St. John’s Lutheran Church
Celebrating 125 Years
1890-2015
2015 EPISTLEPage 1
St. John’s Lutheran Church
Celebrating 125 Years
1890-2015
2015 EPISTLEPage 1
Pastors MessagePage 1VolunteersPage 5
St. John’s NewsPage 2CalendarPage 6
Birthdays/AnniversariesPage 4
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Greetings. My name is Jon Becker and I will be your Interim Pastor until your new pastor is called. I am now retired from active ministry after serving churches in North Dakota, Illinois, Wisconsin and Minnesota. I am married and have 4 children. I enjoy reading, visiting family, boating and shooting sports. I am excited to be a part of your church until your new pastor’s arrival.
This church family is now going through a very challenging time of transition. It is always difficult when a dearly loved pastor leaves for another call. It is tough to say good-bye and God bless. It is even more difficult when the interim pastor, who is also dearly loved, decides to leave and accept another call to a campus congregation, …a ministry he deeply loves. With many members holding hurt and angry feelings, it is very important to deal with these feelings in a positive way, …to work them out, to let them go, and to ask God for the strength to move on, grant forgiveness, and start looking and planning for the future of St. John’s Lutheran Church with a new pastor.
If, you would ever like to talk about any issues or questions with me, please call the church office and we can work out a time to get together.
In closing, I would like to share with you an article that appeared in another church newsletter a few years ago.
FUNNY - how twenty dollars looks so big when you place it into the offering plate, ...and how it looks so small when you take it to the mall.
FUNNY - how big an hour or so serving God and God’s church looks, ...and how short an hour seems when golfing, fishing, or watching TV.
FUNNY - how hard it is to read a chapter in the Bible, ....and how easy it is to read two or three hundred pages in a favorite book.
FUNNY - how we look upon reading one small page of our daily devotional as a real chore, ...and how fun it is to check and read emails and FaceBook many times each day.
FUNNY - how we can’t think of anything to say when we pray, ...but don’t have any trouble texting meaningless updates to family and friends.
FUNNY - how it seems we need two or more weeks to fit an event at the church into our schedule, ...and are always able to adjust our schedule for a last minute social invitation from a friend.
FUNNY ISN’T IT? - No, ...it’s not funny! In fact it’s sad, for it merely reflects the way many of us are living these days with our priorities mixed up, our priorities messed up.
I pray that we ask God for the strength to rearrange our priorities this summer, and ask for the strength to live our faith with boldness and joy.
May you have a great summer, a time of refreshment and family time together.
In Christ,
Pastor Jon
Actual Bulletin Bloopers
- This being Easter Sunday, we will ask Mrs. Lewis to come forward and lay an egg on the altar.
- Eight new choir robes are currently needed, due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
- The eighth graders will be presenting Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in the church basement on Friday at 7 p.m. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
CALL COMMITTEE UPDATE
Just a note to let everyone know, that a candidate for Pastor at St. Johns will be visiting our church on July 12th. She will be participating during the worship service and telling a little about herself. She will also be sticking around after worship to visit and socialize with the congregation. We hope to get a good turn out and make her feel welcome. If you have any questions please feel free to contact a member of the call committee. Hope to see you all there!
CHICKEN FEED FUND RAISER
Mark your calendar for July 9th when St. John’s will be hosting a barbequed chicken dinner! Suggested donation for meal is $8 per person or free will offering. Activities also include a silent auction and independent vendors. Proceeds from this event will go to St. John’s Youth fund to help pay to send 27 of our youth to Luther Point Bible Camp this summer.
Library Review
“A Time to Embrace”
By Karen Kingsbury
John and Abby Reynolds thought they had the perfect life until an unexpected tragedy strikes them. Now they falter in their faith, work for forgiveness, and hope for a miracle. They are determined to move on with their lives and try to remember what is most important to them.
Lynda Johnson,
Librarian
Women of St. John’s
Submitted by Nina Larson
All women of St. John’s are welcome and encouraged to attend all scheduled events.
We will be taking our summer break until September. There will be no Bingo, Quilting or Circle during July and August.
125TH ANNIVERSARY NOTES
WE NEED YOUR INPUT
As part of our 125th Anniversary Celebration we would like to include some of your thoughts and memories.
