Around the Building

May 13: The Questers

The Questers is a non-profit International Organization, which was founded in 1944 by Jessie Elizabeth Bardens. Its original objective was to stimulate an appreciation of antiques and the collection of them, and later to encourage the preservation and restoration of existing historical buildings and landmarks locally, statewide and internationally.

Members from the 74 Questers chapters throughout Iowa met at Faith Lutheran Church on April 25-26 for their annual State Day event. Faith member, Trish Jordahl, was part of the planning team. “Faith provided a great space for us for our state event,” commented Jordahl.  “The general openness and accessibility of Faith's design made it an especially great facility for our event. The rooms were very spacious and the overall design worked very well.”

In recent years, Iowa Questers have turned their focus toward preservation and restoration. In 2016 they adopted a new state motto: “Preserving the Past for the Future through Restoration, Acquisition and Education.” Click here to learn more about the Iowa Questers.

May 6, 2025: Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. 1 in 9 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s. The disease slowly diminishes the brain’s capacity to perform tasks that the person once considered to be normal. In 2024, more than 12 million Americans provided upwards of 19 billion hours of unpaid care for people living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Often, these caregivers are family members or friends without formal training and limited means of support. 

The Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group exists to provide encouragement to the people who are walking alongside people with this disease. This group, co-led by Laura Swessinger, meets twice each month at Faith Lutheran Church. “Emotional support is very important, but we also listen to the caregivers’ stories and answer questions about how we handled difficult situations,” Swessinger reflects. “Faith Lutheran is handicapped accessible, centrally located for our members, and provides a meeting room where we can meet without interruption and where we can handle confidentiality.” 

Though there is no known cure for Alzheimer’s disease, ongoing medical research provides signs of hope for treatments that can manage symptoms and slow the progress of the disease. In the meantime, organizations like the Alzheimer’s Caregiver’s Support Group provide an essential service to people in our community. Contact the church office to learn more about this group. 

April 29, 2025: Dobson Organ Opus 61

The Faith Lutheran Church organ (Opus 61) was built in 1993 by Dobson Pipe Organ Builders. On May 3, 2025, a national meeting of organ builders will be visiting Faith to view the organ and learn about its various colors and features.

Recently, the American Guild of Organists Central Iowa Chapter published a piece featuring Dobson’s Opus 61. Several Faith members contributed to this lengthy article. Here are a few excerpts:

The planning for a new pipe organ began in 1986 as plans took shape for a new sanctuary and other modifications to the Faith Lutheran building. Members of the first organ planning committee were well aware that the congregation would not settle for an electronic instrument,  so plans were made to install a pipe organ.  As Myron Marty, chairman of the organ committee said in a May 1993 interview with the Des Moines Register, a fine pipe organ “provides support for the singing of the liturgy and hymns. You just sing differently. It fills the room in a way an electronic instrument cannot. You know you are in a special place.”

Bell and bird-call sounds such as the cuckoo or nightingale have been components of pipe organs in Germany since the 1600s. After hearing these sounds during his postgraduate studies in Europe, Pastor Trost requested of Lynn Dobson that he wanted “a magnificent instrument, an organ with a sense of humor”.  Lynn Dobson responded with a cymbelstern and nightingale stop in his design. A star situated toward the top of the organ pipes revolves when the tinkling bells of the cymbelstern are activated. 

Lynn Dobson’s design for the nightingale was both fun and highly original with a bird that decidedly reflects the ornithology of the Americas. Pulling the nightingale stop releases a colorful chirping Toucan that descends from a box placed at the upper left of the console. David Herman recollects that “ The bird was a gift from the Pastor so that children might enjoy a special part of the new organ. I also think that Lynn Dobson carved it himself. The bird, that is, not the pastor!” The Toucan was named “Dobby” in a Faith Congregational naming contest!

The organ in the sanctuary of Faith Lutheran is an instrument which enhances weekly worship services. It is also an inspiration to organ builders and musicians who have an appreciation for quality craftsmanship and the excellent ongoing care given to the organ. Click here to learn more about Opus 61.

April 22, 2025: MOSAIC

Mosaic is a faith-based organization which was started by a Lutheran pastor with a calling to create a new community for those in need. Since 1913, Mosaic has grown to provide services nationally to over 5,000 people in 13 states. Here in Central Iowa, they support over 300 adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in group and host homes. Our mission is to help the individuals we serve lead full and meaningful lives!

Mosaic regularly hosts special events at Faith Lutheran throughout the year—and none are more joy-filled than the Valentine’s Day party. Residents and their providers come to enjoy games, food, and music. Their laughter and dancing fills St. Michael’s Hall with an enthusiastic spirit.

Katie Flippen, Mosaic’s Public Relations Specialist, is one of the key leaders who brings Mosaic events to Faith Lutheran. She is grateful that this congregation offers “a safe, accessible, and beautiful space that allows us to host small and large events for the people we serve and the community that surrounds and supports our mission. Belonging & Connection!”

Staff and volunteers from the church and Mosaic have benefited from this growing partnership. Mosaic leaders are eager to share their experiences—and their food!—with church staff. There are some new events on the horizon, including a dinner party in early May and possibly others in the works in the months to come.

Katie is generous with praise as she reflects on her interactions at Faith. “We feel welcomed and celebrated the minute we enter your church—the level of organization and communication fostered by Erik as we plan events; the vision of Pastor Eric who embraces our beloved individuals; our ongoing partnership with Pastor Megan who always says "yes" and then goes "way out of her way" to thoughtfully connect us to your entire congregation and the community beyond your doors. You are accessible, and not just because of your doors and bathrooms - but because of your hearts and your faithful connection!”

Mosaic looks forward to continuing this partnership and hopes to keep finding ways to give back to the congregation in the months ahead. Click here to learn more about the great work Mosaic is doing in our community and throughout the country.

April 15, 2025: Iowa Center for Children’s Justice

Divorce is a difficult and unpleasant experience for most people, especially children. Fortunately, there are resources available to support children in these circumstances. The Iowa Center for Children’s Justice is an organization which assists children involved in custody disputes by providing child-focused education and legal services. Their mission emphasizes valuing a child’s voice in divorce and custody matters, ensuring that children’s needs and perspectives are prioritized during these challenging times.

Each month, the ICCJ leads workshops for children in the lower-level classrooms at Faith Lutheran Church. These classes provide young ones with the support they need to navigate this confusing time in their life. Each session welcomes more than 50 local children

Sara Edgar, coordinator of the Children’s Divorce Workshops, is pleased that Faith is hosting these monthly classes for kids. “Holding our children's divorce workshops at Faith Lutheran Church provides a safe, welcoming, and neutral environment where children can gather to share their thoughts and feelings. She’s especially grateful for the kid-friendly meeting spaces. “We’ve especially appreciated having access to classrooms that accommodate all age groups, particularly the room with child-sized desks and materials suited for our younger workshop attendees. Having a space tailored to their needs helps the children feel more at ease and engaged during our sessions. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference in creating an environment where kids can feel comfortable, heard, and supported.”

The Iowa Center for Children’s Justice is always looking for new volunteers. Anyone interested in helping with their mission is invited to visit their website to learn more.