Missionaries Help Build Rose Parade Float

   What do 27 people with 27 backpacks equal? The answer: 27 missionaries!
   On December 28, team members Vivian Ernst, Lorna Steenbock, Marcia Cates and Peggy Hanson, all of Ida Grove, left on an eight day mission trip to Los Angeles, California, and Mexico. The group of 27 worked as Petal Pushers volunteering many hours decorating the Lutheran Hour float and the City of Los Angeles float for the Rose Parade.
   What a unique experience to watch the basic structure of a styrofoam float develop into an unbelievable work of art as thousands of flowers and other natural materials covered every inch of the floats. Peggy shared, “I was amazed how many other materials were used such as vegetables, fruits, grasses, bark, seeds and corn silk.”
   The Lutheran Hour float featured a church with beautiful detailed stain glass windows surrounded by trees, lamp posts and swans. Marcia commented, “The float was absolutely beautiful when it was finished and it really felt like we were part of something special. The detail is so amazing; you can truly appreciate it when you are there in person.” It was a nice surprise when we saw the float in the parade with the Princess Trophy banner and realized it won an award.
   As volunteers they did a variety of jobs such as peeling petals off gladiolas to cover the butterfly wings, gluing flowers, filling water vials, pushing wood picks into carnations and pushing thousands of flowers into the floats.
   The group also spent time in Tijuana, Mexico, working at a mission painting the church and parsonage, doing yard work, cleaning and organizing their offices and storerooms, and sorting and counting supplies. Vivian added, “We were quite a sight as we walked into Mexico carrying backpacks filled with school and health supplies and 575 pairs of socks which were all donated to the mission.”
   Another highlight of the trip was attending “The Glory of Christmas,” a live nativity presentation at the Crystal Cathedral. “You have to see this to believe it!” added Lorna. “The live animals, angels, costumes and music created a very realistic drama of the Christmas story.”
   We had the privilege of meeting Pastor Arthur Porter who shared the challenges he faces as head of the Nehemiah Project, a mission outreach program for 11 inner city Los Angeles churches. This was of special interest since his work is funded by Iowa District West.
   The women agreed it was especially meaningful to serve the Lord through mission work and it was spiritually enriching for each of us personally. Heartfelt thanks go to Ellie Menz, IOWAY Director, (Iowa Outreach With Adults and Youth) for her spiritual leadership and coordination of this trip. If you are interested in mission work, contact Ellie at ellie.menz@idwlcms.org.
   Photos submitted. Thanks, guys!

Valentine Raffle This Weekend

   St. Mary’s Rosary Society is selling their Valentine raffle tickets through this Friday. Just $5 gives you a chance at a night’s stay at Baymont Inn in Sioux City, two movie passes, a $25 gift certificate to Applebees, a gift basket from Colbert’s Maket, a $10 certificate for gas from the Danbury C-Store, $20 from Valley Bank and Trust, and a $100 gift certificate from Greenberg Jewelers. The winner will be drawn at the 5:30 Mass at St. Mary’s in Danbury on Saturday.
   If you wish to purchase a ticket, please contact Donna LeFebvre after 5:00 p.m. or Gaylene Brouillette before 9:00 in the morning. All proceeds from the project will go to the Rosary Society.

Valentine's Day Luncheon Next Wednesday

   Valentine’s Day is Wednesday, February 14th. Why not spend the lunch hour at St. Mary’s in Mapleton with someone you love? Or just go alone or with a bunch of friends.
   The parishioners at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Mapleton will be holding their annual Valentine Luncheon at the church on Wednesday, February 14th. Chicken and noodles, salad bar, and pie will be served from 11:00 until 1:00.
   The meal costs $5 per plate. Tickets are available at First State Bank of Mapleton, Valley Bank in Mapleton, and Maier Pharmacy or at the door. Carryouts are available at the west door of the church.