One of the ways we want to do this is to honor all of our members over the age of 80. If you are in this category you will be receiving a letter in which we ask for a brief story of your life including some of the following items:
- Where did you grow up; go to school, etc?
- Occupation
- Interests, hobbies, life experiences, travel, etc.
- Family (children, grandchildren, great grandchildren)
- How long have you been a member of St. John’s? Activities involved in at St. John’s?
- Any humorous stories
We would like these stories returned to the church office by July 31 so we can type them up and compile the stories into a booklet.
A second way we would like to include your thoughts is for you to complete the following sentence:
I remember when…
These memories may be serious or humorous. You may include your name or not as you choose.
Example – I remember when Pastor Dave’s cat named Hannah came into the church during worship service and walked around the chancel area and then went back outside.
Forms will be available on tables in the Fellowship Hall.A Memory Box will be available in the Narthex for you to drop your memories (forms) into.
CRAFT/VENDOR EVENT
The Deacons will be hosting a craft/vendor event along with the Chicken feed July 9. If you or anyone you know would be interested in participating, please contact Jenny Stoiber at (715)441-6009 or by email at . Table space is $20.00. Fees will be donated to the youth going to bible camp.
ST. JOHN’S SOCIAL GATHERING
Join us on Sunday, July 26 after worship at the Eau Galle Recreational Area for a time of fellowship and fun. All who want to join are welcome. Families bring their own food, drinks, lawnchairs, etc. There's an entrance fee, so bring money to park. Meet down at the beach area. Any questions talk to the Deacon's committee.
ST. JOHN’S HISTORY ON VHS
For those of you who still have a VCR machine there are 3 videos available about St. John’s history.
- 2 hour+ tape showing events during the Centennial year including the services led by former pastors and special services during the Centennial celebration weekend.
- 2 very brief tapes about the fire.
These can be checked out from the office.
NEED A RIDE TO CHURCH?
Anyone needing a ride to church on Sundays should contact Social Concerns Chairperson, Michelle Larson at (715)307-1884.
SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS MEETING
The Sunday School Superintendents will be meeting after worship on July 12 and July 26 to discuss the Sunday School curriculum.
LUTHERAN HUMOR
The pastor was just about ready to start the service and the opening hymn was already playing when a stranger enters the church, marches straight down the main aisle and seats himself in the very first pew. "Wow," thinks the pastor, "I wish all my parishioners were this enthusiastic!" and he goes on with the service. At the end of the service, the pastor adjourns to the narthex to greet the parishioners as they exit. Since the stranger came so late and sat at the very front, he was one of the last to greet the pastor this morning. "Welcome, it is good to have you with us this morning," says the pastor. "Are you new to this area and looking for a church home?" "No, not really," says the stranger. "Well, then what brings you to our church?" replies the pastor. "This is a professional visit," replies the stranger. "You see, I am a bus driver, and I am here this morning to see just how you guys do it to get people to sit in the back."
–George
Layette News
Garage Sale Season is here!
When you are out thrift shopping please take a few extra minutes to look for baby items for our layette mission project. The garments need to be gently used. Below is a list of items:
- Sleepers or gowns without feet
- Dark colored hand towel (most needed!)
- Socks
- Bath size bars of soap still in wrapper (gentle soap, i.e. ivory, dove)
- Lightweight cotton t-shirts
- Receiving blankets
- Jacket, Sweater or sweat shirts with a hood
- Diaper pins or large safety pins
- Cloth diapers (or flannel sheets)
If you prefer to buy new, we could use any of the items above. Sizes should be 6 to 24 months.
If you are a knitter or crocheter, you might enjoy helping by making baby sweaters in any of the sizes listed.
You may leave items at the church or contact Serena Roen at 778-5788.
We pray that you can help in this important project to keep God’s babies snug and warm.
Serena Roen, Layette Coordinator
Layette Project
If you have any extra flannel bed sheets that you are willing to part with, we would greatly appreciate it if you would donate them to the Layette Project. The cost of flannel for making diapers is beyond our budget for making as many as we need. If you could put them in paper or plastic bags and mark them for the layette project that would be wonderful.
Thank you for the donation to the Mission Endowment Fund in memory of Jody Immerfall given by Nancy Cleveland.
