Summer 2008
Meet Al Berge, Zion’s new Director of Community Ministries. He is married to Carol. They have two grown children, Leslie and Alex.
Having grown up in Garner, Al’s roots are in North Iowa. Nevertheless, he brings with him a diverse background. In high school he actually entertained the idea of becoming a pastor. But by his second year of college, he was leaning toward the sciences graduating with a B.A. in Biology.
Then he decided to temporarily sell insurance while he figured out his next step. He recently retired from that after thirty- five years. When Al saw Zion’s ad, he was at a point where he wanted to enhance his spiritual growth. What better way to do that than by helping others to grow spiritually? So he deliberately sought after a position where he needs to rely more on God. He knows he can’t do the job all himself and looks forward to involving ever more people in the small group ministry.
Because Al spent 25 years as a chamber member responsible for setting up Clear Lake’s Fourth of July parade, he knows he can do the work of his current calling, but he also knows he need to grow relationally. He is more used to sitting down to a meeting and starting with item one on the agenda. Now he makes it a point to first ask how people are doing. He is learning to listen more.
Prior to taking this job, Al had only a disappointing experience with a small group. Now he feels he can use that to his advantage. Small group life needs to be more than just teaching a lesson and getting through the discussion questions. It needs to have a component where the lessons are directly applied to real life. He knows small groups need to get to a point where their discussions can go to a deeper level.
After starting his new job in October, Al slipped and fell on a very icy December 6th. He broke and fractured the bones above his ankle. Currently, he has 19 screws and two plates holding it all together. He quickly learned firsthand what it’s like to have to depend on others. Yet another lesson God was taking him through.
Al firmly believes that all four elements of small group life need to be expressed; Christian Fellowship, Bible Study, Prayer and Service. Of those four, he’d like to lift up the value of serving others as a way to give thanks back to God. When we care for each other, we model Jesus who took on the very nature of a servant. (See Philippians 2:5-8.)
In keeping with that belief, Al recently started a 6:30 early morning all men’s Bible Study small group. He hopes that eventually the members will come to deliberately care for one another as they take what they learn and live it out in their daily lives. He’d like to see information become transformation.
As someone to whom God has gifted with leadership and administration, Al tends to be more about getting the task done. Now God is showing him that investing in the lives of people is more important than crossing off item on a to-do list.
When asked what he wanted most from the people of Zion, Al replied that he’d like their prayers both for him as a person and for the ministry he now leads.
A Small Group Wedding
Most people are aware that when a small group works well, it can be a safe place where confidence and life can be shared. Small groups support each other as they go through tough times and celebrate with each other as they go through joyous times.
This story falls into the latter category. You’ve probably heard of groups coming forward as a member gets baptized, but how many small groups get to be the congregation for a surprise wedding?
June Krull grew up in small town Bode. She lived most her married life in the Algona area where they raised two sons. She and her husband spent weekends at Clear Lake and enjoyed Zion’s Church in the Park before he died after battling cancer.
They had always planned to retire in Clear Lake. June saw no reason to change those plans now that it was just her. But which church to join? Zion felt so big. Yet she wasn’t sure about the smaller ones she went to. So one Sunday she had a chat with God. She would go back to Zion one more time. If nobody talked to her, she would go elsewhere. That day there was communion. Not sure if she should fill out a pew card, she turned to the couple behind her for help. And after the service that couple talked with her. In fact, Polly and Dave Suntken did more than just talk. Polly invited her to Circle.
Meanwhile, Tom Bonderman had grown up in the northwest town of Melvin. He lived most his married life in Storm Lake and Lime Springs. He had two daughters before he lost his wife. Tom and June met at a singles dance in Mason City. They again met at another single’s dance in Floyd. This time Tom asked for her phone number and they started dating.
As June was finishing a Zion’s New Partner class, she signed up to join a couple’s small group. She decided against an all women’s group as she was interested in hearing men’s perspectives.
The small group she joined was led by Connie and Rae Bieber. It was such a positive good experience that she continued on as Jean and Wes Wistrom took over the leadership. And, of course, the group heard about this dashing man in her life. They had been dating now for about three years. When the group had their 2007 Christmas Party, they asked her to bring him. From then on, Tom would occasionally visit the group if he was in town. That took a little doing since the group’s usual meeting time was Wednesday afternoon at various homes.
Soon, Tom and June decided to get married. They talked about a small ceremony, maybe even just going before a judge. But the more June thought about it, the more she decided she’d like to get married by a pastor.
As her small group studied the Gospel of Matthew, June made up her mind. After the meeting they asked the Reverend Clarence and Donna Baalson to stay a bit longer. There was something they wanted to chat about. After swearing them to secrecy, they asked if he’d be willing to marry them and would Donna play piano at their April 9th 2008 meeting which June was planning on hosting? The Baalson’s were delighted!
Even though she was supposed to be studying Matthew 11, June was busy planning. In keeping with the secrecy, she and Tom needed to get a wedding license someplace where no one knew them. They didn’t want any in their small group to see the published notice in a newspaper. They decided to go to Osage, but needed a witness. Re-enter the Baalsons who were more than willing to go with.
June envisioned a small ceremony in front of her living room fire place. But where to seat people and arrange things? No, she decided it would be better if they had small group in the Friendship Room. But that meant more people would know.
They went to Pastor Dean and explained. He talked to the staff and all were sworn to secrecy. And still there was one more person they needed to involve. They needed to contact Zion’s Wedding Coordinator. And wouldn’t know? That person was Polly Suntken, the first person who had talked to June back when she was deciding on a church home. Polly was only too excited to be in on the secret and ready to do whatever it took to pull everything together.
Although no longer members of the group, June and Tom wanted Rae and Connie Bieber to be there. Yet she couldn’t risk any more people knowing. She decided that Tom would be having an early surprise birthday party. The Biebers didn’t know his actual birthday was in November. Well, Connie thanked them for the invite, but wasn’t sure if they could make it.
The night before small group, June telephoned everyone to tell them her kitchen was a mess and the meeting would be in the Friendship Room. She purposely waited until the last minute, fearful that someone would volunteer their home. Then they called her brother to ask if he would be their best man and if his wife would take pictures.
The next afternoon, June, Tom, Clarence, Donna and Polly arrived early, dressed for a wedding. The cake was ready, the punch chilled, the coffee hot, the mints and nuts attractively laid out. Yet not all was quite as it should be. June had a last minute change of venue. She really wanted the ceremony to be in the sanctuary. Polly stepped forward to take care of that.
Clarence asked if they would like him to chant the Lord’s Prayer. He also promised to keep his message to less than forty-five minutes. Group members began to arrive in jeans and casual clothes. At least one wanted to go back home and get more dressed up, but June and Tom would have none of that. This wasn’t about being dressed up. It was about sharing the moment together.
Connie and Rae showed up with a birthday card. Connie later told June she was sitting at home that morning when she felt God urging her to go. Connie acquiesced, but told God she would only stay for a quick bite of birthday cake. They both stayed longer.
The wedding went off as planned. The small group members sat ready in the front pews. The couple walked down the aisle as Donna played. The small group then stood, excited to be a part of the ceremony. Donna joined June as her matron of honor while Pastor Clarence wore his vestments.
Afterward, the group reconvened in the Friendship Room to enjoy food, fellowship and the surprise of being involved in such a happy occasion. Chapter 11 of Matthew was not once discussed.
The next meeting was held at Wes and Jean Wistrom. They said to come hungry around six when Wes would throw some burgers on the grill. But to Tom and June’s surprise, everyone had gotten together to host a grand meal in honor of the newlyweds. Matthew 11 would have to wait for yet another meeting!
