reasons informed the decision:

• I believe God has called me to a new challenge that may not be available in the future as I turn 59 years old. By “new,” I mean a challenge unlike other congregations I have served. Kountze is a downtown congregation organized before the Civil War. It has declined somewhat, but has the will and resources to “turn around,” and the area around it is being renewed with new housing and retail developments.

 

• My mother died unexpectedly two months after coming to Kinsmen and as an only child, it would honor my 82-year old father to be closer to him. Should it become necessary, the church operates a facility with 51 apartments for senior citizens on limited income.

 

• As much as it will be emotionally difficult for Candace and me, it is a good time for Kinsmen. There are always challenges ahead, but there are no internal or lingering conflicts, crisis or divisive issues, and the relationship between church council and other leaders with our staff is outstanding. I also believe the community around Kinsmen is revitalizing and will be even more conducive to growth in the next few years. Kinsmen is on the right path and will flourish just as my previous congregation in Iowa flourishes with the pastor that followed me.

My resignation will take effect July 30, but my last Sunday will be June 30. We have not taken more then a few days’ long vacations since coming to Kinsmen, and hope to do so for the month of July. After this period of time, pastoral ethics preclude me from such things as conducting funerals, weddings, presiding over baptisms and communion, or any other pastoral acts among Kinsmen members. We do hope, however, to be put on Christmas letter and Facebook lists and that you will visit us when passing through Omaha.

 

There is nothing to read between the lines and no other issues or information not contained in this letter. It is a testament to God’s grace, that from the first year until now, as I begin my seventh year, how much I have grown to love and will deeply miss the people of Kinsmen. Candace and I are thankful for the ministry and moments we shared, and will carry those memories forever.

I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, thankful for your partnership in the gospel… Philippians 1:3-5

In Christ,

Jeffery Alvestad, Pastor

 

 

 

 

MAY 25/26
THE HOLY TRINITY

 

JOIN US FOR WORSHIP THIS WEEKEND!

 

Saturday at 5:30 PM - Informal Worship
Sunday at 8:15 & 11 AM - Traditional Worship
Sunday at 9:30 AM - Contemporary Worship

 

Breakfast will be served beginning at 9 AM.

CHILDREN'S MUSICAL
This year's production will be What's Up Zak? It is a story of Zaccheus. The musical will be performed on Saturday August 24 at 7 PM. Auditions for speaking parts and vocal solos will be held on June 2, 9, and 16. Contact Lynnae Schatz (lschatz@kinsmenlutheran.org) to schedule an audition time or if you have questions.