Thank you for the donation to the Youth Fund in memory of Warren Benson given by Jacalyn Splett.
Thank you for the donation to the Memorial Fund in memory of Judy Bille given by Gerald & Shirley Bodman.
RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE
The Red Cross will be having a blood drive on Monday, July 6 from noon - 6pm at St. John’s. For appointments or more information, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS (733-2767) or go online to and enter your zip code. For donor eligibility questions call 1-866-236-3276.
THE CROSS IN MY POCKET
I carry a cross in my pocket –
A simple reminder to me
Of the fact that I am a Christian,
No matter where I may be.
This little cross is not magic
Nor is it a good luck charm;
It isn’t meant to protect me
From every physical harm.
It’s not for identification
For all the world to see;
It’s simply an understanding
Between my Savior and me.
When I put my hand in my pocket
To bring out a coin or key,
The cross is there to remind me
Of the price He paid for me.
It reminds me, too, to be thankful
For my blessings day by day,
And to strive to serve Him better
In all that I do and say.
It’s also a daily reminder
Of the peace and comfort I share
With all who know my Master
And give themselves to His care.
So I carry the cross in my pocket,
Reminding no one but me
That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life-
If only I’ll let him be.
-Author Unknown
BIBLE PUNS, JOKES & RIDDLES
Q: Why couldn't anyone play cards on the ark?
A: Because the animals were on the deck.
Q: Where was Solomon's temple located?
A: On the side of his head.
Q: Which old testament character was know for having a foul mouth at a young age?
A: Job - He cursed the day he was born. (Job 3:1)
Q: What man is known for having killed 1/4 of the world's population in one day?
A: Cain when he killed Abel.
Q: How long did Cain hate his brother
A: As long as he was able (Abel)
Q: Where does it talk about Honda cars in the Bible?
A: In Acts 1:14_"These all continued with one accord"
Q: What were the Phoenicians famous for?
A: Blinds
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JULY BIRTHDAY’S
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2 – Jamie Burr
5 – Lora Palmer
6 –Jennifer Bille
Daniel Cipriano
Julie Finch
MacKenzie Olson
7 - Irene Anderson
9 – Adam Cleveland
Alexzandria Larrieu
10 - Matthew Dardine
11 –Russell Gunvalson
15 - Nicole Howe
Laurie Keehr
16 – Max Schmitt
17 -Reece Keehr
19 – Ryan Fritz
Noah Wells
20 - David Debold
Gaige Larson
21 –Ann Larson
Conner Trealoff
Clayton Utecht
Hannah Utecht
22 - Laurie Lasure
23 -Wiley Crow
24 - Rylie Fritz
25 - Kristin Larson
26 – Molly Green
26 - Madeline Matthys
27 - Hilary Boyer
Larry Kreibich
Carol Roland
28 – Tracey Boardman
Amber Schoeder
29 –Nicole Roen
30 – Kim Brooke
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6 – Jeff & Candace Schmitt
7 - David & Cindy Miller
8 – Tim & Amy Howe
12 – Jon Tanberg & Kristin Larson
16 - Scott & Serena Roen
19 - Virgil & Beverly Lueth
20 – Matt & Laura Pommier
24 – Ken & Laurie Lasure
Need A Prayer? Dial 778-5542 and our Prayer Chain will go into action!
The Spring Valley
Community Food Pantry
The Spring Valley Food pantry is available to help anyone in need of food in our area. If you know of a neighbor who could benefit from this assistance, you may obtain help on their behalf, keeping this information confidential.
Freezers and a refrigerator are available if you have items to donate requiring this. THANK YOU to all who have helped by contributing to this cause!
The Food Pantry is open the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month from 10 – 11:30 am and from 4:30 – 6 pm.
The phone number for the Spring Valley Community Food Pantry is 778-5988. For immediate need, please call the Pierce County Food Pantry in Ellsworth at 715-273-2070. They are open Monday thru Friday from 9:30 am to noon and Wednesday from 4-6 pm.
STATISTICAL INFORMATION
Attendance: 20152014
June 77765
June 1492110
June 215889
Giving:GeneralOpen Simply
Plate Giving
June 7$1,940$40 $370
June 14$2,598$56 $65
June 21$883$16 $70
Needed/week: $2,953.22 (2015)
Total needed to date this month: $73,830.50
Total received to date this month: $63,439.90
Total budget: (2015) $153,567.27
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VOLUNTEERS
If this schedule does not work for you, please try to switch with someone else. If you are willing to help with the openings or cannot find someone to switch with you, please notify the church office at 778-5935. Thank you!
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July
Ushers
5 – Ron, Tessa & Patrick Cipriano
12 – Jake & Sam Benson
19 – Jason Matthys & Jeanne Niccum
26 – Kevin & Val Anderson
Greeters
5 – Mary Hampton & Pat Gavic
12 – Scott & Kathy Klug
19 – Katie & Megan Manor
26 – Doug & Michelle Larson Family
Communion Assistants
5 – Marsha Brunkhorst & Tiffany Gregg
19 – Terri Trealoff & Mel Wentlandt
Readers
5 – Tanner Sands
12 – Hawken Benson
19 – Brenna Schreiber
26 – Elizabeth Anderson
Acolytes
5 – Max Schmitt & Quinn Anderson
12 – Connor Lynum & Kayla Lynum
19 – Charlie Maier & Madison Maier
26 – Ryan Burr & Pierce Burr
Coffee Servers
5 – Amy Cady & Pearl Ducklow
12 – Richard & Lynda Johnson
19 – Kate Crogan & Stacy Schultz
26 – Jason & Jenny Stoiber
Nursery Workers
The nursery is not staffed during the summer.
Communion Set-Up/Clean up
Pearl Ducklow & Mel Wentlandt
Bread Baking
Ginny Overland
August
Ushers
2–Rob & Lori Peterson
9–Mike & Heidi Jacobson
16 – Kim Brooke & Ben Anderson
23–Marsha Brunkhorst & Shelby Crow
30–Bob Hanson & Jim Green
Greeters
2 – Stacy Schultz & Kasey Roatch
9 – Mathiesen Family
16 – John & Leanna Larson
23 – Benson Family
30 – Cathee Quist, Serena Roen & Mattea Roen
Communion Assistants
2 – Kelly Schreiber & Stacey Wildner
16 – Katie Manor & Kathy Miller
Readers
2 – Rick Gould
9 – Jon Tanberg
16 – Beulah Thompson
23 – Grace Anderson
30 – Pierce Burr
Acolytes
2 – Ella Esanbock & Emma Esanbock
9 – Erin Stans & Nolan Stans
16 – Jenna Wildner & Jessica Wildner
23 – Renata Sandve & Brenna Schreiber
30 – Tanner Sands & Blayne Gregg
Coffee Servers
2 – Joyce Brooke & Gwynn Lacy
9 – Jeanne Niccum & Helen Sandve
16 – Jeremy & Stacey Wildner
23 – Greg & Terri Trealoff
30 – Pete & Barb Esanbock
Nursery Workers
The nursery is not staffed during the summer.
Bread Baking
Nancy Kinsman
Communion Set-Up/Clean up
Nancy Cleveland & Kristin Larson
ST. JOHN’S LUTHERAN CHURCHJuly 2015 / Saturday / 4 / 11 / 18 / 25
Friday / 3
Happy 4th of July / 10 / 17 / 24 / 31
Thursday / 2 / 9
Chicken Feed, 5-7pm / 16 / 23 / 30
Wednesday / 1 / 8 / 15 / 22 / 29
Tuesday / 7 / 14
Worship committee meeting, 4:30pm
Council meeting, 7pm / 21
Communion service @ SVHRC / 28
Monday / 6
Red Cross Blood Drive, noon-5pm / 13 / 20 / 27
Sunday / 5
Sixth Sunday of Pentecost
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship Service with Holy Communion, 10 am. / 12
Seventh Sunday of Pentecost
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship Service, 10 am
MEET PASTORAL CANDIDATE
Sunday School Superintendents meeting after worship / 19
Eighth Sunday of Pentecost
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship Service with Holy Communion, 10 am / 26
Ninth Sunday of Pentecost
Fellowship Hour – 9 am
Worship Service, 10 am.
Sunday School Superintendents meeting after worship
Social event at Eau Galle Recreational area after worship